What Are Single Board Computers (SBC) in Embedded System?
The Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a preferred embedded controller for a wide range of industries, having consumer, industrial, smart home, automotive, appliance, medical, commercial, and military applications.
A Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a complete, functioning computer in which the microprocessor, input/output functions, memory, and other features are all built on a singe circuit board, with RAM built in at a pre-determined amount and with no expansion slots for peripherals.
This dramatically simple infrastructure design can seem antithetical to the multiple configurations offered in current personal computers, but that simplicity results in dependability that makes SBCs perfect as an embedded computer controller used to operate complex devices.
While desktop computers and corporate computer networks emphasize their adaptability to individual users' preferences, the simplistic, unchangeable structure of an SBC results in significantly fewer computer "bugs," conflicts, and other issues that cause downtime. That is why SBCs are the preferred computer for running vital "always on" missile guidance systems, traffic light controllers, automotive anti-lock braking and stability control systems, medical imaging systems, etc. It also makes them preferred in consumer goods, like cell phones, video game consoles, appliances, and more.
The Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a preferred embedded controller for a wide range of industries, having consumer, industrial, smart home, automotive, appliance, medical, commercial, and military applications. But if there is one word that unites all of these categories, it is...reliability. The single most important quality SBCs deliver, in each category, is its long, proven record of reliable performance.
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How Do SBCs Work?
Typically comprising a motherboard, power system, microprocessor, RAM, and graphics and sound chips, SBCs play a vital role in computing. They come equipped with built-in connectors for peripherals such as monitors, routers, modems, USB devices, keyboards, speakers, and mice. Data storage is commonly facilitated through removable devices like SD cards. The SBC establishes connections with its applications via a backplane, serving as the physical interface for data and power. In industrial settings, SBCs find frequent use in rack systems, ensuring quick and reliable integration into diverse applications.
Choosing an SBC involves considerations such as size, socket types, operating temperature range, and various other factors. SBCs prove valuable in applications subjected to challenging environmental conditions and stress, offering specialized compact designs ideal for powering embedded applications in confined spaces. Their straightforward infrastructure design contributes to high dependability, making them popular choices for embedded computer controllers.
Modern SBCs are witnessing advancements in both power and accessibility, enabling the entire computer to fit onto a small PCB. Newer models provide expanded opportunities for customization with various expansion slots. Over time, the cost of SBCs has decreased while their capabilities have significantly improved.
What Uses Do SBCs Serve?
SBCs find prominent utility in various business sectors, notably in security and surveillance applications. While technically capable of handling certain office tasks, they are not commonly used for mainstream office software suites. However, in industrial settings, SBCs excel in running basic servers and controlling programmable machinery cost-effectively. They serve as the preferred embedded controller in numerous critical production processes within industrial automation and manufacturing.
Critical control and monitoring functions, such as process control and managing robotic operations, rely on SBCs. These versatile devices can execute a wide range of automation tasks and can be tailored for specific applications. In the realm of industrial IoT, SBCs play a crucial role in facilitating communication and data traffic between devices. Their ability to acquire, process, and analyze data enhances production quality and efficiency. Furthermore, the self-contained nature of SBCs simplifies replacement procedures.
High-performance SBCs are adept at handling industry-specific tasks, including data analysis, complex calculations, and real-time processing. Demanding applications such as edge computing, auto optical inspection, and image recognition benefit from the considerable computing power offered by these advanced SBCs. Traditional PLCs can control equipment effectively, but often don’t have enough computing power to support data processing. SBCs can handle these tasks much more efficiently and provide quicker results. If you connect one to a PLC, you’ll add the computing power of the SBC to the standard control functions. This results in a complete automated system that’s capable of every function from control to computation, data acquisition and analysis.
What SBCs Are There?
In the current market, a diverse range of SBCs is available, primarily designed for backplane connections and compatible with various operating architectures. Multiple manufacturers contribute to this landscape, offering numerous models, with popular brands including Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, and LattePanda.
RASPBERRY PI:
Raspberry Pi stands out as one of the most recognized SBC manufacturers. Widely used in labs, academic institutions, and industrial applications, Raspberry Pi devices are cost-effective, user-friendly, and continually evolving with the introduction of new models. Their widespread use has resulted in a broad user base familiar with their operation, making them accessible for those with computing experience.
ARDUINO:
Arduino SBCs share similarities with Raspberry Pi, featuring small size, low cost, and expandability. Operating on a fully open-source platform, both in software and hardware, Arduino keeps costs down. While primarily designed for educational purposes, novelties, and simple applications, they may offer a cost-effective solution for running machinery for those with expertise. However, they may be less compatible with mainstream systems.
INTEL:
Intel produces high-performance SBCs that can serve as desktop PC substitutes suitable for professional office use or even gaming. Equipped with quad-core GPUs and compatible with Windows or Linux, these SBCs provide immediate full connectivity and come in professional cases. Geared more towards professionals, these high-quality SBCs come with a higher price tag, reflecting their advanced capabilities.
Critical Applications of Single Board Computers
Single board computers (SBCs) excel in critical applications due to their compact size, reduced weight, enhanced reliability, and superior power efficiency compared to desktop computers. This is attributed to their streamlined design with fewer components, connectors, and high levels of integration. In simple applications where a lower-power device suffices, SBCs offer a cost-effective alternative to more expensive desktop options.
SBCs often come equipped with preset I/O interfaces tailored for specific applications, such as networking, wireless communications, or audio. While this limits their adaptability, the unchangeable and straightforward structure significantly reduces the likelihood of problems that could lead to downtime. Consequently, SBCs are the preferred computing solution for critical "always on" systems, including medical imaging systems, traffic light controllers, missile guidance systems, anti-lock braking systems, automotive stability control systems, and various other mission-critical applications.
