Datasheet

Propeller™ P8X32A Datasheet www.parallax.com
Copyright © Parallax Inc. Page 3 of 37 Rev 1.1 9/12/2008
1.3. Key Features
The design of the Propeller chip frees application
developers from common complexities of embedded
systems programming. For example:
• Eight processors (cogs) perform simultaneous
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. This method
empowers the developer to deliver absolutely
deterministic timing, power consumption, and
response to the embedded application.
• Asynchronous events are easier to handle than with
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.
• A shared System Clock allows each cog to maintain
the same time reference, allowing true synchronous
execution.
1.4. Programming Advantages
• The object-based high-level Spin language is easy to
learn, with special commands that allow developers
to quickly exploit the Propeller chip’s unique and
powerful features.
• Propeller Assembly instructions provide conditional
execution and optional flag and result writing for
each individual instruction. This makes critical,
multi-decision blocks of code more consistently
timed; event handlers are less prone to jitter and
developers spend less time padding, or squeezing,
cycles.
1.5. Applications
The Propeller chip is particularly useful in projects that
can be vastly simplified with simultaneous processing,
including:
• Industrial control systems
• Sensor integration, signal processing, and data
acquisition
• Handheld portable human-interface terminals
• Motor and actuator control
• User interfaces requiring NTSC, PAL, or VGA
output, with PS/2 keyboard and mouse input
• Low-cost video game systems
• Industrial, educational or personal-use robotics
• Wireless video transmission (NTSC or PAL)
1.6. Programming Platform Support
Parallax Inc. supports the Propeller chip with a variety of
hardware tools and boards:
• Propeller Clip (#32200) and Propeller Plug
(#32201). These boards provide convenient
programming port connections, see the Typical
Connection Diagrams on Page 5.
• The Propeller Demo Board (#32100) provides a
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 25. Main features:
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
communication
o VGA and TV output
o Stereo output with 16  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
• The Propeller Proto Board (#32212) features a
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.
• The PropStick USB (#32210) features a Propeller
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.
1.7. Corporate and Community Support
• Parallax provides technical support free of charge.
In the Continental US, call toll free [phone];
from outside please call [phone]. Or, email:
[e-mail]
.
• Parallax hosts a moderated public user’s forum just
for the Propeller: http://forums.parallax.com/forums
.
• Browse through community-created Propeller
objects and share yours with others via Parallax-
hosted Propeller Object Exchange Library:
http://obex.parallax.com
.