What Is A 3.5-Inch Single Board Computer?
A 3.5-inch single board computer (SBC) is a compact, fully functional computer built on a single circuit board that measures approximately 146mm x 102mm (roughly the size of a 3.5-inch floppy disk). These boards integrate the processor, memory, storage, and I/O ports onto one PCB, making them ideal for embedded applications where space is limited. The 3.5-inch form factor is a widely adopted standard in industrial computing, offering a balance between compactness and expandability.
Key Specifications And Technical Details
3.5-inch SBCs typically feature low-power processors ranging from ARM Cortex-A series chips to Intel Celeron, Pentium, or Core i3/i5/i7 processors. Common specifications include:
-
Processor: Intel N-series (N95, N100), Core i3/i5 (12th/13th/14th Gen), or ARM Cortex-A53/A55
-
Memory: 2GB to 16GB DDR4 or LPDDR4 RAM (soldered or SO-DIMM)
-
Storage: eMMC (16GB-64GB) or SATA III/M.2 SSD (128GB-1TB)
-
Display: HDMI, DisplayPort, LVDS, or eDP outputs
-
I/O: USB 3.0/2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, COM ports, GPIO, audio jacks
-
Power: 5V or 12V DC input, typically 10-25W TDP
These boards often support industrial temperature ranges (-20°C to 70°C), making them suitable for harsh environments.
Use Cases And Applications
3.5-inch single board computers are deployed across numerous industries due to their compact size and reliability:
-
Digital Signage: Powering kiosks, menu boards, and advertising displays
-
Industrial Automation: PLC controllers, HMI interfaces, and machine vision systems
-
Medical Devices: Patient monitoring, diagnostic equipment, and portable instruments
-
Edge Computing: IoT gateways, data acquisition, and AI inference at the network edge
-
Retail & POS: Point-of-sale terminals, self-checkout kiosks, and inventory management
-
Transportation: In-vehicle infotainment, fleet tracking, and telematics
Comparison: 3.5-Inch SBC vs. Other Form Factors
| Feature | 3.5-Inch SBC | Mini PC | Raspberry Pi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 146 x 102 mm | ~180 x 120 mm | 85 x 56 mm |
| Processor Power | Up to Core i7 | Up to Core i9 | ARM Cortex |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 64GB | Up to 8GB |
| Storage | eMMC + SATA/M.2 | M.2 + SATA | microSD + USB |
| Industrial Use | Yes (fanless, wide temp) | Limited | No |
| GPIO/COM | Yes | No | Yes (40-pin) |
| Power Consumption | 10-25W | 15-65W | 5-15W |
3.5-inch SBCs offer a sweet spot between the ultra-compact Raspberry Pi and larger mini PCs, providing industrial-grade reliability and x86/ARM flexibility.
Thinvent's 3.5-Inch Single Board Computer Products
Thinvent offers a range of 3.5-inch SBCs designed for embedded and industrial applications. Our boards feature:
-
Fanless, rugged design for 24/7 operation in dusty or vibrating environments
-
Multiple processor options including Intel N100, Core i3/i5, and ARM Cortex-A55
-
Wide input voltage (5V-12V) with overcurrent protection
-
Rich I/O including dual Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0, COM ports, and GPIO
-
Extended temperature support (-20°C to 70°C) for outdoor or factory use
-
Operating system flexibility with Windows 11 IoT, Ubuntu Linux, or Thinux Embedded Linux
Whether you need a low-power ARM-based board for IoT gateways or a high-performance Intel Core SBC for edge AI, Thinvent provides reliable, customizable 3.5-inch single board computers for your embedded projects.
