How a $3 Linux‑Powered Business Card Packs Games, MicroPython, and a Full OS
This article describes a tiny Linux‑based business card that boots in seconds, includes classic games and a MicroPython interpreter, runs on an 8 MB Allwinner F1C100s chip, and can be built for under three dollars using inexpensive components and DIY PCB fabrication.
When we think of Linux‑powered products we imagine supercomputers, space robots, and expensive servers, but there is also technology that compresses Linux to the smallest size.
The image shows a business card that also contains a chip, giving a high‑tech impression.
The card bears the name George Hilliard, an embedded engineer, with email and GitHub information, and a small line indicating it runs Linux and includes a USB port.
George explains that inserting the card into a computer boots in six seconds, is recognized as a flash drive, and contains a README file, a copy of his résumé, and some photographs.
The card also includes classic mini‑games such as fortune, rogue, and 2048, as well as a MicroPython interpreter, all fitting on an 8 MB flash chip.
The bootloader occupies 256 KB, the kernel 1.6 MB, the root filesystem 2.4 MB, leaving some free space.
The cost is surprisingly low – less than $3 (under 20 CNY).
After extensive research George chose the Allwinner F1C100s chip from Shenzhen because it is extremely cheap and integrates RAM and a CPU.
He purchased the chip on Taobao, with other components sourced from LCSC.
George fabricated PCBs at JLC for $8, receiving ten matte‑black boards that look premium.
The finished PCBs have minor issues: the USB connector is too short for stable connections, and some chip pins are misaligned, requiring manual bending.
Due to the tiny component size, he used inexpensive reflow soldering and a laser‑cut solder‑paste stencil.
After applying solder paste, he manually placed the components, all of which comply with RoHS standards.
Manual placement takes about ten seconds per component, so he minimized the component count to reduce labor.
Final material cost details are shown in the table below.
Because of size and cost constraints, the card lacks I/O, cannot connect to a network, and does not have enough storage for heavyweight programs.
George has open‑sourced the Business Card Linux project.
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