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Single Board Computer History

A single board computer (SBC) is a complete computer system on a single circuit board. It typically includes a processor, memory, storage, and input/output ports. SBCs are often used in embedded systems, where they are used to control devices such as robots, drones, and industrial machines. They can also be used for general-purpose computing, such as running a desktop operating system or hosting a web server.

Single board computers were made possible by increasing the density of integrated circuits. A single-board configuration reduces a system's overall cost, by reducing the number of circuit boards required, and by eliminating connectors and bus driver circuits that would otherwise be used. By putting all the functions on one board, a smaller overall system can be obtained, for example, as in notebook computers. Connectors are a frequent source of reliability problems, so a single-board system eliminates these problems.

Some of the most popular SBCs include:

  • Raspberry Pi: The Raspberry Pi is a popular SBC that is known for its low cost and versatility. It is often used for educational purposes and hobbyist projects.
  • Arduino: The Arduino is another popular SBC that is known for its ease of use and large community of users. It is often used for prototyping and building electronic devices.
  • BeagleBone: The BeagleBone is a more powerful SBC than the Raspberry Pi or Arduino. It is often used for industrial applications and embedded systems.
  • Orange Pi: Orange Pi is an open-source hardware project that develops and manufactures single-board computers (SBCs). The project was founded in 2014 by a group of Chinese engineers, and it is now one of the most popular SBC brands in the world.