An SoC (System on Chip) is an integrated circuit (IC) that includes all the components of an electronic system onto a single chip.
It typically includes a central processing unit (CPU) such as a Codasip embedded or application processor, memory, input/output (I/O) interfaces, and other system components.
The design of an SoC involves several stages, including architecture design, logic design, and physical design. All stages require verification.
1. Architecture design
The system requirements are analyzed and the overall functionality of the SoC is defined. This includes determining the type and number of cores, the memory subsystem, the I/O interfaces, and any specific accelerators or peripherals needed for the target application.
2. Logic design
The individual components of the SoC, such as the CPU and memory, are designed at logic level. The components are then integrated and verified to ensure proper functionality and performance.
3. Physical design
The logical design is translated into a physical layout that can be manufactured. This includes tasks such as floor planning, place and route, and timing optimization. The physical design is critical for meeting PPA targets.
