ZBasic Language Reference
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ZBasic Microcontrollers
Appendix L - ZX-128a1 Hardware Reference
The ZX-128a1 device utilizes the 100-pin TQFP package version of the Atmel AVR ATxmega128A1
microcontroller that has been programmed with a special ZX control program. In order to use the ZX-
128a1 you must supply several additional components as described below. In each of the diagrams
presented below, only a portion of the ZX pins is shown. Those that are not germane to the circuit being
discussed are omitted for clarity.
L.1 ZX-128a1 Specifications
The electrical specifications of the ZX-128a1 are exactly those of the ATxmega128A1. Rather than
reproducing them here the reader is directed to the datasheet published by Atmel. It can be obtained
from the Atmel website |http://www.atmel.com or from the ZBasic website |http://www.zbasic.net.
L.2 ZX-128a1 Required External Components
The circuits described below represent the minimum external circuitry required to operate the ZX-128a1.
Depending on your application, you may need additional circuitry to take advantage of the capabilities of
the ZX-128a1 series device. In contrast to some other ZX devices, the ZX-128a1 devices do not require
an external EEPROM for program storage. Rather, the compiled user program is stored in the ZX’s
internal Flash memory. The maximum user program size is 128K.
Power Source
The ZX-128a1 needs a regulated voltage source capable of providing at least 200mA of current. The ZX-
128a1n will operate reliably with a supply voltage between 2.6 volts and 3.6 volts. A recommended circuit
is shown below. A suitable heatsink will probably be required in most cases to keep the regulator IC
below its maximum operating temperature. Consult the regulator datasheet for more information.
ZX-128a1 Power Source
If you do not plan to use the Analog-to-Digital converter channels you can eliminate the inductor and the
capacitor on the right side of the diagram. In this case, pins 4 and 94 would be connected directly to the
power source (same as pins 4, 24, etc.). Although not shown on this diagram, the ground pins of the ZX-
128a1 (pins 3, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 84, 93) must be connected to the common ground of the
system.
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