The biggest-little revolution: 10 single-board

computers for under $100

CabeAtwell - August 21, 2013
Since the coming of the Raspberry Pi Model B, single-board computers (SBCs) have become a
prevalent force in the development world. These pocket-sized devices have taken the online maker
community in particular by storm, providing PC functionality to a plethora of open-source projects in
amazingly compact, cost-effective, and low-power platforms.
It's not an overstatement to say these tiny computers have engendered a technological revolution of
their own by pushing the limits of technological creativity achievable in the palm of ones hand. As
an added benefit, SBCs have served as cheaply obtainable educational tools for teaching the ever-
important concepts of computer science to the younger generation. Test engineers, those seeking to
build one-off projects, and hobbyists have embraced, and appreciate, this mini computer platform.
Similar to how the smartphone changed how we use phones, SBCs are poised to change how we
approach embedded systems development.
The following slideshow introduces a series of some of the most unique SBCs that have hit the
market to dateall which can be purchased for under (or very nearly) $100.
Raspberry Pi Model B
Raspberry Pi Model B
First up on the SBC roundup is none other than the Raspberry Pi. This credit-card-sized device was
originally developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation (UK) to promote a simple and cost effective way
of teaching basic computer science concepts in schools. Since its inception, the Linux-based Pi has
become the foundation of several DIY project builds for mobile PC applications. These include
projects such as pocket-sized media streaming, LED display boards, environmental sensing devices,
Pi-powered cat feeders, and many more.
The Raspberry Pi Model B is based on the Broadcom BCM2835 SoC, equipped with an
ARM11767JZF-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 enables high-definition video
playback; I
2
C interface allows for device expansion; and an SD card slot 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. This makes for a more pleasurable
experience navigating the many operating systems the Raspberry Pi supports. Debian Linux and its
derivative Raspbian OS being the most popular. The rest of the supported OS platforms being
Android (2.3 & 4.0), Haiku, Firefox OS, 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 by later versions of the Raspberry Pi (v 5.17 and beyond).
Since its original release in August 2011, Raspberry Pi has gained a following of rabid developers.
Despite its aging specifications, the Raspberry Pi's community is unmatchedmaking the little board
analogous with all SBC.
$35
Sources: Newark and Adafruit
BeagleBone Black
BeagleBone Black
The BeagleBone Black, a Texas Instruments-powered SBC, is a member of the BeagleBoard family of
development boards. By featuring TI's low-cost Sitara AM335x ARM Cortex-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 boards. As most development boards of its kind, the BBB
supports most Linux distributions and comes with the Angstrom distribution pre-installed.
The BeagleBone Black is equipped with 256 MB x 16 DDR3L SDRAM (4 GB), 32 kB EEPROM, and 2
GB eMMC flash as the primary boot source. An onboard microSD slot can also be used for booting
and memory storage in addition to the provided serial and USB booting modes. Other onboard
interfaces include HDMI, 10/100 Ethernet, serial (for debugging), PC USB, USB 2.0 host port,
EtherCAT, and Profibus. Some key applications of the BBB have included motor drives, data backup,
data acquisition, robotics, and Twitter printers.
It's a step up from the Raspberry Pi, with quite robust OS support and expansion options.
$45
Source: element14 Parallella
Parallella
Next 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 of Epiphany
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 delivering 90 Gflops while consuming only 5
watts under heavy workloads.
The Parallella will be equipped with a Zynq-7000 Series Dual Core ARM A9 CPU and either a 16- or
64-core Epiphany Multicore Accelerator to handle supercomputing operations. Additional features
include 1 GB RAM, MicroSD slot, 2x USB 2.0 slots, HDMI interface, 10/100/1000 Ethernet port, and
four general-purpose expansion ports. Linux distributions are supported. Pre-ordering of the
Parallella computer is now available.
Passing off workload onto the parallel processors is like adding a "Propeller" chip to an ARM
processor. If it has the same functionality in the final form, the Parallella will be unparalleled, pun
intended.
$99
Source: Adapteva Odroid-X2
Odroid-X2
Hardkernel Co, the open-source hardware company from Korea, is next up on the list of SBCs, with
its recent release, the Odroid-X2. This device sports a 1.7 GHz quadcore platform (Samsung Exynos
4412 Prime ARM Cortex-A9) with 2 GB of LPDDR2 RAM to offer developers an ultra-compact
solution with PC-like performance. An integrated Mali-400 quadcore GPU running at 440 MHz is
included in the package with just enough headroom available for overclocking. A stacked hub design
provides six high-speed USB 2.0 ports and a 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet connection. A micro HDMI
connector outputs video at full 1080p, with a 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio, and power is
supplied via 5V2A DC jack. Memory storage and system booting is performed through the onboard
Micro SD slot or the eMMC module.
Although limited in onboard features, the Odroid-X2 is meant to provide developers with a simple,
ultra-compact design for rapid development on a fast and flexible platform. Several modules 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 for GPIO/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 most smartphones, a
fraction of the cost, and fully open to developers.
$89
Source: Hardkernel Hackberry
Hackberry
One of many Allwinner-based boards, the Hackberry offers developers a powerful and hackable
Linux PC utilizing a 1 GHz ARM Allwinner A10 SoC. By complementing an ARM A8 CPU with a
Mali400 GPU, the Hackberry is capable of HD video playback, making it an excellent choice for an
Android 3D gaming platform. Android 4.0 ICS and Linux distributions are supported by Hackberry.
Other key features include 2x USB 2.0 ports, WiFi and
Ethernet interfaces, 3.5mm audio in/out, HDMI and AV
video out ports, an SDHC slot for external storage, and a
3.3V TTL Serial header as an expansion option. Booting
is done via internal 4 GB NAND flash or via SD card.
