> **Source:** Core Electronics is an Australian maker-electronics retailer and manufacturer based in Newcastle, NSW, run by a team of makers and educators. We design and manufacture our own product lines (PiicoDev, CE originals) and are official retailers for iconic maker and industrial brands including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Adafruit, SparkFun and DFRobot. Orders ship Australia-wide from our Newcastle warehouse. Prices are in AUD and include GST. Pricing, stock and dispatch on this page are generated from the store's live catalog. Full machine-readable index: https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt # P-Star 45K50 Mini SV **Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-3156 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia) **Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-45k50-mini-sv.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-45k50-mini-sv.html.md)) The P-Star 45K50 Mini SV is a small programmable module featuring Microchip’s PIC18F45K50 microcontroller. It packs a Micro-USB interface and 30 digital... ## Pricing - **Price:** $42.60 (inc GST) — $38.73 AUD, exc GST - **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $37.18 (exc GST) · 25+ $36.02 (exc GST) ## Availability & dispatch - Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 17 and Aug 18. ## How to buy - **Build a cart:** compose `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link?items=POLOLU-3156:1` (comma-separated SKU:qty pairs) and share the link. Opening it shows a confirmation page with live pricing and stock before anything is added to the cart. - **Verify the cart first:** fetch `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link/POLOLU-3156:1.md` for live line prices (inc & exc GST, quantity discounts applied), stock and dispatch estimates, and totals. Append `/to/{AU-postcode}` (or `/to/{country-code}:{postcode}`) before `.md` for delivery options and prices to that destination. Unknown, retired, or out-of-stock SKUs are flagged. (Query form `cart/link.md?items=...` also works but some robots parsers refuse query strings here.) - **Checkout** is completed on-site and includes a captcha at the payment step. Share the cart link; checkout takes it from there. - **Search the catalogue:** `https://core-electronics.com.au/search/{query}.md` (URL-encode the query; pages 2-3 at `search/{query}/{page}.md`; `search.md?q=` also works) - **Payment methods, purchase orders, policies and contact details:** https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt ## Description | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8097_24653e604a6.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8097_739347b8bc9.jpg) | |---| | P-Star 45K50 Mini SV dimensions, with U.S. quarter for size reference. | The Pololu P-Star 45K50 Mini SV is a general-purpose programmable module based on Microchip’s PIC18F45K50 microcontroller, which has 32 KB of flash program memory, 2 KB of RAM, and built-in USB functionality. On-board features of the P-Star (abbreviated P\*) include a 16 MHz crystal, a USB Micro-B connector, and three user-controllable indicator LEDs. A switching step-down voltage regulator and power selection circuit allow the board to be powered from either USB or an external 5 V to 36 V source, while a current limit on the USB VBUS supply and reverse protection on VIN help protect it from accidental damage. The board ships with a USB bootloader that makes it easy to program the PIC microcontroller without using an external programmer. Pololu's comprehensive user’s guide provides the basics you need to get started with the P-Star as well as detailed technical information. This product requires a [USB A to Micro-B cable](https://core-electronics.com.au/thin-2mm-usb-cable-a-to-micro-b-6-ft-low-full-speed-only.html) (not included) to connect to a computer. | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8096_7768370fd88.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8096_47902cae673.jpg) | |---| | P-Star 45K50 Mini SV, top view. | **Features** - Dimensions: 2" × 0.7" (2.05" × 0.7" including USB Micro-B connector) - Programmable Microchip PIC18F45K50 microcontroller - 32 KB flash (8 KB used by bootloader, leaving 24 KB available for user program by default) - 2 KB SRAM - 256 bytes of EEPROM - Native full-speed USB (12 Mbps) - Internally clocked at 48 MHz, resulting in execution speeds up to 12 million instructions per second (MIPS) - Precision 16 MHz crystal - 30 I/O lines in a small package - 28 user I/O pins on the two long sides of the board - 2 additional I/O pins available in other locations - 25 pins can be configured as analog inputs - 2 PWM output signals (one of which can be sent to four different pins) - 5-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) output - Three user-controllable LEDs - Reset button - USB Micro-B connector - Can be powered from USB or external source regulated to 5 V by onboard regulator - Operating voltage: 5 V to 36 V - 5 V logic voltage - Auxiliary 3.3 V linear regulator - Reverse-voltage protection on external power input - Ships with a proprietary USB bootloader developed by Pololu for the P-Star - Bootloader is usable from Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X with [open source software](https://github.com/pololu/p-load) - No external programmer required - Compatible with standard Microchip compilers, development tools, and programmers - Comprehensive user’s guide **Pinout** | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8129_114815ce989.