Understanding Pc104 Single Board Computers: Material Properties, Technical Standards, and Uses in Engineering

Types of PC/104 Single Board Computers

A PC/104 single board computer (SBC) is a compact, stackable computer standard widely used in embedded systems, industrial automation, military applications, and specialized computing environments. Designed for reliability, modularity, and space efficiency, PC/104 SBCs are ideal for applications where size, ruggedness, and long-term availability are critical.

Based on their intended applications and operational requirements, PC/104 SBCs come in several distinct types, each tailored to specific use cases across diverse industries.

General Purpose

Designed for versatility, these SBCs support a wide range of applications across industrial control, telecommunications, and commercial embedded systems.

Advantages

• Wide range of I/O interfaces (USB, serial, Ethernet)
• Compatible with standard operating systems
• Cost-effective for non-extreme environments
• Easy integration and scalability

Limitations

• Limited environmental protection
• Not suitable for extreme temperatures or shock
• May require additional enclosures

Best for: Standard industrial automation, test equipment, and general-purpose embedded control

Rugged Military & Industrial

Built to withstand harsh environments, these models meet MIL-STD and industrial certifications for operation under extreme conditions.

Advantages

• High resistance to shock, vibration, and EMI
• Extended temperature range (-40°C to +85°C)
• Conformal coating and ruggedized components
• Long product lifecycle and obsolescence management

Limitations

• Higher cost compared to commercial models
• May have limited upgrade flexibility
• Slower adoption of latest consumer-grade processors

Best for: Defense systems, aerospace, oil & gas, and outdoor industrial applications

Embedded Systems

Custom-engineered for dedicated tasks, these SBCs feature tailored I/O and firmware optimized for specific embedded applications.

Advantages

• Optimized for low power consumption
• Programmable I/O for custom sensor/actuator integration
• Real-time performance capabilities
• Seamless integration into OEM products

Limitations

• Less flexibility for repurposing
• Requires upfront design and validation
• Higher NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) costs

Best for: Medical devices, transportation systems, and proprietary control units

Development & Prototyping

Used during the design and testing phase, these boards help engineers validate concepts before final product deployment.

Advantages

• Full access to processor and bus signals
• Onboard debugging and programming interfaces
• Support for multiple OS and development tools
• Facilitates rapid iteration and testing

Limitations

• Larger footprint than final production boards
• May include unnecessary components for final use
• Not optimized for volume production

Best for: R&D labs, engineering prototypes, and proof-of-concept development

Customizable SBCs

Offer modular designs that allow hardware and software modifications to meet unique project requirements.

Advantages

• Flexible CPU, memory, and storage options
• Custom BIOS, boot configuration, and drivers
• Support for legacy interfaces and protocols
• Ideal for long-lifecycle applications

Limitations

• Longer lead times for custom builds
• Higher cost for low-volume orders
• Requires technical collaboration with manufacturer

Best for: Specialized OEM applications, legacy system upgrades, and niche markets

Specialty Boards

Integrate advanced functionalities such as motion control, data acquisition, or AI processing for industry-specific tasks.

Advantages

• Onboard specialized controllers (e.g., stepper motor drivers)
• High-precision analog/digital I/O
• Optimized firmware for real-time control
• Reduces system complexity and component count

Limitations

• Narrow application scope
• Premium pricing due to specialized components
• Limited software ecosystem

Best for: Factory automation, robotics, CNC machinery, and scientific instrumentation

Expansion Boards

Stackable modules that add functionality to the base PC/104 system, such as networking, graphics, or storage.

Advantages

• Modular and scalable system design
• Adds Ethernet, Wi-Fi, CAN bus, or GPU support
• PIN-to-PIN compatible with PC/104 standard
• Enables system upgrades without replacing core SBC

Limitations

• Increases stack height and power consumption
• May require custom power management
• Compatibility must be verified per model

Best for: System expansion, multi-function integration, and future-proofing embedded designs

Type	Environment	Flexibility	Performance	Primary Use Case
General Purpose	Controlled	High	Good	Commercial embedded systems
Rugged Military & Industrial	Extreme	Moderate	Excellent	Defense, aerospace, heavy industry
Embedded Systems	Varied	Low (Custom)	Optimized	Medical, transportation, OEM
Development & Prototyping	Laboratory	Very High	Development-Focused	R&D, product validation
Customizable SBCs	Varied	High	Tailored	Legacy systems, niche applications
Specialty Boards	Industrial	Low	Specialized	Automation, robotics, control
Expansion Boards	All (Add-on)	High	Functional Boost	System enhancement, modular upgrades

Expert Tip: When selecting a PC/104 SBC, consider not only current requirements but also future scalability, long-term component availability, and environmental resilience to ensure system longevity and reduce maintenance costs.

