When choosing a Single Board Computer (SBC), many factors need to be considered. With the wide range of SBCs available on the market, deciding for or against a particular SBC is not always straightforward.
To help facilitate the selection process, in this article, we would like to focus on the aspect of form factor and examine it more closely.
The form factor of an SBC not only describes its shape and size but also encompasses the physical specifications and arrangement of its hardware. Essentially, the form factor can describe any physical aspect of a computer system. Often, the form factor is referred to as the specification of a motherboard.
In the following article, we would like to provide a closer description of the common sizes of SBCs available in the market. Additionally, we will delve into the physical specifications and arrangement of the hardware.
Why is form factor highly significant in the selection process?
One crucial factor in choosing a specific SBC is its size. In industrial environments, there is only a limited supply of space available for embedded systems. Having more space makes it easier to find a suitable SBC. The smaller the available space, the less functional versatility users can expect at the end of the day.
Incompatibility between different components poses a significant problem today. For instance, there are no standardized USB interfaces, leading to constant issues and occasional damage, not only in industrial settings. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider and determine the required features and interfaces for your SBCs in advance.
Currently, there are several standard sizes for SBCs available in the market:
Mini-ITX SBCs have dimensions of 170x170mm. 3.5″ SBCs measure 102x147mm. PC104 SBCs measure 97x91mm. PICO-ITX SBCs measure 100x72mm. On the other hand, Femto-ITX boards measure 84x55mm.
These “standard” sizes of SBCs are commonly used in industrial environments, while hobbyists rarely opt for such sizes. Prior to selecting a specific SBC, you should have decided on a particular form factor.
There are multiple ITX standards available in the market, such as Mini, Nano, Pico, and Femto.
Among these options, the Mini-ITX standard is the largest selectable option. Mini-ITX boards now offer the same performance as their larger counterparts and are frequently used with socketed CPUs for modern custom PCs. Mini ITX SBCs find wide applications in various device types, including vehicles, IoT, and the industry. They are also versatile and can be employed in numerous automation technologies.
Contrary to what the name suggests, 3.5-inch boards do not measure 3.5 inches. The “3.5-inch” refers to the popular 3.5-inch drives. 3.5″ SBCs are well-suited for SWAP-optimized industrial PCs, HMI panels, and applications with limited available space.
PC104 refers to a whole family of form factors, including PC104, PCI-104, or PCI-104e. PC stands for Personal Computer, and 104 refers to the number of pins. PC104 SBCs are often referred to as “stackable PCs.”
Due to their small size, lightweight construction, and robust design, they are frequently used in fields such as logistics or the military. Moreover, they offer high modularity.
Pico ITX SBCs have a form factor of 100x72mm and belong to the ITX board category. Despite their small size, they provide a variety of typical PC functions. PC104 SBCs are frequently used in industrial automation systems and can even serve as PCs in vehicles.
Femto-ITX SBCs represent the smallest available variant of SBCs.
Thus, we have described the essential form factors of SBCs used in industrial environments. If you require more in-depth consultation or would like to obtain a quote for top-notch embedded boards, please feel free to contact our sales team. You can access our contact page via the following link.