Nowadays, there are functional computing devices on a single printed circuit board. They are usually built around an application-specific integrated circuit or custom microcontroller. Known as the single board computer (SBC), it is typically smaller, much less expensive to buy and operate, and more straightforward to repair and clean.
What Are SBCs?
It is a small electronic device that includes a variety of electronics on a single printed circuit board. It performs fan control, power management, and temperature control. Many of these also contain features that allow them to be used as stand-alone devices. SBCs may be designed to control several tasks or act as a master controller for other devices.
They often have an operating system, and they are capable of running software. They can be programmed like a traditional desktop computer and can access various hardware devices and peripherals.
Applications Of SBCs
These are used in a variety of applications for many reasons. Many use them to build electronic gadgets, such as temperature gauges or small renewable energy power plants.
They may be used to regulate the performance of a specific piece of equipment, such as an air conditioner, water heater, or refrigerator. They can be used to automate the functionality of several different pieces of equipment in a building. Or they may be used to control the functionality of several machines or devices within an office environment.
- Temperature Control
A home’s temperature control may be regulated by a computer that uses sensors and sends that data to a central location where it is logged and analyzed. The information collected can generate graphs or charts showing the temperature on a specific day.
- Air Conditioning
It may control an air conditioning unit to take specific actions when certain temperatures are detected. This automated control allows the temperature of a room to be maintained at a particular range.
- Hydroponic Gardens
Several computers may be installed to operate a hydroponic farm that utilizes sensors and controls for the growth and harvesting of plants. SBCs may also be used to control other aspects of the farm, such as water supply and fertilizers.
- Assembly Lines
SBCs can be used to control the pace of a production line. The speed at which certain parts are produced can be increased or decreased, depending upon the organization’s needs.
- Airplane Instrumentation
An aircraft may have several computers that monitor various aspects of the vehicle, such as altitude, engine performance, and temperature. An SBC that monitors the temperature inside an engine may adjust fan speeds to increase excellent airflow into the engine compartment when necessary.
An aircraft may have several SBCs that monitor the engine’s performance and other components that control its flight. This allows pilots to practice and learn in a safe environment.
- Medical Applications
SBCs can be used in hospitals to regulate vital signs and blood pressure readings on patients in intensive care units or connected to life support machines. The data collected from these devices can generate statistical information that medical teams may use to evaluate patient care.
Conclusion
Thus, a single board computer is helpful for many applications. They are used in the home and office but can also be found in hospitals, factories, airports, schools, and military installations.
These computers are also useful for handling equipment that requires stand-alone controls. They can accomplish various tasks by controlling devices and monitoring data for multiple objectives.
