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8051-based Single Board Computers (SBCs)

Build vs. Buy: 8051
One of the grand dilemmas of being an embedded engineer is "build" vs. "buy." Whereas it might be "more fun" to build everything yourself, or certainly confirm your engineering ego, sometimes it is better to "buy" or "outsource" some of your design work, to leverage the expertise of vendors who have already worked with the 8051 especially when it comes to placing it on a board. Board layout, design, and production are no easy tasks. In addition, if your final application is not a large production run, you may be better off buying 8051-based boards and moving directly on to your application. This may save dollars and time, even if it means a higher per unit cost.

Fortunately, there are quite a few vendors of 8051-based boards. So you can maintain your commitment to the 8051, yet leverage their expertise as board vendors. Here are some to consider.

8051 SBC (Single Board Computer) Vendors
mikroElektronika , based in Serbia, focuses more on development boards, but for applications that are not meant to have high production runs, you might consider deploying with some of their boards. The price points are not high. Allen Systems of Ohio, USA, offers many boards based not just on the 8051 but other architectures as well. The company also offers development services and custom PCB design services - so, again, if you are looking to save time-to-market a company like Allen Systems can be a good alternative to doing it all yourself.

Phytec is a larger manufacturer, which similarly provides many single board computers based on a variety of architectures. The company has also embraced the "system-on-module" concept to allow you to leverage their board designs but also use modules to customize them for your own applications. If you are struggling mentally with the "build-vs-buy" dynamic, be sure to check out their white paper - The PHYTEC Advantage Shorten Time-to-Market & Reduce Risk in all Phases of Development which makes their pitch for why "buy" with Phytec is a good decision. Their 8051 Rapid Development Kit can be found here , but be forewarned that it is marked "legacy." That said, if you are not wed to the 8051 you might consider some of their other products and abandon the 8051 altogether.

Returning to small manufacturers, you might also consider Rigel Corporation , which makes 8051-based SBC's. They even have an Internet demo running of one of them online, here .

A leading supplier of industrial computers since 1976, VersaLogic focuses on high-quality board-level products for embedded OEM applications. Their five year product availability guarantee and outstanding warranties demonstrate a commitment to service. Product platforms include EBX, PC/104, PC/104-Plus, EPIC, and SPX. For four years running VersaLogic has received the coveted "Platinum" level vendor rating based on independent user surveys by technology research firm Venture Development Corporation (VDC).