Delivering Intelligence to the Edge
Single-board computers have become more flexible, more powerful, and more compact than ever before. Now, they’re also becoming the vehicle to deploy artificial intelligence to the network’s edge. Which modern option will be the basis for your next creative embedded solution?
The single board computer (SBC) market has traditionally been driven by several factors. First, of course, is size—you always expected that a computer on a single board would have a smaller footprint than a business workstation. Next comes I/O. SBCs have generally come with a variety of ports and pins beyond those available on a standard business workstation. Integration ease has been a third driver, since all of the processing and I/O capability is packaged in a, well, single board that doesn’t require the kind of system building discrete components might.
Today, though, there’s another driver that has taken the SBC wheel: Artificial Intelligence. It is now rare to see a new SBC introduced and marketed without “AI” attached in some way to the product description. In the list of capabilities, AI-readiness is frequently in the number-one location, with more mundane specifications, such as size, power consumption, and I/O capabilities, relegated to supporting roles.
Features of recently introduced or revised boards highlight a burgeoning market characterized by a diverse range of boards catering to various performance needs, power efficiencies, and application domains, from industrial automation and robotics to edge AI and personal computing. Key themes include the emphasis on dedicated AI processing units — Neural Processing Units (NPUs)/Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) — high-performance multi-core CPUs and Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), robust connectivity options, and comprehensive software support to facilitate AI development and deployment. The trends are clearly toward enabling complex AI workloads at the edge, reducing latency, and enhancing data privacy.
The most prominent theme is the integration of dedicated hardware for accelerating AI and machine learning tasks, shown through the inclusion of NPUs, TPUs, and GPUs.
The sources showcase a wide spectrum of performance capabilities, catering to different application needs and budget constraints. From highly powerful industrial-grade solutions to more accessible hobbyist and educational boards, the market offers tiered performance.
Robust connectivity options are crucial for edge AI applications, and the sources consistently highlight various interfaces. This includes multiple USB ports (USB 3.0, USB 2.0), Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, PCIe, HDMI, and MIPI CSI/DSI for cameras and displays.
Beyond hardware, the availability of a supportive software ecosystem is critical for AI development. This includes operating system compatibility (Linux, Android), SDKs, AI frameworks, and development tools.
The sources implicitly and explicitly define the primary use cases for these AI-accelerated SBCs. These range from industrial automation and robotics to edge AI, smart homes, and multimedia applications.
The reviewed sources paint a clear picture of an increasingly sophisticated SBC market driven by the demands of AI and machine learning at the edge. Manufacturers are investing heavily in dedicated AI hardware, powerful multi-core processors, comprehensive connectivity, and robust software ecosystems. The diversity in performance tiers, from high-end industrial solutions to more accessible hobbyist boards, indicates a broad addressable market for these AI-accelerated devices, enabling innovation across a multitude of applications. The future of embedded computing is undeniably intertwined with intelligent, AI-powered capabilities.
An AI-Capable ARM Option
The Banana Pi BPI-M7 is a compact, powerful SBC built around the Rockchip RK3588, featuring 4× Cortex-A76 and 4× Cortex-A55 cores, a Mali-G610 GPU, and a 6 TOPS NPU. The BPI-M7 is an ARM-based platform that straddles the line separating traditional embedded platforms and AI-capable edge systems.
This board is designed for edge computing, AI, and multimedia applications, with support for Android 12, Debian 11, Ubuntu, and others. With its capable specs and flexible OS support, the BPI-M7 is a versatile platform for developers who need ARM computing with extended processing capabilities.
- SoC: Rockchip RK3588
- CPU: 4x Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz, 8nm
- GPU: ARM Mali-G610 MP4
- NPU: Up to 6 TOPS (INT8), supports INT4/INT8/INT16 mixed computing
- RAM: 8GB/16GB/32GB (max 32GB) 64-bit LPDDR4/LPDDR4x, default 8GB LPDDR4x
- Storage: 64GB/128GB eMMC, default 64GB eMMC
- Operating Voltage: Wide input voltage, 5V to 20V (±5% tolerance)
- Operating temperature: 0°C ~ 80°C
- OS: Official—Android 12.0, Debian 11, Buildroot; Third party—Armbian, Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04, Arch Linux, openSUSE
Tiny Embedded X86
The LattePanda Mu is a modular x86 compute module available with either an Intel N100 4-core or Core i3-N305 8-core processor. Intended for use in edge applications with significant processing requirements, it enables developers to tailor I/O and form factor to their needs, whether for NAS, routers, or AI edge devices.