Functions and Features of PC/104 Single-Board Computers

The PC/104 single-board computer is a compact, high-performance computing solution engineered for embedded applications in industrial, military, aerospace, and automation environments. Its modular design, rugged construction, and powerful processing capabilities make it ideal for mission-critical systems where reliability, space efficiency, and real-time responsiveness are paramount.

Core Functional Capabilities

Max Performance

Engineered for high-intensity computing tasks, the PC/104 delivers exceptional performance through advanced processor architectures and optimized memory systems. Equipped with modern CPUs and generous RAM capacity, it efficiently handles complex algorithms, real-time data analysis, multitasking, and parallel processing—making it suitable for applications such as edge computing, machine vision, and signal processing.

Its compact form factor does not compromise computational power, allowing integration into space-constrained systems without sacrificing speed or responsiveness.

Real-Time Capabilities

The PC/104 excels in time-sensitive operations where deterministic behavior is essential. With support for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and precise interrupt handling, it ensures predictable execution times for critical control loops and feedback mechanisms.

This makes it indispensable in applications like robotics, industrial automation, flight control systems, and process monitoring—where delayed responses can lead to system failure or safety hazards.

Versatile I/O Interfaces

Built with extensive input/output connectivity, the PC/104 supports a wide range of peripheral devices and communication protocols. Standard interfaces include USB, RS-232/485 serial ports, Ethernet, CAN bus, GPIO, SPI, I²C, and analog-to-digital converters.

This versatility enables seamless integration with sensors, actuators, HMIs, networked devices, and legacy systems, facilitating flexible system design across diverse industrial and embedded platforms.

Data Acquisition & Processing

The PC/104 is highly effective in collecting, analyzing, and acting upon real-time data from various sources. Whether monitoring temperature, pressure, vibration, or equipment performance metrics, it combines onboard sensing capabilities with powerful processing to deliver actionable insights.

Data can be processed locally for immediate control decisions or transmitted to higher-level systems for long-term trend analysis, predictive maintenance, and operational optimization—making it a cornerstone of smart manufacturing and IoT-enabled devices.

Embedded Control Systems

As the central processing unit in embedded control architectures, the PC/104 manages everything from motor control and robotic arm coordination to automated assembly line operations. Its ability to run dedicated firmware and interact directly with hardware components allows for tight integration and precise control over system variables.

Programmable logic capabilities, combined with deterministic timing, enable the implementation of sophisticated control strategies such as PID loops, state machines, and adaptive control algorithms.

Ruggedized Designs

Designed for deployment in harsh environments, the PC/104 features a ruggedized build that resists extreme temperatures (typically -40°C to +85°C), shock, vibration, dust, and moisture. Components are selected for long-term reliability, and many models are conformal coated to prevent corrosion.

This durability ensures uninterrupted operation in demanding conditions such as outdoor surveillance, mobile military systems, oil and gas exploration, and railway applications.

Low Power Consumption

Energy efficiency is a hallmark of the PC/104 design. Utilizing low-power processors and optimized circuitry, it minimizes energy draw while maintaining robust performance—ideal for battery-powered, portable, or remote installations.

Its thermal efficiency also reduces the need for active cooling, further lowering power requirements and enhancing reliability in sealed or fanless enclosures.

Detailed Documentation and Support

Manufacturers provide comprehensive technical resources including datasheets, user manuals, programming guides, driver libraries, SDKs, and application notes. These materials streamline development, reduce integration time, and support troubleshooting during deployment.

In addition, many vendors offer direct technical support, community forums, and software updates, ensuring developers have continuous access to expert knowledge and evolving tools for maximizing system performance.

