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Cabe Atwell
8/20/2013 09:40 AM EDT
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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 date -- all which can be purchased for under (or very nearly) US$100.

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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.

Raspberry Pi

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; I2C 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 unmatched -making the little board analogous with all SBC.
$35
Sources: Newark and Adafruit

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.

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BeagleBone Black

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
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.

Parallella

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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
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.

Odroid-X2

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.

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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
Hackberry, alternate view

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.

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UDOO

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.

UDOO, alternate view

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

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libraries and functionality to boot. This is the recipe for a complete win.
$99 (and up)
Source: Udoo.org

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.

APC Rock

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 I2C 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
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.

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Cubieboard

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
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.

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Marsboard

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
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 ports -- three
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.

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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 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
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