Getting Started with Freedom Development Platform for Kinetis KW40Z/30Z/20Z MCUs

Tera Term is a very popular open source terminal emulation application. This program can be used to display information sent from your NXP development platform's virtual serial port.

1. Download Tera Term from SourceForge. After the download, run the installer and then return to this webpage to continue.
Download
2. Launch Tera Term. The first time it launches, it will show you the following dialog. Select the serial option. Assuming your board is plugged in, there should be a COM port automatically populated in the list.

3. Configure the serial port settings (using the COM port number identified earlier) to 115200 baud rate, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit. To do this, go to Setup -> Serial Port and change the settings.
4. Verify that the connection is open. If connected, Tera Term will show something like below in it's title bar.

5. You're ready to go

PuTTY is a popular terminal emulation application. This program can be used to display information sent from your NXP development platform's virtual serial port.

1. Download PuTTY using the button below. After the download, run the installer and then return to this webpage to continue.
Download
2. Launch PuTTY by either double clicking on the *.exe file you downloaded or from the Start menu, depending on the type of download you selected.
3. Configure In the window that launches, select the Serial radio button and enter the COM port number that you determined earlier. Also enter the baud rate, in this case 115200.

4. Click Open to open the serial connection. Assuming the board is connected and you entered the correct COM port, the terminal window will open. If the configuration is not correct, PuTTY will alert you.
5. You're ready to go

Build and Run the Wireless Connectivity Example Demos on the FRDM-KW40Z

Explore the Connectivity Example Codes

Browse to the examples\smac folder to see the application demos:

<connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version> \ConnSw\examples\smac</connectivitysoftware_install_folder>

If you are interested in running the preprogrammed Connectivity Test Application that comes with your board:

Connectivity Test Application

The Connectivity Test Application is a SMAC based Demo Application which provides the user with means to test basic transmission-reception functionalities along with several advanced testing features based on the ASP and SMAC APIs.

Configuration

The runtime configuration is performed using shortcut keys which are available in most of the application’s menus. The menus or tests will change their behavior based on what settings are applied

Connectivity Test Shortcuts Menu

• 't' - brings up the configuration menu for the transmitter in both PER and Range tests.
• 'r' - brings up the configuration menu for the receiver in both PER and Range tests.
• 'q' - increments channel number. [11-26]
• 'w' - decrements channel number. [11-26]
• 'a' - increments output power value.
• 's' - decrements output power value.
• 'n' - increments the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'm': decrements the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'k' - increments the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.
• 'l' - decrements the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.

Application usage

The Connectivity Test Application has four main features:

1. Continuous Tests: Allows you to test the RF performance of the transceiver for basic transmitter and receiver functionality. The Test Mode application is a collection of modes consisting of the following tests:
2. Packet Error Rate: This menu depends on the 'r' or 't' shortcut key. Two boards are required to run this test, one of the boards shall be set in RX and the other in TX.
3. Range Test: This menu depends on the 'r' and 't' shortcuts. Two boards are required to run this test; the test is started and stopped only by user intervention and during its execution it will display the link quality for each received packet.
4. Carrier Sense and Transmission Control: This menu allows the user to choose between two tests:

   The Carrier Sense test performs ED continuously until the ED value is above the CCA threshold and then transmit a packet which contains pseudo-random data with the payload size configured using 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

   The Transmission Control test displays a selection menu for number of packets identical with the one in PER TX test and then it prompts the user to enter the inter-packet delay. After that, the application will start sending the selected number of packets with the selected inter-packet delay, using pseudo-random data for the payload with the size configured with 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

For additional details on how to run the Connectivity Test Application, please refer to the SMAC’s Demonstration Applications User’s Guide.

Build, Run and Debug Wireless Connectivity Examples

Use the guide below to learn how to build and debug an example application using one of the Wireless Connectivity Stacks provided by NXP.

SMAC QSG

Download PDF

These steps show how to:

1. Build the platform libraries required by the application demo.

2. Build the demo application.

3. Download and run the demo application.

The example used below is for the SMAC Connectivity Test demo, but these steps can be applied to any of the Wireless Connectivity demo applications.

1. Build the platform library

1. Open the "Connectivity_Test.eww" IAR workspace.

   <smac_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples\smac\</smac_install_folder>

   Connectivity_Test\frdmkw40z\FreeRTOS\build\iar\Connectivity_Test.eww

   

2. After the workspace is open, some projects are shown: One for the KSDK platform libraries and one for the demo application. Build ALL the required KSDK libraries by right clicking on the SDK projects and click on 'Make'.

