The difference between MCU, development board, chip and edge computing box

Table of contents

6. The difference between embedded hardware and edge computing boxes

1. Microcontroller

A microcontroller (Microcontroller) is an integrated circuit chip that integrates a microprocessor core, memory, input/output (I/O) interfaces, and other peripherals . It is commonly used in embedded systems to control and perform specific tasks. SCM has small size and low power consumption , and can work independently without relying on other hardware components.

2. Development board

A development board is a circuit board used for development and prototyping , and is usually used to test and verify the functions of microcontrollers or other electronic devices. Development boards usually contain one or more microcontroller chips , power supplies, I/O interfaces, debugging tools (such as programmers), and other additional components. They provide a development environment that enables engineers to write, debug and test their code and circuit designs.

3. Chip

Compared with microcontrollers and development boards, chip (Chip) is a more general term used to describe the entire field of integrated circuits. Chip can refer to various types of integrated circuits, including microcontrollers . A microcontroller is a specific type of chip that integrates a processor core, memory, and various peripherals to achieve a specific function.

Therefore, a single-chip microcomputer is a specific type of chip , and a development board is an auxiliary tool for developing and testing chips such as a single-chip microcomputer, providing a more convenient development environment and interface.

4. Edge Computing Box

Edge Computing Box (Edge Computing Box) is a dedicated hardware device used to support edge computing. Edge computing is a computing model that pushes computing and data processing to the edge of the network, close to the source of the data , to reduce latency, improve responsiveness, and preserve privacy . Edge computing boxes typically have processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity, and other ancillary functions such as security and data management.

Compared with development boards and microcontrollers, an edge computing box is usually a more advanced device with more powerful computing and processing capabilities. It usually uses more advanced processors and operating systems to handle more complex computing tasks. Edge computing boxes are usually designed to process large amounts of data and execute more complex algorithms , not just simple tasks that can be achieved by microcontrollers.

In addition, edge computing boxes usually have stronger network connectivity and can be connected to various sensors, devices, and cloud services. They usually provide multiple interfaces and protocols to communicate and exchange data with various devices and systems.

In summary, an edge computing box is a dedicated hardware device with more powerful computing power and network connection capabilities to support edge computing. The development board and single-chip microcomputer are more focused on the development of embedded systems and the execution of small tasks.

5. Common Embedded Hardware Components

Microcontroller: An integrated circuit chip that integrates a processor core, memory, I/O interface, and other peripherals. Single-chip microcomputers are widely used in embedded systems, such as home appliances, automotive electronics, industrial control and other fields.
Embedded Processor (Embedded Processor): A high-performance processor designed for embedded systems with low power consumption and highly integrated features. Common embedded processors include ARM-based processors, Intel's Atom series, and Raspberry Pi.
FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array): Programmable logic gate array, hardware that can be configured and reconfigured as needed. FPGA has a high degree of flexibility and customizability, and is widely used in image processing, communication and embedded systems.
ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit): Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, which is customized as hardware for specific application fields. ASIC has highly optimized performance and power consumption characteristics, and is often used in specific embedded applications, such as network switching, video codec, etc.
Embedded sensors: hardware devices used to sense the environment and acquire data. Common embedded sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, light sensors, etc.
Memory: A hardware device used to store data and programs. Common embedded memories include flash memory (Flash) memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and so on.
Communication module: a hardware module used to communicate with other devices or networks, such as Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, Ethernet interface, etc.

This is just a small sample of embedded hardware, in fact there are many other types of hardware components, you can choose the appropriate hardware according to the specific application requirements.

6. The difference between embedded hardware and edge computing boxes

Embedded hardware and edge computing boxes are two different concepts, and they have the following differences:

Design Goal: The design goal of embedded hardware is to integrate the hardware into other systems or devices for control and execution of specific tasks. They are usually characterized by small size, low power consumption and high integration for embedding in end equipment. The design goal of the edge computing box is to provide edge computing capabilities . It is an independent hardware device used to process and analyze data in the edge network, with more powerful computing and storage capabilities .
Functionality and computing power: Embedded hardware is usually designed for tasks in a specific application domain, and its functionality and computing power may be relatively small . They usually integrate single-chip microcomputers, embedded processors, etc., and are suitable for performing simple control tasks. The edge computing box usually has more powerful computing power and storage capacity , and can execute more complex algorithms and process large amounts of data.
Network connectivity: Edge computing boxes usually have stronger network connectivity and can communicate with various sensors, devices, and cloud services. They usually have multiple interfaces and protocols for data collection, transmission and storage. The ability of embedded hardware in network connection is relatively weak, and it mainly focuses on communication and control with terminal equipment.
Deployment environment: Embedded hardware is often embedded in , and deployed as part of, other devices or systems. The edge computing box is an independent device that can be deployed separately in the edge network to support edge computing and data processing tasks.

It should be noted that the edge computing box can also be built using embedded hardware components, but its design goals and functions pay more attention to the needs of edge computing, providing more powerful computing power and network connection capabilities.