The LattePanda Mu is ideal for embedded systems, industrial automation, and scalable compute clusters. Unlike many of the other SBCs listed here, it is not built around a GPU and does not list AI support as its defining capability. Instead, it’s a powerful alternative to ARM-based SBCs for those needing x86 compatibility and high-speed expansion.
- Intel N100 4-core or Core i3-N305 8-core processor
- 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM
- 64GB eMMC storage
- 9 PCIe 3.0 lanes
- Up to 2 SATA ports (from PCIe allotment)
- Up to 4 USB 3.2 ports (from PCIe allotment)
- 8 USB 2.0 ports
- eDP 1.4
- 3 HDMI/DisplayPort outputs
- 4 UART(RS232)
- 4 I2C
- Expandable to 64 GPIOs
Open-Source AI SBC
The AML-S805X-AC, codenamed “La Frite,” is Libre Computer’s most advanced SBC. La Frite is designed for edge AI, 4K video processing, and IoT applications, with support for SystemReady IR UEFI BIOS, enabling seamless booting of standard Linux distributions. It also boasts ultra-low idle power consumption (< 0.75W) and flexible power options via USB-C, PoE, or 5V header. With upstream open-source software support and a form factor similar to Raspberry Pi 3, it’s a compelling choice for developers seeking performance and openness.
- Amlogic S805X SoC
- 4 ARM Cortex-A53 @ 1.416GHz
- 2G + 3P ARM Mali-450 @ 666MHz
- Up to 1GB 16-bit DDR4 SDRAM
- USB 2.0 Type-A
- USB 2.0 Type-A Dual-Role-Data Port
- 100Mb Fast Ethernet
- HDMI 2.0 with 1080P HDR Support
- Multi-Protocol IR Receiver with System Wake Support
- MicroUSB Power
- eMMC 5.x SM Interface for Libre Computer Modules
- USB ROM Boot Button
- Boot Select Switch
- 40-Pin Pi Compatible Color-Coded GPIO (4xPWM/I2C/4xUART/SPI/PCM/SDIO/SPDIF) Header
- 4-Pin ADC (2xSARADC) Header
- 4-Pin CVBS Header
Twelve-Core Edge AI
The Jetson AGX Orin 64GB is NVIDIA’s most powerful edge AI development platform to date, designed for robotics, computer vision, and generative AI. The kit also includes a reference carrier board with extensive connectivity, including MIPI CSI-2 camera interfaces, DisplayPort, and GPIO headers.
This developer kit runs the full Jetson software stack and supports containerized workflows and pre-trained models, making it a go-to platform for developers building next-gen edge AI solutions.
- 12-core Arm Cortex®-A78AE v8.2 64-bit CPU
- 3MB L2 + 6MB L3
- 2048-core NVIDIA Ampere architecture GPU with 64 Tensor Cores
- 64GB 256-bit LPDDR5 204.8GB/s Memory
- 64GB eMMC 5.1 Storage
- x16 PCIe slot supporting x8 PCIe Gen4
- M.2 Key M slot with x4 PCIe Gen4
- M.2 Key E slot with x1 PCIe Gen4
- USB Type-C connector: 2x USB 3.2 Gen2
- USB Type-A connector: 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen1
- USB Micro-B connector: USB 2.0
- RJ45 connector with up to 10 GbE
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4A (+MST) connector
- 40-pin header (UART, SPI, I²S, I2C, CAN, PWM, DMIC, GPIO)
- Power, Force Recovery, and Reset buttons
Cool ARM-Based SBC
The 2025 refresh of the ODROID-N2+ builds on its predecessor with a hexa-core Amlogic S922X SoC. The 2025 refresh improves thermal performance and overclocking potential (up to 2.4GHz), making the N2+ a solid choice for media centers, emulation, and edge computing. It supports Ubuntu and Android, and remains a favorite for developers needing reliable performance in a compact form factor.
