The new BeagleBone Black announced by Texas Instruments is a credit-card-sized Linux computer aimed at developers, makers, hobbyists and students, and is selling for just $45 – half the price of the original BeagleBone.
The pricing and specifications of the new board clearly position it as a competitor to the more established Raspberry Pi. Although the marketing material does not come out and say as much, it does include snippets like 'Everything you need to go from box to developing in less than 3,14 minutes' – 3,14 being equal to pi, of course.
It also points out that the Texas Instruments Sitara AM335x processor onboard the BeagleBone Black boasts double the performance of ARM11-based solutions, and indeed, the Raspberry Pi is based on an ARM11 processor core.
BeagleBone Black is based on the 1 GHz Sitara AM335x ARM Cortex-A8 processor and includes 2 GB of onboard storage to run pre-loaded Linux software, as well as a USB cable to power the board. Featuring USB, Ethernet and HDMI interfaces, the board has the interfaces to connect to a wide variety of devices such as a mouse, keyboard or LCD display. It offers designers flexibility with expansion headers, including 65 digital I/Os, seven analog inputs and access to a variety of analog and digital peripherals.
The system comes pre-loaded with a Linux operating system and Cloud9 IDE to kickstart development and keep the microSD slot available for additional storage. The software is optimised to help new users explore embedded Linux and become proficient quickly. The ecosystem includes free access to documentation, example code and mainline kernel support for other software distributions like Ubuntu, Android and Fedora. BeagleBone Black’s kernel and driver flexibility allows users to easily integrate new hardware and software.
More than 30 plug-in boards, called ‘capes’ by the community, are compatible with BeagleBone Black, with more capes to come. Integrating BeagleBone Black with these capes – such as 3D printers, a DMX lighting controller, a Geiger counter, a telerobotic submarine, LCD touch screens and more – extends the functionality of the board and accelerates the development process.
Read more...Next-gen robotic systems initiative EBV Electrolink
Design Automation
EBV Elektronik recently introduced MOVE – Driving Robotics Forward, a new initiative designed by EBV Elektronik‘s Embedded Solutions team to support the development of next-generation robotic systems.
Read more...Compact high-current power inductor EBV Electrolink
Passive Components
Vishay’s IHLP series power inductors deliver high current capability in an ultra-low profile, magnetically shielded design.
Read more...RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...IOT secures major industry partnership IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...Successful Proteus training conference Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...Highly integrated 24-channel mixed signal IC EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology has announced the LX4580, a 24-channel mixed-signal IC designed to replace multiple discrete components with a single device that supports synchronised data acquisition, fault monitoring, and motor control.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version