What Is A Board Computer

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY
What is a Board Computer?

A board computer refers to a complete computer built on a single circuit
board. Board computers pack all the main computer components like CPU,
memory, storage, IO interfaces and power regulation into a compact
printed circuit board. This article provides an overview of board computer
architecture, design considerations, usage applications and market trends.
Table of Contents
Board Computer Overview
Traditional desktop and server computers utilize multiple printed circuit
boards interconnected through buses and slots. In contrast, a board
computer integrates key elements onto a single board:
 CPU – Central processor providing computing capability
 RAM – Volatile memory for program execution
 Non-volatile storage – Flash, disk or SSD mass storage
 I/O interfaces – USB, Ethernet, PCIe, video, audio
 Power regulation – Board power supply circuitry
Additional peripheral boards may expand functionality but core logic is on
one board. Some key advantages of board computers:
PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 Compact size – Entire system on one board
 Minimal wiring – No need for separate backplane or riser boards
 Ruggedness – Solid integration resists shock/vibration issues
 Cost – Consolidates multiple boards into one
 Customization – Can tailor board I/O to applications
Board computers power devices ranging from industrial automation to
aerospace to gaming.
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Evolution of Board Computers
Board computers evolved from early SBCs designed for embedded and
industrial applications:
1970s – Microprocessors enable complex logic and memory integration
onto single boards.

1980s – 8-bit SBCs using CPUs like 8088 and 68000. Expand capability
using ISA and STD bus.
1990s – 32-bit computing arrives. PCI and VME standards help link SBCs.
2000s – Continued miniaturization driven by consumer market enables
high performance board computers.
Today – Focus on modular board computers for customization. Standards
like COM Express and SMARC emerge.
Increasing integration and performance allow board computers to serve
as standalone systems.
Board Computer Standards
Several board standards help create interoperability between board
computer products from different vendors:
PC/104 – Legacy stacking bus pioneered board computing for embedded
systems in the 1990s. Still used in some industrial applications.
COM Express – Compact form factor leveraging standard SO-DIMM
connectors introduced in 2008. Available in Mini, Basic, Compact and
Extended sizes.

SMARC – Solderable SMARC standard introduced in 2013.
Supports ARM and x86 SOCs.
Qseven – ARM-focused, 70mm x 70mm form factor. Qseven modules plug
into base boards.
SGET – Ruggedized standard from Kontron aimed at rail and other
transportation usage.
Adhering to common standards helps board computer
manufacturers reach more customers.
Board Computer Hardware Design
Designing a board computer requires bringing together various hardware
elements:
CPU and Chipset
The CPU provides the processing capabilities. Common choices:
 ARM – Low power consumption but limited software compatibility.
Popular in embedded and mobile.
 X86 – Benefits from rich legacy PC software compatibility. More
power hungry. Used across industrial, medical, gaming.

The chipset or controller hub links the CPU to other device layers. May
include functions like SATA, USB, Ethernet and multimedia IO.
Memory
Two types of memory are included:
RAM – Provides high speed working memory to run programs and data.
SDRAM and DDR SDRAM are common.
Non-volatile Storage – Stores OS, applications, and data
permanently. eMMC, SATA SSD are common as they do not require
separate storage board.
Interfaces
A variety of peripheral interconnects allow linking external devices:
 USB – Universal connectivity for peripherals including mass storage
 Ethernet – Wired networking
 PCIe – High speed expansion
 SATA – Storage drives
 Video – VGA, HDMI, DP for displays
 Audio – Line in/out, microphone, speaker connectivity
 Serial – Legacy connectivity for industrial devices

Choosing the right mix of I/O allows matching the board computer to its
usage environment.
Power
An integrated power supply converts external DC or AC voltage to supply
stable power to board components. May include functions like:
 Rectification and filtering
 Switching voltage regulation
 Overvoltage and brown-out protection
 Supervisory functions to control power up/down sequencing
 DC-DC conversion to generate other needed voltages from main
supply
Form Factor
Various standard (COM Express, SMARC) and custom form factors exist to
package board computers for insertion into a rack or enclosure. Smaller
boards allow more compact systems. Large boards provide flexibility for
more functionality and ports.
Heatsinking Design

