Research Overview

The proliferation of IoT is driving demand for smart computing devices that offer an array of features and services such as real-time access to information, resources, and communications. To keep pace with these enhancements, devices have become more powerful and more complex, driving the need to integrate multiple systems on a single IC. A SoC integrates most components of a computer on a single IC and reduces the power, space, and costs required by large systems.

However, SoCs built on traditional bus-based and cross-bar communication architectures are being challenged by design limitations. Owing to the rapid advancement of and the growing demand for AI applications, sophisticated communication architecture that enables high throughput is seeing high demand. A NoC architecture resembles computer networking architecture but significantly boosts chip performance. Semiconductor giants and private venture capitalists are showing interest and investing heavily in emerging SoC architectures such as RISC-V.

This technology and innovation study focuses on the benefits of SoC, the emerging trends in SoC hardware, and the growth opportunities that market participants can capitalize on.