Propeller 1 Multicore Microcontroller
Propeller 1 — Proven Multicore Microcontroller
Propeller 1 is Parallax’s proven eight-core microcontroller for embedded control, instrumentation, communications, and real-time applications. Its deterministic multicore architecture allows independent tasks to run simultaneously without interrupts, supported by mature development tools, extensive documentation, and a large library of reusable software. Available as individual ICs and easy-to-use modules, Propeller 1 remains an economical and practical platform for new designs as well as established products.
What Makes Propeller 1 Different
8 Independent Cores (Cogs)
Parallel processing without interrupts.
Deterministic Timing
Predictable execution for real-time applications.
Flexible I/O
Multiple cores can independently control and monitor I/O.
Simple Architecture
Hardware and software designed together for straightforward embedded development.
Propeller 1 at a Glance
| Feature | Propeller 1 |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 8 independent 32-bit processor cores (cogs) |
| Clock Speed | Up to 80 MHz |
| Shared Memory | 32 KB Hub RAM |
| ROM | 32 KB |
| I/O | 32 general-purpose I/O pins |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Programming | Spin and Propeller Assembly (PASM) |
| Packages | DIP and surface-mount options |
Start with the FLiP Multicore Microcontroller
The easiest way to develop with Propeller 1
The FLiP Multicore Module combines the Propeller 1 with the supporting circuitry needed for programming and development in a compact, breadboard-friendly module. Connect it to USB, choose your development environment, and start programming.
FLiP Multicore Microcontroller
Programming Propeller 1
Propeller 1 can be programmed using Spin and Propeller Assembly (PASM), with several modern and established development environments available. Choose the programming environment that best fits your operating system and development workflow.
A Mature Software Library
Years of Propeller development have produced an extensive collection of reusable drivers and application code for displays, sensors, communications, storage, motor control, and other common embedded interfaces. The Propeller Object Exchange (OBEX) provides access to software contributed by Parallax engineers and the Propeller community.
Documentation & Getting Started
Propeller 1 is backed by extensive, time-tested technical documentation covering its architecture, electrical specifications, Spin and PASM programming, hardware interfacing, and application development.
Proven in Real Applications
Propeller 1 has been used for years in commercial products, industrial systems, instrumentation, automation, and specialized embedded applications. The primary applications include robotics, autonomous devices, medical, and industrial.
See Propeller Customer Applications →
Need greater processing performance, memory, or advanced I/O? Propeller 2!