05701-A-0326 Single Board Computer Modules

05701-A-0326 The goal of modularity is to minimize the impact of rapid CPU replacement by avoiding the need to centralize all functions on a single card. In the past, Intel and AMD were able to release a new CPU every six months, and since it was uncertain how long older CPUs would remain on the market, modularity was needed to ensure their long-term availability. Of course, the scalability it possesses brings with it a number of different performance variants.

05701-A-0326 Reduced complexity in I/O board design. When the number of layers required for I/O boards was drastically reduced, this made PCB design less expensive. At that time, the focus was also already on how to reduce power consumption and heat generation with new modules. Finally, customers always wanted the latest CPUs, and this has not changed to this day. Modules guarantee this as well.

05701-A-0326 opened up the global module business, and the specification for PC/104 single boards (SBCs) left too little room for connectors to be mounted on the same side as the CPU and chipset, further proving the importance of modules. As customers began to demand more connectivity, connectors were customized to be mounted on the other side of the PCB to connect more external devices. the PC/104 design principles also meant that cables had to guide I/O to the chassis, which led to even more problems with tangled cables, and made the system even more error prone.