| When most people think of computers, the image of a | | | | Pros and Cons of Single Board Computers |
| PC or laptop comes to mind. Some may even recall | | | | There are both advantages and disadvantages to |
| the football field size computers of the 1960's and 70's | | | | using SBC's for industrial and product enhancement. |
| before the emergence of the PC. Very few people | | | | Deciding whether or not to implement single board |
| would picture single board computers , even if there | | | | computer technology is largely a matter of application |
| was one sitting right in front of them! A single board | | | | necessity and cost. Some of the deciding factors on |
| computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit | | | | using them include: |
| board that contains a processor, memory, I/O (input | | | | + Pro : Current technologies have increased the |
| output) and a clock. Single board computers (aka | | | | capability of the single board computer, while reducing |
| SBC's) resemble the motherboard contained in a | | | | its size and cost. |
| typical PC, but include all the elements of a basic | | | | + Pro : Wireless technology has made it possible for |
| computer within it's small design. Since the early 1980's, | | | | easy internet access via SBC. |
| the technology behind this type of computers has | | | | + Pro : The competitive market has greatly expanding |
| been used in industrial manufacturing and computerized | | | | the options and functionalities available for SBC's. |
| product design to apply basic processing functions for | | | | + Pro : Advanced computer technology offers reliability |
| high-tech product features. | | | | for industrial manufacturers and quality products for |
| Usage of Single Board Computers | | | | vendors using SBC's. |
| Also commonly referred to as embedded computers, | | | | - Con : Incorporation can be costly for high volume |
| single board computers are used in products from | | | | products and applications. |
| airplanes and rocket ships, to toys and high | | | | - Con : Some applications require customized sizes or I |
| performance athletic shoes. Almost everyone uses | | | | O functions that are not compatible with standard |
| single board computers without being aware of their | | | | SBC's. |
| existence. Most products that utilize computer | | | | Single Board Computer Technologies |
| technology (such as fax machines, cameras, cell | | | | While all SBC's are built using similar standards, |
| phones, etc) contain embedded single board | | | | different technologies can be included with individual |
| computers. While these tiny computers can host a full | | | | SBC's. Video capability, Ethernet access functionality |
| size operating system such as Windows XP, most | | | | and digital computer technologies are just some of the |
| SBC's have internal operating systems that take up | | | | features that can be incorporated into a single board |
| much less space. Simpler operating systems equal a | | | | computer. In general, SBC's can be as simple or as |
| lower cost per computer. Software for single board | | | | complex as an application demands. Additionally, |
| computers is generally contained on a flash memory | | | | supplemental hardware such as backplanes and |
| system or ROM chip. Quality indictors for single board | | | | mezzanine structures can significantly increase the |
| systems include processor performance, I/O | | | | functionality of a single board computer. |
| compatibility, SSD storage and wireless capabilities. | | | | |