A single board computer is a complete machine that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations via computer programming that is built on a single circuit board. A single board computer (SBC) boasts of having a microprocessor, memory, input/output, as well as the other features required of a functional computer. However, unlike a personal computer, an SBC doesn’t rely on expansions for other functions.
Uses of Single Board Computers
Over the last couple of years, the demand for single board computers has been on the rise. This rise in demand can be attributed to the fact that single board computers serve a variety of purposes. Listed below are some of the applications of single board computers.
- Single board computers are used for embedded applications. The embedded applications are typically gaming, kiosk, and machine control automation.
- Single board computers are used in industrial situations where they are used in rackmount formats for process control.
- Single board computers are wonderful for learning how to program.
- In recent years, single board computers have begun being used as smart sensors.
Types of Single Board Computers
The Raspberry Pi 4B
The Raspberry Pi 4B is a speedy and high-performance single board computer. Regarded by many as one of the best single board computers in the market, this fantastic device is perfect for editing documents, browsing the web, juggling spreadsheets, and drafting presentations. If you’re looking for a single board computer that’s both energy-efficient and cost-effective, you should consider purchasing the Raspberry Pi 4B.
The Raspberry Pi 3A+
The Raspberry Pi 3A+ is one of the most popular single board computers. The latest product in the Raspberry Pi 3 range, this fantastic single board computer boasts of having features such as a 64-bit quad-core processor running at 1.4 GHz, dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless LAN, and Bluetooth 4.2/BLE. Although it has the same mechanical footprint as the older Raspberry Pi 1 Model A, this SBC is far better.
The Raspberry Zero W
Launched in February 2017, the Raspberry Zero W is one of the most successful Raspberry products. This superb SBC prides itself in having features like 802.11 b/g/n wireless LAN, Bluetooth 4.1, Bluetooth Low Energy, 1GHz (single-core CPU), 512MB RAM, and Micro USB power. It also has Mini HDMI and USB On-The-Go ports, as well as a HAT-compatible 40-pin header. Given that it’s proven to be pretty efficient, it has earned praise from users all over the globe.
The Odyssey X86J4105
The Odyssey X86J4105 is an expandable Win10 Mini PC with 8GB RAM. This single board computer allows users to build Edge Computing applications with powerful CPUs and rich communication interfaces. Its features include a Quad-Core 1.5 GHz that bursts up to 2.5 GHz and Intel Celeron J4105. It also features an onboard ATSAMD21 Core and an ARM Cortex-MO+MCU that allows individuals to program Arduino on the X86 platform. Time and again, this SBC has proven to be worth every penny. As such, by choosing it as your SBC-of-choice, you’d be making a wise decision.
The Raspberry Pi 3B+
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ is one of the most advanced single board computers. It has specifications such as Broadcom BCM2837BO, Cortex-A53(ARMv8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.4 GHz, 1GB LPDDR2 SDRAM, Extended 40-pin GPIO header, and 4 USB 2.0 ports. It also boasts a CSI camera port for connecting a Raspberry PI camera, a DSI display port for connecting a Raspberry Pi touchscreen display, and a Micro SD port for loading the operating system and storing data. Judging by its numerous advanced features, it comes as no surprise that this SBC is one of the most preferred ones in the market.
The LattePanda
The LattePanda is an incredibly high-performance SBC. Widely used in edge computing, vending, and industrial automation, it is one of the most efficient energy consumers in the market. Its main features are 8GB memory, Intel Core M3-8100Y, Intel UHD Graphics 615, and 3 USB 3.0 ports. On quite a good number of occasions, this single board computer has lived up to expectations. Given that it has proven to be reliable, you can rely on it to deliver.
The LattePanda Alpha
The LattePanda Alpha is based on Intel Core m3-8100Y. It has a Dual-Core 1.1 GHz CPU that bursts up to 3.4 GHz and uses Intel UHD Graphics. Despite being extremely efficient, this fantastic single board computer consumes only 8W power. If you’re searching for an SBC that you can count on, LattePanda should be one of your top options.
If you don’t find any of the highlighted SBCs appealing, other fantastic SBCs you can choose from including the LattePanda Delta, the NVIDIA Jetson Nano, the ODROID N2, and the Atomic Pi.
Advantages of Using Single Board Computers
Single board computers normally accord their users several benefits. By purchasing a single board computer, here are some of the benefits you can expect to enjoy.
Low Power Bills
Single board computers usually consume low power. In the past, many computer owners used to complain about the high electricity bills they had to pay as their computers consumed a lot of power. However, by choosing to use a single board computer to carry out your project, you need not worry about suffering such a fate.
Size
As single board computers are usually rather small in size, they are easy to carry. Before the entry of single board computers into the market, computer owners were unable to move with their computers freely due to their humongous size. Given that single board computers are minute and feather-weight, you need not worry about suffering such an inconvenience.
Quick Production Time
Unlike laptops and desktop computers, SBCs can easily be produced. Given that they have a quick time to market if in need of one, you need not worry about having to wait for long for you to purchase it.
Single board computers are the future. By choosing to use a single board computer to finish your project-of-choice, you can rest assured that it’ll deliver.