5 reasons why real-time processing is important for SBCs

Single-board computers (SBCs) are used for more than just DIY projects, home lab environments, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Yes, SBCs are great for such projects due to their compact size and affordable prices, but these tiny computers are also widely used in industrial and scientific fields. Quite a few of the roles set up for SBCs require real-time processing for various reasons. Let's explore why real-time processing can be so important for an SBC.

5 Improved performance in edge computing

Ensures reliable data processing and analysis without cloud resources

SBCs can advance edge computing by processing data on-premises, reducing delays and enabling rapid decisions. This real-time action is very important in tasks such as self-driving cars and industrial robots. SBCs do not require a cloud connection to work.

Modern SBCs with super-fast processors and GPUs can handle complex tasks such as recognizing images and learning from data, allowing edge devices to make intelligent decisions on their own. This makes them more efficient and reduces the need for cloud services.

SBCs also help protect sensitive information by keeping it on-site, especially in healthcare settings. They offer a good balance between security and performance, making them perfect for applications that require privacy.

4 Predictable latency when security is at stake

When timing is important for security, real-time processing is critical

Reliable latency in SBCs is critical in safety-critical environments such as healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation. In medical monitoring systems, rapid processing and response to critical patient data must immediately notify medical staff of possible emergencies. If delays occur, warnings could be missed, potentially putting people's lives at risk.

In automated safety systems such as autonomous driving and industrial scenarios, the precise timing of SBCs helps quickly detect and respond to threats. Predictable latency ensures commands are executed without delays, making SBCs trustworthy in high-pressure situations.

By knowing exactly how long these tiny computers take to complete their tasks, their processing time can be predicted, reducing uncertainty and increasing confidence in automated systems. This consistency makes them safer and more effective in real-world applications where timing is important.

3 Precision control in embedded systems

Maintaining accurate timing to ensure smooth and efficient operations

Real-time processing is key to ensuring that things work exactly as they should in embedded systems. This means that things happen instantly and simultaneously so that they can be done perfectly. Accurate timing is critical to ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently in robotics, industrial automation and smart manufacturing. SBCs are responsible for moving motors, adapting to sensor information, and working together in perfect synchronization to keep everything moving smoothly and precisely.

In closed-loop systems, real-time processing is essential to control things and make adjustments based on the sensors. This means drones can remain stable and adjust their course automatically, and self-driving cars can quickly change course if necessary. Real-time processing processes sensor data instantly, allowing quick corrections to be made and errors to be avoided. This allows things to adapt to the environment, stay in balance, change speed, or regulate temperature as needed.

2 Audio and video processing requirements

When delays could impact the user experience, real-time processing is important

SBCs easily handle audio and video processing, especially for video surveillance, media streaming, and interactive kiosks. This happens with minimal latency for smooth playback, clear images and synchronized sound, especially in interactive or live situations.

To this end, SBCs often have dedicated hardware such as GPUs or special DSPs (digital signal processors) for encoding and decoding audio and video data. This helps them handle the processing load and process high-resolution videos and complex audio effects without overloading the main processor. This is particularly important for edge applications where cloud processing is not possible.

Effective audio and video processing also includes efficient storage and data management to avoid buffering issues. Real-time operating systems prioritize audio and video tasks, ensuring seamless playback and reducing lag.

1 Efficient management of limited resources

Ensuring reliability when every CPU cycle and every bit of memory counts

Efficiently managing resources on SBCs is critical because they do not have much power, memory, or storage. SBCs allocate resources wisely, focusing on the most important tasks and ensuring they have enough bandwidth for the tasks they need to complete.

Real-time operating systems (RTOS) optimize memory, CPU, and memory usage. This means tasks can be executed in a straight line or with minimal overlap, eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring critical functions receive the priority they need. This means everything runs smoothly even in extremely hectic situations.

By compressing data, optimizing memory, and using specialized hardware such as on-chip GPUs or DSPs, SBCs can become even more efficient. These tricks offload the CPU, allowing the SBC to handle even the most demanding applications despite being small and low on resources.

Make the most of limited options through real-time processing

Thanks to the rapid availability of RTOS to the single-board computer, these tiny devices can perform much more than they otherwise would. The average user may not need such precise resource management, so real-time processing is not available by default. However, every SBC has real-time operating systems. If real-time processing is required, you can be confident that the SBC can handle it.