Integrated IoT SoCs start with a variety of IP and the right core

By randon Lewis, Technology Editor, Aug. 04, 2016 – What's most important in an Internet of Things (IoT) edge processor? Energy efficiency? Integrated wireless? Security? Performance?

What type of sensors inputs, security, and connectivity should be included?

The answer to all of the above is, "It depends what you're building."

In the last few years we have seen an increasing trend towards highly integrated, highly customized System-on-Chips (SoCs), as decreasing margins and intense competition have forced chip designers to provide more finely tuned silicon for markets they serve. For example, the sensor subsystem and memory requirements of a wearable device are not the same as for a smart home appliance, while the connectivity options for a smart home appliance are completely separate from those used in a smart city earthquake monitor. In order to realize efficiencies in cost, performance, and power while meeting the requirements of their customers, chipmakers are subsequently turning to semiconductor IP vendors to provide comprehensive yet modular IP solutions for the creation of IoT edge processors.

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