FLiP Microcontroller Module Rev B Adds USB-C and Wider VIN Range

Propeller FLiP Microcontroller Module Top

Revision B of Parallax Inc.’s FLiP Microcontroller Module has recently become obtainable. It has a new design that includes USB-C connectivity, an expanded range of input voltages, as well as additional identification features. The Propeller P8X32A, an 8-core microcontroller with 32 general-purpose I/O pins, is the heart of the module. The 32123 Propeller FLiP MCU module has 40 pins and is less likely to break if you put it in the wrong way.

The features include a 64KB EEPROM on the I2C bus, a 5MHz oscillator that can run at frequencies up to 80 MHz, no soldering needed, and a USB micro-B connector for power, programming, and communication. This 32123 MCU module works with a strong 3.3V, 1800mA switching power supply that is built in and has short-circuit and overcurrent protection. Students can learn how to build circuits and program with BlocklyProp graphical coding using the Parallax Propeller FLiP module.

Propeller FLiP Microcontroller Module

Propeller FLiP Microcontroller Module Specifications:

• Core Hardware:
  • Microcontroller: 8-core Propeller 1 (P8X32A-Q44)
  • EEPROM: 64 KB (I2C interface)
  • Oscillator: 5 MHz SMT crystal
• Protection Features:
  • USB current limiting with overcurrent and short-circuit protection
  • USB-C port detection with programmable reset enable/disable
  • 3.3V rail protection:
    • Short-circuit and overcurrent protection (switching regulator)
    • Reverse current protection on 3.3V output
• Current Capability:
  • Up to 500 mA via USB (400 mA on Rev A)
  • Up to 1500 mA from USB supply (shared across 3.3V, 5V, and I/O)
  • Up to 1500 mA from VIN input (5–9V), available on 3.3V and I/O
• Connectivity: Serial communication over USB-C
• Power Supply:
  • USB Power: 5V via USB-C
  • VIN Input:
    • Rev A: 5V to 9V DC
    • Rev B: 5V to 16V DC
• Form Factor and I/O:
  • Package: 40-pin DIP (0.1″ pitch)
  • GPIO: 32 pins available (26 fully user-accessible)
  • Dedicated Pins:
    • P26–P27: User-programmable LEDs
    • P28–P29: I2C interface (EEPROM)
    • P30–P31: Programming interface
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +85°C (-4°F to +185°F)
• Dimensions: ~51 x 18 mm (2.0 x 0.7 inches)

32123 Propeller FLiP Multicore Rev. B Pin-out

Programming support includes Spin (Parallax’s high-level language), C, assembly, and BlocklyProp (a block-based programming environment that runs in a web browser). 

The FLiP Microcontroller Module Rev B for $49.95 can be acquired from Parallax’s online store. Users may discover additional content in the Parallax news section and on the forum. 

Images used courtesy of Parallax