Feature	Primary Benefit	Typical Applications
High-Performance Processing	Efficient execution of complex tasks	Edge computing, AI inference, image processing
Real-Time Operation	Predictable response times	Industrial automation, robotics, flight controls
Multiple I/O Options	Interoperability with diverse hardware	SCADA systems, sensor networks, test equipment
Rugged Construction	Reliability in extreme conditions	Military vehicles, mining equipment, outdoor kiosks
Low Power Usage	Extended battery life, reduced heat output	Portable medical devices, UAVs, remote monitoring

Why Choose PC/104 for Embedded Solutions?

Compact and Stackable Design: The PC/104 form factor (3.550" x 3.775") allows vertical stacking of modules without additional cabling, saving space and simplifying system expansion.

Long-Term Availability: Unlike consumer-grade hardware, PC/104 components are designed for extended lifecycle support, crucial for industrial and defense applications requiring decade-long deployments.

OS Compatibility: Supports a wide range of operating systems including Linux, Windows Embedded, RTOS (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS), enabling flexibility in software development.

Modular Expandability: Easily integrate additional functionality via expansion modules such as GPS, Wi-Fi, FPGA, or data acquisition boards.

Proven Reliability: Widely adopted in safety-critical systems due to rigorous testing, quality standards, and field-proven performance.

Important: When selecting a PC/104 module, ensure compatibility with your power supply, thermal management system, and required I/O interfaces. Always verify environmental ratings (temperature, shock, vibration) against your application’s operational conditions. Using properly certified components and following manufacturer guidelines ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Real-World Applications of PC/104 Embedded Computers

The PC/104 is a compact, rugged, and highly reliable embedded computing standard that excels in demanding industrial and mission-critical environments. Its small footprint, low power consumption, and resistance to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures make it ideal for integration into space-constrained or harsh-condition applications. These characteristics have led to widespread adoption across a diverse range of industries where performance, durability, and long-term availability are essential.

Oil and Gas Industry

PC/104 systems are deployed in both upstream and downstream operations, where reliability under extreme environmental conditions is paramount.

• Used for real-time control and monitoring of offshore drilling platforms, managing pumps, valves, and safety systems
• Integrated into refinery process control units to monitor temperature, pressure, and flow rates in hazardous environments
• Deployed in remote telemetry units (RTUs) for pipeline monitoring and leak detection across vast geographic areas

Key benefit: Long operational life and resistance to corrosion in high-humidity, salt-laden, or explosive atmospheres

Manufacturing and Industrial Automation

In modern smart factories, PC/104 modules serve as the backbone for automation, data acquisition, and quality assurance systems.

• Supervise high-speed assembly lines with precise timing and machine coordination
• Enable real-time inventory tracking and production scheduling via integration with ERP/MES systems
• Power vision-based quality inspection systems that detect defects using machine learning algorithms

Pro tip: Stackable architecture allows modular expansion for I/O, communication, and sensor interfaces

Military and Defense Systems

The PC/104’s compliance with MIL-STD environmental standards makes it a trusted choice for defense applications requiring ruggedness and longevity.

• Embedded in tactical vehicles for navigation, communication, and battlefield management
• Used in command and control systems for secure data processing in mobile units
• Integrated into radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems for signal processing and threat detection

Critical factor: Meets MIL-STD-810 (shock/vibration) and MIL-STD-461 (EMI) requirements for deployment in combat zones

Aerospace and Aviation

PC/104 computers support both commercial and space-grade systems where weight, power, and reliability are critical design constraints.

• Control subsystems in satellites and launch vehicles, including attitude control and telemetry
• Monitor cabin pressure, engine performance, and avionics health in commercial and private aircraft
• Support flight test instrumentation during aircraft development and certification

Technical note: Qualified for operation in vacuum, radiation-prone, and high-G environments

Research and Development

Laboratories and research institutions leverage PC/104 platforms for prototyping, data logging, and experimental control.

• Collect high-frequency sensor data in physics, environmental, and biomedical experiments
• Control robotic arms, climate chambers, and other lab automation equipment
• Deploy in field research stations (e.g., polar, desert, or deep-sea environments) due to rugged design

Innovation driver: Open architecture supports rapid integration with custom sensors and DAQ hardware

Automotive and Transportation

From vehicle testing to intelligent transportation systems, PC/104 modules provide reliable computing in mobile and dynamic environments.

