LattePanda IOTA N150 x86 SBC - 8GB RAM, 64GB eMMC

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

4G LTE

4G LTE is a cellular data standard used for internet access over mobile networks. When a product offers 4G LTE connectivity, it can provide remote internet access where wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi is not available, given suitable coverage and a SIM or data plan.

DC

DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.

DIP switch

A DIP switch is a small set of physical on/off switches used to configure hardware settings without software. It matters because changing features such as auto power-on or charging limits may require moving these tiny switches correctly.

edge computing

Edge computing means processing data close to where it is collected, such as on the device itself, rather than sending everything to the cloud. This can reduce delays, internet dependence, and privacy concerns in sensor, camera, and robotics projects.

eDP

Embedded DisplayPort (eDP) is an internal display interface used to connect a computer board directly to a built-in panel rather than an external monitor. When a display uses eDP, it requires a host board with a matching eDP connector and support, and will not plug into a standard external output such as HDMI.

eMMC

Embedded MultiMediaCard is built-in flash storage soldered onto a board, similar in purpose to an SD card but integrated. It matters because it holds the operating system and files without needing a separate memory card.

FPC

FPC stands for flexible printed circuit, a thin flat flexible cable or connector style often used where space is tight or some movement is needed, commonly for displays, cameras and other high-density connections. Connecting to an FPC connector generally needs a matching cable with the correct pin count, pitch and contact orientation.

GPIO

General-purpose input/output pins are microcontroller pins you can set in software to read signals, switch devices on and off, or connect to peripherals. The number of GPIO pins matters because it limits how many buttons, LEDs, sensors, and other parts you can wire directly to the board.

HDMI

HDMI is a common digital video and audio connection used by computers, media players, and many displays. If a display kit has HDMI input, it is usually much easier to test with a single-board computer because it can act like a normal monitor.

HID

Human Interface Device is a USB device class used for keyboards, mice, gamepads and similar controls. If a board supports HID over USB, it can act like an input device to a computer without needing a custom driver.

IoT

Short for Internet of Things, meaning physical devices that connect to networks or the internet to send data or be controlled remotely. It matters if you want projects such as connected sensors, remote controls or classroom data-logging activities.

M.2

M.2 is a compact edge-connector standard for plugging small modules - such as SSDs, wireless cards or microcontroller modules - into a host board without soldering. The same slot shape can carry different interfaces (for example PCIe, SATA or USB), so keying and the supported module type need to be checked.

NVMe

A high-speed storage standard commonly used by modern SSDs. NVMe support matters if you want faster storage for large AI models, video files or operating system images than a typical microSD card can provide.

PoE

Power over Ethernet lets one Ethernet cable carry both network data and electrical power. This is useful when installing a device where running a separate power adaptor would be difficult.

RJ45

The common plug and socket style used for wired Ethernet network cables. If a board has an RJ45 connector, you can usually plug it into standard Ethernet cabling without making a custom connector.

RP2040

The RP2040 is a dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller chip from Raspberry Pi, used on many maker boards and offering programmable I/O, multiple GPIO pins and reasonable processing speed. Code and accessories built for that chip should work where RP2040 compatibility is listed, though demanding tasks such as reading a camera can require careful pin allocation and timing.

RTC

A Real-Time Clock keeps track of time even when the main processor is asleep or powered down, usually with a small backup battery. It matters for data logging and tracking projects that need accurate timestamps.

single-board computer

A complete computer built onto one circuit board, usually including the processor, memory, ports, and connectors. This matters because accessories like heatsinks must match the board’s layout and mounting holes to fit properly.

TDP

TDP, or thermal design power, is a guide to how much heat a processor’s cooling system is expected to handle. Checking the TDP rating helps you decide whether a heatsink or case is suitable for the board and workload you plan to use.

Type-C

USB Type-C (USB-C) is a small, reversible USB connector used for charging, power, and data transfer on many modern devices. A Type-C port or plug indicates the cable and charger connection needed to power, charge, or communicate with a device.

UART

UART is a simple asynchronous serial interface that sends data over separate transmit and receive wires, usually labelled TX and RX, with both ends set to the same baud rate. It is a common way for microcontrollers and other serial devices to exchange data.

UPS

An uninterruptible power supply is a battery-backed power system that keeps a device running when external power is unplugged or fails. For an embedded computer, it helps prevent sudden shutdowns that can corrupt files or interrupt a project.

USB 2.0

USB 2.0 is a widely used wired standard for carrying both data and power between a device and a computer or other compatible host, with data rates up to 480 Mbps. It indicates the kind of port a device uses and that it should work with most modern and many older computers.

USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a small, reversible USB connector used for power, data and sometimes video on many modern devices. The connector itself does not guarantee a particular speed or voltage, so check the supported USB version, data rate and whether it carries more than 5V via USB Power Delivery.