Embedded Computers definition
What is an Embedded Computer?
An embedded computer is a computer that is integrated into a larger device rather than being a stand-alone computer. Typically, it serves a very specialized purpose. Embedded PCs have a wide range of applications, including industrial automation, in-vehicle computing, digital signage, and more.
An embedded system is a computer system - a combination of a computer processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices - that has a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including electrical or electronic hardware and mechanical parts. Because an embedded system typically controls physical operations of the machine that it is embedded within, it often has real-time computing constraints.
Embedded systems control many devices in common use today. Ninety-eight percent of all microprocessors manufactured are used in embedded systems. Embedded systems range from portable devices such as digital watches and MP3 players, to large stationary installations like traffic light controllers, programmable logic controllers, and large complex systems like hybrid vehicles, medical imaging systems, and avionics. Complexity varies from low, with a single microcontroller chip, to very high with multiple units, peripherals and networks mounted inside a large equipment rack.
Examples of Embedded Computers
Embedded computers are used in a wide variety of sectors throughout the world. Embedded computers are everywhere, from pipeline monitoring in the oil and gas sector to network security devices that monitor and fight intrusion weaknesses.
What Are Single-Board Computers(SBCs)
A SBC (single-board computer) is a fully-functional computer, on which the CPU, memory, input/output operations and other features are all constructed on a single integrated circuit board, with pre-installed RAM and no expansion ports for peripherals.
And the Single-Board Computer is applied in a wide range of industries, as a preferred embedded computer. For example, industrial, consumer goods (video game consoles, mobile phones), appliance, smart home, military, commercial, automotive, traffic light controllers and medical applications.
Examples of SBCs (Single-board Computers)
Raspberry Pi is a single-board computers (SBC), which means the memory, interface, and CPU are all soldered together on a single Integrated Circuit board. The little embedded computers are designed to make learning programming languages enjoyable.
Excerpt from Raspberry Pi, there are 10 examples of SBCs, such as: NanoPi NEO4, Onion Omega2+, ASUS Tinker Board S, NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit, UDOO BOLT, Banana Pi, Odroid-XU4, Le Potato, PocketBeagle and RockPi 4 Model C.
What is an Interface Board?
An interface board, sometimes known as a telephone interface board, is a generic word for hardware and circuit boards that can be installed. There are many different types of interface boards that aid in the operation of various sections of a telephone system. These are some of them: VoIP Boards, Telephony Boards, Conference Boards, Station Interface boards, Fax Boards, Gateways, IP Link Boards and Voice Boards.
What is an USB Interface Board?
The Copper-Shunt Demo and PC can communicate thanks to the USB Interface Board. The package includes a twin layer PCB USB Interface Board as well as an HDMI Type-D to Type-C Cable for connecting the demo board.
