What is a System-on-Chip (SoC) FPGA?
System-on-Chip (SoC) FPGAs
Key Components of a SoC
An SoC typically includes these building blocks (in embedded systems terms):
- Microprocessors (MPUs): Run your application firmware, Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) or Linux
- Memory subsystem: On-chip SRAM plus external memory interfaces, such as DDR, to hold code and data
- FPGA fabric: Programmable logic that lets you add custom peripherals, real-time I/O and hardware acceleration alongside the MPU, without changing the processor software model
- Peripherals: Built-in I/O blocks like timers and communication interfaces to connect to sensors, control loops and networks
- Clock/reset management: Generates and manages clocks and resets so that the system runs reliably and can be optimized for power/performance
- Security hardware: Features include secure boot and encryption to protect code, data and device access, and embedded crypto-processors
Benefits of SoC Integration
Smaller Systems
SoC integration helps build smaller, simpler embedded systems by combining the MPU and common system functions into one device.
Lower Power and Reduced Cost
By minimizing chip-to-chip I/O and removing controllers and glue logic, SoC integration reduces board area, lowers platform power and reduces the Bill of Materials (BoM) costs.
Reliability and Faster Development
Fewer external components improve system reliability and speed development by reducing integration risk.
Programmable Fabric
PolarFire and SmartFusion 2 SoC FPGAs include on-chip programmable fabric (up to 500K logic elements), which can replace external logic and allow integration of custom interfaces or acceleration without adding more chips.
How a System-on-Chip Works
An SoC works like a small, embedded computer condensed into a single device. Your software runs on the built-in processor, which takes inputs from sensors, networks and user controls through integrated interfaces, makes decisions and then drives outputs to motors, actuators, data links and displays, all without needing a separate CPU board.
In our SoC FPGAs, the processor multicore complex runs one or more applications, and the on-chip FPGA fabric can be configured to add custom, real-time I/O or acceleration. Software handles system control and algorithms, while the FPGA implements the specialized hardware pieces so you can adapt interfaces and performance without redesigning the whole system.
SoC vs. Microcontroller vs. Microprocessor
What is the difference between an MCU, MPU and SoC?
What is the difference between an MCU, MPU and SoC?
An MCU is optimized for deterministic control. An MPU provides higher compute and typically runs Linux®. An SoC integrates processing with more system functions to reduce board complexity.
When should I use a microcontroller?
When should I use a microcontroller?
Use an MCU for sensors, motor control, simple connectivity and real-time control. MCUs usually run bare metal or an RTOS and need limited external memory.
When should I use a microprocessor?
When should I use a microprocessor?
Use an MPU when the design needs Linux, higher compute, external DDR memory, advanced software stacks or companion chips for system functions.
When should I use an SoC?
When should I use an SoC?
Use an SoC when you need MPU-like processing plus integrated system functions in one device to simplify the board and embedded software model.
Applications of SoCs
SoCs are widely used for embedded computing, connectivity and real-time control in a compact, power-efficient design. Common applications include:
- Connected devices such as gateways, sensors and smart edge nodes
- Industrial equipment like PLC-style controllers, predictive maintenance systems, and secure communications endpoints
- Machine vision systems for smart cameras, inspection, and video analytics
- Motor-control and power-control platforms in factory automation
- Robotics systems that combine real-time control with sensor fusion
- Smart electronics such as building automation panels, medical instruments and secure Human-Machine Interface (HMI) devices
These applications often benefit from the FPGA fabric by adding deterministic I/O, custom interfaces and hardware acceleration alongside an embedded MPU.
Get Started With SoC-Based Design
- To get started with our PolarFire SoC FPGAs, use a combination of embedded software and FPGA hardware workflow, which is built around the Libero® SoC Design Suite and our Mi-V RISC-V ecosystem.
- Start by installing Libero SoC Design Suite, which provides the integrated FPGA design flow (from RTL/IP integration through programming) and includes SmartHLS™ for C/C++-based, high-level synthesis to accelerate hardware creation
- Next, build your hardware platform in Libero Design Suite using Microchip IP library, which includes pre-validated Microchip and partner IP cores, to assemble interfaces and subsystems quickly
- For software, use our Mi-V RISC-V® ecosystem for toolchains, OS options, middleware and design resources aligned to PolarFire SoC development
- To move faster, pull proven RISC-V resources, such as reference designs, Linux examples and BSP assets, from our PolarFire SoC GitHub page