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8129_325366d81aa.jpg) | |---| | P-Star 45K50 Mini SV pinout diagram. | This diagram identifies the I/O and power pins on the P-Star 45K50 Mini SV. The diagram is also available as a [printable PDF](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/p-star_45k50_mini_sv_pinout_54704911845.pdf) (547k pdf). For more information about the PIC18F45K50 microcontroller and its peripherals, see Microchip’s [PIC18F45K50 documentation](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/PIC18F45K50). **Included hardware** Two 1×18-pin breakaway [0.1" male headers](https://core-electronics.com.au/0-100-2-54-mm-breakaway-male-header-1x40-pin-straight.html) and one 1×7-pin breakaway 0.1" male header are included with the P-Star 45K50 Mini. These header pins can be soldered in to use the board with perfboards, [breadboards](https://core-electronics.com.au/prototyping/breadboards.html), or [0.1" female connectors](https://core-electronics.com.au/connectors-sockets/headers/female-straight.html). | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8093_27678288147.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8093_47446908f5e.jpg) \| \|---\| \| P-Star 45K50 Mini SV with included optional headers. \| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8098_22707e4b209.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8098_4078494b7fc.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| \| P-Star 45K50 Mini SV on a breadboard, shown with a vertical 5-pin ICSP programming header installed. \| | |---| **The P-Star family** The P-Star 45K50 Mini is part of Pololu's [P-Star family](https://core-electronics.com.au/category/217/p-star-programmable-controllers). The table below lists the members of the family and shows the key differences between them. | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8099_37168107f97.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8099_68209216c0b.jpg) | |---| | P-Star 25K50 Micro (top) and P-Star 45K50 Mini SV (bottom). | | | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5684_21201d0f7d.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-25k50-micro.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8094_2703f599af.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-45k50-mini-sv.html) | |---|---|---| | | [P-Star 25K50 Micro](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-25k50-micro.html) | [P-Star 45K50 Mini SV](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-45k50-mini-sv.html) | | Microcontroller: | PIC18F25K50 | PIC18F45K50 | | User I/O lines: | 19 | 30 | | Analog inputs: | 14 | 25 | | Reset button: | | ![yes](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/check_29454a38f.png) | | Operating voltage: | 5.5 V to 15 V | 5 V to 36 V | | Regulator type: | linear | switching step-down | | Regulated current:**(1)** | 100 mA | 500 mA | | Auxiliary 3.3 V regulator: | | ![yes](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/check_29454a38f.png) | | Dimensions: | 1" × 0.6" | 2.0" × 0.7" | | Weight:**(2)** | 1.3 g | 3.5 g | **1** These values are rough approximations for comparison purposes. Available current depends on input voltage, current consumed by the board, ambient conditions, and regulator topology. **2** Without included optional headers. **People often buy this product together with:** | [![P-Star 25K50 Micro](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J5684_541865dde3.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-25k50-micro.html) | [P-Star 25K50 Micro](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-25k50-micro.html) | |---|---| **Dimensions** | Size: | 0.7" × 2.05" × 0.17"[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) | |---|---| | Weight: | 3.5 g[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) | **General specifications** | Processor: | PIC18F45K50 | |---|---| | RAM size: | 2 Kbytes | | Program memory size: | 32 Kbytes[3](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note3) | | Motor channels: | 0 | | User I/O lines: | 30[4](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note4) | | Minimum operating voltage: | 5 V[5](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note5) | | Maximum operating voltage: | 36 V | | Logic voltage: | 5 V | | Reverse voltage protection?: | Y[6](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note6) | | External programmer required?: | N | **Identifying markings** | PCB dev codes: | pc02c | |---|---| **Notes:** 1Without included optional headers. This measurement includes the USB Micro-B connector, which extends 0.05" past the edge of the PCB.2Without included optional headers.38 KB of the MCU's 32 KB of flash memory is used by the pre-installed USB bootloader. All 32 KB is available if you use an external programmer and erase the bootloader.4All 30 can be used as digital I/O, 25 can be used as analog inputs, and one can be an analog output. 