Small Single Board Computers Without Limitations

Small Single Board Computers (SBCs) have evolved as crucial components in the domain of Industry 4.0. Designed for space constrained applications without any compromise on versatility, these tiny embedded boards take the lead on industrial applications at the edge. They find integration in diverse applications across varied industries. From smart manufacturing lines and robotics control systems to intricate surveillance networks, energy management systems, and even in ruggedized communication devices used in harsh environments, these small single board computers are working 24/7.

Small but Mighty: Inside the Engine Room of Tiny SBCs

At the heart of any tiny SBC is its processor, and several architectures dominate the industrial scene. Industrial SBCs benefit from a mature x86 or ARM architectures which ensures vast software compatibility. Intel Single Board Computers are available with a wide array of CPUs from the efficient Atom or Celeron to the powerful Core series. Meanwhile, ARM’s processors, renowned for their energy efficiency and scalability, range from simple sensors to complex server systems, making them a favorite for energy-optimized solutions. Additionally, the AMD Ryzen Embedded SBC series, a newer entrant, introduces potent computing and graphical prowess, presenting a competitive alternative with enhanced GPU capabilities. Collectively, these architectures offer a rich palette of options for designers and engineers, catering to various power, performance, and cost criteria.

On the memory front, these SBCs typically incorporate DDR3 or DDR4 RAM. The choice between them hinges on power consumption metrics, data transfer rates, and cost considerations. For storage, eMMC provides soldered-down storage with a good balance of speed and reliability. SATA or mSATA interfaces are available for HDDs or SSDs, and next generation form factor M.2 slots bring NVMe support for applications necessitating rapid data access. M.2 2230 SSDs are now emerging on the scene as the ultimate small form factor offers compactness and high-storage capabilities, making them ideal for small single board computers where space optimization capabilities are paramount.

Bridging Modern IIoT with Small Form Factor Computing

I/O interfaces in Small Single Board Computers (SBCs) are pivotal for seamless interaction with a broad spectrum of external devices, particularly vital in diverse IoT landscapes. For instance, the ubiquitous USB interfaces, which come in variations like USB 2.0, 3.0, and the reversible USB Type-C, are instrumental in connecting everything from simple sensors to advanced imaging devices, adjusting to different data transfer needs. On the networking side, Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure high-speed data flow, crucial for cloud-based IoT applications and real-time data analytics. The addition of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capabilities further enhances this by powering devices like IP cameras or IoT gateways without the need for separate power sources. In applications where visual feedback or user interfaces are essential, such as smart kiosks or IoT control panels, display interfaces like HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA come into play, offering diverse video output solutions. Moreover, for industries still leveraging older equipment or systems that rely on traditional communication protocols, RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 serial ports in these SBCs ensure that even legacy devices aren’t left out of the connected ecosystem.

M.2 slots have rapidly carved a niche for themselves in the landscape of small form factor computing, especially within industrial embedded applications. Initially, their primary appeal lay in their ability to house NVMe storage solutions, dramatically enhancing boot times and data access speeds. As technology progressed, the demand for multifunctional and space-efficient solutions grew, particularly in SBCs designed for versatile applications and constrained environments. Recognizing this, manufacturers expanded beyond mPCIe to the new M.2 horizon. Today, an SBC with M.2 expansion can offer broader bandwidths in an even more compact design, seamlessly accommodating wireless and cellular modules, offering faster and more reliable connections. Satellite navigation, another critical feature, especially in IoT devices requiring precise geolocation capabilities, has also found a home onboard small single board computers with M.2 expansion.

Miniaturizing Industrial Evolution with Femto-ITX and Pico-ITX

Both Femto-ITX and Pico-ITX form factors are testaments to the incredible advancements in electronic design and miniaturization. As the demand for powerful, compact devices continues to grow in sectors like IoT, wearables, and specialized industrial applications, these tiny SBC titans play an increasingly pivotal role.

The Femto-ITX Single Board Computer, measuring just 1.8 inches, is among the smallest commercially available SBC form factors. Its minuscule size doesn’t deter its capabilities; these embedded boards are often packed with a range of features, from efficient processors to diverse I/O options. Their tiny footprint makes them ideal for applications where space is an absolute premium, such as wearables, compact IoT devices, and specialized embedded applications. Moreover, their reduced size often translates to lower power consumption, making them especially suited for battery-operated devices where energy efficiency is crucial.

Slightly larger than its Femto counterpart, the Pico-ITX Single Board Computer measures 2.5 inches. Despite its modest increase in size, it offers a bit more room for additional features and connectivity options. Pico-ITX boards are a popular choice for applications that need a balance between compactness and performance. They can house more powerful processors compared to the Femto-ITX and offer a broader range of I/O ports, making them versatile for applications like digital signage, portable medical devices, and advanced drones. Their compact design still ensures that they fit into tight spaces, but with the added benefit of more robust performance and functionality.