Last Updated on April 5, 2022 by Tech Queries Team
We all know that Phones and Tabs are like mini components. But, if you open/dismantle the Mobile Phone, you cannot see similar parts like Motherboard, Hard Disk, Processor, etc. Why is it? It is because the entire system (all components) is integrated on a single chip, which is called SoC (System On Chip). So, What is System on Chip? Why is it the most important component of a Mobile Phone? Let’s Discuss.
Table of Contents
What is System on Chip (SoC)?
The System on Chip, abbreviated as SoC, is the main component of a mobile phone. As the term itself describes, the entire system is integrated on a chip. The processor or CPU is a part of the SoC. But, the System on Chip is not a Motherboard. All the components on a Soc are attached to it. All the components like CPU, GPU, etc. are integrated on a chip.
Why is SoC used on Mobile Phones?
When compared to Desktop Computers or Laptops, our Mobile Phones and Tabs are very smaller in size. Therefore, we cannot integrate the Computer Components on a smaller device. Hence, the manufacturers used the SoC technology to integrate all the essential components on a small chip.
Moreover, they do not place the components on an SoC. All the components are part of the SoC. It means you can neither remove nor add any parts to the SoC. For example, in computers, you can change the older processor and place a new one on the motherboard without much difficulty. But, we cannot do the same on Mobile Phones. You cannot remove or add the processor as it the part of the SoC. So, in order to replace it, you should replace the entire SoC (System on Chip).
The SoC contains Processor, GPU, Storage, Sensors, Signal Processing Unit, and other modules. As time passes, engineers are finding new ways to integrate more components in the SoC without increasing its size. Moreover, the System on Chip (SoC) consumes less battery, and all the components are well optimized.
Nowadays, the System on Chip (SoC) concept is also used in computers as well. The Integrated Graphics is an example of it. Manufacturers integrate the GPU inside the CPU in Laptops because of insufficient space.
That reminds me of our previous article, in which we have explained the difference between Integrated Graphics and Dedicated Graphics Card.
Share this article with your friends by using the social sharing icons and let them know What is System on Chip (SoC) on a Mobile.
Parts/Component of System on Chip (SoC)?
As we have mentioned, an SoC is integrated with several components. So, now let’s discuss all the components integrated inside the System on Chip (SoC), and what are their uses.
1. CPU:
Similar to the Computer, Mobile Phone SoC requires a CPU (Processor). And the CPU is the brain of the System on Chip (SoC). The Processor has several cores in it. The CPU executes all the processes on your mobile. The Mobile Processor works similarly to the Computer’s Processor. The only difference is the size and limitations. Mobile Processor is small in size and designed for smaller devices.
You can read more on Types of Processors in a Computer.
2. GPU:
The component GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) is as important as the CPU. Graphics Unit helps users play HD games like Asphalt, PUBG, and more. It processors all the graphics on your mobile. The mobile GPU is integrated into the System on Chip (SoC).
3. ISP (Image Signal Processing):
Image Signal Processing (ISP) does the post-processing of an image. When you click photographs using your mobile camera, it sends the image to ISP for post-processing. After post-processing, the images get much better. ISP also helps users to convert image format, crop, resize, stabilize the image, flip, rotate, and more.
4. DSP (Digital Signal Processor):
It is used when the mobile needs to make mathematical calculations. Besides that, it is also used in compressing & decompressing files.
5. NPU (Neural Processing Unit):
NPU in an SoC is associated with AI (Artificial Intelligence), and can also be termed as TPU, NNP, and IPU. Mobile Phone developers use this to improve mobile technology and make your devices smarter. For Example, some modern smartphones have implemented NPU in the AI camera App. So, when you open the camera, it detects whether you are capturing a person’s face, greenery, food, etc. All this happens because of the NPU (Neural Processing Unit)
6. Video Encoder/Decoder:
When you record a video, it is decoded for the users to watch it on any media player.
7. Modem:
A Modem can be a part of the SoC or it can be placed on any other location of your mobile phone. So, What is a Modem? A Modem converts analog signals to digital signals and vice versa for the users to access the internet. There are different types of Modems in an SoC, like 2G, 3G, Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.
Check out the difference between Modem & Router.
There are also other components in a System on Chip (SoC), like Display, Multimedia, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is SoC the Motherboard of Mobile Phones?
No. Besides the System on Chip (SoC), Mobile Phones also contain a Motherboard. The motherboard is used to place the SoC and other components like speakers, camera, fingerprint sensor, and more.
Are SoCs available only on Smartphones?
No. System on Chip (SoC) can also be found in Tablets, Smart Watches, Digital Cameras, and some other Smart Devices.
Conclusion:
Mobile Phones have become an integral part of our lives. So, it is important to understand how Mobile Phones work. Basically, the entire system is placed on a chip, hence it is named System on Chip (SoC). Therefore, we tried to explain What is System on Chip (SoC).