Whether you have heard of them or not, single board computers are common in homes, laboratories, schools, and computer clubs. They are great for those looking to get into coding and even robotics.
These boards are efficient, reliable, and compact, making them a vital part of monitoring, controlling, and automating equipment, military applications, security and surveillance, and more. Let’s take a deeper look at single board computers, what they are, and how they work.
What is a Single Board Computer?
They are as the name implies – a computer that has been mounted on a single board. Single board computers from RS have the board itself but vital components like memory, microprocessors, input/output ports, and more. They can even be modified to include additional components that fit your needs.
Though they have all the elements of a traditional desktop computer, they are much smaller, and everything is self-contained. Single board computers have become a vital part of many technological applications across a wide array of industries. With everything being part of the circuit board, single board computers are ready to go as soon as they come out of the box.
How Single Board Computers Work
One of the best things about single board computers is that it works very much the same way that a desktop PC does. Though the presentation is a lot different, single board computers have essential components like a processor, motherboard, power system, RAM, sound and graphics chips, and a litany of connectors for peripherals like monitors, modems, speakers, keyboards, mice, and more.
Even the data storage methods are versatile. There are some single board computers that make use of removable devices like SD cards and flash drives. That said, there are others that have built-in storage as well. It all depends on the intended application and personal preference, the same as it would be with a desktop computer.
Things to Consider When Buying an SBC
Just like any other tool, a single board computer is most effective in the proper environment. There are some single board computers that do better in harsher environments while others need to be in a more controlled climate. Whatever design you choose, it has to meet the demands that come with that specific application.
Expansion slots aren’t quite as robust as desktop PCs, but they are growing. There are even specialized designs to maximize space without compromising computing power. Though they tend to not be on the same level of performance as a desktop computer, the gap is lessening. Prices are a major difference, however. Single board computers are infinitely more affordable and flexible, easily replaced if they wear down, break, or don’t fit.
Industrial Use
Perhaps the most common use of single board computers comes from the industrial sector. That’s because they have the capacity to automate tasks and are able to work in tighter spaces where a desktop computer isn’t possible. Their size makes them ideal in CNC equipment and they are very efficient which shows a difference when it comes to conserving power.
These boards are not mass-produced, which means that they are specialized and better applied for specific use. Their reliability and cost-effective price point make them ideal because they can be swapped out if one needs to be replaced. Using a variety of backplane options, single board computers are becoming much more expandable.
Depending on the backplane arrangement, single board computers can sometimes provide a better capacity than your standard multi-board computer. Even better, it fits into small spaces for the optimal combination. Those reasons, and more, are a big reason for the growing popularity of SBCs.