System-on-Chip vs Single Board Computers

SoC stands for System on Chip it is a small integrated chip that contains all required components and circuits of a particular system. However, SBC stands for Single Board Computer it is a whole computer constructed on a single printed circuit board that contains Memory, Microprocessor, I/O devices, and other functions which are required for a functional computer. In this article, we are going to see the basic difference between SoC and SBC.

System on chip (SoC)

The Blocks of SoC contain memory, oscillator, voltage regulator, ADC, DAC, processor, power management unit, USB, and UART. Here is the block diagram of SoC:

The processor is the heart of SoC, usually, SoC has multiple co-processors. It can be a microcontroller, microprocessor, or DSP. SoC contains memory for storage. It may have RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory. SoC also has GPU. Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) is included in SoC which is used to transmit or receive serial data. voltage regulators, oscillators, clocks, and ADC/DAC are also part of SoC.

Advantages of SoC

• It is small in size and includes many features and functions.
• It consumes low power.
• SoC is flexible in terms of size, and power factor.
• It is cost-effective.

Disadvantages of SoC

• Time-consuming designing process. usually, the designing process of SoC takes six to twelve months.
• Visibility of SoC is limited.

Applications of SoC

• Used in smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and computers.
• Internet of Things applications such as home automation.
• Embedded systems applications especially where the microcontroller is used.

Single Board Computers (SBC)

The Blocks of the SBC contain a Power supply, Memory, ethernet port, GPIO pins, processor, SD card slot, HDMI connectors, and USB port. Here is the block diagram of SBC:

Processor is the heart of SBC usually ARM processor is used in SBC. The static RAM memory of size 8-bit or 16-bit is mostly used in SBC. SBC uses GPIO pins to interface with some input-output devices such as sensors, displays, and keyboards. Ethernet port is used in SBC to connect to wired networks. Usually, SBC operates on a 5V DC power supply.

Advantages of SBC

• SBCs are easy to use.
• SBCs have verified hardware.
• Low power consumption.
• Good performance at a low price.

Disadvantages of SBC

• Lots of customization on SBC can be difficult.
• SBCs have less capability than multi-board computers.

Applications of SBC

• Flexible IoT gateways.
• Smart assets monitoring.
• Artificial Intelligence  

Difference between SoC and SBC

Basis for Difference	SoC	SBC
Full form	SoC stands for System on Chip.	SBC stands for Single Board Computer.
Definition	SoC is an integrated circuit or silicon chip that has all the components fabricated on a silicon chip.	SBC is a whole computer constructed on a single printed circuit Board that contains memory, processor, I/O devices, and other slots.
Components	SoC has all the components integrated on it.	Many peripherals are connected to SBC through slots given on it.
Adaptability	SoC is less adaptable as compared with SBC.	SBC is more adaptable as compared with SoC.
Price	SoC is more expensive compared with SBC.	SBC is less expensive compared with SoC.
Application areas	SoC is widely used in industry as they have a small form factor, less power consumption, and small size. They are used in IoT applications and embedded system applications.	SBC is used to advance the end product. They are used in IoT applications also used in artificial intelligence.