Development platform targets IoT applications

20th June 2016

Mick Elliott

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Datasheet

A new NXP low-cost development platform has been added to the Farnell element14 portfolio of products for the Internet of Things (IoT). The FRDM-KW40Z is enabled by the Kinetis W series KW40Z/30Z/20Z (KW40Z) family and is ideal for applications in the IoT space, including home automation, building automation and healthcare.

Built on the ARM Cortex-M0+ processor, FRDM-KW40Z features an integrated 2.4GHz transceiver supporting Bluetooth Smart/Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) v4.1 and/or IEEE 802.15.4standards.

The kit contains two boards, enabling point-to-point, out of the box connectivity. Each board can be configured as a Freedom development board or as a Freedom shield for connection to a host processor.

The FRDM-KW40Z hardware is form-factor compatible with the Arduino R3 pin layout, providing a broad range of expansion board options. It also features a highly-sensitive, optimised 2.4 GHz radio with PCB F-antenna, which can be bypassed for connection to test equipment via SMA connection, multiple power supply options, push and capacitive touch buttons, switches, LEDs and integrated sensors.

The USB-KW40Z is the same development platform as the FRDM-KW40Z, but available on a convenient USB dongle form factor. It can be used as a Bluetooth Smart/Bluetooth Low Energy and/or IEEE 802.15.4 packet sniffer or development board for optimal connectivity and efficiency.

The packet sniffers are essential for wireless network development, allowing over-the-air traffic monitoring, with the BLE and 802.15.4 protocols allowing the continued development of power efficient IoT applications, including BLE functionality in the health and fitness wearables.

The 802.15.4 standard has been widely adopted as the premier ultra-low power, low-cost, mesh networking technology for home automation applications, with the possibility of more growth ahead due to increased adoption in commercial and industrial applications, such as lighting and building automation.

David Shen, Chief Technology Officer at Premier Farnell, said, “The growing demand for IoT applications is driving an increased need for development platforms that enable engineers to integrate low cost, low power network protocols into their designs. By introducing the FRDM-KW40Z and USB-KW40Z to our ever-expanding portfolio of IoT products and capabilities, we can give the engineering community access to the very latest technologies that will help them to push the boundaries of innovation in connectivity and IoT applications.”