p8x32a Parallax, Inc., p8x32a Datasheet - Page 3

• Manufacturer Part Number: p8x32a
• Description: 8-cog Multiprocessor Microcontroller
• Manufacturer: Parallax, Inc.

Propeller™ P8X32A Datasheet
1.3.
The design of the Propeller chip frees application
developers from common complexities of embedded
systems programming. For example:
1.4.
1.5.
The Propeller chip is particularly useful in projects that
can be vastly simplified with simultaneous processing,
including:
Copyright © Parallax Inc.
• Eight processors (cogs) perform simultaneous
• Asynchronous events are easier to handle than with
• A shared System Clock allows each cog to maintain
• The object-based high-level Spin language is easy to
• Propeller Assembly instructions provide conditional
• Industrial control systems
• Sensor integration, signal processing, and data
• Handheld portable human-interface terminals
• Motor and actuator control
• User interfaces requiring NTSC, PAL, or VGA
• Low-cost video game systems
• Industrial, educational or personal-use robotics
• Wireless video transmission (NTSC or PAL)
processes independently or cooperatively, sharing
common resources through a central hub. The
Propeller application designer has full control over
how and when each cog is employed; there is no
compiler-driven or operating system-driven splitting
of tasks among multiple cogs.
empowers the developer to deliver absolutely
deterministic timing, power consumption, and
response to the embedded application.
devices that use interrupts. The Propeller has no
need for interrupts; just assign some cogs to
individual, high-bandwidth tasks and keep other
cogs free and unencumbered. The result is a more
responsive application that is easier to maintain.
the same time reference, allowing true synchronous
execution.
learn, with special commands that allow developers
to quickly exploit the Propeller chip’s unique and
powerful features.
execution and optional flag and result writing for
each individual instruction.
multi-decision blocks of code more consistently
timed; event handlers are less prone to jitter and
developers spend less time padding, or squeezing,
cycles.
acquisition
output, with PS/2 keyboard and mouse input
Key Features
Programming Advantages
Applications
This makes critical,
This method
Page 3 of 36
1.6.
Parallax Inc. supports the Propeller chip with a variety of
hardware tools and boards:
1.7.
• Propeller
• The Propeller Demo Board (#32100) provides a
• The Propeller Proto Board (#32212) features a
• The PropStick USB (#32210) features a Propeller
• Parallax provides technical support free of charge.
• Parallax hosts a moderated public user’s forum just
• Browse
(#32201).
programming port connections, see the Typical
Connection Diagrams on Page 5.
convenient means to test-drive the Propeller chip's
varied capabilities through a host of device
interfaces on one compact board. The schematic is
provided on page 24. Main features:
surface-mount Propeller chip with the necessary
components to achieve a programming interface,
with pads ready for a variety of I/O connectors and
DIP/SIP chips, and a generous through-hole
prototyping area.
chip, EEPROM, 3.3 VDC and 5 VDC regulators,
reset button, crystal and USB connection on a 0.6”
wide DIP package for easy prototyping on perfboard
and breadboard.
In the Continental US, call toll free [phone];
from outside please call [phone]. Or, email:
[e-mail].
for the Propeller: http://forums.parallax.com/forums.
objects and share yours with others via Parallax-
hosted
http://obex.parallax.com.
o P8X32A-Q44 Propeller Chip
o 24LC256-I/ST EEPROM for program storage
o Replaceable 5.000 MHz crystal
o 3.3 V and 5 V regulators with on/off switch
o USB-to-serial interface for programming and
o VGA and TV output
o Stereo output with 16 Ω headphone amplifier
o Electret microphone input
o Two PS/2 mouse and keyboard I/O connectors
o 8 LEDs (share VGA pins)
o Pushbutton for reset
o Big ground post for scope hookup
o I/O pins P0-P7 are free and brought out to header
o Breadboard for custom circuits
Programming Platform Support
Corporate and Community Support
communication
Propeller
through
Clip
These
(#32200) and
community-created
boards
Object
provide
Exchange
Rev 1.0 11/14/2007
Propeller
www.parallax.com
convenient
Propeller
Library:
Plug