EEBasic is an implementation of the Basic language entirely on one chip. When attached to power and an RS-232 level converter, the chip can be programmed in an integer Basic. The language is augmented with keywords aimed at control functions and access of the peripherals built into the chip which is an Atmel Mega644.
The embedded program contains a compiler which converts entered code into a token format, a listing system which can regenerate the original program entered and an execution module which runs the entered program. The user program is stored along side the embedded program in the Flash program memory of the Mega644 and about half of the program store is available for user program storage (28kB). Variables are allocated in the ram memory of the chip and of the total of 4kB on the chip, 2kB is available for user variables. The EEProm memory of the chip is available (via Basic statements) for nonvolatile storage and all but 16 bytes of the 2kB are available for user storage.
The EEBasic chip runs at 16mHz and has 30 of the available 32 pins on the chip for user programming and access. All of the built-in peripherals (USART, Two Wire Interface, Timers and Counters) can be accessed from Basic. The language has string variables in addition to integer variables and a full range of string operations are included. In addition, there is provision for secondary modules (written in assembler) to be added in the field. Some of those modules are loaded in the standard version of EEBasic and those include a generalized character mode LCD display driver, a 4x4 keyboard encoder, a generalized infrared remote control decoder and a two wire interface driver.
Program development only requires an RS-232 terminal or RS-232 terminal emulator on a computer. None of the development process is dependant upon this terminal (or terminal emulator) so program development does NOT required loading any specific program into the development system. Thus EEBasic can be used with any development environment as long as a terminal emulator is available. For the Windows environment, a simple terminal emulator is supplied and some convenience options are included to speed typing for Basic. This also means the the program can be updated at any time and offline storage of the program is not required (but often a good idea).
Since the program storage is in the Flash memory of the chip and Flash memories have limited write cycles, EEBasic was designed from the ground up to minimize the number of write cycles used. Distributed block storage allows entering and deleting of statement with no more than 3 writes and usually only 1 write. The available memory can hold between 500 and 1500 Basic statements depending upon the statement complexity. Flash storage endurance does NOT limit the number of times a program can be run.
The nominal 9,600 baud connection can be autobauded to any rate within the range specified (300-38,400) and an rate set is automatically remembered through power cycles. Execution can be set so the program will automatically start up anytime the power is applied or EEBasic will start with a display prompt waiting for instructions.
The EEBasic Development Board offers an immediate introduction to the EEBasic controller. The board includes a RS-232 driver chip, a 12 key telephone style keypad, a 16x1 LCD Character Display and 4 relays. Uncommitted I/O pins and a small prototyping area allow this board to be used as a fully featured controller.
The Development Board is shipped with a wall style power supply, RS-232 cable for connection to a PC serial port, a simple terminal emulator with shortcut keys and a CD with documentation and sample programs. Availability is immediate, shipping from stock.