

The BASIC Stamp 2sx (BS2sx-IC) is a microcontroller module manufactured by Parallax. It combines a BASIC interpreter with a microprocessor, enabling users to program and control electronic devices with ease. This module is ideal for hobbyists, educators, and engineers who require a simple yet powerful platform for prototyping and automation.








The BASIC Stamp 2sx is designed to provide a balance of performance and simplicity. Below are its key technical details:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | Ubicom SX28AC/DP-G |
| Program Execution Speed | ~10,000 instructions per second |
| Program Memory | 8 KB EEPROM (2,000 instructions) |
| RAM | 32 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Operating Voltage | 5 V DC |
| Current Consumption | 20 mA (typical) |
| Clock Frequency | 50 MHz (internal) |
| Communication Protocol | Serial (TTL-level) |
| Dimensions | 1.2" x 0.6" (30.5 mm x 15.2 mm) |
The BASIC Stamp 2sx has a 24-pin DIP package. Below is the pinout and description:
| Pin Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VSS | Ground (0 V) |
| 2 | VDD | Power supply (5 V DC) |
| 3 | RES | Reset pin (active low) |
| 4-19 | P0-P15 | General-purpose I/O pins |
| 20 | ATN | Attention pin for programming |
| 21 | SIN | Serial input (TTL-level) |
| 22 | SOUT | Serial output (TTL-level) |
| 23 | NC | Not connected |
| 24 | NC | Not connected |
The BASIC Stamp 2sx is programmed using the PBASIC language, which is simple and beginner-friendly. Below are the steps to use the module in a circuit:
Below is an example PBASIC code to blink an LED connected to pin P0:
' BASIC Stamp 2sx LED Blink Example
' This program blinks an LED connected to pin P0 every second.
DO
HIGH 0 ' Set P0 high to turn on the LED
PAUSE 1000 ' Wait for 1 second
LOW 0 ' Set P0 low to turn off the LED
PAUSE 1000 ' Wait for 1 second
LOOP
While the BASIC Stamp 2sx is a standalone microcontroller, it can communicate with an Arduino UNO via serial communication. Use the SIN and SOUT pins for this purpose, ensuring proper voltage level matching.
Module Not Responding
Program Upload Fails
I/O Pins Not Working
Q: Can I use the BASIC Stamp 2sx with 3.3 V devices?
A: Yes, but you will need level shifters or resistors to safely interface the 5 V I/O pins with 3.3 V devices.
Q: What is the maximum program size?
A: The BASIC Stamp 2sx can store up to 2,000 PBASIC instructions in its 8 KB EEPROM.
Q: Can I use the module for real-time applications?
A: The BASIC Stamp 2sx is suitable for simple real-time tasks but may not be ideal for high-speed or complex real-time applications due to its limited processing speed.
This concludes the documentation for the BASIC Stamp 2sx. For further details, refer to the official Parallax user manual.