   

2. Build the application demo

1. Select and build the "Connectivity_Test - Debug" project.

   

   Note: If you select another project, don't forget to build the required KSDK libraries for that project.

3. Download and Run the application demo

1. Connect your FRDM-KW40Z board to your PC.

2. Right click on the "Connectivity_Test – Debug" project and select "Set as Active"

3. Click on "Download and Debug" icon to flash the board.

   

4. Open a Terminal Emulator program and open a session to your FRDM-KW40Z COM port. Configure the terminal with these settings:

   • 115200 baud rate
   • No parity
   • 8 data bits
   • 1 stop bit

5. Press "Go" button.

   

6. The following output will be displayed in the serial terminal.

   

   If you don't see this output, verify your terminal settings and connections.

7. Now unplug the first board, and plug in the other FRDM-KW40Z.

8. Program the second FRDM-KW40Z with the same Connectivity Test firmware by using the same steps as above.

9. Close any open terminal windows, then power cycle both boards, and with both boards plugged into your computer, open up a terminal window for each board.

10. Hit the reset button each board to bring up the Connectivity Test options for each board.

11. Refer to <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\doc\MKW40ZSMACDAUG.pdf – "KW40Z Simple Media AccessController (SMAC) Demonstration Applications"</connectivitysoftware_install_folder> document for instructions on how to run all the demo applications.

Build and Run the Wireless Connectivity Example Demos on the FRDM-KW40Z

Explore the Connectivity Example Codes

IEEE 802.15.4

Browse to the "examples\ieee_802_15_4" folder to see the application demos:

<connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples\ieee_802_15_4</connectivitysoftware_install_folder>

If you are interested in running the preprogrammed Connectivity Test Application that comes with your board:

Connectivity Test Application

The Connectivity Test Application is a SMAC based Demo Application which provides the user with means to test basic transmission-reception functionalities along with several advanced testing features based on the ASP and SMAC APIs.

Configuration

The runtime configuration is performed using shortcut keys which are available in most of the application’s menus. The menus or tests will change their behavior based on what settings are applied

Connectivity Test Shortcuts Menu

• 't' - brings up the configuration menu for the transmitter in both PER and Range tests.
• 'r' - brings up the configuration menu for the receiver in both PER and Range tests.
• 'q' - increments channel number. [11-26]
• 'w' - decrements channel number. [11-26]
• 'a' - increments output power value.
• 's' - decrements output power value.
• 'n' - increments the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'm': decrements the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'k' - increments the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.
• 'l' - decrements the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.

Application usage

The Connectivity Test Application has four main features:

1. Continuous Tests: Allows you to test the RF performance of the transceiver for basic transmitter and receiver functionality. The Test Mode application is a collection of modes consisting of the following tests:
2. Packet Error Rate: This menu depends on the 'r' or 't' shortcut key. Two boards are required to run this test, one of the boards shall be set in RX and the other in TX.
3. Range Test: This menu depends on the 'r' and 't' shortcuts. Two boards are required to run this test; the test is started and stopped only by user intervention and during its execution it will display the link quality for each received packet.
4. Carrier Sense and Transmission Control: This menu allows the user to choose between two tests:

   The Carrier Sense test performs ED continuously until the ED value is above the CCA threshold and then transmit a packet which contains pseudo-random data with the payload size configured using 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

   The Transmission Control test displays a selection menu for number of packets identical with the one in PER TX test and then it prompts the user to enter the inter-packet delay. After that, the application will start sending the selected number of packets with the selected inter-packet delay, using pseudo-random data for the payload with the size configured with 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

For additional details on how to run the Connectivity Test Application, please refer to the SMAC’s Demonstration Applications User’s Guide.

Build, Run and Debug Wireless Connectivity Examples

Use the guide below to learn how to build and debug an example application using one of the Wireless Connectivity Stacks provided by NXP.

IEEE 802.15.4

Download PDF

These steps show how to:

1. Build the platform libraries required by the application demo.

2. Build the demo application.

3. Download and run the demo application.

The example used below is for "MyWirelessApp" application demo (Coordinator), but these steps can be applied to any of the Wireless Connectivity demo applications.

1. Build the platform library

1. Open the "MyWirelessAppCoordinator.eww" IAR workspace.

   <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples</connectivitysoftware_install_folder>

   \ieee_802_15_4\MyWirelessApp\Coordinator\frdmkw40z\FreeRTOS\build\iar\MyWirelessAppCoordinator.eww

   

2. After the workspace is open, some projects are shown: One for the KSDK platform libraries and one for the demo application. Build ALL the required KSDK libraries by right clicking on the SDK projects and click on 'Make'.