• Used in vehicle dynamics testing for real-time data acquisition from accelerometers, GPS, and CAN bus
• Power onboard diagnostics and telematics systems in commercial fleets
• Support ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) development and validation platforms

Smart choice: Ideal for embedded applications where space and thermal management are limited

Marine and Shipbuilding

PC/104 systems are trusted in maritime applications due to their resistance to moisture, salt spray, and mechanical stress.

• Integrated into bridge navigation systems, autopilots, and radar displays
• Monitor engine performance, fuel efficiency, and ballast systems on commercial vessels
• Ensure compliance with maritime standards during ship construction and commissioning

Key consideration: Often used in conjunction with marine-grade enclosures and conformal coating

Electronics Prototype Development

Engineers and designers use PC/104 as a flexible, modular platform for developing next-generation electronic devices.

• Accelerate proof-of-concept development by stacking CPU, I/O, and communication modules
• Test sensor fusion algorithms by connecting multiple analog, digital, and wireless interfaces
• Validate embedded software in real-world conditions before mass production

Time-saving tip: Reduces development cycle time with plug-and-play compatibility and extensive driver support

Expert Insight: The PC/104 form factor offers exceptional longevity and backward compatibility—some modules remain in production for over 20 years. This makes it ideal for applications requiring long-term support, such as military, aerospace, and industrial systems where redesign costs are prohibitive. When selecting a PC/104 solution, prioritize vendors with strong supply chain commitments and extended lifecycle management.

Industry	Primary Use Case	Key Environmental Challenge	Typical PC/104 Configuration
Oil & Gas	Remote monitoring and control	Explosive atmospheres, high humidity	Low-power CPU + CAN/RS-485 I/O + rugged enclosure
Military	Tactical computing and comms	Shock, vibration, EMI	MIL-qualified board + secure boot + extended temp range
Aerospace	Onboard data processing	Radiation, vacuum, thermal cycling	Rad-hardened or space-qualified module + redundant storage
Automotive R&D	Vehicle testing and validation	Vibration, wide temperature swings	Compact stack + GPS + CAN bus + high-speed data logging
Marine	Navigation and system control	Salt corrosion, moisture ingress	Conformal-coated board + Ethernet + serial interfaces

Why PC/104 Remains a Preferred Choice

• Modular Design: Stackable form factor enables easy customization and future upgrades without redesigning the entire system
• Long-Term Availability: Many manufacturers offer 10+ year product lifecycles, critical for industrial and defense programs
• Low Power Consumption: Ideal for battery-powered or thermally constrained environments
• Wide Operating Temperature Range: Typically -40°C to +85°C, suitable for extreme climates
• Proven Reliability: Decades of field use in mission-critical applications validate its robustness and dependability

How to Choose PC/104 Single Board Computers: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

PC/104 single board computers (SBCs) are compact, rugged computing platforms widely used in industrial automation, military systems, transportation, and embedded applications. Their stackable design, low power consumption, and high reliability make them ideal for space-constrained and harsh environments. Selecting the right PC/104 board requires careful consideration of multiple technical and environmental factors. This guide outlines the key criteria to help you make an informed decision based on your application’s unique demands.

Important Note: Unlike standard desktop PCs, PC/104 systems are designed for mission-critical, long-life deployments. Choosing the wrong board can lead to system failure, increased maintenance costs, or compatibility issues down the line. Always validate specifications with the manufacturer and consider future scalability.

