Page 60 - Computing Book 8

Programming Robots and Single-Board Computers Class 8

Programming Robots and Single-Board Computers

What is a Single Board Computer?

A single-board computer (SBC) is a complete computer built on a single circuit board, with
microprocessor(s), memory, input/output (I/O), and other features required of a functional
computer. Single board computers were made as demonstration or development systems, for
educational systems, or as embedded computer controllers. Many types of home computers or
portable computers integrate all their functions onto a single printed circuit board.
Unlike a desktop personal computer, single board computers often do not rely on expansion slots for
peripheral functions or expansion. Single board computers have been built using a wide range of
microprocessors. Simple designs, such as those built by computer hobbyists, often use static RAM
and low-cost 8- or 16-bit processors. Other types, such as blade servers, would perform similar to a
server computer, only in a more compact format.
Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi, which is a single board computer
(SBC), is a small credit card sized computing device
that can be used for a variety of purposes that
include experimentation, learning how to program,
building a media player or NAS drive, robotics and
home automation, and performing computing tasks such as
web browsing or word processing. SBCs are also increasingly used
for a wide range of industrial applications in areas
that include robotics and the Internet of things
(IoT).
Exploring the Raspberry Pi
Besides having all the essential
components of a traditional
computer Raspberry Pi has one
special feature that normal
computers don’t: General Purpose Input
Output (GPIO) Pins. Thus, allowing you to
connect with the real world.
Here’s a Glance of What Each
Component of a Raspberry Pi Does:
• GPIOs- Connect devices to
interact with the real world, for instance,
sensors, LEDs, motors, etc.
• USB Port- to connect a mouse, a keyboard, or other peripherals.
• Ethernet Port- to connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable.
• Audio Jack- to connect an audio device.
• CSI Connector- to connect a camera with a Camera Serial Interface ribbon.
• HDMI Connector- to connect a monitor or TV.
• Power Port- to power up your Pi.
• DSI Connector- to connect Display Serial Interface compatible Display.

The City School /Academics/Computing Curriculum/Class 8/2020-2021 Page 59 of 75