Page 101 - TCS ICT Book 8

The City School 2021-2022

5.1. Single-Board Computers

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.

5.2. Introduction to 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 but not
limited to:

• experimentation
• learning how to program,

• building a media player or NAS drive, robotics
• home automation

• 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).

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