From DIY To Advanced NoC Solutions: The Future Of MCU Design

The evolution of microcontrollers (MCUs) has significantly transformed embedded systems, shifting from simple, standalone processors to complex, multifunctional units that rival traditional systems-on-chip (SoCs). These advancements are fueled by the demand for increased computational efficiency, cutting-edge features like AI and machine learning (ML) integration, and the need to address growing system-level complexity. At the core of this transition is Network-on-Chip (NoC) technology—an innovative solution redefining the microcontroller design and application landscape.

How microcontrollers have evolved

Microcontrollers were once considered basic, scaled-down embedded processors designed for simple, specific tasks. Early 8-bit MCUs were primarily deployed in applications like power tools, washing machines, or early automotive components. However, as demands from edge devices, IoT systems, and advanced industrial applications continue to escalate, modern microcontrollers have evolved into powerful 32-bit and even more advanced units.

Today’s MCUs support AI inference at the edge, integrate cybersecurity features, and enable highly precise tasks like fingerprint recognition, autonomous braking, or energy harvesting. This evolution has allowed them to encroach on application processor territories traditionally reserved for higher-end solutions.

This transformation is driving significant changes in the design process. Features like wireless connectivity, embedded FPGAs for field updates, and robust ML accelerators are becoming integral to modern microcontroller capabilities. These advanced MCUs blur the line between their older, simplistic versions and comprehensive, application-specific systems.

The role of Network-on-Chip IP in addressing complexity

Traditionally, most microcontroller designs relied on in-house or simple interconnects like crossbars or proprietary architectures. However, these approaches have begun to falter under the strain of new scalability, performance, and efficiency requirements. This is where network-on-chip technology comes in.

Why NoC IP?

Network-on-chip technology revolutionizes communication on an SoC. It replaces traditional interconnect systems with packet-based data transfer mechanisms, enabling higher bandwidth, better routing optimization, and significantly reduced congestion.

Key benefits of NoC for MCUs include:

1. Scalability: Handles increasing numbers of processing elements and subsystems without degradation in performance.
2. Efficiency: Optimizes power consumption, a critical factor for energy-sensitive applications like IoT and edge devices.
3. Latency Mitigation: Provides nearly zero latency mechanisms, ideal for real-time processing in safety-critical environments such as automotive braking systems.
4. Reduced Design Complexity: Offloads intricate interconnect design to proven NoC solutions, decreasing development costs and time-to-market.
5. Support for Advanced Features: Seamless integration of ML accelerators, 3D stacking, and high-speed memory access through cache stashing and fine-grain power management.

Overcoming DIY interconnect challenges

Many companies previously relied on DIY interconnect solutions, citing sunk costs and in-house familiarity. However, these approaches are struggling as features like clock gating, 3D die stacking, and advanced protocols become standard requirements. Maintaining these solutions for each new iteration has become increasingly expensive and impractical.

For example, traditional crossbars struggle with routing congestion, bandwidth limitations, and support for evolving protocols. These bottlenecks hinder development as the need for functional safety, cybersecurity, and reliability grows.

The complexity of these systems has reached a breaking point. Adopting flexible, scalable NoC IP technology that addresses current and future requirements is far more cost-effective at this stage.

Applications of advanced microcontrollers

Modern MCUs powered by NoC technology are finding applications across diverse markets, driving advancements in automotive, IoT, consumer electronics, and more.

Automotive: Safety-critical applications like autonomous braking and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) demand low-latency communication and fault-tolerant architectures. NoC-enabled MCUs ensure functional safety and real-time processing power while meeting stringent industry standards.

IoT and Smart Devices: From energy-harvesting switches to security devices, IoT applications require MCUs that combine high performance with low power consumption. NoC technology makes this possible by enabling efficient edge processing, seamless connectivity, and advanced data handling — all within a compact power budget.

Industrial Automation and Smart Buildings: Edge processing capabilities reshape industrial systems, powering applications like factory automation, predictive maintenance, and smart lighting. These devices rely heavily on MCUs for real-time decisions, which are enhanced by low-latency NoC interconnects.

Consumer Electronics: Wearables, smart home appliances, and other consumer devices increasingly depend on AI-powered MCUs for features like voice recognition, environmental sensing, and user personalization. NoC IP ensures these devices operate efficiently, even in resource-constrained environments.

In the following image, you can see the examples of markets reliant on MCUs that benefit from the optimizations realized with commercial NoC IP:

The changing market dynamics

The rise of NoC-enabled MCUs signals a turning point in microcontroller design and application. While in-house interconnect systems once sufficed for MCUs, their limitations in handling modern requirements have led to an industry-wide pivot toward third-party NoC IP solutions.

By leveraging these solutions, companies can reduce design complexity, accelerate development, and focus on differentiating their products rather than struggling with data movement and fundamental infrastructure challenges.

Ultimately, this transition reflects a broader trend across the semiconductor industry — the race to adopt scalable, efficient technologies in the face of relentless demand for advanced features and functionality.

The future of microcontrollers

The convergence of NoC technology and microcontroller design unlocks new possibilities for innovation. Looking ahead, we can expect further integration of AI/ML capabilities, tighter cybersecurity protocols, and advancements in power efficiency. These developments will ensure MCUs remain at the forefront of embedded system design for years to come.

For businesses and developers navigating this fast-evolving landscape, understanding the full potential of Arteris’ NoC IP technology is key to staying competitive. The once-simple microcontroller is now a sophisticated, powerful component driving the next wave of technological advancement — a trend that shows no signs of slowing.

By adopting advanced NoC IP technology from Arteris, companies can position themselves to conquer increasing system complexity, deliver cutting-edge products, and lead the market into the future of microcontroller innovation. Learn more about NoC IP technology from Arteris here.