The Propeller Microcontroller

P8X32A-Q44 Sample Package

The Propeller a multicore microcontroller, with shared memory and a built-in interpreter for programming in a high-level object-based language, called Spin™, and low-level (assembly) language. With the set of pre-built Parallax "objects" for video, mice, keyboards, NTSC/VGA displays, LCDs, and sensors, your application is a matter of high-level integration with Propeller microcontrollers. The Propeller is designed for high-speed embedded processing while maintaining low power, low current consumption and a small physical footprint.

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The Propeller microcontroller is available in three package types:

  • P8X32A-Q44 (QFP) is by far the most popular package for high-volume production.
  • P8X32A-M44 (QFN) is the smallest size, and used in space-sensitive products.
  • P8X32A-D40 (600-mil DIP) is popular for through-hole projects and some prototype use.

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The P8X32A-Q44 Sample Package comes with three Q44 multicore processors; it is most useful for prototyping due to its 44-pin QFP package. Connecting the Propeller module to your computer's serial or USB port using our Prop Plug for programming is quite simple. The Propeller chip can run on its own with a power supply, internal clock, and using internal RAM for code storage. Add an external EEPROM for non-volatile code storage or an external crystal or clock source for a higher accuracy time base.

Purchasing
Propeller microcontrollers may also be ordered by placing a purchase order, ordering online through www.Parallax.com, or by contacting sales@parallaxsemiconductor.com for high quantities.

Features:

  • Model Number: P8X32A
  • Processors (cogs): Eight
  • Architecture: 32-bits
  • System Clock Speed: DC to 80 MHz
  • Global RAM/ROM: 64 K bytes; 32 K RAM / 32 K ROM
  • Cog RAM: 512 x 32 bits each
  • I/O Pins: 32 (simultaneously addressable by all eight cogs)
  • Current Source/Sink per I/O: 40 mA
  • Clock Modes: (a) External crystal 4-8 MHz (16 x PLL) (b) Internal oscillator ~12 MHz or ~20 kHz (c) Direct drive

Pin Assignments:

  • P0-P31: General purpose I/O. Can source/sink 40 mA each at 3.3 VDC
  • P31: Rx from host (general purpose I/O after boot up).
  • P30: Tx to host (general purpose I/O after boot up/download).
  • P29: I2C SDA connection to external EEPROM (general purpose I/O after boot up).
  • P28: I2C SCL connection to external EEPROM (general purpose I/O after boot up).
  • Vdd: 3.3 V power (2.7 - 3.6 VDC).
  • Vss: Ground (0 VDC).
  • BOEn: Brown Out Enable (active low). Must be connected to either Vdd or Vss. If low, RESn becomes a weak output (~5 KΩ) for monitoring purposes but can be driven low to cause reset. If high, RESn is a CMOS input with Schmitt Trigger.
  • RESn: Reset (active low). When low, resets the Propeller chip; all cogs disabled and I/O pins floating. Propeller restarts 50 ms after RESn transitions from low to high.
  • XI: Crystal / clock input. Can connect to crystal or oscillator.
  • XO: Crystal Output. Provides feedback for an external crystal. Internal C and R selectable for crystals (no other components required).