Network on a chip (NOC) is a design approach that treats a system on a chip (SoC) like a telecommunications network. Instead of using dedicated point-to-point wires or a single shared bus, the chip's processing cores, memory, and peripherals communicate by sending packets of data through routers and switches. This architecture scales better for complex multicore designs by preventing data bottlenecks and reducing wire routing congestion.
The new AI accelerator uses a mesh NOC to keep data moving between the 64 tensor cores without stalling the memory controller.
Also heard as
- NoC
- network on a chip
Related terms
SoC
An integrated circuit that combines all necessary components of a computer or electronic system onto a single chip.
Chiplet
A smaller, modular integrated circuit die designed to be combined with others in a single package.
System bus
A shared communication pathway that links the CPU, memory, and peripherals in a computer.