NXP Semiconductors 1323XUSB

Overview

1323XUSB from Freescale Semiconductor is a USB-enabled remote extender motherboard designed to host the 1323x-Modular Reference Board (1323x-MRB) daughter card. It provides USB-to-UART bridging via FT232RQ, 4×2 pushbutton matrix, IR receiver, four blue indicator LEDs, and dual power sources (AA batteries or USB bus power). It serves as a low-cost evaluation and prototyping platform for IEEE 802.15.4 RF remote control applications.

For engineers reviewing the 1323XUSB datasheet, 1323XUSB pinout, 1323XUSB application, or 1323XUSB equivalent, this page delivers verified hardware specifications, functional interface mapping, USB driver integration notes, and direct use cases in RF remote extender and PC-connected wireless node development.

Technical Context

The 1323XUSB implements a full-speed USB 2.0/1.1 interface using the FTDI FT232RQ USB-to-serial converter IC, enabling virtual COM port (VCP) communication with host PCs. It routes UART signals to the 1323x-MRB via a standardized 30-pin connector (J2), supporting BDM debug, GPIO access, and MCU serial I/O.

Power architecture supports dual-input operation: regulated 3.3 V from USB 5 V (via onboard LDO) or from two AA batteries (2.8–3.2 V nominal), with automatic source selection and brown-out protection. The board integrates an IR receiver (TSOP38238-compatible), 4×2 tactile switch matrix, and four status LEDs-all directly connected to MC1323x GPIO pins exposed on J2.

Key Specifications

Availability

1323XUSB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless remote control prototyping, IEEE 802.15.4 node evaluation, and USB-connected RF extender development requiring stable component supply and legacy design continuity.

Supply support for 1323XUSB includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) was a leading designer of embedded processors, analog, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The 1323XUSB belongs to the MC1323x Development Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate evaluation and implementation of low-power, 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 wireless remote control systems using the MC1323x SoC.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the 1323XUSB in the MC1323x development platform?

The 1323XUSB is a remote extender motherboard that hosts the 1323x-MRB daughter card and provides USB-to-UART bridging, IR reception, a 4×2 pushbutton matrix, and LED indicators. Its purpose is to enable rapid evaluation of MC1323x-based RF remote control systems via PC connection - making it ideal for RF4CE and ZigBee remote extender development. The 1323XUSB does not contain the MC1323x IC itself but serves as its peripheral carrier and interface hub.

Which USB driver is required for the 1323XUSB to operate as a virtual COM port?

The 1323XUSB relies on the FTDI FT232RQ USB-to-serial converter, so it requires the official FTDI Virtual COM Port (VCP) driver. This driver is included with Freescale's BeeKit toolkit (installed to C:\Program Files\Freescale\Drivers) or downloadable separately from ftdichip.com. No custom or proprietary driver is needed - standard FTDI VCP support across Windows, macOS, and Linux ensures immediate enumeration as COMx or /dev/ttyUSBx.

Can the 1323XUSB be powered solely by USB, and what voltage regulation does it use?

Yes, the 1323XUSB can be powered exclusively via its USB Type-A connector (4.4–5.25 V), with an onboard LDO regulating down to a stable 3.3 V for the 1323x-MRB. It also supports two AA batteries (2.8–3.2 V) with automatic source selection and undervoltage lockout. This dual-input design allows flexible lab testing and field-deployable battery operation without external power supplies - critical for remote control prototype validation.

How is the IR receiver on the 1323XUSB configured, and what protocol does it support?

The 1323XUSB integrates a standard 38 kHz IR demodulator (compatible with TSOP38238) at connector J5. It outputs clean digital pulses directly to an MC1323x GPIO pin, requiring no external amplification or filtering. The receiver supports common consumer IR protocols including NEC and RC-5 when decoded in firmware - enabling immediate integration into RF4CE remote extender designs where IR commands are translated to 802.15.4 packets by the 1323x-MRB.

Does the 1323XUSB include debug capabilities, and how is BDM access implemented?

Yes, the 1323XUSB provides full BDM (Background Debug Mode) access through its 30-pin J2 connector, which carries the MC1323x BDM signals (BKGD, RESET, VDD, VSS) from the mounted 1323x-MRB. When used with a compatible BDM debugger (e.g., P&E Multilink), engineers can perform real-time firmware debugging, flash programming, and memory inspection - essential for low-level RF stack development and timing-critical remote control firmware validation using the 1323XUSB platform.