An engineer is searching for something that incorporates both hardware and software capabilities, uses low power while maintaining great performance, and also takes up less space. What is the engineer looking for?

The engineer is looking for a System on Chip (SoC), which is designed to integrate a wide range of components into a single chip including a microprocessor, memory, input/output ports, and secondary storage, among others. SoCs provide a compact solution that enhances performance while consuming minimal power. This design is particularly advantageous in modern electronic devices where space is limited, as it condenses numerous functions onto one chip and reduces the overall footprint of hardware designs.

This architectural setup allows for efficient processing power that is sufficient for various applications, especially in mobile devices, embedded systems, and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies. SoCs are specifically optimized for low power consumption, making them ideal for devices that rely on battery power or need to minimize energy costs. This combination of features aligns perfectly with the engineer’s requirements of incorporating both hardware and software capabilities, ensuring high performance while maintaining a small size and low power usage.