So, what differentiates a single-board computer and a microcontroller? Let’s take a look.
What’s a Single-Board Computer?
A single-board computer (SBC), as the name suggests, is a computer that consists of a single-board. An SBC is a full-fledged computer with RAM, storage, input/output, and peripherals like USBs, all on a single motherboard. An SBC also has an OS and can run various programs at the same time.
In other words, an SBC only needs the power to start working. Common examples of SBCs include smartphones, laptops, and Raspberry Pi computers. All of these don’t need any extra PCBs to function.
What’s a Microcontroller?
A microcontroller has a lot in common with an SBC. Both have a processor, storage, and input/output peripherals. But this is where the similarities end.
Microcontrollers have far fewer resources than SBCs. For instance, a microcontroller may have KBs of storage instead of MBs or GBs of SBCs. Similarly, their processing capabilities are also pretty limited.
In most cases, a microcontroller also needs breakout boards to make programming them easier. An Arduino Uno is a good example of a microcontroller with a breakout board. It allows you to connect the microcontroller, in this case, an Atmel ATmega328P, with input/output devices, power, and peripherals.
Microcontrollers also can’t run more than one program at a time, as they are intended to loop one routine.
Examples of microcontrollers include controllers inside smoke detectors and infrared TV remotes.
The Differences Between Single-Board Computers and Microcontrollers
The biggest difference between an SBC and a microcontroller is that the former is a self-contained computer with the ability to run an OS, whereas the latter is just a chip with far fewer resources.
Also, unlike SBCs, microcontrollers are intended to run only one program repeatedly. For instance, SBCs like Raspberry Pie run Linux, while boards like Arduino Uno don’t.
Now You Know the Difference Between SBCs and Microcontrollers
Because single-board computers and microcontrollers share a lot in common, telling them apart can be confusing for folks new to the DIY space. Just remember that microcontrollers are intended to run small, repetitive tasks like switching a button on and off based on an input. These tasks aren’t resource-intensive, so microcontrollers aren’t as capable as SBCs.
SBCs, on the other hand, are computers. They have an operating system and be used to run multiple tasks at once. To decide on the best one for you, all you need to do is consider your individual needs.
