Introduction 2 BASIC Stamp®

Microcontrollers Microcontrollers can be thought of as very small computers which may be programmed to control systems such as cell phones, microwave ovens, toys, automotive systems, etc. The BASIC Stamps are hybrid microcontrollers which are designed to be programmed in a version of the BASIC programming language called PBASIC. Hardware support on the module allows fast, easy programming and use.

BASIC Stamp Module Components 5V Regulator Regulates voltage to 5V with a supply of 5.5VDC to 15VDC Resonator Sets the speed at which instructions are processed. EEPROM Stores the tokenized PBASIC program. Interpreter Chip Reads the BASIC program from the EEPROM and executes the instructions. Serial Signal Conditioning Conditions voltage signals between PC serial connection (+/- 12V) and BASIC Stamp (5V)

Running a Program A program is written in the BASIC Stamp Editor A program is written in the BASIC Stamp Editor The Interpreter Chip reads the program from EEPROM and executes the instructions reading and controlling I/O pins. The program will remain in EEPROM indefinitely with or without power applied. The Interpreter Chip reads the program from EEPROM and executes the instructions reading and controlling I/O pins. The program will remain in EEPROM indefinitely with or without power applied. The program is tokenized, or converted into symbolic format. The program is tokenized, or converted into symbolic format. Tokenizer The tokenized program is transmitter through the serial cable and stored in EEPROM memory. The tokenized program is transmitter through the serial cable and stored in EEPROM memory.

Carrier and Experiment Boards Note the notch at the top of the BASIC Stamp and socket indicating module direction.

Serial Data Connectors The cable is typically connected to an available DB 9 COM port. A DB 25 to DB 9 adapter may be needed on older systems Newer systems may only have USB ports and require a USB-to- Serial Adapter.

I/O Connections Code, such as HIGH 8 will be written for the BASIC Stamp. This instruction will control a device connected to P8 of the controller.Code, such as HIGH 8 will be written for the BASIC Stamp. This instruction will control a device connected to P8 of the controller. The P8 connection is available on the header next to the breadboard area. A connection to the I/O pins is also available on the ‘App-Mod’ header.

Component Power Connections Power for the components are available on headers also. +5V (Vdd) 0V or ground (Vss) Supply Voltage (Vin) NOTE: Use of Vin may cause damaging voltages to be applied to the BASIC Stamp. Use only under directed use!

Connecting Components Of course, an important aspect to any BASIC Stamp project are the components that will be connected to the I/O pins of the Stamp. The carrier boards allow quick connections for the components.

Breadboard Connections Breadboard are rows of connectors used to electrically connect components and wiring. Each row in each half of the breadboard are electrically the same point. Each row in each half of the breadboard are electrically the same point. Components are connected between rows and to the headers to make electrical connections. Components are connected between rows and to the headers to make electrical connections. There exist no connections between the headers and the breadboards or in columns on the breadboard. There exist no connections between the headers and the breadboards or in columns on the breadboard. Components should NOT be connected on a single row or they will be shorted out of the circuit. Components should NOT be connected on a single row or they will be shorted out of the circuit.

This image is the Board of Education with several components connected. The connections on the breadboard create a complete path for current to flow. Vdd (5V) I/O Pin

NX-1000 This board is a great experimenter's board. It has a wide variety of devices which are NOT pre-connected. A large breadboard area accommodates many other devices. 7-Segment LED Display Current- Limited LEDs Audio Amp LCD Header Speaker & Pot High-Current Drivers Active-Low switchesSelectable Oscillator Spare Serial Connector  Jumper wires are used between headers to connect desired devices to I/O pins. Programming Serial Connector