Which single-board pc (SBCs) and microcontroller board is best for you? SparkFun has constructed out a reasonably strong providing of each SBCs and microcontroller boards – making certain our neighborhood has probably the most applicable choice to construct their merchandise and tasks.
The necessity for a single-board pc (SBC) vs a microcontroller unit (MCU) is dependent upon what you might be constructing – complexity, energy, software, price. If you happen to require a tool that may run an working system (OS), deal with a number of duties, and has larger processing energy, an SBC is most certainly the best way to go. Nevertheless, in case your mission requires low energy, real-time duties, controlling {hardware} straight, and cost-effectiveness, an MCU would most likely be higher. SparkFun works with many, many producers/suppliers and has constructed out a reasonably strong providing of each SBCs and microcontroller boards – making certain our neighborhood has probably the most applicable choice to construct their merchandise and tasks.
Here’s a sampling of fashionable SBCs and microcontroller boards from SparkFun – discover their specs to see if they’re a match for what you might be designing.
To discover our full line of single-board computer systems and microcontroller boards go to our class pages: Single Board Computer systems -or- Microcontrollers.
Taking it again a step (cease studying if you’re already accustomed to SBCs and microcontrollers), chances are you’ll be asking what precisely are single-board computer systems and microcontrollers. There are numerous digital sources that go in depth on this, however here’s a very transient overview:
Single-Board Computer systems
A Single-Board Pc (SBC) is an entire pc constructed on a single circuit board. It features a microprocessor, reminiscence, enter/output (I/O) interfaces, and different important parts required for a totally purposeful pc. SBCs are able to operating an working system (OS) and may deal with a number of duties concurrently. They are perfect for duties that require extra processing energy and the power to run complicated software program. SBCs can be utilized for a variety of purposes from academic and hobbyist tasks to industrial automation and embedded techniques. Frequent examples of SBCs embrace:
Microcontrollers
A Microcontroller Unit (MCU) is a specialised built-in circuit designed for particular management duties. It combines a microprocessor core, reminiscence, and I/O peripherals on a single chip. Not like SBCs, MCUs are sometimes used for real-time management and are perfect for low energy consumption and cost-effectiveness. MCUs are generally present in embedded techniques, the place they supply intelligence and management to digital gadgets akin to smoke detectors and TV remotes. SparkFun designs growth boards to make utilizing the microntrollers simpler – this not solely allows use by hobbyists, but additionally makes prototyping, attending to proof idea, and testing out numerous microcontroller choices far more environment friendly for engineers/product design. Some fashionable microcontroller boards from SparkFun embrace:
SparkFun has labored for years to supply quick access to microcontrollers and SBCs and to make them simpler to make use of. Our purpose is to supply our neighborhood – whether or not a scholar, educator, hobbyist, or skilled engineer – the choice that’s proper for his or her particular mission or product. We do our greatest to supply detailed specs and superior documentation – we encourage you to discover our catalog of Single Board Computer systems -or- Microcontrollers.