   

2. Build the application demo

1. Select and build the "MyWirelessAppCoordinator – Debug" project.

   

   Note: If you select another project, don't forget to build the required KSDK libraries for that project.

3. Download and Run the application demo

1. Connect your FRDM-KW40Z board to your PC.

2. Right click on the "MyWirelessAppCoordinator – Debug" project and select "Set as Active"

3. Click on "Download and Debug" icon to flash the board.

   

4. Open a Terminal Emulator program and open a session to your FRDM-KW40Z COM port. Configure the terminal with these settings:

   • 115200 baud rate
   • No parity
   • 8 data bits
   • 1 stop bit

5. Press "Go" button.

   

6. The following output will be displayed in the serial terminal.

   

   If you don't see this output, verify your terminal settings and connections.

7. Now unplug the first board, and plug in the other FRDM-KW40Z.

8. Program the second FRDM-KW40Z with the "MyWirelessApp" End Device demo application which can be found at <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples\ieee_802_15_4\MyWirelessApp\EndDevice\frdmkw40z\FreeRTOS\build\iar\ MyWirelessAppEndDevice.eww </connectivitysoftware_install_folder> using the same steps as above.

9. Close any open terminal windows, then power cycle both boards, and with both boards plugged into your computer, open up a terminal window for each board.

10. Press SW3 or SW4 on the Coordinator board, and then press SW3 or SW4 on the board programmed with the EndDevice application, and wait for them to connect.

11. Once connected, type into the terminal of either of the boards, and you will see the text print out on the other board.

12. Refer to <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\doc\802154MPDAUG.pdf – "NXP 802.15.4 Media Access Controller (MAC) Demo Applications"</connectivitysoftware_install_folder> document for instructions on how to run all the demo applications.

Build and Run the Wireless Connectivity Example Demos on the FRDM-KW40Z

3.1 Explore the Connectivity Example Code

Bluetooth Low Energy

Browse to the "examples\bluetooth" folder to see the application demos:

<connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples\bluetooth</connectivitysoftware_install_folder>

If you are interested in running the preprogrammed Connectivity Test Application that comes with your board:

Connectivity Test Application

The Connectivity Test Application is a SMAC based Demo Application which provides the user with means to test basic transmission-reception functionalities along with several advanced testing features based on the ASP and SMAC APIs.

Configuration

The runtime configuration is performed using shortcut keys which are available in most of the application’s menus. The menus or tests will change their behavior based on what settings are applied

Connectivity Test Shortcuts Menu

• 't' - brings up the configuration menu for the transmitter in both PER and Range tests.
• 'r' - brings up the configuration menu for the receiver in both PER and Range tests.
• 'q' - increments channel number. [11-26]
• 'w' - decrements channel number. [11-26]
• 'a' - increments output power value.
• 's' - decrements output power value.
• 'n' - increments the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'm': decrements the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'k' - increments the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.
• 'l' - decrements the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.

Application usage

The Connectivity Test Application has four main features:

1. Continuous Tests: Allows you to test the RF performance of the transceiver for basic transmitter and receiver functionality. The Test Mode application is a collection of modes consisting of the following tests:
2. Packet Error Rate: This menu depends on the 'r' or 't' shortcut key. Two boards are required to run this test, one of the boards shall be set in RX and the other in TX.
3. Range Test: This menu depends on the 'r' and 't' shortcuts. Two boards are required to run this test; the test is started and stopped only by user intervention and during its execution it will display the link quality for each received packet.
4. Carrier Sense and Transmission Control: This menu allows the user to choose between two tests:

   The Carrier Sense test performs ED continuously until the ED value is above the CCA threshold and then transmit a packet which contains pseudo-random data with the payload size configured using 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

   The Transmission Control test displays a selection menu for number of packets identical with the one in PER TX test and then it prompts the user to enter the inter-packet delay. After that, the application will start sending the selected number of packets with the selected inter-packet delay, using pseudo-random data for the payload with the size configured with 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

For additional details on how to run the Connectivity Test Application, please refer to the SMAC’s Demonstration Applications User’s Guide.

3.2 Build, Run and Debug Wireless Connectivity Examples

Use the guide below to learn how to build and debug an example application using one of the Wireless Connectivity Stacks provided by NXP.

Bluetooth Low Energy QSG

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Download PDF

These steps show how to:

1. Build the platform libraries required by the application demo.

2. Build the demo application.

3. Download and run the demo application.

The example used below is for the heart rate sensor demo, but these steps can be applied to any of the Wireless Connectivity demo applications.

