How To Select A Single Board Computer For Your Projects
A Single-Board Computer, or SBC, refers to a computer that has a microprocessor, memory, as well as all input/output peripherals, all of which are embedded on a single PCB, or Printed Circuit Board. This means that, unlike traditional PCs, wherein you replace components such as RAM or a GPU, the SBC computer functions as an ‘all-in-one’ computer with soldered components designed for functions like robotics, automotive, or edge computing.
SBC Family Tree: SoM’s and Mini PCs
Before purchasing, you should check if you are perhaps seeking one of its ‘siblings’:
System on Module (SoM): This module has the CPU, the RAM, and the Power Management (PMIC), but does not have peripheral interfaces such as HDMI or USB. It is placed on a Carrier Board that is designed for a certain use in the industrial sector.
Mini PC: Often confused with a traditional SBC, but a Mini PC is essentially a boxed computer often having user-replaceable parts (e.g., SODIMM RAM). Go here if you don’t need hardware-level interfacing to a sensor but raw desktop computer power instead.
Now, coming to our main topic of discussion on how to select a SBC for your application. To keep this guide sweet and simple, let us first see the different components that a SBC is usually composed of:
1. Processor: The orchestra conductor
The processor is the actual brain of your computer. This part carries out almost all the operations you need to perform in your SBC and hence, becomes the most important factor for selecting a SBC. The criteria to select a processor is based upon its hardware and software properties namely Architecture, ISA, Cores and many more. Usually a higher number or core is many times related with higher performance but that’s not it. That is where architecture steps in.
Architecture: When selecting, always aim for at least ARMv8 (which supports 64-bit computing) or higher, in order to support software such as Docker or Tensorflow. A modern lower-core CPU can any time beat a high core CPU with old or inefficient architecture.
To remove confusion and prevent you from digging more deep into CPU and its architecture, you can conveniently rely on Benchmarks. Look at actual benchmark results for IPC performance as well as the ability of the chip to support the flow of data between the CPU and memory.
2. RAM: Your Computer’s Workspace
For example, think about your RAM in terms of your work desk. If your work desk is too small, your CPU has to work too hard, which slows it down.
Selection Criteria: For “Headless” servers, which lack the monitor, 1GB–2GB is adequate whereas Desktop or AI applications require at least 4GB. But make sure to check for standrds (DDR5, LPDDR4(X), LPDDR5(X), etc). DRAM of higher standards provide faster speeds and lower latency, which is necessary for applications that utilise memory heavily, such as video processing.
3. Storage:
The storage is the your non-volatile memory which retains data even after the power supply is cut. SDCard, eMMC, SSD, and UFS are some good examples of storage devices. Typically, you might want larger storage options for your application, so it is generally a better idea to select a SBC which has larger storage inherently and even allows options to expand storage. Apart from storage size you also look for standards and their generations, While MicroSD cards are convenient for beginners, they are a major point of failure due to limited “Write Endurance”. If your project logs a lot of data, prioritize boards with eMMC (embedded Multi-Media Card) or NVMe/SSD support. These are significantly faster and won’t “wear out” and corrupt your OS as easily as an SD card. Most SBCs do so by providing a NVMe port or SATA port to connect with the external hard drives and pre-soldered eMMC.
4. Networks:
The number of networking options enables you not only to use the internet but also enables you to access your board from a distance without physically being near to it. A single board computer should ideally have Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-fi (5+), Bluetooth (5.0 and greater).
5. Peripherals & Expandability
Hardware Interfaces enable your SBC to “talk” to the physical world.
Low Speed I/O: On the low-speed I/O, common interfaces include I2C, UART, SPI, and GPIO for interfacing with sensors and modules.
High-Speed I/O: Having a PCIe interface is a HUGE plus. This lets you connect external SSDs or AI accelerators.
Ecosystem: It is a good sign if your SBC manufacturer provides HATs (Hardware Attached on Top) or shields so you won’t have to make your own custom boards for particular applications. Some companies can also design a custom HAT upon request for your specific needs making you avoid hassle to design on your own.
6. Power and Cooling Solutions
The power consumption for most SBCs is between 3W and 15W. However, many specialized boards such as Nvidia’s Jetson AGX Orin use up to 75W.
Power Delivery: USB-C is the norm on most contemporary boards today. Just be sure to check the spec requirements, as some boards need specific Power Delivery protocols or the “Dumb” USB-C 5V/3A connection. Using a low-quality USB cable would bring down the voltage levels and cause the board to randomly reboot. Thermals: High-end CPUs might slow down because of excessive heat. Heatsinks or cooling fans will add to improvised heat dissipation and enable you SBC to carry out heavy task without nerfing down.
7. Software Support
A SBC is only as good as the code running on it.
Mainline Linux: This is important. You want a board supported by the latest Linux kernels, not a “frozen” version provided by a vendor that will never be updated.
Community Support: A “cheap” board becomes very expensive if you have to invest 40 hours fixing a driver bug. A large community means someone else has already solved your problem.
Final Conclusion
Before you select a SBC and try to balance your hardware specification with software longevity. It is a good idea to create a small checklist and confirm the following factors: Does it have the right CPU architecture? Is the storage reliable? Does the community exist? If the answer is “Yes” to all such ty[es of questions, then you have a green signal to buy that board.