![\"Overview](\"https:\/\/blog.seeedstudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Add-a-heading-3-1030x579.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will show you the basic ports they have as well as the key ports you should take note of when purchasing your next SBC for your project!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, before we jump right into the details, let’s go back in time and learn about the history of SBC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The first SBC was built in May 1976, named Dyna-micro. It was based on the Intel C8080A and used EPROM, the C1702A version. <\/li>
- In 1976, E&L Instruments of Derby rebranded it CT, known as the MMD-1. This then became popularized as the leading example of microcomputers.<\/li>
- As the modern PC came about, SBC became less popular. But SBC nowadays is still a popular tool amongst makers, educators and students in creating electronics and computing-related projects.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow did Raspberry Pi come about?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you’ve been creating electronics projects, I’m sure you’re no stranger to Raspberry Pi! To understand better, We will be talking about the first-ever Raspberry Pi and its basic components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n2006 – Raspberry Pi’s first prototype<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/tr1.cbsistatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2018\/12\/12\/c1cc67d3-9d6b-41b6-88ab-86f41964f98f\/resize\/770x\/83fa0677bf590f76f33eacd65a3fb324\/atmel1.jpg\")
Ref: Tech Republic<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n The first prototype of Raspberry Pi was created by Eben Upton. Though the machine may have been rudimentary, it could be manually assembled and soldered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n2011 – First official glimpse of Raspberry Pi prototype<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tr1.cbsistatic.com\/hub\/i\/r\/2018\/12\/12\/0c5a8dfb-52ae-4b73-bb40-5699d76a44f3\/resize\/770x\/327044a330153952ae3ed793bf79a8b0\/pipcb.jpg\")
Ref: Tech Republic<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n This thumb-drive prototype of Raspberry Pi was very different from the Raspberry Pi 1 that would launch in 2012, it looked more similar to Raspberry Pi Zero that was launched in 2015 instead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though it still encompassed some of the final features, including HDMI and a USB port, the launch machine offered more features and was significantly larger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n2012 – Official launch of Raspberry Pi 1 Model B (Discontinued now)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Drawing_of_Raspberry_Pi_model_B_rev2.svg\/1024px-Drawing_of_Raspberry_Pi_model_B_rev2.svg.png\")
Ref: Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Raspberry Pi Model B was officially launched in February 2012, priced at $35, which racked up more than 100,000 orders on the first day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHere’re the details on the components on the Raspberry Pi Board:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- ARM CPU\/GPU<\/strong>: Broadcom BCM2835 System on a Chip (SoC) that’s made up of an ARM1176JZF-S central processing unit (CPU) and a Videocore 4 graphics processing unit (GPU). <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To put simply, CPU handles all the computations that make a computer work (taking input, doing calculations and producing output), and the GPU handles graphics output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- General purpose input-output (GPIO) connector<\/strong>: 26 pins<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Composite Video<\/strong>: RCA jack.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Audio output<\/strong>: Analog via 3.5 mm phone jack<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- LEDs<\/strong>: Light-emitting diodes, for all of your indicator light needs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- USB<\/strong>: 2x USB 2.0 ports<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- HDMI<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Power<\/strong>: 5 V via MicroUSB or GPIO header<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- SD cardslot<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A full-sized SD card with an operating system (OS) installed is required for booting the device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Ethernet<\/strong>: 10\/100 Mbit\/s USB adapter on the USB hub<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A connector that allows for wired network access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nLooking at Raspi Model B now, we can see that there’re a few features missing: WiFi and audio input. But it can be added using the USB port(s) or a USB hub as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIntroduction of Connectors and Ports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ports are basically physical docking point which is used to connect the external devices to the computer. With the help of cables and wires, we can connect or plug into external devices!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we have seen from the Raspberry Pi Model B, there are quite a lot of connectors and ports on an SBC. Now that we have a better understanding of Raspberry Pi’s basic SBC components, let’s look at the different ports and its functions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSerial ports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.computerhope.com\/jargon\/s\/serial-port.jpg\")
Ref: Computer hope<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Serial ports are one of the oldest types of interfaces that transfers information one bit at a time, used for external modems. Though many serial ports have been replaced by USB for many computer peripheral devices, it is still commonly used in industrial systems, scientific analysis and laboratory equipment etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nParallel ports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ref: interface bus<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Parallel ports have an interesting name, do you know this is due to the way the data is sent? Parallel ports send multiple bits of data at once, while serial ports send one bit at a time! They are typically used for connecting printers or scanners, thus they are also known as printer ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nVGA ports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/9\/92\/SVGA_port.jpg\")
