# A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC > Single-board computer model **Wikidata**: [Q124350765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124350765) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/a20-olinuxino-lime2-emmc ## Summary The A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC is a single-board computer model manufactured by Olimex. As a product model within the single-board computer class, it integrates a complete computer system—including a processor, memory, and input-output interfaces—onto a single printed circuit board. This specific hardware is compatible with the device tree blob file `sun7i-a20-olinuxino-lime2-emmc.dts` and is documented as an open-source hardware product. ## Key Facts - **Manufacturer:** Olimex - **Class:** Single-board computer - **Instance Of:** Product model - **Compatibility:** Compatible with `sun7i-a20-olinuxino-lime2-emmc.dts` - **Documentation:** Designated as open-source hardware - **Core Architecture:** Integrates CPU, voltage regulator, RAM, flash memory, and electrical connectors on one board - **Primary Function:** Functions as a complete computer without the need for a separate motherboard or chassis - **Typical Use:** Employed as an embedded system component - **Distinction:** Distinct from System on a Chip (SoC) and System on Module (SoM); it is a complete board that may contain an SoC - **Related Families:** Part of the broader hardware ecosystem that includes Raspberry Pi, Banana Pi, ODROID, BeagleBoard, Intel Galileo, and Nvidia Jetson series ## FAQs ### Q: Who manufactures the A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC? **A:** The device is produced by Olimex, a company that provides documentation and design files for the board as open-source hardware. ### Q: What specific software compatibility does this board support? **A:** This model is specifically compatible with the device tree blob file `sun7i-a20-olinuxino-lime2-emmc.dts`, which is used for hardware description in Linux-based systems. ### Q: How does this board differ from a standard computer motherboard? **A:** Unlike a standard motherboard which requires separate components to be plugged in, this single-board computer integrates the CPU, RAM, storage, and connectors directly onto the printed circuit board. ### Q: What type of computer is the A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC classified as? **A:** It is classified as a product model and a subclass of the single-board computer (SBC) form factor. ### Q: What are the primary applications for this device? **A:** Like other SBCs, it is primarily used in embedded systems, robotics, IoT devices, education, and prototyping where space and power efficiency are critical. ## Why It Matters The A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC matters as a specific implementation of the single-board computer form factor, offering a complete, integrated computing solution manufactured by Olimex. By providing open-source hardware documentation, it supports the ethos of transparency and modification that drives innovation in embedded systems and DIY electronics. As a member of the SBC family, it democratizes access to computing power, allowing developers and hobbyists to deploy fully functional computers in environments where traditional desktop PCs are impractical due to size, cost, or power constraints. Its compatibility with specific Linux device trees ensures it can be integrated into existing software ecosystems, facilitating rapid prototyping and deployment in edge-computing and industrial applications. ## Notable For - **Manufacturer Identity:** Produced by Olimex, a recognized entity in the single-board computer market. - **Open-Source Design:** The product documentation is hosted under an "open-source-hardware" path, indicating the availability of design files. - **Specific Compatibility:** Distinctly compatible with the `sun7i-a20-olinuxino-lime2-emmc.dts` device tree file. - **Form Factor:** Belongs to the single-board computer class, known for integrating all computer components onto one circuit board. - **Component Integration:** Contains a CPU, voltage regulator, RAM, flash memory, and electrical connectors as a unified system. ## Body ### Product Identity and Manufacturer The A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC is a specific hardware offering categorized as a product model. It is manufactured by Olimex, a company that actively promotes open-source hardware principles. The product's design resources and documentation are publicly accessible, aligning with the manufacturer's commitment to open hardware standards. This specific model is identified by its compatibility with the `sun7i-a20-olinuxino-lime2-emmc.dts` file, a crucial component for describing the hardware layout to the operating system kernel. ### Classification and Architecture As a subclass of the single-board computer (SBC), the A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC adheres to the architectural definition of a complete computer built on a single printed circuit board. It includes a central processing unit (CPU), voltage regulator module, RAM (often as an integrated circuit), flash memory (often as an integrated circuit), and various electrical connectors for power and peripherals. This architecture allows the board to function independently without requiring a separate motherboard or chassis, distinguishing it from multi-board computer setups. ### Context within Single-Board Computing The A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC exists within a well-established historical context of single-board computing. While the concept dates back to early examples like the KIM-1 in 1975, and popular modern examples include the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B released in 2019, this Olimex model represents the diversity of the SBC market. It is related to other major families such as Banana Pi, ODROID, BeagleBoard, Intel Galileo, and Nvidia Jetson. Unlike System on a Chip (SoC) or System on Module (SoM) designs, which are chip-level integrations or modular carriers, the A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC is a standalone board designed to function as a complete unit. ### Technical Components and Design The board's physical construction follows the standard "all-in-one" design typical of its class. It integrates essential components directly onto the PCB to reduce the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost and simplify the design process. Key components include: * **CPU and Memory:** Integrated processing and RAM capabilities. * **Storage:** Includes flash memory integrated onto the board. * **Power Management:** Features a voltage regulator module to manage power distribution. * **Connectivity:** Utilizes various electrical connectors for input-output operations. ### Applications and Use Cases The A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC is designed for applications typical of the single-board computer class. These include: * **Embedded Systems:** Serving as the core controller for appliances, automotive systems, and industrial machinery. * **Internet of Things (IoT):** Acting as a gateway or sensor hub in smart-home networks. * **Robotics:** Providing on-board processing for navigation and perception tasks. * **Education and Prototyping:** Serving as a platform for learning hardware concepts and developing DIY electronics projects. * **Edge Computing:** Handling local data processing for latency-sensitive tasks. ### Advantages and Limitations In line with its form factor, the A20-OLinuXino-LIME2-eMMC offers the advantages of compact size and low power consumption. Its integrated design simplifies development and accelerates time-to-market for embedded solutions. However, as with most SBCs, it may face limitations in expandability compared to full-size motherboards and can present thermal management challenges due to the dense packing of components. Despite these limitations, its role as a self-contained, open-source compatible computer makes it a versatile tool in the modern hardware landscape.