A Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a complete computer built on a single circuit board, with microprocessor(s), memory, storage, input/output (I/O) and other features required of a functional computer. Industrial Single-board computers (SBCs) are commonly custom designed and built for a specific system or set of functions.  As embedded computers do not require all functions of a server, desktop, or portable computer, generally SBCs can be easier to integrate all these needed functions onto a single printed circuit board.

ARM Single Board computers or RISC Single board computers are generally purpose-built computer controllers, designed for a few specific tasks. With lower power operation, able to withstand harsher environments, and able to do specific computer tasks these processors are ideal solutions for embedded Single board computers. Where higher-end functions such as multimedia graphics are not normally needed, ARM processors are built to run as computerized equipment monitors watching for errors and reporting when problems occur. Being able to run operating systems outside of traditional windows computers, storage and memory can be smaller saving resources on the per system costs.