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Why Our Custom SBC Had to Break the Rectangle Rule: A Real-World PCB Design Challenge
In embedded hardware design, single-board computers (SBCs) are typically rectangular. This shape simplifies manufacturing, EMC layout, and enclosure design. However, in real-world product development, constraints imposed by industrial housing and interface layout may force engineers to break the rule—and embrace irregular-shaped PCBs. In this post, I’ll share our recent experience designing a custom Android/Linux SBC that couldn’t be a rectangle. This journey highlights how structure, space, and interfaces come together to reshape the board—literally.
In embedded hardware design, single-board computers (SBCs) are typically rectangular. This shape simplifies manufacturing, EMC layout, and enclosure design. However, in real-world product development, constraints imposed by industrial housing and interface layout may force engineers to break the rule—and embrace irregular-shaped PCBs.
In this post, I’ll share our recent experience designing a custom Android/Linux SBC that couldn’t be a rectangle. This journey highlights how structure, space, and interfaces come together to reshape the board—literally.
