EE Times - The Biggest-Little Revolution_ 10 Single-Board Computers for Under $100

8/11/2019 EE Times - The Biggest-Little Revolution_ 10 Single-Board Computers for Under $100

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Cabe Atwell

8/20/2013 09:40 AM EDT33 comments

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The Biggest-Little Revolution: 10 Single-BoardComputers for Under $100

Since the coming of the Raspberry Pi Model B, single-board computers (SBCs) havebecome a prevalent force in the development world. These pocket-sized devices havetaken the online maker community in particular by storm, providing PC functionality to aplethora of open-source projects in amazingly compact, cost-effective, and low-powerplatforms.

It's not an overstatement to say these tiny computers have engendered a technologicalrevolution of their own by pushing the limits of technological creativity achievable in thepalm of ones hand. As an added benefit, SBCs have served as cheaply obtainableeducational tools for teaching the ever-important concepts of computer science to theyounger generation. Test engineers, those seeking to build one-off projects, and hobbyistshave embraced, and appreciate, this mini computer platform. Similar to how the smartphonechanged how we use phones, SBCs are poised to change how we approach embeddedsystems development.

The following slideshow introduces a series of some of the most unique SBCs that have hitthe market to date -- all which can be purchased for under (or very nearly) US$100.

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Raspberry Pi Mode l BFirst up on the SBC roundup is none other than the Raspberry Pi. This credit-card-sizeddevice was originally developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation (UK) to promote a simpleand cost effective way of teaching basic computer science concepts in schools. Since itsinception, the Linux-based Pi has become the foundation of several DIY project builds formobile PC applications. These include projects such as pocket-sized media streaming, LEDdisplay boards, environmental sensing devices, Pi-powered cat feeders, and many more.

Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi Model B is based on the Broadcom BCM2835 SoC, equipped with anARM11767JZF-S 700 MHz processor. As an upgrade to the original design, the Model B

has 512 MB RAM with two USB ports and an Ethernet port. The VideoCore IV GPU enableshigh-definition video playback; I2C interface allows for device expansion; and an SD cardslot is provided for booting and long-term memory storage.

Latest editions of the board feature firmware that lets the user "overclock" the processor.From the standard 700 MHz CPU / 250 MHz GFX core / 400 MHz SDRAM, the "Turbo"firmware can take the CPU up to 1,000 MHz CPU / 500 MHz core / 600 MHz SDRAM. Thismakes for a more pleasurable experience navigating the many operating systems theRaspberry Pi supports. Debian Linux and its derivative Raspbian OS being the mostpopular. The rest of the supported OS platforms being Android (2.3 & 4.0), Haiku, FirefoxOS, Gentoo Linux, Google Chromium OS, Open web OS, Arch Linux ARM, Fedora, Plan 9,

Slackware Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and the RISC OS. The RISC OS only supported bylater versions of the Raspberry Pi (v 5.17 and beyond).

Since its original release in August 2011, Raspberry Pi has gained a following of rabiddevelopers. Despite its aging specifications, the Raspberry Pi's community is unmatched --making the little board analogous with all SBC.

$35

Sources:NewarkandAdafruit

BeagleBone BlackThe BeagleBone Black, a Texas Instruments-powered SBC, is a member of theBeagleBoard family of development boards. By featuring TI's low-cost Sitara AM335x ARMCortex-A8 microprocessor, the BeagleBone Black intends to offer developers a cost-effective solution for builds requiring a plethora of expansion options such as add-on
http://www.adafruit.com/products/998http://www.newark.com/raspberry-pi/raspbrry-modb-512m/model-b-assembled-board-only/dp/43W5302?in_merch=Popular%20Products&in_merch=Popular%20Products&MER=PPSO_N_P_EverywhereElse_Nonehttp://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?print=yes&doc_id=1319262&image_number=2


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boards. As most development boards of its kind, the BBB supports most Linux distributionsand comes with the Angstrom distribution pre-installed.

BeagleBone Black

The BeagleBone Black is equipped with 256 MB x 16 DDR3L SDRAM (4 GB), 32 kBEEPROM, and 2 GB eMMC flash as the primary boot source. An onboard microSD slot canalso be used for booting and memory storage in addition to the provided serial and USBbooting modes. Other onboard interfaces include HDMI, 10/100 Ethernet, serial (fordebugging), PC USB, USB 2.0 host port, EtherCAT, and Profibus. Some key applications ofthe BBB have included motor drives, data backup, data acquisition, robotics, and Twitterprinters.

