7 SoC Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for socs as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 7 soc manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked soc companies as of November, 2024: 1.BIOSTAR, 2.Microchip Technology Inc., 3.Efinix.
Table of Contents
What Is an SoC?
An SoC (system on chip) is a single integrated circuit that integrates multiple system functions.
Unlike conventional system designs that utilize multiple chips (such as microprocessors, memory, graphics devices, communication devices, etc.), an SoC combines these functions onto a single chip, resulting in a compact and high-performance system.
Uses of SoCs
SoCs are used in diverse applications, including smartphones, tablets, embedded systems, IoT devices, and automobiles. These chips serve as the central component in device control, enhancing multifunctionality and miniaturization.
1. Mobile Devices
SoCs are fundamental in mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, integrating various functions such as processing, graphics, memory, communication, and sensors onto a single chip.
2. Embedded Systems
Embedded systems across various sectors, including automotive, home appliances, industrial controls, and medical equipment, employ SoCs for their advanced functions and real-time processing capabilities.
3. IoT (Internet of Things) Devices
In IoT devices, SoCs provide critical functions such as sensing, communication, and data processing, offering advanced functionality and connectivity with minimal power consumption. This includes smart home devices, sensor nodes, and wearable technology.
4. Network Devices
Network devices, including routers, switches, and network security equipment, rely on SoCs for high-speed data processing and communication functions.
5. Audio/Visual Equipment
SoCs are also prevalent in audio/visual equipment like televisions, audio systems, and digital cameras, integrating various functions such as video and audio processing, and interfaces on a single chip.
6. Automotive Systems
In the automotive industry, SoCs are essential for in-vehicle systems, managing functions like vehicle control, driver assistance, entertainment, and communications to enhance comfort and safety.
Principle of SoCs
An SoC integrates all necessary functions into a single integrated circuit. Design data for each function is available either for free or at a cost. By selecting and connecting these functions using design tools, integrated circuits with desired functionalities are created. Circuit blocks available for integration include:
1. Microprocessor
Most SoCs include a microprocessor (CPU), enabling various functions through software.
2. Memory Devices
Memory devices are incorporated for CPU usage, including cache memory, RAM, and ROM, mainly for data and program storage.
3. Graphics Processing Devices
Graphics processing capabilities may be included, facilitating advanced graphics display, such as video playback, image processing, and 3D graphics.
4. Input/Output Interface
Various interfaces for connecting to external devices, such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, are provided.
5. Communication Functions
Communication functions supporting various protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, LTE) are often included for network connectivity and data transmission.
6. Sensor Signal Processing
SoCs may incorporate circuits for handling analog signals from devices like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and optical sensors, as well as A/D converters for digital data conversion.
The integration of these devices onto a single chip enables high-performance systems that are space-efficient and consume less power.
Other Information on SoCs
Development Process of SoC
The SoC development process involves several stages:
1. Function Selection and Design
The initial step is selecting the required functions and defining design specifications, including processors, memory, interfaces, network functions, and sensors.
2. Hardware Design
This stage entails designing specific circuits like digital circuits, analog circuits, memory blocks, and interface circuits, using techniques like schematics, flowcharts, and HDL (Hardware Description Language).
3. Chip Integration and Placement
After circuit design, hardware blocks are placed on a chip, including circuit interconnections, signal routing, and power routing. Advanced automated design tools are often used for efficient and reliable chip layouts.
4. Device Manufacturing
This involves semiconductor wafer fabrication, transistor, and circuit formation, and interconnect layer creation, culminating in the manufacturing and packaging of the IC chip.
5. Software Development
SoC development includes software creation, such as firmware, drivers, and application software, to complement the hardware functionalities.
6. Verification and Testing
The final stage involves verifying and testing the SoC, including circuit operation, signal accuracy, and system-level testing, to ensure quality and reliability.
These processes result in an SoC that integrates multiple functionalities into a single chip, achieving advanced system capabilities.
List of 7 SoC Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Japan
- Sweden
- Taiwan
-
-
-
Microchip Technology Inc.
Stereo Audio SOC
Manufacturer Overview
Microchip Technology Incorporated was incorporated in 1989 and is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. The company is a developer and manufacturer of control solutions for global markets including the automotive, industrial, communications, human-machine interface, and connectivity industries. The company’s products include microcontrollers, field-programmable gate array products, MOSFET and radio frequency products, and both wired and wireless communications products. The company’s services include wafer foundry and assembly services, test subcontracting manufacturing services, development tools for enabling system designers to program microcontrollers and processors, and timing system products.