The large metal housing heatsink is designed to optimize the CPU and RAM heat dissipation and minimize throttling. The CPU is placed on the bottom side of the PCB to establish great thermal characteristics.
- Amlogic S922X CPU
- SPI Flash 8MiB
- 4x DDR4 RAM
- SPI Boot Select Switch
- RJ45 Ethernet Port (10/100/1000)
- eMMC Module Socket
- HDMI 2.0
- Micro SD Slot
- 4x USB 3.0
- IR Receiver
- RTC Backup Battery Holder
- Active Cooling Fan Connector (2-pin)
- AV Out (Stereo Audio with Composite video)
- 40x GPIO Pins
- Micro USB2.0 OTG
- UART for System Console
Increases Productivity
The Orange Pi 5 is a high-performance SBC powered by the Rockchip RK3588S, an octa-core processor with 4× Cortex-A76 and 4× Cortex-A55 cores. It includes a Mali-G610 GPU, a 6 TOPS NPU, and supports up to 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM. It offers rich I/O and features multiple MIPI interfaces for displays and cameras, making it ideal for multimedia and AI applications.
The Orange Pi 5 supports Android 12, Debian 11, and Orange Pi OS, and is suited for edge computing, smart home, and AIoT projects. It’s a solution for developers in search of a Raspberry Pi alternative with more raw processing capability. Its open-source support and active community make it a suitable platform for both prototyping and deployment.
- Rockchip RK3588 8-core 64-bit processor with 4 Cortex-A76 (2.4GHz), 4 Cortex-A55 (1.8GHz), and an independent NEON coprocessor
- Embedded 6TOPS arithmetic NPU
- 4GB/8GB/16GB LPDDR5 memory
- Micro SD Card Slot
- M.2 M-KEY slot: Support NVMe SSD (PCIe 3.0 4Lane)
- Either eMMC socket or on-board eMMC, support: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- 2x USB3.0, 2 x USB2.0
- 2x HDMI 2.1, supports up to 8K@60FPS + 4-Lane MIPI DSI
- 2x 4-Lane MIPI CSI + MIPI D-PHY
- Wi-Fi 6E + BT 5.3, supports BLE
- 2.54mm 40 Pin GPIO configurable UART, PWM, I2C, SPI, CAN, GPIO
- 89mm X 57mm X 1.6mm
ARM-Based AI-capable SBC
The Radxa Rock 5 ITX is a Mini-ITX form factor SBC that brings desktop-class performance to the ARM ecosystem. It’s powered by the Rockchip RK3588 SoC, featuring four Cortex-A76 and 4 Cortex-A55 cores, a Mali-G610 GPU, and a six TOPS NPU for AI acceleration. The Rock 5 ITX is designed to fit standard mini-PC cases and can be powered by either a 12V DC jack or an ATX PSU. It is ideal for building ARM-based desktops, NAS systems, or AI workstations. It ships with ROOBI OS pre-installed and supports Debian, Android, and other Linux distributions.
- Rockchip RK3588 SoC
- Arm Mali G610MC4 GPUs
- NPU supporting INT4 / INT8 / INT16 / FP16 / BF16 and TF32 acceleration
- 640-bit LPDDR5 RAM 5500MT/S, 4GB to 32GB
- 4 display outputs via two HDMI, one DP (type C) and one MIPI DSI
- USB Type‑C
- 2x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports; one has PoE support
- 2x Standard HDMI output ports
- 2x USB2 Type A HOST ports
- 4x USB3 5Gbps Type A HOST ports
- PoE module connector
- Micro SD Card Slot
- M.2 M Key Connectors for NVMe SSD with PCIe 3.0 2‑lane support
- 2x MIPI LCD port (four‑lane MIPI DSI)
- eDP port with Touch panel interface for eDP LCD panel
- 4x SATA connector with power header
The Latest Raspberry
The Raspberry Pi 5, the latest flagship from Raspberry Pi Ltd, marks a significant leap in performance and I/O bandwidth, making it suitable for desktop computing, media centers, and embedded applications. It runs Raspberry Pi OS and supports a wide range of Linux distributions. With its familiar 40-pin GPIO header and improved power management, the Pi 5 continues the Raspberry Pi tradition of being a common solution reached for when prototyping and considering small-run production requirements. It remains a cornerstone product for makers, educators, and developers.