It's a step up from the Raspberry Pi, with quite robust OS support and expansion options.

$45

Source:element14

ParallellaNext on the list is the Epiphany-powered Parallella board. This single-board supercomputer,currently undergoing final stages of development, is built around Adapteva's line ofEpiphany multicore chips. These scalable RISC processors, fully programmable in C/C++,intend to provide developers open and affordable access to parallel computing on a credit-card-sized device. The final product will consist of a multicore Parallella computer delivering90 Gflops while consuming only 5 watts under heavy workloads.
http://www.element14.com/community/community/knode/single-board_computers/next-gen_beaglebone?view=overviewhttp://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?print=yes&doc_id=1319262&image_number=3


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Odroid-X2

Although limited in onboard features, the Odroid-X2 is meant to provide developers with asimple, ultra-compact design for rapid development on a fast and flexible platform. Severalmodules are available for purchase that will upgrade its on-board features via USB, UART,eMMC, and PWM interfaces such as cooling fans, a USB to IO expansion board forGPIO/PWM/SPI/UART/12/ADC interfaces, micro HDMI to HDMI cables, Bluetooth modules,eMMC memory modules, and WiFi kits. The fully open Odroid-X2 supports Android and

Linux Ubuntu with boot-ready micro SDs available for purchase.

The Odroid community grows around this board every day. It's as powerful as mostsmartphones, a fraction of the cost, and fully open to developers.

$89

Source:Hardkernel

Hackberry
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Hackberry, alternate view

Hackberry

One of many Allwinner-based boards, the Hackberry offers developers a powerful andhackable Linux PC utilizing a 1 GHz ARM Allwinner A10 SoC. By complementing an ARM A8CPU with a Mali400 GPU, the Hackberry is capable of HD video playback, making it anexcellent choice for an Android 3D gaming platform. Android 4.0 ICS and Linux distributionsare supported by Hackberry.

Other key features include 2x USB 2.0ports, WiFi and Ethernet interfaces, 3.5mmaudio in/out, HDMI and AV video out ports,an SDHC slot for external storage, and a

3.3V TTL Serial header as an expansionoption. Booting is done via internal 4 GBNAND flash or via SD card. Hackberry hasall the features for quick and dirty projects,a step up from the Raspberry Pitouchstone.

$65

Source:Miniand

UDOOThe new UDOO device offers educators and developers a board that is as powerful as fourRaspberry Pis with the added functionality of an Arduino DUE. SECO US and Aidilabteamed up alongside professors from the US and UK to develop one of the most impressiveLinux development boards to date.
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UDOO

The UDOO comes equipped with either a dual- or quad-core 1 GHz ARM i.MX6 FreescaleCPU in addition to the integrated Atmel SAM3X8E ARM Cortex-MR CPU. Integrated graphicsare provided by three distinct accelerators for 2D, OpenGL ES2.0 3D, and OpenVG, andinclude 1 GB of DDR3 RAM. With a total of 54 digital I/Os, an Arduino-compatible analoginput, HDMI and LVDS video output (with touch capability), optional Ethernet and WiFimodules, a mini USB and a mini USB OTG port, two Type A USB ports and a USBconnector, analog audio and mic (line-in) support, and a camera connection -- the UDOOtruly offers developers a feature-filled canvas to work with. Power is supplied via a 5-12V

adapter @ 2A, and a Micro SD slot is used for booting the device.

UDOO, alternate view

Running Linux from a micro SD allows the UDOO to act as a standalone computer using theFreescale i.MX 6 CPU. The ability to run Android (4.0.4 ICS tested) allows makers todevelop apps that can interact with the physical environment using Arduino-compatibleinterfaces. UDOO's compact 11 x 8.5 cm board size is also expandable, providing fullcompatibility for all Arduino DUE shields available for any designer's peripheral stacking
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The Cubieboard, another device based on Allwinner's A10 SoC, contains a multitude offeatures to meet many open-source project needs. Designed by Tom Cubie and friends,this SBC is a completely hackable board capable of running Android, Ubuntu, and otherLinux distributions.

Cubieboard

To begin the list of specs, the Cubieboard contains a Cortex-A8 ARM processor operatingat 1 Ghz speed with a Mali400 OpenGL ES GPU. The board is based on the Allwinner A10SoC design with 1 GB of pre-installed RAM running at 480 MHz. Power is supplied via 5V,2A 4.00mm/1.7mm barrel plug -- a DC to USB cable is provided for powering the devicethrough external USB ports, though the team suggests getting your hands on a Sony PSPpower supply to meet the required specs.

