PAXE20M2 PICAXE 20M2 Microcontroller Integrated Circuit – 20-Pin Programmable IC

The PICAXE 20M2 is a versatile 20-pin programmable microcontroller integrated circuit designed for electronics education, prototyping, automation, and student-designed control projects. The PICAXE system is particularly well suited to secondary school electronics because programs can be written using easy-to-learn commands and downloaded to the microcontroller, allowing students to quickly progress from simple LED activities to sensors, sound, motor control, and automated systems.
With up to 16 configurable input/output pins, the 20M2 provides considerably more expansion capability than smaller PICAXE devices while remaining approachable for students learning microcontroller programming. It can interface with switches, LEDs, LDRs, infrared devices, piezo sounders, motor driver circuits, servos, and many other electronic components.
The PICAXE 20M2 is also suitable for the K1184 Experimenter Module, providing students with a convenient platform where LEDs, push button, LDR, piezo sounder, infrared input, and L293D dual motor control are available together on one board.

Key Features

• PICAXE 20M2 programmable microcontroller
• 20-pin integrated circuit
• Up to 16 configurable input/output pins
• Supports digital inputs and outputs
• Analogue input capability
• PWM output capability
• Infrared input and output functions
• Touch sensing capability
• Supports serial communications
• Programmable using the PICAXE programming system
• Programs retained when power is removed
• Can be reprogrammed repeatedly
• Suitable for breadboards, PCBs, and educational modules
• Excellent for electronics, robotics, automation, and STEM projects

What’s Included

• 1 × PICAXE 20M2 Microcontroller Integrated Circuit

What is a Microcontroller?

A microcontroller is a small programmable computer contained within a single integrated circuit. Unlike a standard electronic component that performs one particular function, a microcontroller can be programmed to monitor inputs, make decisions, and control outputs.
For example, a PICAXE 20M2 can monitor an LDR light sensor, process the light-level reading according to the student’s program, and then automatically turn on an LED, sound a piezo alarm, or operate a motor.
This makes the PICAXE 20M2 an excellent way to introduce students to the Input – Process – Output principle used in electronic control systems.

Why PICAXE for Education?

The PICAXE system was developed with education and ease of programming in mind. Students can begin with straightforward programming activities without needing to understand all of the internal complexity of a microcontroller.
A typical learning progression can start with switching an LED on and off before moving into push-button inputs, timing, decision making, analogue sensors, sound, infrared control, PWM, motors, and complete automated systems.
This allows students to concentrate on understanding how their program controls a real electronic system.

Input and Output Possibilities

The PICAXE 20M2 can be used with many different electronic devices, including:
• Push-button switches
• LDR light sensors
• LEDs
• Piezo sounders
• Infrared receivers
• Infrared transmitters
• Temperature sensors
• Potentiometers
• Motor driver ICs and modules
• DC motors
• Servo motors
• Relays
• Other compatible sensors and modules

Programming the PICAXE 20M2

Programs can be developed using PICAXE programming software and downloaded to the microcontroller using a compatible PICAXE programming connection, such as the AXE027 USB programming cable when used with appropriate PICAXE hardware.
Once programmed, the PICAXE 20M2 stores the program internally and can run it whenever the circuit is powered. The microcontroller can then be reprogrammed for another experiment or project.

Use With the K1184 Experimenter Module

The PICAXE 20M2 is suitable for use with the K1184 Experimenter Module. Together they provide a convenient educational platform for introducing microcontroller programming and electronic control.
The K1184 provides students with access to:
• 3 × LED outputs
• Piezo sounder
• Push-button switch
• LDR light sensor
• Infrared input
• L293D dual motor controller
• USB-C power input
Having these components together on one board reduces the number of loose components required for each experiment, helps prevent parts from becoming lost, and makes classroom equipment easier to distribute, collect, and store.

Classroom Use / Learning Outcomes

Students can use the PICAXE 20M2 to:
• Understand how microcontrollers work
• Learn basic programming commands
• Control digital outputs
• Read digital inputs
• Measure analogue sensor values
• Use variables and mathematical operations
• Create program loops
• Use conditional decision making
• Generate sounds and signals
• Investigate PWM control
• Control motors through a suitable motor driver
• Investigate infrared control
• Develop input-process-output systems
• Program automated solutions to design problems
• Test, debug, and improve programs

Teacher Benefits

• Designed with education in mind
• Easy progression from introductory to more advanced programming
• Reprogrammable for multiple classroom activities
• Suitable for structured exercises and open-ended projects
• Supports electronics, programming, robotics, and automation
• Can be incorporated into student-designed projects
• Through-hole package is convenient for educational PCBs and prototyping
• Suitable for use with the K1184 Experimenter Module

Perfect For

• K1184 Experimenter Module
• PICAXE programming
• Secondary school electronics
• STEM activities
• Design and Technologies
• Systems Engineering
• Robotics
• Automated control systems
• Sensor projects
• Motor-control projects
• Student design briefs
• Breadboard and PCB projects

SEO Keywords

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Meta Description

PICAXE 20M2 20-pin programmable microcontroller with up to 16 configurable I/O pins for electronics, robotics, automation and educational projects.

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