The ZX-1281n is the "native mode" version of the ZX-1281 microcontroller meaning that it runs native code for the processor.
The heart of the ZX-1281n is the Atmel AVR ATmega1281 microcontroller running at 14.7MHz which provides 8K bytes of RAM
(expandable to 63K) and 2016 bytes of EEPROM available for your programs. The 128K byte internal Flash memory of the
mega1281 is partially occupied by special serial downloader firmware leaving 124K bytes of Flash memory for your application's code and data.
To use the ZX-1281n you'll need a regulated voltage source (4.5 to 5.5VDC), a 14.7456MHz crystal,
and a few additional interface components including the optional external expansion RAM.
You may download a schematic with suggested support circuitry for the ZX-1281n (identical to that for the ZX-1281) as a
PDF or as an ExpressPCB .sch file.
To view the latter, you'll have to download free software from
ExpressPCB.
ZX-1281n Technical Features¹
| Package |
64-pin TQFP |
| Operating Temperature |
-40 to +85°C |
| Processor |
Atmel AVR ATmega1281 |
| Power Requirements |
4.5 to 5.5VDC regulated at 200mA |
| Processor Speed |
Up to 14.7MIPS (14.7MHz) |
| Program Execution Speed |
Up to 2.9 million instructions/sec² |
| User RAM - standard |
8K bytes |
| User RAM - maximum |
63K bytes |
| Non-volatile Data Memory |
4064 bytes |
| Program Memory |
124K bytes |
| Digital I/O pins |
52³ |
| PWM Channels |
Up to 6 channels, 16-bit resolution |
| Analog-to-Digital Channels |
Up to 8 channels, 10-bit resolution |
| I2C Support |
1 HW channel, 4 SW channels |
| 1-Wire Support |
Bit and byte level |
| SPI Support |
4 HW channels |
| Synchronous Serial I/O Support |
1-16 bits, MSB or LSB first |
| Asynchronous Serial I/O Ports |
2-HW, up to 4 SW full duplex |
| X-10 Command Support |
Yes |
| Multi-tasking Support |
Yes |
| External Interrupts |
Up to 14 |
| Analog Comparator Interrupt |
Yes |
| Interval Timer |
Yes |
| Exception Handling Support |
Yes |
| Floating Point Math |
Yes - IEEE 32-bit |
| Advanced Floating Point
Functions (sin, cos, log, etc.) |
System Level |
| Programming Interface |
Serial - 115.2K baud |
| Field Upgradeable System Software |
No |
| Supports Inline Assembly |
Yes |
| Supports Interrupt Handling Code |
Yes |
Notes:
1) Items in boldface indicate differences from the ZX-1281.
2) Speed based on the instruction b = b + 1.
3) Some I/O lines have other possible uses, e.g. serial I/O, external RAM interface, etc.
4) SW means implemented in system software, HW means hardware implementation.
Specifications subject to correction and change without notice.
|
A standard serial port is required to download code to the ZX-1281n.
If your computer does not have a standard 9-pin serial port but does have a USB port, you may use a USB to serial adapter.
Note, however, that some USB to serial adapters are too slow to be useful with the ZX microcontrollers.
We have found that adapters based on the second generation FTDI chips seem to work well.
The ZBasic IDE, compiler and documentation may be obtained free of charge via the Download page. See the menu at the left.
