PICAXE 14M2 Microcontroller Integrated Circuit – 14-Pin Programmable IC

The PICAXE 14M2 is a versatile 14-pin programmable microcontroller integrated circuit designed for electronics education, prototyping, automation, and student control projects. Sitting between the smaller PICAXE 08M2 and larger 20M2, the 14M2 provides a useful balance between compact size and input/output capability, making it well suited to secondary school electronics and STEM activities.
With up to 11 configurable input/output pins, the PICAXE 14M2 can be programmed to interact with switches, LEDs, LDRs, piezo sounders, infrared devices, sensors, servos, motor driver circuits, and other compatible electronic components. Students can begin with simple LED programs and progress to analogue sensing, decision making, sound, motor control, and automated systems.
The PICAXE 14M2 can be reprogrammed repeatedly, allowing the same microcontroller to be used across multiple experiments and student projects. Its through-hole package makes it convenient for breadboards, IC sockets, educational PCBs, and prototype circuits.

Key Features

• PICAXE 14M2 programmable microcontroller
• 14-pin integrated circuit
• Up to 11 configurable input/output pins
• Digital input and output capability
• Analogue input capability
• PWM output capability
• Infrared input and output functions
• Touch sensing capability
• Serial communication functions
• Reprogrammable for multiple projects
• Program retained when power is removed
• Through-hole package
• Suitable for breadboards, PCBs, and IC sockets
• Designed for educational and general electronics applications

What’s Included

• 1 × PICAXE 14M2 Microcontroller Integrated Circuit

What is a Microcontroller?

A microcontroller is a small programmable computer contained within a single integrated circuit. It can receive information from inputs, process that information according to a program, and then control outputs.
For example, a PICAXE 14M2 could monitor an LDR light sensor and automatically switch an LED on when the surrounding light level becomes low. A push-button switch could be used to activate a piezo sounder, or a sensor could trigger a motor through a suitable motor driver.
This provides students with a practical introduction to the Input – Process – Output principle used in electronic control and automated systems.

Why Use the PICAXE 14M2?

The 14M2 provides additional input/output capability compared with the smaller 08M2 while maintaining a compact 14-pin package. This makes it useful when a project requires several sensors, switches, LEDs, or other devices but does not require the additional I/O capacity of the PICAXE 20M2.
It provides a good progression for students who have already completed basic microcontroller activities and want to develop projects involving multiple inputs and outputs.

Input and Output Possibilities

The PICAXE 14M2 can be incorporated into projects using devices such as:
• Push-button switches
• LDR light sensors
• LEDs
• Piezo sounders
• Infrared receivers and transmitters
• Potentiometers
• Temperature and other compatible sensors
• Servo motors
• Motor driver ICs and modules
• DC motors through a suitable motor driver
• Relays through a suitable driver circuit
• Other compatible electronic modules

Programming the PICAXE 14M2

Programs can be developed using PICAXE programming software and downloaded to the 14M2 using a compatible PICAXE programming circuit and cable, such as the AXE027 USB programming cable.
Once downloaded, the program is stored within the microcontroller and retained when power is removed. When the circuit is powered again, the PICAXE runs the stored program.
The microcontroller can be erased and reprogrammed repeatedly, making it ideal for classroom experimentation and project development.

Classroom Use / Learning Outcomes

Students can use the PICAXE 14M2 to:
• Understand the purpose of a microcontroller
• Identify inputs, processing, and outputs
• Develop basic microcontroller programs
• Control LEDs and other digital outputs
• Read push-button and digital inputs
• Read analogue sensors
• Use variables in programs
• Create loops and timed sequences
• Use conditional statements and decision making
• Generate sounds
• Investigate PWM control
• Interface with motor driver circuits
• Explore infrared control
• Combine multiple inputs and outputs
• Test, troubleshoot, and improve programs
• Develop their own automated electronic systems

Teacher Benefits

• Designed for accessible microcontroller programming
• Compact 14-pin package
• Up to 11 configurable I/O pins for project flexibility
• Suitable for introductory and intermediate programming activities
• Reprogrammable for repeated classroom use
• Through-hole construction is convenient for educational projects
• Suitable for breadboards and IC sockets
• Supports structured experiments and open-ended design projects
• Useful for teaching electronics, programming, sensing, and automation

Perfect For

• PICAXE programming
• Secondary school electronics
• STEM activities
• Design and Technologies
• Systems Engineering
• Robotics projects
• Sensor systems
• Automated projects
• Motor-control experiments
• Student design briefs
• Breadboard experiments
• PCB projects