-
-
-
-
-
Efinix
Sapphire RISC-V SoC
Manufacturer Overview
Efinix, Inc., is a manufacturing company producing FPGA formed by Sammy Cheung and Tony Ngai in 2012. They created a brand based on the technology which they call Quantum® architecture. The company dabbles in both hardware and software development. They are offering Titanium FPGA, which addresses the computing demands of mainstream applications, like communication and edge servers, industrial automation devices, intelligent edge devices, and vision systems. Titanium FPGAs, their first-generation product, are targeted towards small-packaged, low-power, and low-volume devices such as mobiles, to have edge or high-volume applications.
-
-
-
-
-
SiFive
SoCs
Company Overview
SiFive Inc., founded in 2015, is a fabless semiconductor company that develops and supplies RISC-V-based IPs and silicon chips for small to large organizations. With headquarters in San Mateo, California, the company offers four families of processors based on the RISC-V instruction set architecture, including templated RISC-V processors for customization, energy-efficient, application-specific processors, software-first processors for AI and ML computing, and a range of performance processors for the industry. The company's products include cores, customizable SoCs, IPs, and development boards. SiFive Inc. has received a number of awards, including the 2022 TSMC OIP Partner of the Year award.
-
-
-
-
-
Socionext CORPORATION
SoCs
Manufacturer Overview
Socionext is a fabless ASIC supplier headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, employing around 2,500 people worldwide and was established in March 2015. The company was formed, merging Fujitsu and Panasonic's system LSI businesses where the Development Bank of Japan, Fujitsu, and Panasonic privately hold the company. Socionext Europe operates from Langen near Frankfurt, with additional offices in Munich, Maidenhead (UK), and Linz (Austria). Socionext America Inc. is the US branch in Santa Clara, California. As a fabless ASIC supplier, it specializes in offering a broad range of standard and customizable SoC solutions for the automotive, consumer, and industrial sectors.
-
-
-
-
-
Axis Communications AB
SoCs
Manufacturer Overview
Axis Communications, established in 1984 and based in Lund, Sweden, is a supplier of security and business services with around 4,000 employees in 50 countries. Axis provides network solutions in the form of video surveillance, access control, intercom, and audio systems. These services are supported by analytics and training. The company caters to customers needs with regards to protection and business performance. The company doesn't sell to customers directly; instead, they work with partners who distribute the services of Axis Communications on their behalf.
-
-
-
-
-
BIOSTAR
SoCs
Company Overview
BIOSTAR, founded in 1986 and based in Taipei, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of computer hardware components. The company's product range includes Motherboards, SSDs, Keyboards/Mice, SOC (System on a Chip), and VGA (Video Graphics Array). These products are essential for computing needs, gaming setups, and high-performance workstations. They serve industries such as electronics, IT, gaming, and professional computing. In addition to manufacturing, the company offers customer support, product development, warranty services, and technical consultancy.
-
-
-
-
-
HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH
System on Chip
-
-
SoC Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIOSTAR |
29.5%
|
| 2 | Microchip Technology Inc. |
24.1%
|
| 3 | Efinix |
15.2%
|
| 4 | SiFive |
9.8%
|
| 5 | Socionext CORPORATION |
8.9%
|
| 6 | HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH |
6.3%
|
| 7 | Axis Communications AB |
6.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the soc page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
- Socionext CORPORATION: 2015 (9 years ago)
- Efinix: 2012 (12 years ago)
- Axis Communications AB: 1984 (40 years ago)
Company with a History
- Axis Communications AB: 1984 (40 years ago)
- Efinix: 2012 (12 years ago)
- Socionext CORPORATION: 2015 (9 years ago)
SoC Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of SoC Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
3 | 50.0% |
Japan
|
1 | 16.7% |
Sweden
|
1 | 16.7% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 16.7% |
List of SoC Products
15 products are listed.
Fuji Soft Co., Ltd.
Digital Core Design Application IP/Cryptence
30+ people viewing
It offers high -quality IP core and VHDL, such as microcontrollers/processors, bus interfaces, co -procedors/arithmetic units provided by Digital C...
Fuji Soft Co., Ltd.
IP core/peripheral
20+ people viewing
We provide Verilog and VHDL, a high -quality IP core, such as Digital Core Design's microcontroller/processor/processor, bus interface, copper seda...
Aldec Japan Co., Ltd.
Emulation Daughter Cards Hes7db-SOC
30+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
■ Product overview ・ Provides additional devices and peripheral devices that are not included in HES or TYSOM boards, and provide functional exten...
