Good to know: What does SoC stand for?

System-on-a-chip or one-chip system

If the most important or even all components of a system are combined on a single chip, this is referred to as a system-on-a-chip. The most important component of such a system is the main processor - whether 8-bit or quad-core CPU, you can find all sorts on the market. Other processors, such as for graphics or audio processors for decoding and controlling audio data in smartphones, are often soldered on as well. The next component is the main memory, which is integrated via one or more memory chips. All internal components of the system are connected via the system bus (for data exchange between CPU, RAM, cache) and the peripheral bus (for USB, among other things).

Areas of application for SoCs

Single-chip systems are primarily found in the field of mobile devices and applications, i.e. smartphones and tablets, and in control and automation technology, i.e. washing machines or industrial automation. 

Advantages of a single-chip system

Thanks to their special design, single-chip systems not only save an enormous amount of space, so that they can be used almost anywhere, but also reduce costs. Furthermore, single-chip systems offer reduced power consumption.

Nvidia Tegra SoC integrates everything

As already mentioned, the TEGRA 2 released in 2018 is the first (and so far only) system in the spo-comm Mini-PC range to be based on an SoC chip. More precisely, on an Nvidia SoC chip. It integrates everything necessary for digital signage applications: an 8GB memory, a 32GB eMMC flash memory, the eponymous Nvidia Tegra X2 CPU, as well as a LAN and WLAN module. And all this in a housing measuring just 160 x 132 x 51 mm (W x D x H). The TEGRA 2 can not only play 4K@60 Hz content on two screens simultaneously. Thanks to the 256 integrated CUDA cores, it can also be used for deep learning applications and for real-time calculations and video editing in the automotive industry.

Configure your TEGRA 2!