Hackberry has all the features for quick and dirty
projects, a step up from the Raspberry Pi touchstone.
$65
Source: Miniand UDOO
UDOO
The new UDOO device offers educators and developers a board that is as powerful as four Raspberry
Pis with the added functionality of an Arduino DUE. SECO US and Aidilab teamed up alongside
professors from the US and UK to develop one of the most impressive Linux development boards to
date.
The UDOO comes equipped with either a dual- or quad-core 1 GHz ARM i.MX6 Freescale CPU in
addition to the integrated Atmel SAM3X8E ARM Cortex-MR CPU. Integrated graphics are provided
by three distinct accelerators for 2D, OpenGL ES2.0 3D, and OpenVG, and include 1 GB of DDR3
RAM. With a total of 54 digital I/Os, an Arduino-compatible analog input, HDMI and LVDS video
output (with touch capability), optional Ethernet and WiFi modules, a mini USB and a mini USB OTG
port, two Type A USB ports and a USB connector, analog audio and mic (line-in) support, and a
camera connection -- the UDOO truly 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.
Running Linux from a micro SD allows the UDOO to act as a standalone computer using the
Freescale i.MX 6 CPU. The ability to run Android (4.0.4 ICS tested) allows makers to develop apps
that can interact with the physical environment using Arduino-compatible interfaces. UDOO's
compact 11 x 8.5 cm board size is also expandable, providing full compatibility for all Arduino DUE
shields available for any designer's peripheral stacking needs.
UDOO makes a point of referencing the Raspberry Pi, the industry standard. The team wants to give
the ravenous Raspberry Pi community more power, and throw in the vast Arduino libraries and
functionality to boot. This is the recipe for a complete win.
$99 (and up)
Source: Udoo.org APC Rock
APC Rock
The APC Rock is part of the family of APC boards designed with a primary focus on Internet
connectivity, low power consumption, and feature streamlining. The Rock is a redesign of the
original APC 8750 with more memory, faster processing power, and greater expandability.
Running a custom Android OS built for mouse and keyboard input (The "PC version"), the Rock
features a VIA ARM Cortex-A9 processor running at 800 MHz. Memory is provided via 512 MB
DDR2 RAM and 4 GB internal NAND storage. Other features include: 2x USB 2.0 ports, audio-
out/mic-in, HDMI and VGA out, 10/100 Ethernet port, microUSB (OTG), and a microSD slot.
Expansion is available via extra GPIO, SPI, and I
2
C buses on a header.
The APC attempts to give users a desktop, not mobile, development environment. Through the PC
version of Android, technically, it does so. However, the processor speeds and RAM leave much to be
desired. Many boards in this roundup have it beat, spec-wise.
$79
Source: APC io Cubieboard
Cubieboard
The Cubieboard, another device based on Allwinner's A10 SoC, contains a multitude of features 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 other Linux distributions.
To begin the list of specs, the Cubieboard contains a Cortex-A8 ARM processor operating at 1 Ghz
speed with a Mali400 OpenGL ES GPU. The board is based on the Allwinner A10 SoC 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 device through external USB ports, though
the team suggests getting your hands on a Sony PSP power 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-installed with Android 4.0 (ICS);
first boot on Android is recommended to ensure the device is working. Project suggestions include:
an Android TV multimedia powerhouse, a home network file server, a lightweight Linux desktop, and
a network accessible home automation device.
$49
Sources: Miniand, Indiegogo, and Cubieboard Marsboard
Marsboard
The MarsBoard offers developers another fast and affordable AllWinner A10 based mini PC platform.
A high-speed ARM Cortex A8 processor operates at 1.2 GHz and is further complemented by a 3D
capable Mali400 GPU. 1 GB of DDR3 RAM is integrated into the board's circuitry with 100 MB of
that supply dedicated for GPU use. 4 GB of embedded NAND storage is pre-installed, 1.5 GB of
which is available for use after taking the Android partition into account. A SATA port and an SDHC
capable microSD port ensure users the flexibility 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 cards are supported, but not included in the package. Two USB ports are stacked above
one another with an additional USB OTG port.
Power is supplied by a 5V/2A DC jack or through an external device using a USB to power cable.
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). Video outputs 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 effective Linux/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 offers little in
comparison to the community support of Raspberry Pi or even boards like the UDOO that havent yet
reached the market.
$49.90
Sources: Marsboard, HAOYU Electronics, and CNXSoft A13-OLinuXino
A13-OLinuXino
The 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 addition to featuring a
3DMali400 GPU and 512 MB of RAM, the board includes: 3+1 USB portsthree for users, one for
WiFi; an SD card connector for booting Linux images; a VGA output; 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 for Zigbee, Bluetooth, and relay modules; and a 68/74 pin
GPIO connector. To round up its long list of features, the OLinuXino can also output video to an
optional on-board 7" LCD with touchscreen by disabling the VGA/HDMI.
Unlike many boards, the OLinuXino is completely open-sourceall 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 in industrial environments with a
noise-immune design tolerating temperatures from 25C to 85C. Some of Olimex's potential
applications include 3D printer controller module, PLC programming language module, ZigBee
sensor home automation, relay and sensor control through WiFi access, and any commercial product
implementation.
$59 ($72 with WiFi)
Sources: PCWorld, Olimex, and GitHub
This slideshow was originally posted on EETimes.
Also see:
Power to the people: the democratization of engineering
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Top 10 BeagleBoard projects
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Raspberry Pi: A $25 computer
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Open-source hardware: Are you on board?
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