1. Build the platform library

1. Open the "heart_rate_sensor.eww" IAR workspace.

   <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples</connectivitysoftware_install_folder>

   \bluetooth\heart_rate_sensor\frdmkw40z\FreeRTOS\build\iar\heart_rate_sensor.eww

   

2. After the workspace is open, some projects are shown: One for the KSDK platform libraries and one for the demo application. Build ALL the required KSDK libraries by right clicking on the SDK projects and click on 'Make'.

   

2. Build the application demo

1. Select and build the "heart_rate_sensor – frdm-kw24 FreeRTOS - Debug" project.

   

   Note: If you select another project, don't forget to build the required KSDK libraries for that project.

3. Download and Run the application demo

1. Connect your FRDM-KW40Z board to your PC.

2. Right click on the "heart_rate_sensor - Debug" project and select "Set as Active"

3. Click on "Download and Debug" icon to flash the board.

   

4. Press "Stop Debugging" button.

   

5. Unplug and plug again the USB cable to your PC.

6. With the firmware programmed into the FRDM-KW40Z, continue with the instructions in Section 3.3 of the BLE webpage to install the Kinetis BLE Toolbox phone app and run the demo. Also refer to <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\doc\BLEDAUG.pdf – "Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Demo Applications User's Guide"</connectivitysoftware_install_folder> document for instructions on how to run all the demo applications.

3.3 How to play with the Bluetooth Low Energy Connectivity Demos?

Kinetis BLE Toolbox comes with mobile applications acting as a BLE central device. The Kinetis BLE Toolbox allows you to play with different sensor applications provided by the KW40Z Connectivity Software.



After the Kinetis BLE Toolbox is installed, follow the next steps to learn how to configure and play with Kinetis BLE Toolbox app and Wireless Connectivity firmware.

1. Make sure that the Bluetooth radio of the smartphone is on, and then open the Kinetis BLE Toolbox app on your smartphone.
2. On the FRDM-KW40Z, press the SW4 button. This will put the board into an advertising/discoverable mode, and LED1 will remain on to represent this state.
3. Inside the Kinetis BLE Toolbox app on your phone, it will detect the FRDM-KW40Z as "FSL_BLE_HRS".
4. Inside the Kinetis BLE Toolbox app, select the NXP Heart Rate Sensor button to connect to the FRDM-K40Z.
5. The Kinetis BLE Toolbox Heart Rate app will display data received from the Heart Rate Sensor firmware running on the FRDM-KW40Z.

Build and Run the Wireless Connectivity Example Demos on the FRDM-KW40Z

3.1 Explore the Connectivity Example Codes

Hybrid(IEEE 802.15.4 + BLE)

Browse to the "examples\hybrid" folder to see the application demos:

<connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples\hybrid</connectivitysoftware_install_folder>

If you are interested in running the preprogrammed Connectivity Test Application that comes with your board:

Connectivity Test Application

The Connectivity Test Application is a SMAC based Demo Application which provides the user with means to test basic transmission-reception functionalities along with several advanced testing features based on the ASP and SMAC APIs.

Configuration

The runtime configuration is performed using shortcut keys which are available in most of the application’s menus. The menus or tests will change their behavior based on what settings are applied

Connectivity Test Shortcuts Menu

• 't' - brings up the configuration menu for the transmitter in both PER and Range tests.
• 'r' - brings up the configuration menu for the receiver in both PER and Range tests.
• 'q' - increments channel number. [11-26]
• 'w' - decrements channel number. [11-26]
• 'a' - increments output power value.
• 's' - decrements output power value.
• 'n' - increments the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'm': decrements the length of the payload (used in PER TX and Transmission Control).
• 'k' - increments the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.
• 'l' - decrements the CCA threshold for the Carrier Sense test.

Application usage

The Connectivity Test Application has four main features:

1. Continuous Tests: Allows you to test the RF performance of the transceiver for basic transmitter and receiver functionality. The Test Mode application is a collection of modes consisting of the following tests:
2. Packet Error Rate: This menu depends on the 'r' or 't' shortcut key. Two boards are required to run this test, one of the boards shall be set in RX and the other in TX.
3. Range Test: This menu depends on the 'r' and 't' shortcuts. Two boards are required to run this test; the test is started and stopped only by user intervention and during its execution it will display the link quality for each received packet.
4. Carrier Sense and Transmission Control: This menu allows the user to choose between two tests:

   The Carrier Sense test performs ED continuously until the ED value is above the CCA threshold and then transmit a packet which contains pseudo-random data with the payload size configured using 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

   The Transmission Control test displays a selection menu for number of packets identical with the one in PER TX test and then it prompts the user to enter the inter-packet delay. After that, the application will start sending the selected number of packets with the selected inter-packet delay, using pseudo-random data for the payload with the size configured with 'n' and 'm' shortcuts.

