Siliconseek: Open PCB & Controller Design Database

Executive decision-making reference for Raspberry-Pi-class SBCs, compute modules, carrier boards, and robot controllers

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Platform Category CPU / MCU RAM Connectivity Open HW
Platform Type Ecosystem Voltage Key IO Design Files
Controller MCU / SoC Channels & Current Voltage Range Ecosystem Open HW

Comprehensive Specifications Overview

High-level comparison of SBCs, compute modules, carrier boards, and robot controllers for robotics and embedded systems.

PCB Platforms Comparison Table

License & Openness Information

CERN OHL / Open Hardware

Commercial Use: Yes (subject to OHL terms)

Restrictions: Share-alike conditions, documentation requirements

Applies To: BeagleBone, OLinuXino families, many open carrier boards

Permissive (MIT / BSD)

Commercial Use: Yes

Restrictions: Include copyright and license notice

Applies To: Some controller boards, firmware stacks, reference designs

Mixed / Partially Open

Commercial Use: Yes

Restrictions: Schematics often open, layout and silicon closed

Applies To: Raspberry Pi boards, many commodity MCU boards

Commercial / Proprietary

Commercial Use: Yes (under vendor contracts)

Restrictions: No redistribution of design files, NDA for detailed docs

Applies To: Industrial PLCs, safety-rated controllers, some motor drives

Cost & Access Tiers

  • Fully Open & Low-Cost

    Best for: Early research, teaching labs, reproducible open robots.

    Platforms: OLinuXino boards, BeagleBone family, open CM4 carriers, open robot controllers (e.g. mower or mobile-base boards).

  • Commodity SBCs & Controllers

    Best for: Rapid prototyping, hobby robots, proof-of-concept systems.

    Platforms: Raspberry Pi boards, Pi HATs, Blue Pill–style MCU boards, off-the-shelf motor controllers.

  • Industrial & Safety-Critical

    Best for: Production robots, certified machinery, long-term support.

    Platforms: Industrial PCs, PLC-based controllers, certified drive systems with vendor toolchains.

Critical Decision Factors

  • Compute & Real-Time Needs

    How much CPU/GPU do you need, and where does hard real-time live?

    • SBCs handle high-level planning, perception, and networking.
    • MCUs or dedicated controllers handle hard real-time motor control.
    • Hybrid designs pair Pi-class SBCs with open motor controllers.
  • IO, Power & Safety

    How many channels, which voltage rails, and what safety features?

    • Check motor current, battery voltage, and connector ratings.
    • Include e-stops, fuses, and isolation where appropriate.
    • Prefer boards with clear power tree and protection schemes.
  • Openness & Reproducibility

    Can you fork the design, re-spin it, and debug it at PCB level?

    • Open KiCad sources allow rapid customization and review.
    • Open documentation simplifies community support and audits.
    • Closed silicon is acceptable if the PCB itself is open.
  • Timeline & Supply Risk

    How sensitive is your project to shortages and EOL risk?

    • Favor multiple-source components and stable SBC ecosystems.
    • Keep a migration path (e.g., Pi → OLinuXino or CM4 → other SOM).
    • Document substitutes for regulators, connectors, and drivers.

Deployment Scale Guidance

  • Academic Labs & Makers (1–5 robots)

    Recommended: Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone + open motor HATs or shields; simple MCU boards for low-level control.

    Priority: Documentation, community examples, quick assembly, minimal NRE.

  • Startups & Research Prototypes (5–50 robots)

    Recommended: CM4 or open SBC (OLinuXino) with custom carrier, plus open robot controllers that you can modify.

    Priority: Control over BOM, reproducible KiCad projects, manufacturability.

  • Commercial Products (50+ robots)

    Recommended: Custom baseboards around compute modules or SOMs, safety-rated motor drives, industrial IO.

    Priority: Yield, certification, long-term supply, clear IP position.