NXP Semiconductors FRDM-FXS-9AXIS

Overview

FRDM-FXS-9AXIS from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is a Freedom development platform designed for rapid prototyping of 9-axis sensor fusion applications using Xtrinsic sensors and Kinetis MCUs. It integrates the FXOS8700CQ (6-axis accelerometer + magnetometer) and FXAS21000 (3-axis gyroscope), supports Arduino™ R3 footprint, measures 81 mm × 52 mm × 2 mm, and enables Android-based evaluation via the Xtrinsic Sensor Fusion Toolbox.

For engineers reviewing the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS datasheet, FRDM-FXS-9AXIS pinout, FRDM-FXS-9AXIS application, or FRDM-FXS-9AXIS equivalent, key considerations include its out-of-box 9-axis sensing capability, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, on-board current measurement points per sensor, compatibility with FRDM-KL25Z/FRDM-K20D50M host boards, and support for virtual gyroscope and offset-compensated angular rate outputs.

Technical Context

The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS is a sensor expansion board-not a standalone IC-and requires pairing with a compatible Freedom MCU base board (e.g., FRDM-KL25Z) to operate. It routes I²C and SPI interfaces from the host MCU to multiple Xtrinsic sensors, including the FXOS8700CQ (I²C), FXAS21000 (I²C), and optional FXLS8471 (SPI).

Sensor data acquisition and fusion are handled by host-side firmware; the board itself provides no onboard processing. All sensors are powered at 3.3 V, with dedicated test points enabling individual sensor current monitoring and flexible power sourcing via Li-ion battery (3.7 V, 500 mAh) or the host board's regulated supply.

Key Specifications

Availability

FRDM-FXS-9AXIS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for sensor fusion prototyping, wearable motion tracking, IoT edge node development, and educational embedded systems projects requiring stable component supply and rapid time-to-demonstration.

Supply support for FRDM-FXS-9AXIS 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company formed from the acquisition of Freescale Semiconductor in 2015, specializing in secure connectivity, automotive, industrial, and IoT solutions.

The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS belongs to NXP's Freedom Development Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate evaluation and implementation of Xtrinsic intelligent sensor solutions-targeting contextual awareness, motion tracking, and sensor-fused human-machine interface applications.

FAQ

What is the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS used for?

The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS is an expansion board for building 9-axis sensor fusion prototypes. It hosts the FXOS8700CQ and FXAS21000 sensors and must be paired with a compatible Freedom MCU board (e.g., FRDM-KL25Z). The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS enables real-time motion capture, tilt compensation, eCompass functionality, and Android-based visualization via the Xtrinsic Sensor Fusion Toolbox-without requiring custom PCB design or low-level driver development.

Does the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS include a microcontroller?

No, the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS does not include a microcontroller. It is a sensor expansion board that relies entirely on an external Freedom MCU base board (such as FRDM-KL25Z or FRDM-K20D50M) for power, clocking, and firmware execution. The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS provides sensor signal routing, voltage regulation, test points, and Bluetooth connectivity-but no onboard processing unit.

Which sensors are integrated on the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS?

FRDM-FXS-9AXIS integrates the FXOS8700CQ (6-axis: 3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis magnetometer) and FXAS21000 (3-axis gyroscope), delivering full 9-axis inertial measurement. Optional sensors like FXLS8471 (SPI accelerometer) and MAG3110 (magnetometer) are socketed but not populated on the standard FRDM-FXS-9AXIS configuration-only FXOS8700CQ and FXAS21000 are factory-installed and functionally active.

Is the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS compatible with Arduino IDE?

The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS has Arduino™ R3 mechanical footprint compatibility and exposes MCU I/O pins in Arduino layout, but it is not natively Arduino IDE-compatible without porting. Firmware must be developed using NXP's Kinetis SDK, MCUXpresso IDE, or ARM GCC toolchain targeting the host Freedom board (e.g., KL25Z). The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS itself does not run Arduino sketches-it serves as a sensor interface layer for Kinetis-based development.

Does the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS support Bluetooth communication?

Yes, the FRDM-FXS-9AXIS includes an on-board Bluetooth® module (as indicated in the FRDM-FXS-MULTI-B reference design and documentation) and supports wireless streaming of sensor data to Android devices. The FRDM-FXS-9AXIS leverages this module in conjunction with the Xtrinsic Sensor Fusion Toolbox app to display real-time 9-axis orientation, tilt, heading, and fused motion metrics-enabling quick validation without wired debugging interfaces.