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Small Wonders: Single Board Computers
Online places help people rediscover the small wonders that are single boardcomputers.
Tennessee, "When most people think of computers, the image of a PC or laptop comesto mind." says Jeff Rose, owner of "Single Board Computer" a site specialized inthis type of computers. " Some may even recall the football field size computers ofthe 1960's and 70's before the emergence of the PC. Very few people would picturesingle board computers , even if there was one sitting right in front of them! Asingle board computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit board thatcontains a processor, memory, I/O (input/output) and a clock." Single boardcomputers (aka SBC's) resemble the motherboard contained in a typical PC, butinclude all the elements of a basic computer within it's small design. Since theearly 1980's, the technology behind this type of computers has been used inindustrial manufacturing and computerized product design to apply basic processingfunctions for high-tech product features.
Single board computers are used in products from airplanes and rocket ships, to toysand high performance athletic shoes. Almost everyone uses single board computerswithout being aware of their existence. Most products that utilize computertechnology (such as fax machines, cameras, cell phones, etc) contain embedded singleboard computers . While these tiny computers can host a full size operating systemsuch as Windows XP, most SBC's have internal operating systems that take up muchless space. Simpler operating systems equal a lower cost per computer.
Pros and Cons of Single Board Computers
There are both advantages and disadvantages to using SBC's for industrial andproduct enhancement. Deciding whether or not to implement single board computertechnology is largely a matter of application necessity and cost. Some of thedeciding factors on using them include:
+ Pro : Current technologies have increased the capability of the single boardcomputer, while reducing its size and cost.
+ Pro : Wireless technology has made it possible for easy internet access via SBC.
+ Pro : The competitive market has greatly expanding the options and functionalitiesavailable for SBC's.
+ Pro : Advanced computer technology offers reliability for industrial manufacturersand quality products for vendors using SBC's.
- Con : Incorporation can be costly for high volume products and applications.
- Con : Some applications require customized sizes or I/O functions that are notcompatible with standard SBC's.
While all SBC's are built using similar standards, different technologies can beincluded with individual SBC's. Video capability, Ethernet access functionality anddigital computer technologies are just some of the features that can be incorporatedinto a single board computer. In general, SBC's can be as simple or as complex as anapplication demands. Additionally, supplemental hardware such as backplanes andmezzanine structures can significantly increase the functionality of a single boardcomputer.
For More Information Contact:
Jeff Rosejeffcomputer@hotmail.com http://www.single-board-comput ers.org/
