The BrainStem GP 2.0 is a general purpose controller that can run code stand-alone, link to a host computer, and enable reflexive actions, all simultaneously. This module supports 5 10-bit A/D inputs, 5 digital I/O pins, infrared transmit / receive, 1 Mbps I2C bus, serial interface, and 4 high-resolution PWM servo outputs. The module also features voltage regulation and low-voltage protection and an on-board prototyping area.

More Details:

The BrainStem GP 2.0 is the next generation of our popular GP 1.0 module. It has much of the same I/O, connectivity, and internal TEA program multi threading as the GP 1.0, with a set of new features:

Infrared I/O in a variety of protocols.

11 1k TEA program slots

One additional 16k TEA program slot

A prototyping area with 2 analog, 3 digital, I2C, Vcc, and Vsrc through holes.

Module powers down when input voltage of less than 3.2V is detected.

5V Vcc ouput provided irregardless of source voltage; 3.2V to 28V source voltage accepted

Onboard power switch and low battery indicator

The BrainStem GP 2.0 is supported on Windows, MacOS X, and Linux. With convenient power and ground connections for each I/O pin, five analog and five digital I/O lines, infrared I/O, high-resolution servo outputs, and a 1 Mbps IIC bus, the module offers "plug and play" ease for connecting many accessories.

Each module has its own kernel (internal OS) allowing the modules to operate as a serial slave device, run concurrent TEA (Tiny Embedded Application) programs, and handle reflexive actions automatically. Best of all, these all occur simultaneously. All BrainStem GP 2.0 modules can be networked with other BrainStem GP and Moto modules on an industry standard IIC bus.

Communicating with the GP 2.0

The module can be accessed through software developed by Acroname, including the Console and GP applications. In addition, SDKs are provided for C and Java development. A TEA compiler, the GP and Console programs, support libraries, and example programs are available on multiple platforms. The TEA compiler is also integrated into the Console. The BrainStem software can be downloaded from the Acroname site The GP application:~
The GP Program, shown on Windows and MacOS

The GP Program allows you to quickly see the results of sensors plugged into the Analog and Digital ports, as well as the infrared I/O. Through the Servo panel, you can quickly test servos that are plugged into the BrainStem GP 1.0. If your BrainStem-powered robot is using servos modified for continuous rotation, you've probably noticed that the centering can drift. Using the Servo panel on the GP Program, simply adjust the servo(s) until they stop spinning, commit the setting to the EEPROM by clicking the Config button, and the corrected setting are stored. It doesn't get much easier than that!

BrainStem GP 2.0 full features:

New to GP 2.0:

Infrared I/O in either NEC or RC5 protocols.

Stores one 16k and 11 1k TEA programs

Prototyping area with 2 analog, 3 digital, I2C, Vcc, and Vsrc holes.

Voltage Supervisor with 3.2V shutoff.

5V Vcc ouput provided regardless of input voltage; 3.2V to 28V input voltage accepted

Onboard power switch and low battery indicator LED

Separate servo power supply pin; jump to use Vsrc for servos

Common with GP 1.0:

40 MHz RISC processor

5 channel, 10 bit A/D

5 digital I/O lines

1 MBit IIC port

IIC routing

Heartbeat status LED

Runs up to 4 TEA programs concurrently

UART serial port

Reflex architecture

4 high-resolution servo outputs

Execution of 9000 instructions per second

Access to I/O features via built-in serial command set

Convenient power and ground connections for each I/O pin

Currently Supported On:

Windows

MacOS X

Linux

Interfacing:

The BrainStem GP 2.0 module can be interfaced to a host processor through a serial port. The levels on the the BrainStem can accomodate CMOS/TTL logic levels. When the BrainStem is to be interfaced to consumer (laptops, desktops, etc) computing hardware, it is recommended that a serial interface connector be used. See the listed related products, or in the Find box, type "BrainStem serial connector" and available options will be listed under the "Product Find Results".

The BrainStem GP 2.0 module is ready to use out of the box. Additional BrainStem software is not packaged with the module; it can be downloaded from the Arconame site for free.