In the typical process of embedded product development, due to the business requirements of the product, engineers are required to use an operating system for task scheduling. In the field of embedded technology, the most commonly heard or encountered operating systems are Embedded Linux or Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) running on MCU chips.
In the case of Windows systems, they are more commonly encountered in our daily office or entertainment environments. Embedded Windows, on the other hand, is typically used in specific scenarios, such as CNC machine tools, military equipment, and so on.
The single-board computer is named "youyeetoo x1" and can run full-featured Windows and Linux operating systems. It is characterized by its low cost and high performance.
Next, we will comprehensively evaluate this embedded Windows single-board computer from the following dimensions.
- Product Packaging and Appearance
Without further ado, let's get straight to it and reveal the packaging design. As shown in the image below.
From the exterior of the packaging box, it's packed with a high-tech look, and when you actually open the box, the overall size, design, and layout of the PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) are excellently done, making it very neat and convenient to use.
2. Hardware ResourcesRegarding the specifications of the youyeetoo X1, you can find them on youyeetoo product wiki homepage. There is a specification table on the wiki homepage that provides detailed performance parameters for this single-board computer, as shown in the following image.
https://wiki.youyeetoo.com/en/x1
Looking at the configuration parameters above, I personally believe that you can easily perform basic office document editing and watch a couple of videos without any issues. Referring to the interface images provided on the official wiki, it's evident that the hardware interfaces extended by the youyeetoo X1 single-board computer are quite extensive.
According to the product design of the youyeetoo x1 single-board computer, it is capable of running full-featured Windows and Linux operating systems. Refer to the documentation and tutorials provided by youyeetoo for detailed instructions on how to install the BIOS (equivalent to U-Boot) and how to install Windows or Ubuntu operating systems on the single-board computer.
In a single-board computer, the BIOS is essentially equivalent to the bootloader in embedded ARM development boards. Its main function is to perform necessary initialization tasks before running the operating system and boot the operating system. Youyeetoo's official wiki provides a detailed tutorial on BIOS updates, as shown in the following image.
Depending on the hardware configuration of the single-board computer, you can choose to update the appropriate BIOS. After the update, you can install full-featured Windows or Linux operating systems. In this context, the Windows operating system typically refers to Windows 10 or Windows 11, while the Linux operating system usually pertains to Ubuntu 22.04, as shown in the following image.
Once the BIOS update and operating system installation are completed based on the hardware configuration of the youyeetoo X1, you can power up the single-board computer. At this point, the youyeetoo X1 behaves just like a regular desktop PC, despite its compact size. It offers a full-fledged computing experience.
4. Application Software DevelopmentSimply running the operating system is not enough to leverage the full potential of the youyeetoo X1 single-board computer. To unlock its complete value, it requires support from application software. For this purpose, the official documentation from youyeetoo provides a comprehensive set of tutorials and guides to ensure the perfect utilization of the youyeetoo X1's hardware peripherals and interfaces.
To ensure that Windows operating system applications can effectively control the hardware interfaces of the single-board computer, engineers can refer to the Windows driver development tutorial provided by youyeetoo. This tutorial outlines the fundamental process for developing Windows drivers, as depicted in the following image.
In addition to Windows driver development, the official wiki also provides some demo examples that demonstrate how to call the hardware resources on the youyeetoo X1 single-board computer from a Windows application, facilitating hardware control in practical projects, as shown in the figure below.
Apart from Windows driver development and application development, the official wiki also provides demo examples for Linux application development. Currently, these examples are still being written. Developers are encouraged to closely follow the official wiki documentation, as shown in the figure below.
For any hardware development board product, tutorial and documentation resources are of paramount importance. The comprehensiveness of these materials directly affects whether engineers can rapidly complete product validation. The documentation for youyeetoo X1 is primarily provided in the form of an online wiki. You can access the documentation through the following link:
https://wiki.youyeetoo.com/en/x1
The benefit of using a wiki for documentation management is that it ensures that engineers can access the most up-to-date documentation after the manufacturer has updated it, without the need to download the documents again.
From the current structure of the documentation, it appears that there are no significant issues in fully driving the youyeetoo X1 single-board computer, and for certain documentation sections, the official resources are continually being updated and improved, such as Linux application development.
At the end of the official wiki's main page, there is also a FAQ section (Frequently Asked Questions), mainly documenting some common issues that arise during the development process for engineers to reference, as shown below.
At the end of the official wiki's main page, there is also a FAQ section (Frequently Asked Questions), mainly documenting some common issues that arise during the development process for engineers to reference, as shown below.
forum.youyeetoo.com
7. ConclusionIn summary, this is a cost-effective single-board computer.
For engineers with experience in embedded SBC development, it's an invaluable tool.
However, for beginners who have recently entered the field, there is a certain level of development complexity. This single-board computer is not designed for those new to embedded SBCs. While beginners can experiment with it, those seeking to enter the field of embedded technology should carefully consider their choice.
Finally, let's take a look at some real-life photos of the youyeetoo X1, taken in a non-professional manner.
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