Beagleboards are a type of single-board computer that is widely used throughout the programming world. Single-board computers are what their name suggests; a complete computer built on one single circuit board. They have a microprocessor, memory and all the other features of a fully operational computer.
Owning a beagleboard opens up a whole world of possibilities for its users. They can be used for plenty of programming and computing tasks like robotics, building media players and performing basic tasks like browsing the internet. These aren’t just for adults, however, with it being well documented how good programming and coding is for a child’s development too. Plus, skilled programmers can go on to earn salaries way above the UK average should they decide to pursue a career in it.
So, if you’re thinking of getting a single-board computer then we’re here to tell you why it should be a beagleboard. What’s more, we’ll also discuss the different types and their benefits too. Read on to find out more.
What is a beagleboard?
First introduced in 2008, the beagleboard was designed for programming hobbyists and as an educational tool for open-source software. It is roughly the size of a credit card which means you can take it practically anywhere you go with ease.
Within it, you can expect to find a universal serial bus (USB) port, an onboard graphics processing unit (GPU), stereo audio jacks for audio input and output as well as some features onboard Wi-Fi networking too.
Different types of beagleboards
We’re sure that you’ll be impressed by the power of these tiny boards, so if you’re thinking of purchasing one then you’ll need to choose the right one for you. There are several options with each offering slightly different features for users.
Beaglebone
Ideal for applications like 3D printing, web servers and industrial robotics, the Beaglebone provides superb access to interface signals and controls without the need for additional equipment.
BeagleBone Black
One of the newer members in this family, this is a lower-cost version but still features a high expansion. This is a great option for those looking for a beagLeboard to get them into programming but seasoned professionals will also find it beneficial to use too thanks to its ability to turn ideas into prototypes easily.
BeagleBone Green
With 4GB of flash storage, MCUs, USB power, ethernet and many more features, this beagleboard provides a wealth of possibilities for its user. It’s also fully compatible with the Beaglebone Black too which helps to heighten its powers.
Which is better: Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone boards?
There’s no easy answer when it comes to which one is better – they are both great pieces of hardware! However, if you’re looking for a more powerful option, the BeagleBone Black is definitely worth considering. It’s based on the TI Sitara AM335- a SOC application processor with ARM Cortex A8 processor. This means that it comes with plenty of power and flexibility, making it ideal for those who want to create complex projects or develop cutting-edge software. Plus, included onboard storage in the form of 4GB eMMC Flash means that you don’t have to worry about running out of space mid-project.
Ultimately, it really depends what you’re looking for in a computer – both boards offer great value for money. If you’re just starting out and need something simple to get started, the Raspberry Pi may be a better choice. But if you’re ready to take your computing abilities to the next level, the BeagleBone Black is definitely worth considering.
What are the variants of the BeagleBoard?
The BeagleBoard is a single-board computer (SBC) designed and manufactured by BeagleBoard. It is one of the first SBCs that runs Linux.
In May 2009, a revision C was released, with a few new features, such as on-board audio and increased performance.
On September 14, 2010, another revision, BeagleBoard-xM was released. This version offers many more features than the original revision C board.
The BeagleBone was released on October 31, 2011 and it offers a lot of the features found in the older versions but also includes an FPGA for hardware acceleration purposes.
The BeagleBone Black was released on April 23, 2013 which has faster processors and more memory than prior models of the bone.
Finally, the BeagleBoard-X15 was released on November 1, 2015 which has a faster CPU than any other bone currently available.
Is BeagleBone an FPGA?
It is a FPGA development board that’s completely open source. It has the same specs as all other boards of its type, but its software and hardware are also open source. This means that anyone with the desire and technical ability can create their own designs and build them into actual products.
This openness has led to a wealth of creativity and innovation among BeagleBoard users, who have created everything from low-cost development boards to full-blown embedded systems.
Which operating system does a black contain?
BeagleBone Black is one of the newest additions to the BeagleBoard family, which was first released in 2013. It is a low cost, penetration testing oriented single board computer (SBC) that has some features similar to other SBCs like the Raspberry Pi but at a much lower price point. Unlike most SBCs, this one comes preloaded with Debian Linux on an eMMC.
This makes it a great option for students and hobbyists who are interested in learning about Linux or want to cheaply experiment with different operating systems. Additionally, because this SBC is so affordable, you can also use it as a development board for creating your own projects or applications. If you would like to try installing another operating system on it, there are several ways to do this. The easiest way is to flash the eMMC just like you would on your computer. Another option is to use a reader to install different operating systems onto a USB drive that you can then plug into the board.
As you can see there are several options available when it comes to them with each offering its own benefits to its users. Pick the right one for you and reap the rewards when using it.