- Broadcom BCM2712, quad core Cortex-A76 (ARMv8) 64-bit SoC @ 2.4GHz
- 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB LPDDR4-4267 SDRAM with ECC
- 0GB (CM5Lite), 16GB, or 32GB eMMC flash memory
- Gigabit Ethernet PHY supporting IEEE 1588
- PCIe 1-lane Host, Gen 2 (5Gbps)
- USB 2.0 port (high speed)
- 2× USB 3.0 ports, supporting simultaneous 5Gbps operation
- Up to 30× GPIO supporting either 1.8V or 3.3V signalling and peripheral options
- 2× HDMI 2.0 ports (supports up to 4Kp60 on each port simultaneously)
- 2× 4-lane MIPI ports
- Real-time clock (RTC), powered from external battery
- 55mm × 40mm × 4.7mm
Barking Up an Edge AI Tree
The Seeed Studio BeagleV-Ahead is an SBC powered by the TH1520 RISC-V quad-core Xuantie C910 processor IP, capable of operating at up to 1.85GHz. This board is designed for high-performance computing and offers significant AI acceleration with a 4 TOPS NPU @ INT8 1GHz computing power.
The Studio BeagleV-Ahead includes a mikroBUS uniform connection interface and contains a number of extensions and interfaces, with CSI, HDMI, DSI multimedia ports, 46-pin BeagleBone Header, microSD, and microUSB 3.0 available.
The board supports multiple operating systems, including Yocto and Linux distributions.
- T-Head TH1520 (quad-core Xuantie C910 processor)
- DA9063 PMIC
- 4GB LPDDR4 memory
- 16GB eMMC
- AP6203BM WiFi and Bluetooth
- Realtek RTL8211F-VD-CG Gigabit Ethernet
- USB 3.0 OTG
- Mini HDMI
- microSD
- mikroBUS connector (I2C/UART/SPI/MCAN/MCASP/PWM/GPIO)
- 2x 46 pin Beaglebone header
- CSI connector compatible with BeagleBone AI-64, Raspberry Pi Zero / CM4 (22-pin)
- DSI connector
- 96.5mm x 60.5mm x 2.1mm
Datasheet URLs:
Banana Pi: https://docs.banana-pi.org/en/BPI-M7/BananaPi_BPI-M7
LattePanda: https://www.lattepanda.com/lattepanda-mu#spec
Libre: https://www.libre.computer/products/aml-s805x-ac
NVIDIA: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/autonomous-machines/embedded-systems/jetson-orin/
Hardkernel: https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/odroid-n2-with-4gbyte-ram-2/
OrangePi: http://www.orangepi.org/html/hardWare/computerAndMicrocontrollers/details/Orange-Pi-5-Max.html
Radxa: https://dl.radxa.com/rock5/5itx/radxa_rock5_itx_product_brief.pdf
Raspberrypi: https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/cm5/cm5-datasheet.pdf
Seeedstudio: https://files.seeedstudio.com/wiki/BeagleV-Ahead/BeagleV-Ahead_Datasheet-by_Seeed-Studio.pdf
PUBLISHED IN CIRCUIT CELLAR MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2025 #421 – Get a PDF of the issue
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Curtis Franklin has been a journalist working in the computer and technology fields for more than forty years. From his early career as a columnist at Computer Shopper and the founder of the BYTE Testing Lab, he has covered computing devices from handheld to supercomputing and applications from trivial to life-altering. In 1988, he was the first editor of an exciting startup publication that was then called Circuit Cellar INK. Since then, he has edited and written for publications including ComputerWorld, NetworkWorld, InfoWorld, InformationWeek, and Dark Reading. Most recently, he was Principal Analyst for Cybersecurity Management at Omdia.
Curtis co-wrote one of the first books on podcasting and has been a host or co-host on more than 500 episodes of various podcasts, including hundreds of episodes of This Week in Enterprise Technology, a production of the TWiT Podcast Network.
When not telling stories of computers and the people who make them, Curtis is an amateur radio operator (KG4GWA), an artist, and a Florida Master Naturalist. He’s also active in the maker community, working on the teams that produce Maker Faire Orlando and Maker Faire Miami.
