As embedded technology advances single-board computers, or SBCs, are becoming an increasingly important component of the technology landscape.
Technologies known as System-on-Chip (SoC) technologies provide a small yet powerful computing platform by combining essential hardware components, including the processor, memory, and input/output interfaces, onto a single circuit board.
Developers working on time-sensitive and space-constrained embedded applications choose SBCs because of their design, which simplifies deployment and lowers system complexity.
In the last several years, the uptake of SBCs has steadily increased across a range of sectors, including industrial automation, automotive systems, medical devices, and consumer electronics.
The benefit of real-time processing, while exhibiting low power consumption and simple integration, is making SBCs suited in numerous modern embedded systems.
Demand for connected, intelligent devices continues to grow. SBCs will be core building blocks enabling scalable and efficient embedded solutions.
This blog delves deeper into the ways that single-board computers are impacting embedded technology, the industries that are supporting their expansion, and the implications for embedded design going forward.
What is an SBC – Single Board Computer?
A single-board computer (SBC) is a small computing device that has numerous hardware components, including the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output ports, all of which are integrated into a single board.
SBCs have a more simplified design than traditional computers, which require discrete parts such as a motherboard, RAM modules, and storage disks.
Applications for this economical and power-efficient technology range from edge computing and hobby projects to industrial automation.
Small devices known as single board computer (PCBs) include all of the required parts on one board. These are such components as:
- a fast and powerful processor,
- USB and HDMI or microHDMI ports,
- Ethernet port, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi module,
- microSD card slot,
- GPIO pins (general-purpose input/output pins that can be used to connect further electronics, including, e.g., sensors).
Everyday Applications – Where Do We See SBCs?
SBCs are single-board computers that contain all of the components required for computing, including a processor, memory, storage, and input/output ports.
Because of their portability and versatility, they are perfect for a wide range of applications in different industries.
Here are some ways that SBCs are contributing:
Industrial Applications
Automation, robotics, and real-time controls are all powered by SBCs, which power industrial systems. They provide dependable performance in precision-driven settings, whether they are running automated production lines or CNC machines.
Servers
SBCs are emerging as affordable options for web hosting, edge computing, and small-scale data centers due to their low energy consumption and compact size. They provide enterprise server configurations that are both robust and reasonably priced.
Educational Tools
SBCs, such as the Raspberry Pi, are transforming STEM education. Through these platforms, students and hobbyists can affordably engage in hands-on learning in robotics, electronics, and coding.
Emulation & Development
SBCs make it easier to build up emulators and simulations for testing, which is perfect for software engineers. Because they let classic games to run on contemporary technology, they are also well-liked by fans of retro gaming.
Robotics & Mechanical Systems
SBCs manage duties including object identification and movement control for robotics, drones, and self-driving cars. They are crucial for advanced robotics because of their small size and powerful architecture.
Internet of Things
SBCs are important IoT players that link smart devices, collect data, and process information instantly. They provide dependable and reasonably priced solutions for smart home, healthcare, and agricultural applications.
Networking
SBCs power effective networking equipment, such as firewalls and routers. They are perfect for building reasonably priced, high-performance network infrastructure in tiny or distant locations because of their compact size and low energy needs.
Prototyping & Development
SBCs are used by developers and engineers for quick testing and prototyping. Their adaptability promotes innovation in the design of devices and systems by enabling speedy changes and iterations.
Healthcare
SBCs support telemedicine, patient monitoring, and diagnostic instruments in the healthcare industry. Their quick treatment delivery and improved patient outcomes are a result of their efficient data processing.
Driving Innovation Across Industries
SBCs provide strong, adaptable, and reasonably priced solutions for everything from servers to robots to healthcare education. Their performance capabilities and small size continue to revolutionize sectors and spur worldwide innovation.
Market growth of Single Board Computer
According to Market Research Future, in 2024, the single board computer market was projected to be worth 6.27 billion USD.
With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.92% from 2025 to 2034, the single board computer market is projected to increase from 6.70 billion USD in 2025 to 12.24 billion USD by 2034.
Source: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/single-board-computer-market-34913
Key Trends in the Single Board Computer (SBC) Market
- Compact & Efficient Computing
Increasing demand across industries for space-saving, high-performance computing solutions is driving SBC adoption. - IoT & Edge Computing Integration
SBCs are essential in supporting IoT ecosystems and edge devices due to their small form factor and processing capabilities. - Industrial Automation & Real-Time Processing
The need for faster decision-making and automation has led to widespread use of SBCs in factories and industrial systems. - Next-Gen SBC Development
Opportunities lie in developing SBCs with higher processing power, energy efficiency, and AI readiness for emerging use cases. - Customized Solutions for Industry-Specific Needs
There’s a growing preference for tailor-made SBCs that align with sector-specific requirements, especially in healthcare, automotive, and consumer tech. - Advancements in Wireless & Embedded Tech
Upgrades in wireless connectivity and embedded systems open up new possibilities for mobile and connected applications. - Shift Toward Open-Source Platforms
The popularity of open-source SBCs like Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone fosters community collaboration, faster prototyping, and cost efficiency. - Demand for Affordable & User-Friendly Solutions
Users globally seek low-cost, plug-and-play SBCs, prompting brands to diversify their product portfolios. - Dynamic Market Landscape
With rapid tech evolution and user demands, the SBC market continues to evolve, marked by innovation, customization, and expanding global reach.
The Role of SBCs in Modern Embedded Systems
Single-board computers are essential in this field because they support embedded systems and other important applications.
SBC computers are frequently used in industrial settings in embedded systems, which are designed to carry out particular tasks within larger systems.
An industrial controller, for example, might use a single board computer to monitor and manage production equipment.
The use of embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems made to carry out specific tasks inside larger devices, has increased as a result of this rising need.
The Single Board Computer (SBC), a potent yet small solution, is at the core of many of these systems.
SBCs are essential for making embedded system design and development simpler.
The processor, memory, storage, and input/output ports are all combined into a single small device by SBCs rather than being used on separate boards.
In addition to saving space, this all-in-one design also minimizes integration complexity and time.
Furthermore, SBCs facilitate quicker product development.
Without having to start from the beginning with specialized hardware design, developers and engineers may more effectively prototype, test, and scale their ideas.
They are therefore particularly useful in sectors where flexibility and time-to-market are crucial.
SBCs essentially enable embedded systems to become more competent, affordable, and small, which makes it easier for companies and inventors to implement smarter technologies.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an SBC
When selecting an SBC, users should consider the following factors:
Performance Requirements: Depending on the desired use, ascertain the necessary processor, RAM, and storage.
Connectivity Options: Check if the SBC supports Bluetooth, wireless, and other necessary interfaces.
Power Efficiency: Select a board with energy-saving performance optimization.
Durability: Choose SBCs for industrial automation that are dependable and resilient to challenging conditions.
Cost: Examine the cost and make sure it fits the project’s spending plan without sacrificing necessary features.
Conclusion
Single-board computers are a natural fit for the powerful yet useful tools that will be used to build embedded technology in the future.
They provide a clever method of developing, testing, and implementing systems without needless complexity.
These small computers are stepping up to fulfill practical demands as more companies search for methods to operate more efficiently and intelligently.
Using the appropriate tools to execute tasks more effectively is more important than completely recreating the wheel.