The high density of components on board computers requires carefully
designed thermal management. Common cooling techniques include:
 Conduction – Heat spreaders on hot components conducting heat
into a chassis or heatsink
 Convection – Internal airflow routed over the board and
components
 Radiation – Infrared radiation dissipated through chassis openings
 Cold Plates – Direct metal contact cooling for maximum heat
transfer

Thermal design is critical to ensure reliable operation and prevent
throttling under maximum loads.
Ruggedizing for Harsh Environments
Board computers designed for industrial, aerospace, defense and
transportation markets require ruggedization including:
 Conformal coating to resist condensation, chemicals and particles
 Reinforced soldered connections with underfill, glue or staking
 High temperature rated capacitors, ICs, laminates and solders
 Undermount technology securing components on both sides
against shock/vibration
 EMI shielding around components and the PCB edge
 Hermetically sealed enclosures for moisture and gas resistance
Customization and Expandability
Board computers balance integration against customization needs:
 Fixed Configuration – Maximum integration and cost savings but
limited flexibility or upgradability.
 Modular – Use of mezzanine cards or stacked boards provides
expansion like multiple Ethernet ports.

 Backplanes – Allows plugging in different peripheral daughter
boards like storage, graphics, comms.
 Customization – Work with ODMs/OEMs to tailor board I/O and
features to specific applications.
The expandable design approach costs more but allows matching the
board computer to evolving needs.
Operating System and Software
Board computers leverage standard or embedded operating systems
including:
 Windows – For platforms needing PC software application support
 Linux – Open source OS with rich networking support and
customization
 Real-time OS – Protects critical tasks on time sensitive platforms
 Android – Supporting touchscreens and mobile applications
 Custom Embedded OS – For highly optimized and scaled down OS
needs
The OS choice depends on software requirements, performance needs
and hardware ecosystem compatibility.
Usage Applications

The unique benefits of board computers make them well suited for
diverse applications:
Industrial Automation – Rugged board computers provide distributed
intelligence and control. They serve as compact industrial controllers and
HMIs.
Transportation – Railway, marine and aerospace rely on rugged, SWaP
optimized SBCs to consolidate control electronics.
Medical – Hospital systems like imaging leverage board computers for
data processing and analysis.
Defense – Rugged computer solutions meet harsh environmental
requirements.
Digital Signage/Kiosks – Compact board computers drive interactive public
information displays.
Gaming Machines – Hobbyist gaming platforms integrate on board logic,
graphics and storage for portability.
Robotics – Onboard systems guide autonomous navigation, image
processing, and coordination.
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Trends Driving Adoption
Several technology and market forces are increasing adoption of board
computers:
 Processing Performance – More CPU cores, memory, GPU and
accelerator integration allow board computers to take on
demanding workloads. ARM offers low power options.
 Storage Density – Large amounts of onboard eMMC, SSD, and NVMe
flash provide storage capacity previously requiring separate disks.
 Wireless Networking – Built-in WiFi and cellular enable untethered
operation.
 OS and Software Maturity – Mature embedded Linux ecosystem
and support for containerization.

 Customization – ODM services allow tuning board I/O and features
to applications.
 SWaP Optimization – Size, weight and power reductions for space
and energy constrained platforms.
 Edge Computing – Board computers serve well as intelligent
remote IoT gateways and hubs.
 Ruggedization – Packaging and conformal coatings allow reliable
usage under harsh conditions.
Conclusion
Board computers offer a unique approach to system architecture by
integrating entire computers onto compact printed circuit boards.
Continued technology advancements allow increased performance and
customization. Board computers will continue growing in capabilities and
spanning applications from industrial controls to high speed data analytics
to rugged defense systems and beyond.
What is a Board Computer? – FAQ
Q: What are the main differences between board computers and
traditional computer architectures?

