What are single-board computers?

Q: What are single-board computers?

A Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a complete, functioning computer in which the microprocessor, input/output functions, memory, and other features are all built on a singe circuit board, with RAM built in at a pre-determined amount and with no expansion slots for peripherals.

A Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a complete, functioning computer in which the microprocessor, input/output functions, memory, and other features are all built on a singe circuit board, with RAM built in at a pre-determined amount and with no expansion slots for peripherals.

This dramatically simple infrastructure design can seem antithetical to the multiple configurations offered in current personal computers, but that simplicity results in dependability that makes SBCs perfect as an embedded computer controller used to operate complex devices.

While desktop computers and corporate computer networks emphasize their adaptability to individual users' preferences, the simplistic, unchangeable structure of an SBC results in significantly fewer computer "bugs," conflicts, and other issues that cause downtime. That is why SBCs are the preferred computer for running vital "always on" missile guidance systems, traffic light controllers, automotive anti-lock braking and stability control systems, medical imaging systems, etc. It also makes them preferred in consumer goods, like cell phones, video game consoles, appliances, and more.

The Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a preferred embedded controller for a wide range of industries, having consumer, industrial, smart home, automotive, appliance, medical, commercial, and military applications. But if there is one word that unites all of these categories, it is...reliability. The single most important quality SBCs deliver, in each category, is its long, proven record of reliable performance.

This information page is provided as a service to our readers by BAE Systems, Inc., a U.S.-based world leader in aerospace, defense, power, and intelligence solutions. Learn more about us here.