For additional details on how to run the Connectivity Test Application, please refer to the SMAC’s Demonstration Applications User’s Guide.

3.2 Build, Run and Debug Wireless Connectivity Examples

Use the guide below to learn how to build and debug an example application using one of the Wireless Connectivity Stacks provided by NXP.

Hybrid (IEEE 802.15.4 + BLE)

These steps show how to:

1. Build the platform libraries required by the application demo.

2. Build the demo application.

3. Download and run the demo application.

The example used below is for "dual_mode_demo", but these steps can be applied to any of the Wireless Connectivity demo applications.

1. Build the platform library

1. Open the "dual_mode_demo.eww" IAR workspace.

   <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples\hybrid\</connectivitysoftware_install_folder>

   ble_802_15_4_dual_mode_demo\frdmkw40z\bare_metal\build\iar\dual_mode_demo.eww

   

2. After the workspace is open, some projects are shown: One for the KSDK platform libraries and one for the demo application. Build ALL the required KSDK libraries by right clicking on the SDK projects and click on 'Make'.

   

2. Build the application demo

1. Select and build the "dual_mode_demo – dual_mode_debug_BM – Debug" project.

   

   Note: If you select another project, don't forget to build the required KSDK libraries for that project.

3. Download and Run the application demo

1. Connect your FRDM-KW40Z board to your PC.

2. Right click on the "dual_mode_demo – dual_mode_debug_BM – Debug" project and select "Set as Active"

3. Click on "Download and Debug" icon to flash the board.

   

4. Open a Terminal Emulator program and open a session to your FRDM-KW40Z COM port. Configure the terminal with these settings:

   • 115200 baud rate
   • No parity
   • 8 data bits
   • 1 stop bit

5. Press "Go" button.

   

6. The following output will be displayed in the serial terminal.

   

   If you don't see this output, verify your terminal settings and connections.

7. Now unplug the first board, and plug in the other FRDM-KW40Z.

8. Program the second FRDM-KW40Z with the "MyWirelessApp" End Device demo application which can be found at <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\examples\ieee_802_15_4\MyWirelessApp\EndDevice\frdmkw40z\FreeRTOS\build\iar\ MyWirelessAppEndDevice.eww </connectivitysoftware_install_folder> using the same steps as above.

9. Close any open terminal windows, then power cycle both boards, and with both boards plugged into your computer, open up a terminal window for each board.

10. Press SW3 or SW4 on the Hybrid board, and then press SW3 or SW4 on the board programmed with the EndDevice application, and wait for them to connect.

11. Once connected, type into the terminal of either of the boards, and you will see the text print out on the other board.

12. With the firmware programmed into the FRDM-KW40Z, continue with the instructions in Section 3.3 of the Hybrid webpage to install the Kinetis BLE Toolbox phone app and run the BLE demo. Also refer to <connectivitysoftware_install_folder>\KW40Z_Connectivity_Software_<version></version>\ConnSw\doc\BLEDAUG.pdf – "Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Demo Applications User's Guide"</connectivitysoftware_install_folder> document for instructions on how to run all the demo applications.

3.3 How to play with the Bluetooth Low Energy Connectivity Demos?

Kinetis BLE Toolbox comes with mobile applications acting as a BLE central device. The Kinetis BLE Toolbox allows you to play with different sensor applications provided by the KW40Z Connectivity Software.



After the Kinetis BLE Toolbox is installed, follow the next steps to learn how to configure and play with Kinetis BLE Toolbox app and Wireless Connectivity firmware.

1. Make sure that the Bluetooth radio of the smartphone is on, and then open the Kinetis BLE Toolbox app on your smartphone.
2. On the FRDM-KW40Z, press the SW4 button. This will put the board into an advertising/discoverable mode, and LED1 will remain on to represent this state.
3. Inside the Kinetis BLE Toolbox app on your phone, it will detect the FRDM-KW40Z as "FSL_HYBRID_HRS".
4. Inside the Kinetis BLE Toolbox app, select the NXP Heart Rate Sensor button to connect to the FRDM-K40Z.
5. The Kinetis BLE Toolbox Heart Rate app will display data received from the Heart Rate Sensor firmware running on the FRDM-KW40Z.