A: Board computers consolidate all core functions onto one board vs
multi-board architectures linked by buses in traditional PCs and servers.
This allows greater customization but less expandability.
Q: What are some key considerations when selecting a CPU for a board
computer?
A: Performance needs, power budget, software compatibility, OS support,
cost, onboard peripherals needed, thermal design, upgradability
requirements.
Q: What types of external peripherals or accessories are commonly
connected to board computers?
A: Storage drives, monitors, industrial control systems, networking devices,
IO modules, application specific daughterboards. Wired and wireless
options available.
Q: Why are board computers well suited for rugged industrial
applications?
A: Integration onto one board increases reliability by eliminating
connectors and cabling that can fail. Rugged packaging helps withstand
harsh vibration, shock, and thermal environments.

Q: What are the advantages of a modular board computer architecture vs
a fixed configuration?
A: Modular mezzanine card expansion allows adding capabilities like
wireless or specialized IO interfaces. However, there are costs to enabling
modularity, both in hardware design and software integration.
Related Posts:
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2. Top 10 Computer Manufacturing Companies in The World
3. What are the Duties and Responsibilities of the Computer Hardware
Engineer?
4. Altium Rotate Board – How to Rotate a Board in Altium Designer
https://www.raypcb.com/board-computers/

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RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

What is a Board Computer?

memory, storage, IO interfaces and power regulation into a compact

printed circuit board. This article provides an overview of board computer

architecture, design considerations, usage applications and market trends.

Board Computer Overview

Traditional desktop and server computers utilize multiple printed circuit

boards interconnected through buses and slots. In contrast, a board

computer integrates key elements onto a single board:

 CPU – Central processor providing computing capability

 RAM – Volatile memory for program execution

 Non-volatile storage – Flash, disk or SSD mass storage

 I/O interfaces – USB, Ethernet, PCIe, video, audio

 Power regulation – Board power supply circuitry

Additional peripheral boards may expand functionality but core logic is on

one board. Some key advantages of board computers:

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

 Compact size – Entire system on one board

 Minimal wiring – No need for separate backplane or riser boards

 Ruggedness – Solid integration resists shock/vibration issues

 Cost – Consolidates multiple boards into one

 Customization – Can tailor board I/O to applications

Board computers power devices ranging from industrial automation to

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote

Evolution of Board Computers

1970s – Microprocessors enable complex logic and memory integration

onto single boards.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

using ISA and STD bus.

2000s – Continued miniaturization driven by consumer market enables

high performance board computers.

Today – Focus on modular board computers for customization. Standards

like COM Express and SMARC emerge.

Increasing integration and performance allow board computers to serve

Board Computer Standards

Several board standards help create interoperability between board

computer products from different vendors:

PC/104 – Legacy stacking bus pioneered board computing for embedded

systems in the 1990s. Still used in some industrial applications.

COM Express – Compact form factor leveraging standard SO-DIMM

connectors introduced in 2008. Available in Mini, Basic, Compact and

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

SMARC – Solderable SMARC standard introduced in 2013.

Supports ARM and x86 SOCs.

Qseven – ARM-focused, 70mm x 70mm form factor. Qseven modules plug

into base boards.

SGET – Ruggedized standard from Kontron aimed at rail and other

Adhering to common standards helps board computer

manufacturers reach more customers.

Board Computer Hardware Design

Designing a board computer requires bringing together various hardware

CPU and Chipset

The CPU provides the processing capabilities. Common choices:

 ARM – Low power consumption but limited software compatibility.

Popular in embedded and mobile.

 X86 – Benefits from rich legacy PC software compatibility. More

power hungry. Used across industrial, medical, gaming.

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

include functions like SATA, USB, Ethernet and multimedia IO.

Two types of memory are included:

SDRAM and DDR SDRAM are common.

Non-volatile Storage – Stores OS, applications, and data

permanently. eMMC, SATA SSD are common as they do not require