Ref: Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n VGA actually stands for Video Graphic Array, it is a 15 pin connector that’s available in many video-cards, computer, projectors, mainly used to connect a monitor to a computer. However, since it uses analog signal, it is only capable of lowering the resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPS\/2 ports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/aoGWW8r.jpg\")
Ref: Reddit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n As you can probably tell from the icons, these ports are meant for connecting your mouse and keyboard to an old computer. Though not commonly found anymore, they are still used in organisations for security reasons! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDVI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lifewire.com\/thmb\/_3NtQtFFKnYrYDMBOuyC1OE6hDM=\/1280x720\/smart\/filters:no_upscale()\/DVI-CONNECTOR-EXAMPLE-PD-f25fedeac51b4daab690bc1d3cf1ce88.jpg\")
Ref: Lifewire<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n DVI stands for Digital Video Interface, it is a high-speed digital interface between a display controller like a computer and a display device like a monitor. It is also developed to transmit digital video signals and replace the analogue VGA technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also other variations of DVI: Mini-DVI (developed by Apple as an alternative to mini-VGA) as well as micro-DVI. However, micro-DVI is only capable of transmitting digital signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nEthernet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techterms.com\/img\/lg\/ethernet_42.jpg\")
Ref: Tech Terms<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Ethernet is the traditional technology for connecting devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). Which enables communication via a protocol — a set of rules or common network language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though WiFi has become more popular over the last few years and is often preferred over Ethernet, hardwiring your SBC or devices to your router with Ethernet Cables can improve speed, especially when streaming, gaming or downloading files!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPower Supply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static1.squarespace.com\/static\/5a0c6978bff2001ef7581170\/5b6246ee70a6ad8e9de01037\/5a370fe8afbeef1a43e75bd3\/1539199514783\/micro-usb-power-connector-wiring%5B1%5D.png?format=1500w\")
Ref: Never Stop Building<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n As you can tell, the power connector uses a micro USB cable which enables you to plug in your compatible power supply. However, not every SBC uses micro USB anymore. For instance, Raspberry Pi 4B uses a USB Type-C for power supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nHDMI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/qph.fs.quoracdn.net\/main-qimg-f10ce05385f56a80203402a44198cf56.webp\")
Ref: Quora<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n An HDMI or High-Definition Multimedia Interface connector allows you to hook up a high-definition television or other compatible device using an HDMI cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nUSB<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/miro.medium.com\/max\/864\/1*3skbwgEYzA3aP8Kz_Bc5Uw.jpeg\")
Ref: Medium<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n USB stands for Universal serial bus, it is a common connection port for peripheral devices of all types (including your mouse and keyboard). Nowadays it’s common to find USB 2.0 and 3.0, your SBC should have 2 or more ports, unlike the older models of Raspberry Pi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you can also use a USB hub to expand the number of ports or plug your mouse into your keyboard if it has its own USB port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nComposite Video\/ Audio Jacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.eizoglobal.com\/library\/basics\/displayport_to_d-sub\/16.jpg\")
Ref: Eizo Global<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n The composite video port uses either RCA jack or TRRS jack which allows the connection of analog TVs and other similar output devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Composite video ports use one channel and a single cable (the audio tracks transmit in separate channels and cables). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nGPIO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.raspberrypi.org\/documentation\/usage\/gpio\/images\/GPIO.png\")
Ref: Raspberry Pi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n GPIO are exposed general-purpose input\/output connection points that will allow the real hardware hobbyists the opportunity to tinker. Raspberry Pi Models A and B only have the first 26 pins while the newer models have 40 pins. As additional info, Raspberry Pi Model B has 8\u00d7 GPIO plus the following, which can also be used as GPIO: UART, I\u00b2C bus, SPI bus with two chip selects, I\u00b2S audio +3.3 V, +5 V, ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be used in conjunction with sensors, diodes, displays, and System-on-Chip modules as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nM.2 connector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ref: Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n M.2 was formally known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF). Because of its specification, it can be made really slim and thin, thus its commonly found in laptops and motherboards! Moreover, it is a flexible connector, and so it supports both SATA and PCIe as well. What’s even more amazing about it is it even supports USB 3.0, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Near-Field Communication (NFC) in certain configuration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSATA SDD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mlqzcliuorfn.i.optimole.com\/DezDY9A-vxQQooKO\/w:412\/h:399\/q:75\/https:\/\/pcgearlab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/SATA-A.jpg\")