Key Selection Criteria for PC/104 Single Board Computers

• Environmental Suitability: The operating environment plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate PC/104 board. If your application will be deployed in conditions involving vibration, extreme temperatures, humidity, or dust, you must select a board specifically rated for such environments. Look for industrial-grade components with extended temperature ranges (typically -40°C to +85°C), conformal coating, and shock/vibration resistance. For example, in factory automation or mobile military systems, choose boards that meet MIL-STD or industrial certifications to ensure long-term reliability.
• Mounting Options: Physical space constraints heavily influence mounting decisions. PC/104 boards support various mounting configurations, including horizontal, vertical, and panel-mount options. Vertical stacking is particularly advantageous in space-limited enclosures, as it allows multiple modules to be stacked without increasing the footprint. Ensure the board includes standardized mounting holes and compatible spacers for secure installation. Consider cable management and airflow when planning the stack layout.
• Processing Power: The complexity of your application dictates the required CPU performance. Simple data logging or control tasks may only need low-power processors like ARM or Intel Atom. However, compute-intensive applications such as image processing, real-time analytics, or AI inference require higher-performance CPUs like Intel Core i-series or AMD Ryzen Embedded. Evaluate your software requirements, multitasking needs, and responsiveness expectations to determine the appropriate processing tier.
• Power Consumption: Power efficiency is critical, especially in battery-powered, remote, or mobile systems. Lower power consumption not only extends operational life but also reduces heat generation and cooling requirements. Compare TDP (Thermal Design Power) ratings across boards and consider processors optimized for embedded use, such as those in the Intel Atom, Celeron, or ARM Cortex families. Some boards offer power-saving modes (e.g., sleep, hibernate) for intermittent operation.
• Connectivity Options: Ensure the board provides the necessary I/O interfaces to support your peripherals and communication protocols. Common interfaces include:
  • USB (2.0/3.0) for external devices
  • Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) for network connectivity
  • Serial ports (RS-232/485) for legacy industrial equipment
  • VGA, HDMI, or LVDS for display output
  • CAN bus for automotive or industrial control networks
  • GPIO, SPI, I²C for sensor integration
  • Wireless options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE) for IoT or mobile applications
  Always consult the board’s datasheet to confirm interface availability, driver support, and compliance with current standards.
• Upgradability and Future-Proofing: One of the core advantages of the PC/104 standard is its modular, stackable architecture, which supports easy upgrades. Choose boards that allow for memory expansion (SO-DIMM slots), storage upgrades (mSATA, M.2), and additional functionality via expansion modules (e.g., GPU, GPS, FPGA). Opt for vendors that offer long-term availability (LTA) and backward compatibility to protect your investment over time.
• Form Factor and Compatibility: While all PC/104 boards adhere to a base 3.550" x 3.775" size, they come in different bus architectures that affect performance and compatibility:
  • PC/104: Legacy ISA and PCI buses; suitable for basic control applications
  • PC/104-Plus: Adds PCI bus support for higher bandwidth
  • PCI-104: PCI-only variant without ISA
  • PC/104 Express: Incorporates PCI Express (PCIe) lanes for modern, high-speed peripherals
  • PCIe/104: Dedicated PCIe stacking with no PCI/ISA
  Ensure your expansion modules match the bus type of the CPU board. Mixing incompatible form factors can lead to non-functional systems.

Critical Factor	Recommended Features	Trade-offs to Consider	Ideal Use Cases
Environment	Wide temp range (-40°C to +85°C), conformal coating, shock resistance	Higher cost, limited availability	Military, outdoor, industrial
Mounting	Vertical stackability, DIN rail options	Height constraints in compact enclosures	Control cabinets, mobile systems
Performance	Dual-core+ CPU, 4GB+ RAM, SSD support	Increased power draw and heat	Edge computing, vision systems
Power	<5W TDP, sleep modes, DC-DC efficiency	Limited processing capability	Battery-powered, remote sensors
Connectivity	Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, CAN, Wi-Fi	Complexity in driver integration	IoT gateways, vehicle systems

Expert Tip: Before finalizing your selection, request a sample or evaluation kit from the manufacturer. Testing the board in your actual environment—especially under load and temperature extremes—can reveal compatibility issues or performance bottlenecks early in the design phase, saving time and cost.

Additional Considerations

• Operating System Support: Verify compatibility with your preferred OS (e.g., Linux, Windows Embedded, RTOS).
• Driver Availability: Check for stable, well-documented drivers for all onboard peripherals.
• Vendor Support: Choose manufacturers with strong technical support, long product lifecycles, and customization options.
• EMI/EMC Compliance: Important for medical and aerospace applications to prevent interference.
• Security Features: Look for boards with TPM, secure boot, and hardware encryption for sensitive applications.

Selecting the right PC/104 single board computer is a balance between performance, durability, and cost. By carefully evaluating your application’s environmental, mechanical, and functional requirements, you can choose a solution that delivers reliable operation for years. Always plan for future expansion and consult with experienced vendors to ensure compatibility and long-term support.

Frequently Asked Questions About PC/104 Computers

Q1: Can the PC/104 computer be upgraded?

Yes, PC/104 computers can be upgraded, though the extent of the upgrade depends on several factors. Since PC/104 systems are modular by design, users can often enhance performance or functionality by adding or replacing compatible modules such as CPU boards, memory expansions, I/O interfaces, or storage solutions.

