PropRPM

Real applications quickly implemented!

The Parallax Propeller Chip is an amazing 32-bit parallal processor with eight CPUs (COGs) delivering an unbelievable computing power. At the same time, the chip is very easy to implement: only a few external components are required around the Propeller!

In many situations, a quartz crystal is not essential as the Propeller is equipped with an internal RC oscillator. However, a quartz helps maintaining a high frequency stability which can be crucial for some applications. An external reset controller is not needed because this function is already integrated. A serial EEPROM is used to store the user code and some capacitors should be provided to filter the power supply lines. That's it, basically!

Besides the core circuit around the microcontroller, a real-world application usually requires a number of application specific components. For instance, switching a power load would require at least one relay and some driver circuit. Consequently, a board for building prototypes should always provide some space to place such components. The best way to offer such space for extensions is a wire wrap area, consisting of a grid of 0.1"-spaced solder pads. PropRPM offers nearly half of it's board space in such a manner.

Get the most out of the Propeller!

The Propeller Starter Kit by Parallax is great to get started with the Propeller technology. It provides a large number of peripheral functions and components, so it's easy to test and play and try things out. OTOH, mostly all I/O-pins of the controller are occupied by on-board peripherals, so extending the circuit with your own application-specific components gets difficult.

Consequently, the basic idea behind the PropRPM was to make available as many processor resources as possible. Only a few pins are occupied by peripheral components, such as LED bar, RS232 driver and serial EEPROM. If required, even those components can be easily removed, as all parts are on sockets.

RS232 or USB

For downloading code from a PC to the Propeller, PropRPM provides an on-board RS232 interface. To establish a connection via USB instead, we are offering the PROP/U2S USB-to-Serial adapter. This optional adapter is simply plugged onto the Sub-D9 connector of the Propeller Rapid Prototyping Module.

Board Features

• Propeller Chip P8X32A-D40 (DIP)
• 32KB EEPROM
• 5MHz quartz crystal
• RS232 interface with MAX3232, Sub-D9 connector
• Input voltage: 5..9VDC (2.1mm/5.5mm Plug)
• 3.3V low-dropout voltage regulator delivers up to 500mA for CPU and application
• Power-LED
• 10 status LEDs (removable LED bar)
• Reset switch
• FBAS video output (RCA/Cinch connector)
• large prototyping area (about half of board space)
• 4 mounting holes
• Mech. dimensions: 130mm x 84mm (5.1" x 3.3")