- NXP Semiconductors NV
- NEXT Mobility
| Evaluation Board Name | image | Target MCU | CPU core | Program Flash | Number of PINs | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRDM-A-S32K118 | ― | S32K118 | Arm® Cortex®-M0+ @ 48 MHz | 256KB | 64 LQFP | For entry-level users (LIN/CAN end node) |
| FRDM-A-S32K144 | ― | S32K144 | Arm® Cortex®-M4F @ 112 MHz | 512KB | 100 LQFP | Mid-range (LIN/CAN end node) |
| FRDM-A-S32K312 |  | S32K312 | Arm® Cortex®-M7 @ 120 MHz | 2MB | 172 HDQFP | High Performance (OTA support) |
| FRDM-A-S32K344 |  | S32K344 | Arm® Cortex®-M7 (1xM7 LS) @ 160 MHz | 4MB | 172 HDQFP | High Performance (OTA support, ASIL-D compatible) |
| FRDM-A-S32K358 |  | S32K358 | Arm® Cortex®-M7 (1xM7 LS + 1xM7) @ 240 MHz | 8MB | 289 BGA | High Performance (OTA support, ASIL-D compliant, SD card CONNECTORS included) |
| FRDM-A-S32M276 |  | S32M276 | Arm® Cortex®-M7 @ 120 MHz | 1MB | 64 LQFP-EP | Motor control (LIN or CAN Phy, Gate Driver Unit, (Built-in 12V regulator) |
In the development of in-vehicle systems, the increasing scale of software and the growing need for safety and security measures are leading to a greater development burden.
On the other hand, there are many situations where prototyping and evaluation are required in a short period of time, making the creation of an efficient development environment a challenge.
This article explains how NXP's "FRDM Automotive*" can streamline the entire process, from evaluation to prototyping and even mass production development.
*FRDM: This is the name of an evaluation board provided by NXP, and is pronounced "Freedom".
Related Info
Representative NXP microcontrollers equipped with Cortex-M
- S32K1 General-Purpose Automotive Microcontroller
- S32K3 General-Purpose Automotive Microcontroller
- I tried using FRDM! (Coming soon)
Overview of FRDM Automotive
In recent years, the development of in-vehicle systems has seen the emergence of challenges such as the increasing scale of control software and the need to address functional safety and cybersecurity, driven by advancements in electrification, sophistication, and connectivity. At the same time, there is a strong demand for shorter time-to-market (T-Market) cycles, making efficient and rapid development a crucial theme.
Against this backdrop, NXP's "FRDM Automotive" is an integrated development platform aimed at streamlining the evaluation and prototyping development of automotive MCUs. This platform consists of the following elements:
- MCU evaluation boards (FRDM-A-S32K series, etc.)
- Various application expansion boards
- Software package including integrated development environment and middleware
- Application Code Hub provides a wealth of sample code.
By combining these elements, a distinctive feature is the creation of an environment that provides consistent support from the evaluation stage to application development and even the transition to mass production design.
Furthermore, FRDM Automotive supports NXP's flagship automotive MCU family, the S32 series (S32K1 / S32K3 / S32M2), allowing for the use of devices with different performance ranges under the same development concept. This enables a scalable development flow, such as directly applying the results of the prototyping phase to higher-end devices.
Figure 1 FRDM-A-S32K312 (Source: nxp.com)
Hardware features
A key feature of FRDM Automotive's hardware is that it offers a compact and affordable evaluation environment while incorporating features designed for automotive applications. It's easy to implement from the initial planning stages and is also suitable for proof-of-concept (PoC) applications.
Basic structure and features
- Compact and easy-to-handle board size
- Low-cost implementation design (reducing the hurdle for initial evaluation)
- It uses the Arm Cortex-M series (M0+ / M4 / M7).
- Equipped with CAN/LIN PHYs necessary for in-vehicle communication.
- By incorporating PMICs (FS23/FS26), POWER SUPPLIES configuration has been simplified.
This allows for rapid verification of POWER SUPPLIES design and communication evaluation at the board level, which are necessary in the early stages of development.
Wide range of products
FRDM Automotive offers multiple boards to suit different applications and performance requirements.
This lineup allows us to support a wide range of needs, from body system ECUs to motor control and even evaluation environments tailored to domain control.
