SOC and NCP

[Albert K]

Hi,

I am new to the OpenThread and  have the following question. 

1) What is the difference in function between SOC and NCP?

2) In the GitHub source I see a lot of reference to FTD and MTD?  What are those?

Thanks.

[Jonathan Hui]

Hi Albert,

1) System-on-Chip (SoC) refers to OpenThread and the application running on a single processor.  The SoC model is a common architecture for highly-integrated, low-cost devices.  Network Co-Processor (NCP) refers to OpenThread and the application running on separate processors communicating via a bus like UART or SPI.  The NCP model is a common architecture where offloading Thread protocol functions is desirable.

2) A Full Thread Device (FTD) is one that implements Thread Router capabilities.  A Minimal Thread Device (MTD) is one that can only operate as a Thread End Device and does not route/forward messages for other Thread devices.  An MTD requires less code and memory, allowing the use of smaller/cheaper processors.  The Thread Specification has all the details.

Hope that helps.

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Jonathan Hui

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[Albert K]

Hi,

Thank you for the prompt reply.  I am right to say Nordic nrf52850 implementation would be primary used as an "SOC implementation". When you mention application, would mean?  Is it the application logic of the sensors, or the implementation of the COAP?

What would be an example of an silicon that would be used as an NCP?   Thank you.

[Jonathan Hui]

Any IEEE 802.15.4 SoC may be used in OpenThread's SoC or NCP model.  In the SoC model, the IEEE 802.15.4 SoC is typically the only processor in the system.  In the NCP mode, the IEEE 802.15.4 SoC runs OpenThread while another processor implements the application - the two processors communicate via a bus (e.g. UART or SPI).  By application, I mean anything that utilizes the OpenThread APIs to communicate via Thread.

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Jonathan Hui

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