BeagleBone Black Rev C Development Board

A long-standing embedded Linux board with real expansion headers

The BeagleBone Black Rev C is a low-cost, high-expansion-focused board from the BeagleBoard family, built around the TI Sitara AM3358AZCZ100 processor, described in its own specification as a 1GHz, 2000 MIPS ARM Cortex-A8 core, paired with an SGX530 graphics engine for accelerated 2D and 3D rendering. Memory is 512MB of DDR3L RAM at 800MHz, and onboard storage is 4GB of 8-bit embedded MMC (eMMC), enough to boot a Linux image directly without an SD card.

That combination of a dedicated ARM core, onboard flash and dense expansion headers has made the BeagleBone Black a long-running favourite for embedded Linux tinkering, industrial prototyping and education, particularly where the extensive expansion headers matter more than raw processing speed.

Ports, display and expansion

Connectivity includes a High Speed USB 2.0 client port for connecting the board to a computer, and a separate High Speed USB 2.0 host port rated at 500mA for peripherals, plus 10/100M Ethernet over RJ45 and a UART0 serial connection. Video output goes through an HDMI D-type interface, and the board also exposes an LCD interface and stereo audio carried over HDMI.

Power comes from a mini-USB connector or a DC jack, with a 5VDC external option also available via the expansion header. Physical controls include reset, boot and power buttons, a power indicator LED, and 4 user-configurable LEDs for status signalling in custom projects.

Who it suits

Developers and educators building embedded Linux projects that need serious GPIO and expansion capability, rather than just a desktop-style board, will find the Rev C's headers and onboard flash useful. It ships with a miniUSB to USB Type A cable and a quick start guide to get set up quickly.

Questions buyers ask

What processor does it use?

The TI Sitara AM3358AZCZ100, a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 core rated at 2000 MIPS.

How much storage does it have?

4GB of onboard 8-bit eMMC flash, alongside 512MB of DDR3L RAM.

Does it have video output?

Yes, through an HDMI D-type interface, plus an LCD interface and stereo audio over HDMI.