Overview
The VEX Microcontroller coordinates the flow of information and power on the robot. All other electronic system components must interface to the Microcontroller and function as a cohesive unit. The Microcontroller contains the robot's program and processes all signals received from both human operators and onboard sensor systems. It also manages power allocation on board the robot, and directly controls the motors.
Motor Ports: Connect up to (8) VEX motors or servos.
Interrupt Ports: Interrupts are digital inputs designed for high priority signals that need immediate attention from the Microcontroller.
Digital/Analog Input Ports: 16 multipurpose input/output ports for sensors.
TX/RX Ports: Allow the user to communicate directly with the user processor inside the Microcontroller via a TTL serial port.Serial Port: Use with the VEX Programming Kit to re-program the Microcontroller.
Rx1 and Rx2 Ports: Connect radio receivers to communicate with the Microcontroller wirelessly from a Transmitter.
Battery Port: Connect a 7.2V power sources, such as the Battery Holder or the VEX 7.2V Robot Battery.
Technical Specifications
(5) Jumpers
Voltage - 7.2 volts nominal, 5 to 12 volts min/max
Type - Six AA batteries, 7.2v Robot Battery 2000 mAh or 7.2v Robot Battery 3000 mAh Current - 62 mA for Controller & Receiver plus Motors & Servos
I/O Ports:
(8) Motor Outputs
Usage - For VEX motors or servos Type - Hobby standard PWM Refresh - Every 18.5 mSec
(16) Digial I/O, Analog In
Digital In - 50 KHz input frequency
Analog In - 10-bit resolution. 10 μSec access time
I/O Schematic - Schematic
(6) Interrupt I/O
Usage - Measuring Input changes via software interrupt (1) Tx/Rx Port
Type - TTL Serial Speed - 115Kb Label - TX and RX
(1) Serial Port
Usage - Used for reprogramming and debugging
Speed - 115Kb (2) Rx 1 & Rx2
Usage - Connects to (2) 75MHz receivers
Microcontroller: Microchip PICmicro PIC18F8520
Speed: - 10 MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) RAM: - 1800 bytes + 1024 bytes EE2 Flash - 32K program space
Size: 4.5in W x 3.9in L x 1.1in H
Weight: .278 lbs (126 grams)
