The smallest Linux computers

A few days ago, free hardware activists released the second version of the tiny Linux-based computer, the VoCore2 , 25.6 × 25.6 × 3.0 mm in size, that is, with a large coin (almost square in square inch). In a matchbox fit about eight such computers.

This is a descendant of the very VoCore, which collected money through Indiegogo. Still collected, and the project lives. This is an absolutely open computer, which anyone can assemble from these components (or buy a board assembly for $ 17.99). The computer works on the OpenWrt / LEDE firmware, that is, it is ideal for the role of a portable router.


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The machine has a processor of 580 MHz, it has 128 MB of RAM and 16 MB of flash memory (expandable cards up to 2 TB).

Specifications

The size	25.6 × 25.6 × 3.0 mm
CPU	MT7628AN, 580 MHz, MIPS 24K
Ram	128 MB, DDR2, 166 MHz
Flash memory	16 MB NOR on the board, supports SDXC up to 2 TB
WiFi	802.11n, 2T2R, up to 300 Mbps
Antenna	One U.FL connector for an external antenna (visible in the upper left corner in the photo of the board ↑), one antenna on the board.
Ethernet	1 port / 5 ports, up to 100 Mbps
USB	Supports USB 2.0, up to 480 Mbps
GPIO	40 (pinmux)
UART	x3 (UART2 for debugging)
Pwm	x4
Temperature	0 ~ 40 ° C, use indoors only
Nutrition	3.6V ~ 6.0V, 500mA
power usage	74mA wifi standby, 230mA wifi maximum power, 5V.

All VoCore2 software is open to the last bit : OpenWrt 1505, MediaTek SDK, UBoot, WiFi driver. A schematic for a printed circuit board, documentation for the antenna , 64 and 128 MB firmware, and everything else that is needed to assemble and configure a computer is published.





VoCore2 is sold as a board or in a package (VoCore2 Ultimate) with all interfaces: audio jack, Ethernet, USB, micro USB, microSD.



Very handy gadget for connecting smart home devices and other IoT electronics.

On the basis of VoCore2 do not only routers, but also portable digital cameras . In this case, the size of the board is even smaller (only 2 × 2 cm). Such a Linux camera shoots and records 1920 × 1080 video at 30 frames per second with support for the H.264 codec.



In terms of size and characteristics, VoCore2 is very similar to the Omega2 + router, which can also be considered one of the smallest Linux computers in the world. Board dimensions 39.9 × 26.4 × 9.9 mm (if GPIO pins are made thick).



According to the characteristics, the two boards are practically the same, but Omega2 + is even cheaper, $ 13 instead of $ 18

Vocore2: MT7628AN 580 MHz MIPS, 128 MB DDR2, 16 MB flash memory: $ 18
Omega2 +: MT7688 580 MHz MIPS, 128 MB DDR2, 32 MB flash memory: $ 13





Omega2 + also supports WiFi b / g / n and runs on the Linux Embedded Development Environment (LEDE) operating system.

However, modern portable Linux-based computers are very far from the miracle of miniaturization, which Transcend introduced five years ago. This is a full-fledged Linux server in SD card format ( Transcend WiFi SD card ).



If you install it instead of a standard SD card into a digital camera, the camera will transmit data via WiFi. For example, an old unnecessary digital camera turns into a normal surveillance camera with a network connection. But it is clear that such a Linux server can be used for other purposes, as hackers enthusiasts have successfully demonstrated .

Miniature Linux-based computers on open-design boards are perfect for integration into robotics, the Internet of things and the smart home system, if you are not satisfied with the cumbersome size and high price of Raspberry Pi. And thanks to such devices, Linux is now the world's most popular operating system.

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