Expandability (Expansion Board)
Furthermore, all NXP FRDM platforms utilize pin headers called Arduino shields, allowing for flexible functionality expansion through combination with expansion boards (Arduino shields).
In addition to examples of Arduino shields provided by NXP, it is also possible to easily connect and evaluate Arduino shields from other companies.
| Evaluation Board Name | image | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| FRDM-XS2410EVB |  | The FRDM-XS2410EVB FRDM board allows you to verify all the functions of the high-side SWITCHES (XS2410). |
| DEVKIT-MOTORGD |  | DEVKIT-MOTORGD is an integrated motor control shield for NXP's DEVKIT platform. |
| SJA1124EVB |  | The SJA1124EVB is an evaluation board for the SJA1124 SPI-QuadLIN bridge. |
| DEVKIT-COMM |  | DEVKIT-COMM is an adapter board that connects to an existing EVB to add up to four CAN connections and six LIN/SCI connections. |
| TJA1128EVB |  | The TJA1128EVB is an evaluation board for the TJA1128 LIN mini system base chip. |
This allows for verification in a system configuration closer to that of a real application, rather than simply evaluating the MCU.
Software Features
Another key feature of FRDM Automotive is that it provides an integrated software environment in addition to the hardware. This significantly reduces the time and effort required to set up the development environment.
Integrated software configuration
- S32 Design Studio (Integrated Development Environment)
- Real-Time Drivers (RTDs) (Device drivers and AUTOSAR MCALs)
- Communication stack (CAN / LIN / TCP/IP, etc.)
- Real-time operating systems (such as FreeRTOS)
- Safety and security-related software
*S32 Design Studio and RTD are available free of charge.
Key points for improving development efficiency
Simple environment setup:
The software is provided as an integrated package and is easy to install. This significantly reduces the time required to set up the environment.
Pre-verified software:
Drivers and middleware are pre-tested for optimal performance, reducing problems during the early stages of development. This contributes to reduced design risks and improved quality.
Software Installation Bundle
Dedicated bundles are provided for each MCU family through the Automotive Software Package Manager.
Utilizing Application Dance Hub
NXP's Application Code Hub provides a wealth of practical sample code, such as the following:
- CAN communication
- Ethernet communication
- Motor control
- Sensor Interface
- LED control, UART communication, etc.
By utilizing these tools, it becomes possible to launch a "working system" in a short amount of time, allowing you to focus on application development.
Figure 2 Application Code Hub (Source: nxp.com)
You can Access Application Code Hub from the following URL:
https://mcuxpresso.nxp.com/appcodehub
Additionally, you can easily Access the Application Code Hub by clicking "Import Project from Application Code Hub" on the S32 Design Studio Dashboard.
Figure 3: Launching Application Code Hub from S32Design Studio.
NEXTY's Activities Introduction
At Nexty Electronics, we comprehensively support our customers' automotive development by utilizing NXP products, including FRDM Automotive.
1. Sales and product proposals
- Selection of the optimal MCU/evaluation board according to the customer's application.
- Total system proposal including PMIC and communication ICs.
- Device selection support with a view to future mass production scale
2. Technical Support
- Support for setting up development environments (IDEs, software packages)
- Support on how to use the sample code
- Application technology support for CAN/LIN communication, motor control, and other applications.
- Addressing advanced technical challenges through collaboration with NXP
3. Proof of Concept/Prototype Support
- Support for PoC implementation using the FRDM Automotive evaluation board
- Support for short-term prototype development
- Identifying issues and proposing improvements based on actual device evaluations.
4. Bridging the gap to mass production development
- Support for transitioning from evaluation environment to mass production design
- Software asset reuse and optimization proposals
- Support for compliance with safety and security requirements
5. Providing information through a technical blog (future plans)
Furthermore, Nexty Electronics plans to publish an article titled "Hands-on Experience with NXP's Automotive Microcontroller Evaluation Board" for customers using NXP's evaluation boards for the first time. This article will cover:
- Board setup procedure
- Specific steps for setting up a development environment
- Execution result of sample code
- Points to consider when actually using it
We plan to share information that is directly relevant to practical work, such as the above.
Summary
FRDM Automotive is not just an evaluation board; it can be used as a development platform that connects proof-of-concept (PoC) to mass production development.
If you are interested, please feel free to Inquiry Nexty Electronics.
Inquiry
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