The Cubieboard comes with 1080P HDMI output support, 10/100M Ethernet capability, two

USB hosts, one microSD slot (with SDHC support), one SATA connection, an IR interface,and a 2x48 extend pin for external headers. An on-board NAND flash comes pre-installedwith Android 4.0 (ICS); first boot on Android is recommended to ensure the device isworking. Project suggestions include: an Android TV multimedia powerhouse, a homenetwork file server, a lightweight Linux desktop, and a network accessible home automationdevice.

$49

Sources:Miniand, Indiegogo, and Cubieboard

MarsboardThe MarsBoard offers developers another fast and affordable AllWinner A10 based mini PCplatform. A high-speed ARM Cortex A8 processor operates at 1.2 GHz and is furthercomplemented by a 3D capable Mali400 GPU. 1 GB of DDR3 RAM is integrated into theboard's circuitry with 100 MB of that supply dedicated for GPU use. 4 GB of embeddedNAND storage is pre-installed, 1.5 GB of which is available for use after taking the Androidpartition into account. A SATA port and an SDHC capable microSD port ensure users theflexibility to expand their memory storage options as they wish. GPIO headers (2 x 2.0mm,140 pins total) are also provided for stacking additional modules to the MarsBoard. Network

communication happens through an integrated 10/100 Ethernet module; USB WiFi cardsare supported, but not included in the package. Two USB ports are stacked above oneanother with an additional USB OTG port.
http://linux-sunxi.org/Cubieboardhttp://www.indiegogo.com/projects/cubieboard-open-arm-box?website_name=cubieboardhttps://www.miniand.com/products/Cubieboard%20Developer%20Boardhttp://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?print=yes&doc_id=1319262&image_number=11


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Marsboard

Power is supplied by a 5V/2A DC jack or through an external device using a USB to powercable. Once energized, the tiny 80 x 55 mm board boots from either an

Android/Ubuntu/Fedora/Linux flashed SD card or internal storage device (NAND). Videooutputs at full HD (1080p) quality and a 3.5 mm analog audio output delivers the sound.Throw on a wireless mouse and keyboard and you have yourself a cheap and effectiveLinux/Android PC for internet browsing, gaming, or app development.

The technical specs of the Marsboard will leave it lost in the maelstrom of SBCs. It offerslittle in comparison to the community support of Raspberry Pi or even boards like the UDOOthat havent yet reached the market.

$49.90

Sources:Marsboard, HAOYU Electronics, and CNXSoft

A13-OLinuXinoThe Bulgarian-based Olimex has implemented several design changes to its mini-PC,currently settling on the use of an A13 Cortex A8 processor operating at 1 GHz. In additionto featuring a 3DMali400 GPU and 512 MB of RAM, the board includes: 3+1 USB ports --

three for users, one for WiFi; an SD card connector for booting Linux images; a VGAoutput; audio out; microphone input; battery option with connector; RTC PCF8536 for real-time clock and alarms; five on-board keys for android navigation; a UEXT connector forZigbee, Bluetooth, and relay modules; and a 68/74 pin GPIO connector. To round up itslong list of features, the OLinuXino can also output video to an optional on-board 7" LCDwith touchscreen by disabling the VGA/HDMI.
http://www.cnx-software.com/2013/03/06/49-90-marsboard-is-yet-another-allwinner-a10-development-board/http://www.hotmcu.com/marsboard-a10-dev-board-p-59.html?cPath=33http://www.marsboard.com/#specificationshttp://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?print=yes&doc_id=1319262&image_number=12


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A13-OLinuXino

Unlike many boards, the OLinuXino is completely open-source -- all hardware, software,and CAD files are available for anyone to use for their own personal or commercial use.

And, unlike Raspberry Pis specific in-home use suggestion, the OLinuXino can operate inindustrial environments with a noise-immune design tolerating temperatures from -25C to85C. Some of Olimex's potential applications include 3D printer controller module, PLCprogramming language module, ZigBee sensor home automation, relay and sensor controlthrough WiFi access, and any commercial product implementation.

$59 ($72 with WiFi)

Sources:PCworld, Olimex, and GitHub

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EE Times - The Biggest-Little Revolution_ 10 Single-Board Computers for Under $100