PocketBeagle 2: Affordable Compact Single-Board Computer for Devs

Key Takeaways

1. The PocketBeagle 2 is a compact single-board computer (SBC) designed for developers, priced around $28 to $70.
2. It has small dimensions (55 x 35 mm) and offers multiple power options, including USB-C and a 5-watt header.
3. The board includes a microSD card slot and 72 expansion pins for connecting peripherals, but lacks HDMI and wireless features.
4. Powered by a Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC with dual ARM Cortex-A53 cores and a Cortex-M4F MCU, it is suitable for real-time applications.
5. Its lower performance and fewer inputs/outputs make it ideal for niche projects that don’t require a full desktop operating system.


The PocketBeagle 2 is a single-board computer (SBC) designed mainly for developers, similar to the Raspberry Pi 5, which is priced around $70 on Amazon. The PocketBeagle 2 stands out due to its smaller size and lower performance, making it a great choice for those who don’t require a full desktop operating system. It’s important to note that it has fewer external inputs and outputs, with no HDMI ports included.

Compact Dimensions and Power Options

With dimensions of just 55 x 35 mm (2.17 x 1.38 in), the PocketBeagle 2 offers various power options, including battery, USB-C port, or a 5-watt header located on the board. In addition to a microSD card slot, it comes equipped with 72 expansion pins that allow for the connection of peripherals like sensors and actuators. This can open up possibilities for controlling smart home devices, even though it does not support wireless features such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Currently, you can find the PocketBeagle 2 at Mouser Electronics for approximately $28, and they also provide detailed documentation to assist new users in getting started.

Key Features and Applications

At the heart of the PocketBeagle 2 is a Texas Instruments AM6232 SoC, which includes two ARM Cortex-A53 cores that can run at speeds up to 1 GHz, alongside a Cortex-M4F MCU clocked at 400 MHz. This setup is particularly beneficial for real-time applications, offering a good balance of performance for specific tasks. While it may not compete with larger SBCs in terms of overall capability, its unique features cater well to niche projects and development needs.

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