Overview: The article explores embedded single-board computer structure, key features, types, and advantages over traditional systems, highlighting models like Raspberry Pi 5, enhancing efficiency and reliability.

Evolution of Data Analysis­­­­

Data analysis has evolved from general-purpose big data servers to single-board computers (SBCs). Initially, organizations relied on powerful servers and clusters to handle large datasets, utilizing technologies like Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and Hadoop, which required increased power consumption and cost. 

As the need for real-time information grew, streaming technology frameworks like Apache Spark and Apache Kafka were created to support real-time data processing. More advanced techniques like machine learning and AI were added to analytics to get future information from their data.

The reliance on high-power servers and clusters for big data processing presents significant financial and operational challenges for many organizations, particularly small-to-medium enterprises and academic institutions.

The rise of edge computing allowed for decentralized processing, with SBCs becoming key players due to their cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, scalability, servicing needs, and remote administration. This shift enables smaller organizations to perform data analysis, avoiding the operational costs of traditional server infrastructures by addressing power consumption. 

What is a SBC?

A SBC is a complete computing system constructed on a singular circuit board. It comprises all essential components, including a microprocessor, memory, general-purpose input/output interfaces, and additional functionalities for processing in a single monolithic chip, as shown in Fig. 1. 

Fig. 1 The BeagleBoard SBC by Seeed Studio. Source: oemsecrets

Types

Manufacturing companies develop a variety of boards, either for general-purpose development or boards designed for specific applications. 

  • General purpose development boards have standardized form factors like PC/104 or COM Express, allowing them to integrate into existing systems easily.
  • Application-specific models are designed specifically for tasks such as gaming or control systems in industrial settings with tailored I/O configurations to meet the demands of their specific applications.

Key Features

SBCs are widely used in many applications, including IoT, experimentation, prototyping, and robotics for data acquisition systems. Unlike traditional desktop computers that rely on multiple circuit boards and expansion slots, embedded SBCs offer a more integrated approach with improved processing capacity, low cost, and energy efficiency. 

Modern SBCs have advanced specifications, including increased physical memory (RAM), faster-embedded hardware, gigabit ethernet controllers, and wireless connectivity (Bluetooth radios and Wi-Fi) that enhance the performance. Such modern SBCs include the Raspberry Pi, the NVIDIA Jetson, etc.

Raspberry Pi

The introduction of Raspberry Pi (RPi) has greatly transformed the SBC market. Early Raspberry Pi-based clusters were predominantly constructed to address educational challenges or practical applications where conventional general-purpose server-based clusters would be unsuitable.

Advanced Raspberry Pi clusters for more resource-intensive applications, including big data processing, micro data centers, and edge computing, have been researched. In comparison to previous generations, the most recent version of the Raspberry Pi illustrates enhanced computational capabilities. This article covered a powerful SBC from Raspberry Pi.

A Raspberry Pi SBC to consider: Raspberry Pi 5

The Raspberry Pi 5, as shown in Fig. 2, is a SBC model with a wide range of specifications that enhance its performance.

Fig. 2 The Raspberry Pi 5 SBC. Source: oemsecrets

Processor: The Broadcom BCM2712 processor, as shown in Fig. 2, features a quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 CPU clocked at 2.4 GHz, improving performance over previous models. This allows for more complex computations and multitasking capabilities, making it suitable for demanding applications.

The 512 KB L2 cache per core enables each core to store more data locally, allowing multiple applications to run simultaneously with reduced latency. The shared 2 MB L3 cache acts as a high-speed buffer between CPU cores and main memory, improving data-sharing efficiency among cores. 

Graphics: VideoCore VII GPU with a clock frequency of up to 800 MHz provides enhanced graphics performance, enabling smoother gaming and multimedia experiences.

The GPU supports dual 4Kp60 HDMI outputs, enabling users to connect two high-resolution displays simultaneously, which is ideal for media applications, multitasking, and advanced user interfaces. The transition from two-lane 1 Gbps MIPI interfaces to four-lane 1.5 Gbps transceivers supports advanced imaging and video processing applications. Decoding for HEVC at 4Kp60 ensures efficient playback of high-definition video content.

Memory: LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM with options for 4 GB and 8 GB provides higher bandwidth, allowing data transfer rates and energy efficiency, and reducing power consumption, making it ideal for embedded and mobile projects. The increased RAM capacity enhances multitasking capabilities.

Network Connectivity: Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity, minimizing interference, making it ideal for high-bandwidth tasks like streaming and gaming. Bluetooth 5.0/Bluetooth Low Energy enhances device pairing and communication range. Gigabit Ethernet enables high-speed networking technology that provides an enhanced data transfer rate.

Interfaces: The RP1 Southbridge significantly expands the input/output capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 5, allowing for more robust connections to external devices and peripherals.

Data Storage and Transfer: The microSD card slot with SDR104 supports double high-speed data storage, and USB 3.0 ports enable rapid data transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps, facilitating efficient peripheral connections.

Security: The cryptographic extensions enhance security by enabling hardware-accelerated encryption and decryption processes, which are particularly beneficial for secure data transmission and storage, such as IoT devices and financial transactions. The 5 V/5 A DC power supply with USB-C and Power Delivery support enhances the Raspberry Pi 5's performance.

To conclude, Embedded SBCs have evolved in computing technology, particularly for specialized applications requiring compactness and efficiency.

Summarizing the Key Points

  • Embedded SBCs integrate all essential computing components into a single circuit board, making them compact, efficient, and suitable for various applications.
  • Modern SBCs feature advanced specifications like faster processors, increased RAM, and multiple connectivity options, improving performance for IoT, robotics, and other developing technologies.
  • SBCs, such as the Raspberry Pi 5, enhance their ability to handle complex computations and multitasking, making them ideal for resource-intensive tasks, including gaming and data processing.

Reference

Lambropoulos, G., Mitropoulos, S., Douligeris, C., & Maglaras, L. (2024). Implementing Virtualization on Single-Board Computers: A Case Study on Edge Computing. Computers, 13(2), 54. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13020054

Lee, E., Oh, H., & Park, D. (2021). Big data processing on single board computer Clusters: Exploring challenges and possibilities. IEEE Access, 9, 142551–142565.

Álvarez, J. L., Mozo, J. D., & Durán, E. (2021). Analysis of single board architectures integrating sensor technologies. Sensors, 21(18), 6303.

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