Released on = January 4, 2006, 7:26 am

Press Release Author = Single Board Computers

Industry = Computers

Press Release Summary = Online places help people rediscover the small wonders that
are single board computers.

Press Release Body =
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/01/2006


Small Wonders: Single Board Computers

Online places help people rediscover the small wonders that are single board
computers.

Tennessee, \"When most people think of computers, the image of a PC or laptop comes
to mind.\" says Jeff Rose, owner of \"Single Board Computer\" a site specialized in
this type of computers. \" Some may even recall the football field size computers of
the 1960\'s and 70\'s before the emergence of the PC. Very few people would picture
single board computers , even if there was one sitting right in front of them! A
single board computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit board that
contains a processor, memory, I/O (input/output) and a clock.\" Single board
computers (aka SBC\'s) resemble the motherboard contained in a typical PC, but
include all the elements of a basic computer within it\'s small design. Since the
early 1980\'s, the technology behind this type of computers has been used in
industrial manufacturing and computerized product design to apply basic processing
functions for high-tech product features.


Single board computers are used in products from airplanes and rocket ships, to toys
and high performance athletic shoes. Almost everyone uses single board computers
without being aware of their existence. Most products that utilize computer
technology (such as fax machines, cameras, cell phones, etc) contain embedded single
board computers . While these tiny computers can host a full size operating system
such as Windows XP, most SBC\'s have internal operating systems that take up much
less space. Simpler operating systems equal a lower cost per computer.

Pros and Cons of Single Board Computers

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using SBC\'s for industrial and
product enhancement. Deciding whether or not to implement single board computer
technology is largely a matter of application necessity and cost. Some of the
deciding factors on using them include:

+ Pro : Current technologies have increased the capability of the single board
computer, while reducing its size and cost.

+ Pro : Wireless technology has made it possible for easy internet access via SBC.

+ Pro : The competitive market has greatly expanding the options and functionalities
available for SBC\'s.

+ Pro : Advanced computer technology offers reliability for industrial manufacturers
and quality products for vendors using SBC\'s.

- Con : Incorporation can be costly for high volume products and applications.

- Con : Some applications require customized sizes or I/O functions that are not
compatible with standard SBC\'s.


While all SBC\'s are built using similar standards, different technologies can be
included with individual SBC\'s. Video capability, Ethernet access functionality and
digital computer technologies are just some of the features that can be incorporated
into a single board computer. In general, SBC\'s can be as simple or as complex as an
application demands. Additionally, supplemental hardware such as backplanes and
mezzanine structures can significantly increase the functionality of a single board
computer.

For More Information Contact:

Jeff Rose
jeffcomputer@hotmail.com
http://www.single-board-computers.org/



Web Site = http://www.single-board-computers.org/

Contact Details = Jeff Rose