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Three new Wytec HCS12 C32-C128 boards, docking board, Robot Controller and Single Board Computer are available.  These modules are good for senior projects, robot controllers and many embedded applications.  

48-pin QFP, MC9S12C32/C128 MCU standard specifications:

• Powerful instruction set
• 32K/128K Bytes of flash memory
• 2K Bytes of RAM
• 31 I/O lines
• One SCI serial port
• One SPI port
• Key wake-up interrupts
• CAN 2.0 port
• Analog Comparator
• 8-Ch, 10-bit, ADCs
• 8-Ch, 16-bit timers with Input Capture, Output Compare and PWM functions
• Up to 25 MHz bus speed using internal PLL
• Advanced security features for protecting program memory

Dragonfly12 DIP module features:

• 8 MHz crystal

• On-chip serial monitor

• PLL and crystal OSC circuits

• 40-pin DIP modules

• Each pin is labeled with its signal name

• Ground test point

• 6-pin BDM Debug/Program input header

• Optional 2K x 8 data EEPROM  

• Optional CAN 2.0 interface

DRAGONfly12 price list:

All the following prices are for schools and students only.

DF12-DIP40-R32:     40-pin DIP C32 module - $18.00
DF12-DIP40-R128:  40-pin DIP C128 module - $28.00

DF12-DOCK:   $29.00  Docking board for DF12-DIP40 modules.  The board size is 3.3" X 2.5".

DF12-BBU:   $54.00  DragonflyBot Board with USB interface for DF12-DIP modules.  The board size is 3.3" X 4.3".

DF12-SBC-C128:   $49.00  Single Board Computer with an on-board MC9S12C128.  The board size is 3.2" X 2.4"

LCD8X2:     $10.00  8X2 LCD display module with backlight for DF12-BBU and DF12-SBC
LCD16X2:   $14.00  16X2 LCD display module without backlight for MiniDragon+ and MiniDragon Plus2 including a cable assembly.
DB9CBL6:   $4.00    6 foot standard DB9 RS232 cable, male to female
AC07300:    $4.00    AC adapter, 7.5VDC output, 300mA, 2.1mm female plug, center positive
AC09500:    $6.00    AC adapter, 9VDC output, 500mA, 2.1mm female plug, center positive
USB232:      $14.00  USB to RS232 adapter

Our design approach:

Before we thought about how to design the DRAGONfly12 series of our C32 modules, we had to find out why anyone would want to use a C32 module in the first place. Obviously, the reasons are its low cost and compact size.

There are many HCS12 families available now, but the C32 family is the most affordable.  We do not encourage students to learn the HCS12 with the C32 family because it imposes some unnecessary restrictions on beginners who already have many new things to learn. Our C32 modules are the best if it's used in low cost OEM products or as robot controllers.

There are already two C32 DIP modules available on the marketplace.  One is the Chips12- designed by Elmicro and another one is the NanoCore12-made by TechnologicalArts. Both modules are high quality products. Our challenge is to make a high quality product at a lower cost and offer a greater value to our customers. 

Like an IC chip, the module cannot work by itself.  It must be powered by a docking board or other similar carrier boards so it will be more cost effective to move the RS232 interface chip off the module and place the MXA232 chip on its docking board.  In some embedded applications, the SCI is either not used or only used at TTL level. Therefore, the RS232 interface chip MAX232 on the module would be a waste in those applications. It's not only expensive but it  also occupies too much room and wastes two I/O pins on a small C32 module.

Another reason of not putting a MAX232 on the module is that if one needs to add a USB interface chip, such as FT232RL, on a docking board. The FT232RL needs to be connected to the SCI in TTL level, so the MAX232 on the module will be useless.  

Which board to order?

We have designed many C32 modules from 14-pin SIP to 40-pin DIP.  After 6 months of marketing we have discovered that our most popular module voted by professors, students and users is the 40-pin DIP module.

When the new three boards are available for the C32 family, it may be difficult to decide what's the best for your application, but it's really not very difficult if you follow the guidelines listed below:

1. DF12-DOCK40:  This is a convenient way and lowest cost to start your C32 experiments. The board is specially designed for using with a solderless breadboard. When it's plugged into a breadboard it stands on the board  vertically.  Because the RS232 cable runs horizontally so it won't rock the board back and forth easily as if it goes vertically.  For beginners who lack troubleshooting skills, the great reliability of this board will save you time in the learning process.  

Note: The C32 family is great for senior projects but not the best controller for learning the HCS12 programming. For a HCS12 trainer, the DG256 will be a better choice. See which HCS12 chip is the best for a trainer or a development board at:
www.evbplus.com/mc9s12chip.html

2. DF12-BBU  When a university offers a robot introductory course for its ECE101, this board can be a good candidate.  It's not only a robot controller but also a simple development board. In a robot application, it can control 4 servos and monitor 4 digital or analog inputs. An on-board 5x2 header can be connected to a line follow sensor module.  The mounting hole fits Parallax's BOE Bot.  So whenever your robot controller reaches its limit  you can upgrade it to this powerful C32 board. 

3. DF12-SBC:  This board is good for embedded applications. The Small size allows it to be incorporated into many OEM products. Many popular 68HC11 boards, like Marvin Green's BotBoard or MIT's Handyboard or Motorola's EVBU board, are harder to find these days, The DF12-SBC may be a good replacement.