Embedded SBC

Choosing the right processor architecture for an industrial single-board computer (SBC) is one of the most important technical and business decisions in any embedded project. The choice between ARM and x86 is not just about processor speed—it affects everything from thermal design and power budgets to software development, maintenance, and long-term supply. In industrial environments, where products may need to operate continuously for a decade or more, the architecture you choose will directly influence system reliability, development costs, and your ability to adapt to future requirements. Understanding ARM and x86 Architectures ARM processors are built on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) philosophy, which uses a simplified set of instructions to execute tasks efficiently. This design approach allows ARM processors to achieve high performance per watt, making them ideal for low-power, compact, and thermally constrained systems. They dominate the mobile and embedded wo...

Title: What Is an ARM SBC and Why It Matters in Embedded Design An ARM SBC (Single Board Computer) is a compact, all-in-one computing platform based on an ARM processor. Unlike traditional computers that require multiple hardware components such as CPU, RAM, storage, and expansion cards, an ARM SBC integrates all these essentials into a single printed circuit board. These boards are designed for embedded systems, industrial equipment, IoT solutions, and smart control panels that require compactness, efficiency, and reliability.   Why ARM SBCs Stand Out ARM SBCs offer an attractive combination of low power consumption, high efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The ARM architecture follows the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) model, which allows processors to perform tasks using fewer instructions. This results in less heat, lower power draw, and often no need for active cooling. As a result, many ARM boards operate fanless in environments with limited airflow. Most ARM ...

  When designing an embedded system or custom single-board computer (SBC), one often overlooked—but critically important—factor is   the resolution and aspect ratio of the display . Whether you're developing an HMI panel for factory automation or a compact screen for a medical device, these specifications can directly influence usability, software complexity, and hardware compatibility. 📐 What Is Resolution? Resolution   defines the number of pixels on the display screen. Common resolutions in embedded TFT LCDs include: 480x272   (WQVGA) 800x480   (WVGA) 1024x600 1280x800 1920x1080   (Full HD) Higher resolution means more pixels, which can enhance image clarity and detail. However, it also demands more processing power and graphics memory, which may increase the cost and complexity of the SBC. 🔳 Understanding Aspect Ratio Aspect ratio   refers to the proportional relationship between the screen's width and height: 4:3   – more square, useful in ...

 The Raspberry Pi revolutionized the single-board computer (SBC) world by making low-cost computing accessible to hobbyists, students, and tinkerers. It proved that a credit-card-sized board could power real applications — from weather stations to home media servers. But as embedded development evolves, engineers and product designers are starting to look beyond Pi for more industrial-grade SBCs that can meet commercial and long-term deployment demands. 🔧 The Pi’s Role in Prototyping There’s no denying the Pi’s popularity. Its community support, GPIO accessibility, and affordable pricing make it perfect for quick prototyping. However, it has some limitations: No official support for Android Limited display interface (mostly HDMI) Not optimized for long-term industrial use Limited customization for hardware-level I/O For rapid idea testing and educational purposes, it’s unbeatable. But for real-world products — especially touch-based control panels or smart edge ...

When Samsung announced the discontinuation of one of its widely used eMMC product lines, many embedded vendors were forced to make quick adjustments. In our case, the eMMC used on one of our Rockchip-based boards became EOL (End of Life), and we had to quickly replace it with a different vendor's part to keep production moving. This article documents the steps I took to modify U-Boot to support the new eMMC chip, including datasheet analysis, pin compatibility checks, register tuning, and extensive code changes. Background Our board is based on a Rockchip SoC (RK3566), using a Samsung eMMC for storage. The original chip had been in stable production until Samsung shut down its eMMC production line for that model. The replacement chip came from a different vendor, with different electrical specs and initialization behavior. The challenge was that the replacement chip: Had different timing requirements (especially HS400 mode). Required tuning of EXT_CSD registers. Had a slightly diff...

Why Custom Embedded Systems Are the Backbone of Smarter Devices As smart devices take over industries like home automation, medical equipment, and industrial control, it’s clear that off-the-shelf hardware often falls short. That’s where custom embedded systems come into play. These purpose-built platforms are tailored for specific tasks, delivering optimized performance, longer lifecycle support, and tighter integration into the final product. What Is a Custom Embedded System? A custom embedded system is a computing platform specifically designed for a single application. Unlike generic SBCs, it offers complete flexibility over hardware specifications, interface design, and software stack. Typical features include: Custom PCB layout and form factor Specific processors and memory tuned for your workload Targeted I/O (CAN, UART, MIPI, SPI, etc.) Optimized power efficiency for mobile or low-power systems Long-term supply support with industrial-grade components...