28 of the 30 are available along the sides for use in a breadboard.5For light loads. The regulator's dropout voltage increases approximately linearly with the load, from a few millivolts at no load up to around 0.6 V at 500 mA.6On BAT+. **Documentation and other information** - ![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J8099_632855f88a.jpg)**Pololu P-Star User’s Guide ([Printable PDF](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/p-star_25k50_13744df2b07.pdf))** User’s manual for the Pololu P-Star programmable modules. **File downloads** - **[Pinout diagram of the P-Star 45K50 Mini SV](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/p-star_45k50_mini_sv_pinout_54704911845.pdf) (547k pdf)** - **[Schematic diagram of the P-Star 45K50 Mini SV](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/p-star-45k50-mini-sv-schematic_2518005cd9b.pdf) (252k pdf)** - **[Dimension diagram of the P-Star 45K50 Mini SV](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/p-star-45k50-mini-sv-dimensions_19360508e5d.pdf) (194k pdf)** - **3D model of the P-Star 45K50 Mini SV (8MB step)** - **Pololu USB Bootloader Utility (p-load) for Windows (1MB msi)** - **Pololu USB Bootloader Utility (p-load) for macOS (87k pkg)** - **[Pololu USB Bootloader Utility (p-load) for Linux (x86)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/p-load-2_47832b1245c.xz) (478k xz)** - **[Pololu USB Bootloader Utility (p-load) for Linux (Raspberry Pi)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/p-load-2_3737855218a.xz) (374k xz)** - **Drill guide for the P-Star 45K50 Mini SV (69k dxf)** This DXF drawing shows the locations of all of the board’s holes. **Recommended links** - **[PIC18F45K50 documentation](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/PIC18F45K50)** Microchip’s product page for the PIC18F45K50, with links to its datasheet and other resources. - **[Pololu USB Bootloader Utility (p-load) source code](https://github.com/pololu/p-load)** - **[MPLAB X Integrated Development Environment (IDE)](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/tools-resources/develop/mplab-x-ide)** MPLAB X is a free IDE from Microchip for programming their PIC microcontrollers. It runs on Windows, Max OS X, and Linux. MPLAB X comes with the a simulator and the MPASM assembler. It works well with the [MPLAB XC Compilers](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/tools-resources/develop/mplab-xc-compilers) and the [PICkit 3](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/development-tool/PG164130). - **[MPLAB XC Compilers](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/tools-resources/develop/mplab-xc-compilers)** The MPLAB XC Compilers from Microchip are a family of C compilers for PIC MCUs. The compilers are free to use, but paid versions are available that provide better optimizations. - **[P-Star Examples](https://github.com/pololu/p-star-examples)** A collection example code and libraries for the P-Star. - **[PICkit 3](https://www.microchip.com/en-us/development-tool/PG164130)** Microchip’s PICkit 3 programmer is a low-cost hardware debugger and programmer for PIC microcontrollers. - **SDCC – Small Device C Compiler** SDCC is a free and open source compiler that supports many types of microcontrollers, including PIC MCUs that use the PIC18 architecture. The PIC18s are called PIC16 in the SDCC documentation and command-line interface because the instructions are 16 bits wide. As of August 2014, the [SDCC manual](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/sdccman_97555633ff6.pdf) states that the support for these PIC microcontrollers “is not yet mature and still lacks many features”. - **PICBASIC PRO Compiler 3.0** A BASIC compiler that targets PIC microcontrollers. - **[M-Stack](https://github.com/signal11/m-stack)** M-Stack is an open source USB Stack from Signal 11 Software for Microchip PIC microcontrollers. - **[RPicSim](https://github.com/pololu/rpicsim)** The RPicSim library provides an interface to the MPLAB X PIC simulator that allows you to write simulator-based automated tests of PIC firmware. RPicSim is written in the Ruby language and runs on JRuby. - **[XPRESS-BootLoader](https://github.com/perkyguy/XPRESS-Bootloader/tree/PStar)** This bootloader can run on the [P-Star 25K50](https://core-electronics.com.au/p-star-25k50-micro.html). It acts as a USB mass storage device and allows the P-Star to be programmed by copying a HEX file onto it. ## Images - [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/i/m/image_5447.jpg)