Hitt Consulting

SX/B Compiler

Program SX chips in basic for free!
The SX/B basic compiler from Parallax was developed by Hitt Consulting. The SX microcontroller can run at up to 75 MIPS (million instructions per seconds). You will require a programming device to program the SX chips. The SX-Blitz from Parallax is an easy to use inexpensive programmer. The SX-Key is a top-of-the-line programmers, clock source, and debugger.

Program in BASIC and Run 75 Million Instructions per Second!- Parallax's SX/B is a free BASIC language compiler for the SX microcontroller (SX20, SX28, and SX48). The compiler speeds the programming of the SX microcontrollers by providing a simple, yet robust high-level language familiar to Parallax customers. The compiler is a tool for education, hobby or engineering and is designed to help the transition from high-level programming (i.e., BASIC Stamp®) to low-level programming (SX assembly language).

Programming the SX chip requires an SX Tech Tool Kit and some understanding of the SX architecture. Specifically, knowledge of oscillator speeds, page switching, and managing an interrupt service routine will be necessary to get the most performance from an SX chip. This is a non-optimizing, inline compiler - each BASIC language statement is converted to a block of assembly code in-line at the program location. Additionally, the user needs to give consideration to SX/B's limitations (byte by byte serial, no floating point, etc.). The advanced programmer can modify code or use in-line assembly as required while students can effectively learn SX assembly language techniques.

SX/B is fully integrated into the Parallax SX-Key software, complete with a detailed on-line Help file and many examples. Experienced BASIC Stamp programmers will quickly understand the compiler's usefulness.

New users of SX/B will appreciate the support Parallax has dedicated to this compiler. The most recent compiler revision (July 2006) includes improvements for WORD variable support, functions with MIN and MAX parameters, structured BASIC language syntax improvements (IF...THEN..ELSE), and improvements to the SHIFTIN and SHIFTOUT timing parameters. Check with our forums or web site for future SX/B compiler updates.

Download SX-Key 3.2.92 IDE with SX/B Compiler
Download SX/B Compiler Manual (1.3MB) Download Practical SX/B Book