Microchip (Since 1971) - Evolution or Revolution?

Does anyone remember PC (Personal Computer) s? Let�??s give a shake to your memory. Remember the time when we were learning that a computer has 3 input modalities keyboard, mouse and �??processor�?? CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one output, that�??s the screen. Who would have even imagined in his/her dream that these processing units are going to be a USP of the smart phones too? These tiny processing units have just changed the every aspect of communication and computing world, ranging from business, marketing strategy to the root basic how world is going to function.

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Let me take you to the short time travel back in 1971. The first microprocessor introduced to the world was having about 2000 transmitters and a very super fast speed according to that time. (It ran at a clock rate of 740 KHz). Don�??t giggle. It was really kind of super fast speed at that particular time. And now without updating to the latest, just take an example of Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. They ran at the clock rate of above 1 GHz. And the latest releasing NVIDIA Tegra 4 is going to cross 1.7 GHz. Will you dare to compare? The latest processors are more than 1000 fold faster their ancestor.

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SoC - A New Concept

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SoC- System on Chip. As the title suggests what it can be called, evolution or revolution that I don�??t know. But I prefer to call it a revolution in the process of evolution!! Let�??s understand what SoC is all about. In the PCs and Laptops processors are having a motherboard that comprises CPU, RAM, Graphics card and Internal Storage. And now have a look at the present era Smartphone processor. I.e. Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, the microchip of around a coin size here, encompass CPU, Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Multimode 3G4G, GPS, Wi-fi & Bluetooth. This approach of having multiple components just on a chip is called SoC- System on Chip. You can compare this process of microchip evolution with evolution of mankind. In the human body, brain which can be assumed to be a System in Skull (processor + memory + other functions), has been continuously reducing in the size from our ancestors, yet functioning more efficiently than the previous versions.

Cores

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It�??s a new criteria having been analyzed to compare or evaluate the efficiency of mobile processors. It has been developed quite a few years ago, ranging from dual core to the latest quad core, or even 4- plus- 1 core system from NIVIDA. What these cores are all about? These cores are different departments having different function. A single core can have multiple functions. These cores enhance the multitasking ability of a processor. Let�??s have a look at the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. It is a quad core processor and all four cores are asynchronous. It means all cores are independently controlled, which enhance the performance of very smart phone. A step ahead from this NVIDIA�??s upcoming Tegra 4 is having 4 cores and a tiny core which regulates the power consumption of other 4 more powerful cores.

So, let�??s see what this revolution in evolution will take the smart phones to?

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Dharak Patel is a tech enthusiast who writes for various topics such as Android, Windows, Mac and iOS. Go for Gangnam Style Emoticon and Remote Desktop Organizer ���