Single Board Computer (SBC)

A complete, functioning computer with all functions (I/O, processor, memory) located on one board.

There are many advantages to using single-board computers. Their features are well integrated due to nearly everything being native to the machine. Slots are often provided for interconnection, and slot configurations and backplanes are available. SBCs can easily be produced and have a quick time to market compared to personal computers or laptops. They are lighter in weight, compact in size, more reliable and much more power efficient then multi-board computers. Single-board computers are mostly used in embedded applications. They are also used in applications for process control, like complex robotic systems and processor-intensive applications. They are often considered an excellent alternative to microcontrollers.