Guide to Embedded Development Boards
Embedded development boards are specialized computer hardware designed for a specific task or tasks within a larger system. In the realm of IoT (Internet of Things), these boards function as the brains of all the IoT devices, from relatively simple smart doorbells to advanced manufacturing robots.
The realm of IoT has experienced a significant surge in recent years, witnessing the global count of connected devices surpassing 15 billion in the current year. At the core of these electronic devices lie embedded system boards, serving as the fundamental infrastructure that furnishes the essential computing power, connectivity, and functionality necessary for devices like smart thermometers or advanced security systems.
Essentially, these boards play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless operation of our wearables, intelligent appliances, and myriad other IoT gadgets. They act in response to our commands, thereby enhancing the overall convenience in our lives.
However, the abundance of choices available to hardware developers, coupled with the diverse range of classifications and components, can be overwhelming. This serves as your comprehensive guide to aid you in selecting the most suitable embedded system boards for your IoT project.
What are embedded development boards?
Let’s start by describing what exactly these devices are. Embedded development boards are specialized computer hardware designed for a specific task or tasks within a larger system. In the realm of IoT (Internet of Things), these boards function as the brains of all the IoT devices, from relatively simple smart doorbells to advanced manufacturing robots.
Upon observation, an embedded development board appears akin to a conventional circuit board. Despite its unassuming appearance, the compact physical dimensions, low energy consumption, and considerable computational power of these boards contribute to their extensive range of applications in the realm of IoT.
What are the key components of an embedded development board?
Regardless of the specific type of embedded development board you opt for, it must incorporate essential components to operate effectively in an IoT environment. These components include:
1. A processor
2. Memory
3. A means of interaction and output (connectivity)
4. A method for input (sensors)
5. A power supply
Let's delve into the processor aspect. Every processor you acquire will have a designated processing speed, measured in bits. Processors with 4 or 8 bits possess limited computing power and are primarily reserved for highly energy-constrained applications, seldom finding use in IoT due to their incapacity to handle internet connectivity. On the other hand, 16-bit and 32-bit processors are widely employed, with 32 bits being the most prevalent. A 32-bit architecture offers sufficient processing power for most IoT applications, maintaining energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, there are 64-bit processors, more suitable for high-end IoT applications or an MPU-based IoT device.
Moving on, let's consider memory, which manifests in two distinct forms. Firstly, there's what one might perceive as "permanent" memory, commonly referred to as read-only memory (ROM). This indicates the amount of data or software that your device can store in the long term. Additionally, there's random access memory (RAM), which is temporary in nature, denoting the space the device can allocate for its ongoing tasks. Naturally, a higher RAM capacity results in faster task completion. However, it's important to note that a higher RAM often corresponds to a more expensive embedded development board. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that you're not allocating more RAM than what your device actually requires, preventing unnecessary resource utilization.
The third essential component of every embedded development board is a connectivity option. Specifically, the board must be capable of connecting to the internet, and it typically includes ports for USB connections.
