# Parallax BASIC Stamp 2 Module \#BS2-IC

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-1600 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/parallax-basic-stamp-2-module-bs2-ic.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/parallax-basic-stamp-2-module-bs2-ic.html.md))

## Retired product

This product is retired and no longer available for purchase. Search the catalogue for an alternative.

## Description

The BASIC Stamp 2 module serves as the brains inside of electronics projects and applications that require a programmable microcontroller. It is able to control and monitor timers, keypads, motors, sensors, switches, relays, lights, and more. Programming is performed in an easy-to-learn language called PBASIC, which is detailed in the starter kit that includes the BASIC Stamp 2, the [BASIC Stamp Discovery Kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/parallax-basic-stamp-discovery-kit-usb-27807.html).

The BS2-IC is widely used in educational, hobby, and industrial applications. Plentiful resources including documentation, source code, and customer projects are available online and in print.

**Features**

- Processor speed: 20 MHz
- Program execution speed: ~4,000 PBASIC instructions/sec.
- RAM size: 32 bytes (6 I/0, 26 variable)
- EEPROM (program) size: 2K bytes; ~500 PBASIC instructions
- Number of I/O pins: 16 + 2 dedicated serial
- Current draw @ 5 VDC: 3mA run, 50 µA sleep
- Source/sink current per I/O: 20 mA / 25 mA
- Source/sink current per unit: 40 mA / 50 mA per 8 I/O pins
- PBASIC commands: 42
- Package: 24-pin DIP
- Industrial-rated since Rev J
 
**Key Specifications**

- Power requirements: 5.5 to 15 VDC (Vin), or 5 VDC (Vdd)
- Communication: serial (9600 baud for programming)
- Dimensions: 1.20" x 0.63" x 0.15" (30.0 x 16.0 x 3.81 mm)
- Operating temperature: -40 to +185 °F (-40 to +85 °C)
 
**Getting Started**

**Note:** If you are new to electronics and programming, Pololu recommend starting with the [BASIC Stamp Discovery Kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/parallax-basic-stamp-discovery-kit-usb-27807.html), an excellent introductory kit that comes with everything you need to get started with BASIC Stamp programming and electronics, including a BASIC Stamp 2 module, two printed booklets, and all the basic electronics components necessary to build dozens of fun projects.

To get started with the BASIC stamp you will need the following:

- Free [programming software](https://www.parallax.com/download/) that lets you type PBASIC programs in a text editor and compile them for downloading to your BASIC Stamp (the BASIC Stamp editors are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux).
- Standard, straight-through serial cable for downloading programs from your computer to the BASIC Stamp. See the BASIC Stamp 2 schematic (143k pdf) for connecting the serial cable to the module.
- BASIC Stamp manual (5MB pdf)
- BASIC Stamp FAQ (110k pdf)
- BASIC Stamp module (this product)
- (Optionally, the Board of Education development board, which is included in the [BASIC Stamp Discovery Kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/parallax-basic-stamp-discovery-kit-usb-27807.html).)
 
**Dimensions**

 | Size: | 1.2" x 0.6" x 0.4" |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 2.4 g |

**General specifications**

 | Processor: | Microchip PIC16C57C @ 20 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM size: | 32 bytes[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) |
| Program memory size: | 2 Kbytes[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) |
| Motor driver: | none |
| Motor channels: | 0 |
| User I/O lines: | 18[3](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note3) |
| Max current on a single I/O: | 20 mA[4](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note4) |
| Minimum operating voltage: | 5 V |
| Maximum operating voltage: | 15 V |
| Package: | 24-pin DIP |
| Reverse voltage protection?: | Y |
| External programmer required?: | N[5](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note5) |
| Program execution speed: | ~4,000 instructions/second |
| Supply current: | 3 mA[6](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note6) |
| LCD included?: | N |

**Notes:**

16 I/O, 26 variable2~500 instructions316 + 2 dedicated serial4the pins can sink up to 25 mA5A serial cable is required.6when running at 5 V; 50 µA in sleep mode **File downloads**

- **BASIC Stamp Manual v2.2 (5MB pdf)**
- **BASIC Stamp 2 Schematic (143k pdf)**
- **BASIC Stamp Frequently Asked Questions (110k pdf)**
- **What’s A Microcontroller? Text v2.2 (6MB pdf)**
- **What’s A Microcontroller? Errata v1.4 (101k pdf)**
 
**Recommended links**

- **[BASIC Stamp Editing Software Downloads](https://www.parallax.com/download/)**
- **[BASIC Stamp Documentation Downloads](https://www.parallax.com/download/basic-stamp-documentation/)**

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/p/a/parallax_basic_stamp_2_module_bs2_ic__pololu_1600__00.jpg)