Product Definitions: Core Boards vs. Single-Board Computers

EBYTE's embedded computing products serve diverse application areas, with clearly differentiated positioning between core boards and single-board computers to address varying customer requirements across the product development lifecycle.

Core Board (System-on-Module)

A core board can be considered the "minimum system" or "heart" of a device. It highly integrates core components including the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), storage (Flash/eMMC), power management, and basic clock circuits, while引出 all processor functional pins through standard interfaces such as stamp holes, edge connectors, or board-to-board connectors.

The core value of core boards lies in encapsulating the most complex, high-density circuit design and production onto a small board. Customers only need to design a relatively simple "baseboard" to implement specific functional interfaces (such as Ethernet ports, USB, display interfaces, etc.), significantly reducing hardware development difficulty, shortening time-to-market, and ensuring stability and reliability of the core system.

Single-Board Computer

A single-board computer is a "standard baseboard" meticulously designed by EBYTE based on its core boards. It integrates rich industrial-grade peripheral interfaces to form a ready-to-use, fully functional embedded computer motherboard. Customers can directly perform software development and application deployment on this SBC without any baseboard hardware design, making it ideal for prototype verification, small-to-medium volume production, or as a complete device motherboard.

Simple Analogy

If the final product is compared to a complete computer, the core board is equivalent to the core module composed of "CPU + memory + motherboard chipset", while the single-board computer is a "mini motherboard" already equipped with various ports (USB, Ethernet, video ports).

Core Board Product Series and Features

EBYTE's rich core board product line covers multiple architectures from ARM to RISC-V, meeting diverse performance, cost, and ecosystem requirements.

ECK10 Series: Balanced Solution Based on ST STM32MP1

As the backbone of EBYTE's industrial computing product line, the ECK10 series is based on STMicroelectronics' single-core Cortex-A7 processor platform.

Main models: Includes the stamp-hole connected ECK10-13xA series (such as ECK10-135A5M5M-I) and edge connector ECK10-135D series.

Core features:

• Cost-effective: Offers DDR3 memory options from 256MB to 512MB with NAND Flash or eMMC storage configurations

• Industrial reliability: Supports -40°C ~ +85°C wide temperature operation for harsh environments

• Rich interfaces: Provides LCD display, gigabit Ethernet, multiple USB, UART, CAN, ADC and other resources

• Simplified development: Stamp hole versions integrate Ethernet PHY on-board, further reducing customer baseboard design complexity

ECK20 Series: Cost-Effective Solution Based on NXP i.MX6ULL

Based on NXP's high-performance Cortex-A7 processor, the ECK20 series focuses on high cost-performance ratio.

Main models: Such as the ECK20-6Y28C series, using BTB connectors.

Core features: Main frequency up to 792MHz, providing eMMC or NAND Flash storage options, widely applicable to HMI, industrial control, and IoT gateway scenarios.

ECK30/ECK32 Series: Allwinner Processors with Performance and AI Capabilities

Based on Allwinner domestic processors, covering from basic to high-performance AI applications.

• ECK30 series: Such as the ECK30-T13I series based on Allwinner T113-i, featuring dual-core A7 plus RISC-V coprocessor with full domestic components, suitable for entry-level HMI and gateways

• ECK32 series: Such as the ECK32-T527 series based on Allwinner T527, with 8-core Cortex-A55 and some models integrating NPU (Neural Processing Unit), specifically designed for edge AI vision and high-performance computing applications

ECK41 Series: Rockchip Platform with Small Size and Low Power Consumption

Based on Rockchip RK3506 Cortex-A35 processor, featuring extremely compact dimensions.

Main models: ECK41-E series.

Core features: Adopts stamp hole + LGA composite interface with dimensions of only 29x25mm and ultra-low power consumption, suitable for space-constrained embedded devices such as portable equipment and micro-controllers.

Common Advantages of All EBYTE Core Boards

Single-Board Computer Product Representatives and Applications

Single-board computers directly demonstrate the value of core boards, enabling users to utilize high-performance embedded platforms with zero hardware design threshold.

ECB10-135A5M5M-I: Classic 2.5-inch Board Based on ECK10 Core Board

This is the supporting single-board computer for the ECK10-135A5M5M-I core board, representing the ideal platform for experiencing the STM32MP135 platform.

Core configuration: ARM Cortex-A7 @650MHz, 512MB DDR3, 512MB NAND Flash.

Interface Overview:

Typical applications: Industrial control panels, IoT gateways, smart home hubs, lightweight human-machine interfaces.

Other Series Supporting Single-Board Computers

EBYTE provides corresponding evaluation/application single-board computers for most of its core board series. For example, the ECB41-PGE SBC supporting the ECK41-E core board integrates dual 100M Ethernet ports, MIPI-DSI display interface, audio, and rich GPIO expansion capabilities.

Core Value of Single-Board Computers

• Ready-to-use: Provides complete functional interfaces, allowing system boot and software development immediately after power connection

• Cost-effective: Benefits from EBYTE's in-house manufacturing and production scale, offering cost advantages while ensuring quality

• Easy installation: Standard dimensions (such as 2.5-inch) facilitate integration into various enclosures

• Supports rapid customization: Function adjustments or optimizations can be made based on standard SBCs according to specific customer requirements

Application Scenarios and Selection Guidelines

EBYTE's core boards and single-board computers have been widely deployed across numerous industries:

How to Choose Between Core Board and Single-Board Computer

Choose a Core Board if You:

• Plan for high-volume production with extreme cost sensitivity

• Have special product appearance or structural requirements that necessitate embedding the core module into a custom-shaped baseboard

• Have a professional hardware design team capable of completing baseboard circuit and layout design

• Require deeply customized hardware functionality

Choose a Single-Board Computer if You:

• Want to conduct rapid prototype verification and software development while avoiding hardware design risks

• Are in the small-to-medium volume project stage, or intend to use it directly as the final product motherboard

• Lack hardware design resources and prefer to focus on upper-layer application software

• Need rapid time-to-market to capture business opportunities

EBYTE's core board and single-board computer products provide customers with a clear path from core modules to complete applications. Core boards, with their high integration, reliability, and flexibility, serve as powerful tools for cost reduction and efficiency improvement in mass-produced products. Single-board computers, with their out-of-the-box convenience and completeness, significantly reduce the development threshold for embedded smart devices.

Complementing each other, both product categories embody EBYTE's commitment to "providing users with efficient, mature, stable, and professional embedded computer products and services". Whether you are an experienced hardware engineer or a software developer, you can find an ideal starting point in EBYTE's product matrix to accelerate your project success.

About EBYTE

About EBYTE
Chengdu Ebyte Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise specializing in R&D, production and sales of wireless communication modules and IoT solutions. With over 10 years of industry experience, the company serves more than 200,000 customers in over 150 countries, with product lines covering LoRa modules, BLE modules, WiFi modules, ZigBee modules, industrial IoT gateways, and supporting antennas.

• Official Website: https://www.cdebyte.com

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