• Component Availability: Upgrades are limited by the availability of newer or higher-performance PC/104-compatible components, which may be constrained due to the niche market and long product lifecycles.
• Retrofitting: Some upgrades may require modifications to power supplies, cooling systems, or mechanical enclosures to accommodate new hardware.
• Backward Compatibility: The PC/104 standard maintains strong backward compatibility, allowing newer modules to work with older stacks in many cases.

For mission-critical or embedded applications, upgrading instead of replacing the entire system can extend service life and reduce costs significantly.

Q2: How long does a PC/104 single-board computer typically last?

PC/104 single-board computers are known for their exceptional longevity, often serving reliably for 10 to 20 years or more in industrial and embedded applications. This extended lifespan is due to several key design and operational factors:

• Robust Construction: Built with high-quality components designed to withstand harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, vibration, and humidity.
• Passive Cooling: Most PC/104 systems use fanless designs, reducing mechanical failure points and increasing reliability.
• Long-Term Support: Manufacturers often provide extended lifecycle support, including component availability and technical documentation, for legacy systems.
• Stable Applications: These computers are frequently used in fixed-function roles (e.g., medical devices, transportation systems, military equipment), where software and hardware requirements change slowly.

With proper maintenance and environmental controls, some PC/104 systems have remained in continuous operation for over two decades, making them ideal for applications where system stability and long-term availability are critical.

Q3: Are PC/104 modules standardized across all manufacturers?

Yes, PC/104 modules adhere to strict mechanical and electrical standards defined by the PC/104 Consortium, ensuring a high degree of interoperability across manufacturers. This standardization is one of the key advantages of the PC/104 architecture.

Standardization Aspect	Description
Mechanical Dimensions	Modules are 3.550" x 3.775" with standardized mounting hole locations, enabling stackable configurations.
Bus Interfaces	Includes ISA, PCI, PCI Express, and USB interconnects via rugged stack-through connectors.
Pinouts & Signal Levels	Defined pin assignments and voltage levels ensure compatibility between modules from different vendors.
Power Requirements	Standardized power inputs (typically +5V, ±12V) simplify integration across systems.

This open standard allows system integrators to mix and match modules from various suppliers—such as choosing a CPU from one brand and an analog I/O board from another—without sacrificing reliability or performance. However, it's still recommended to verify compatibility for specific use cases, especially when combining legacy and modern modules.

Q4: What type of operating system can be used with a PC/104 computer?

PC/104 computers support a wide range of operating systems, making them highly versatile for diverse applications. The choice of OS depends on processing power, available drivers, real-time requirements, and application goals.

• Windows: Versions like Windows 10 IoT, Windows Embedded, and even older versions (e.g., Windows XP) are commonly used, especially in human-machine interface (HMI) and industrial automation systems.
• Linux: Various distributions—including Ubuntu, Debian, and real-time variants like RTLinux or Xenomai—are popular due to their open-source nature, security, and flexibility in embedded environments.
• Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Systems like VxWorks, QNX, and FreeRTOS are used in time-critical applications such as aerospace, defense, and robotics.
• Android: In select applications requiring rich user interfaces or multimedia capabilities, Android can be ported to compatible PC/104 hardware.

Hardware compatibility, driver availability, and BIOS/UEFI support should be verified when selecting an OS. Many PC/104 vendors provide pre-validated OS images and board support packages (BSPs) to streamline deployment.

Q5: Does the PC/104 computer have expansion slots?

Yes, PC/104 computers are designed with built-in expansion capabilities through a stackable bus architecture. Instead of traditional PCIe or PCI slots, they use stackable connectors that allow modules to be vertically mounted on top of each other, forming a compact and rugged system.

• Expansion Types: Common expansions include additional serial ports, CAN bus, Ethernet, USB, digital and analog I/O, GPU accelerators, and storage controllers.
• Bus Standards: Depending on the generation, PC/104 systems support ISA, PCI, PCI-104, PCIe/104, and EPIC expansion buses.
• Modular Flexibility: Users can customize their system by adding only the functions they need, reducing size, power consumption, and cost.
• Data Acquisition: Expansion modules are widely used in data logging, sensor interfacing, and control systems, enabling real-time monitoring and automation.

This modular expansion approach makes PC/104 ideal for embedded applications where space is limited but functionality must be tailored precisely to the task at hand.