What is single board computer?

It is a complete computer built on a single circuit board.

In this post, MiniTool will introduce the single board computers definition, history, and applications.

Now read this post to get the detailed information.

Definition of Single Board Computer

What is single board computer?

Many types of home computers or portable computers integrate all their functions onto a single printed circuit board.

Unlike desktop personal computers, single board computers usually do not depend onexpansion slotsfor peripheral functions or expansion.

Single board computers have been built using a variety of microprocessors.

Simple designs (like those built by computer enthusiasts) usually adoptstatic RAMand low-cost 8-bit or 16-bit processors.

History of Single Board Computer

The first true single board computer was called dyna-micro.

It was based on Intel C8080A, and also used Intels first EPROM C1702A.

As the PC market became more and more common, fewer and fewer SBCs were being used in computers.

By putting all the functions on one board, a smaller overall system can be obtained.

Connectors are a common source of reliability problems, so the single-board system eliminates these problems.

Single board computers are now usually defined in two different architectures: no slots and slot support.

The embedded SBC is a unit that provides all necessary I/O without providing a plug-in card.

Applications are usually gaming (slot machines, video poker), kiosks, and machine control automation.

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Compared with SBC, the main advantage of ATX motherboards is cost.

Millions of motherboards are produced for the consumer and office markets, enabling huge economies of scale.

Single board computers are a niche in the market, with lower manufacturing frequency and higher cost.