# BeagleBone Black

> Single-board minicomputer using Texas Instruments system on a chip

**Wikidata**: [Q104778319](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104778319)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beaglebone-black

## Summary
The BeagleBone Black is a single-board computer that uses a Texas Instruments system on a chip, featuring 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of embedded storage.

## Key Facts
- The BeagleBone Black is a single-board minicomputer using Texas Instruments system on a chip
- It contains 512 MB of random-access memory (RAM)
- It has 4 GB of embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) storage
- It is manufactured by Texas Instruments
- It is part of the BeagleBone series of development boards
- It has an OSHWA (Open Source Hardware Association) UID of US000236
- It has a GitHub topic of "beaglebone-black"
- It is compatible with specific Linux kernel configurations and U-Boot settings

## FAQs
### Q: What is the BeagleBone Black used for?
A: It serves as a development board for embedded systems and computer projects, providing a compact platform for prototyping and development.

### Q: What are its main technical specifications?
A: It features 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of embedded storage, manufactured by Texas Instruments as part of the BeagleBone series.

### Q: Who manufactures the BeagleBone Black?
A: It is produced by Texas Instruments, an American multinational semiconductor company.

### Q: What series is the BeagleBone Black part of?
A: It belongs to the BeagleBone line of single-board minicomputers using Texas Instruments system on a chip.

## Why It Matters
The BeagleBone Black represents an accessible entry point into embedded computing and hardware development. As a compact, affordable single-board computer, it democratizes access to powerful computing capabilities for hobbyists, educators, and developers. Its significance lies in making sophisticated embedded systems development possible without requiring specialized equipment or extensive technical knowledge. The device has played a crucial role in education, enabling hands-on learning of computer architecture, programming, and hardware interfacing. Its open-source nature and community support have fostered innovation across various applications, from IoT devices to educational tools and experimental projects.

## Notable For
- It features 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of embedded storage, providing substantial resources for embedded applications
- It has an OSHWA certification with UID US000236, indicating compliance with open hardware standards
- It's part of the BeagleBone series, which has established itself as a popular platform for embedded development
- It's manufactured by Texas Instruments, a major semiconductor company with decades of industry experience
- It's compatible with specific Linux kernel configurations and U-Boot settings, enabling flexible system customization

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The BeagleBone Black is equipped with 512 MB of random-access memory (RAM) and 4 GB of embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) storage. It operates using a Texas Instruments system on a chip, specifically designed for embedded applications. The device features a compact form factor suitable for development boards and embedded systems.

### Manufacturing and Certification
Manufactured by Texas Instruments, the BeagleBone Black carries an OSHWA (Open Source Hardware Association) certification with the identifier US000236. This certification indicates compliance with open hardware standards, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in its design and manufacturing.

### Compatibility and Software Support
The BeagleBone Black is compatible with specific Linux kernel configurations and U-Boot settings, including the am335x-boneblack.dts device tree source and am335x_evm_defconfig kernel configuration. It also supports uboot4extlinux-am335x_bone U-Boot settings, providing flexible boot and system configuration options.

### Series and Development Context
As part of the BeagleBone series, the BeagleBone Black represents an evolution of single-board computer technology. The series has established itself as a popular platform for embedded development, offering a balance between performance and affordability. The device's specifications and features align with the broader goals of the BeagleBone line to provide accessible hardware for educational and professional development purposes.

### Technical Architecture
The Texas Instruments system on a chip powering the BeagleBone Black integrates multiple components into a single package, including the processor core, memory interfaces, and various peripheral controllers. This system-on-a-chip approach maximizes efficiency while maintaining compatibility with standard development tools and software ecosystems.

## References

1. [Source](https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/tree/arch/arm/boot/dts/am335x-boneblack.dts)