Ref: PC Gear Lab<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment and is often used to interface in a computing system for storage and peripheral connectivity. It is used to connect optical drives including BluRay as well as spinning disk hard drives (HDD) and SSDs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When compared to PCIe, SATA has greater storage capacity and density options, and it is great for daily use that doesn’t require high-performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPCIe SSD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/thumbcache\/2\/200\/c986bb7f32adb8bf91b07e13c3590cfd\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/img_5994b40385944.jpg\")
Ref: How to geek<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n PCIe stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express and is sometimes referred to as PCI Express. It is an interface that can be used to connect any number of different things, including graphics cards and storage devices! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also different types of PCIe SSD that support different standards: An M.2 PCIe SSD that makes use of the NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) specification to provide additional speed and performance benefits. The U.2 is also another option for PCIe SDD, which provide PCIe connectivity in a form factor that fits into 2.5 and 3-inch enclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though SBCs technically don’t have PCIe slots but guess what! You can actually connect your PCIe to your Raspi 4B! If you would like to learn how to do so, click here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nNVMe connector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.idgesg.net\/images\/article\/2019\/01\/wd-black-sn750-nvme-gaming-ssd-100786895-large.jpg\")
Ref: pcworld<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n NVMe stands for NVM Express or Non-Volatile Memory Express, it is a host controller interface specification that uses the PCI Express (PCIe) bus to connect SSDs to a server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But do note that NVMe can only work in flash environments only so it is not as versatile as SATA, but it is great for transaction-heavy databases and business-critical applications!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIPI DSI<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/6\/60\/RaspberryPi_Display_Serial_Interface.jpg\")
Ref: Wikipedia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n The MIPI Display Serial Interface defines a high-speed serial interface between a host processor and a display module, it enables the user to achieve high-quality imagery and visuals when tinkered with. It can be found in smartphones, tablets, laptops, automotive and other platforms as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMIPI CSI Camera<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.petervis.com\/Raspberry_PI\/Raspberry_Pi_CSI\/Raspberry_Pi_CSI_Camera_Interface\/Raspberry_Pi_CSI_Camera_Connector.gif\")
Ref: petervis<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n Camera Serial Interface (CSI) is a camera port providing an electrical bus connection between the two devices. It is a very simple interface and with a little reverse engineering with an oscilloscope, it is possible to figure out the pinout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fun fact: CSI-1 was the original standard MIPI interface for cameras which defines the interface between a camera and a host processor, its successors were MIPI CSI-2 and MIPI CSI-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MIPI CSI-2 is more commonly adopted in the mobile and automotive application as it is easy to use and its ability to support high-performing applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSBCs with special ports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After understanding some of the common connectors that are included in our SBC and motherboards, let’s look at the additional connectors some SBC has!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nNVIDIA\u00ae Jetson Nano\u2122 2GB Developer Kit <\/a>($59.00)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static-cdn.seeedstudio.com\/media\/catalog\/product\/cache\/9d0ce51a71ce6a79dfa2a98d65a0f0bd\/1\/0\/102110483_3_1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe NVIDIA\u00ae Jetson Nano\u2122 2GB Developer Kit<\/a> is NVIDIA’s newest Jetson Nano Developer Kits series, it provides the user with the same amazing Jetson experience but at a much lower price tag, which makes it perfect for educators and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One special connector is the 4-pin Fan Header<\/strong>, it is unique because the fourth wire in a 4-pin fan header is used for controlling and sending signals to the fan, which would have a chip on it that controls it to slow down or speed up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Ethernet<\/strong>: 10\/100 Mbit\/s USB adapter on the USB hub<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- SD cardslot<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Power<\/strong>: 5 V via MicroUSB or GPIO header<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- HDMI<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- USB<\/strong>: 2x USB 2.0 ports<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- LEDs<\/strong>: Light-emitting diodes, for all of your indicator light needs.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Audio output<\/strong>: Analog via 3.5 mm phone jack<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Composite Video<\/strong>: RCA jack.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- General purpose input-output (GPIO) connector<\/strong>: 26 pins<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- ARM CPU\/GPU<\/strong>: Broadcom BCM2835 System on a Chip (SoC) that’s made up of an ARM1176JZF-S central processing unit (CPU) and a Videocore 4 graphics processing unit (GPU). <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n