NXP Semiconductors FRDM-FXS-MULTI

Overview

FRDM-FXS-MULTI from Freescale Semiconductor is a Freedom development platform designed for rapid prototyping and evaluation of Xtrinsic intelligent sensor solutions using Kinetis MCUs. It integrates multiple on-board sensors including FXOS8700CQ (6-axis), MMA8652FC (3-axis accelerometer), MAG3110 (3D magnetometer), MPL3115A2 (barometric pressure/altimeter), FXAS21000 (3-axis gyroscope), FXLS8471 (SPI accelerometer), and MMA9553L (pedometer), with Bluetooth connectivity and Arduino™-compatible footprint.

For engineers reviewing the FRDM-FXS-MULTI datasheet, FRDM-FXS-MULTI pinout, FRDM-FXS-MULTI application, or FRDM-FXS-MULTI equivalent, this board supports 9-axis and 12-axis sensor fusion, Android-based Sensor Fusion Toolbox integration, real-time current measurement per sensor, and drop-in compatibility with FRDM-KL25Z and FRDM-K20D50M base boards - critical for embedded motion-sensing, wearable, and IoT edge-node development.

Technical Context

The FRDM-FXS-MULTI is a modular sensor expansion board that mates with Freescale Freedom MCU base boards (e.g., FRDM-KL25Z) via standardized headers. It implements I²C and SPI interfaces to communicate with its suite of Xtrinsic sensors, enabling synchronized multi-sensor data acquisition and fusion-ready output.

Its architecture supports both raw sensor streaming and processed outputs (e.g., tilt-compensated eCompass, virtual gyroscope, offset-compensated angular rates) through pre-integrated firmware and the Xtrinsic Sensor Fusion Toolbox for Android - eliminating low-level driver development for common motion-aware use cases.

Key Specifications

Availability

FRDM-FXS-MULTI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable motion sensing, industrial condition monitoring, consumer electronics prototyping, and IoT edge-node development requiring stable component supply and validated sensor fusion hardware.

Supply support for FRDM-FXS-MULTI 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) is a pioneer in embedded processing and sensor technology, delivering high-performance, energy-efficient microcontrollers and intelligent sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The FRDM-FXS-MULTI belongs to Freescale's Freedom Development Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-demonstration for context-aware applications leveraging Xtrinsic intelligent sensors and Kinetis MCUs - targeting motion, orientation, environmental, and activity-aware system development.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the FRDM-FXS-MULTI?

The FRDM-FXS-MULTI is a sensor-rich development platform designed to enable rapid prototyping of motion- and environment-aware applications. It hosts seven Xtrinsic sensors and provides hardware and firmware infrastructure for 6-axis, 9-axis, and 12-axis sensor fusion. The FRDM-FXS-MULTI integrates seamlessly with Freescale Freedom MCU base boards and supports Android-based visualization and calibration via the Xtrinsic Sensor Fusion Toolbox.

Which base boards are compatible with the FRDM-FXS-MULTI?

The FRDM-FXS-MULTI is mechanically and electrically compatible with FRDM-KL25Z and FRDM-K20D50M Freedom development boards. Its Arduino™ R3 footprint ensures standardized header alignment and signal mapping for I²C, SPI, UART, and GPIO connections. The FRDM-FXS-MULTI relies on the host MCU board for power regulation, clocking, and USB programming - no standalone operation is supported.

Does the FRDM-FXS-MULTI include Bluetooth functionality?

Yes, the FRDM-FXS-MULTI includes an integrated Bluetooth® module with dedicated BT Power and BT Reset jumpers. It enables wireless transmission of fused sensor data (e.g., orientation quaternions, calibrated acceleration, magnetic field vectors) to Android devices. The FRDM-FXS-MULTI uses this link to interface with the free Xtrinsic Sensor Fusion Toolbox app for real-time visualization, magnetic calibration, and configuration.

What sensor fusion capabilities does the FRDM-FXS-MULTI support out of the box?

The FRDM-FXS-MULTI delivers pre-implemented sensor fusion features including 3-axis tilt calculation, 6-axis (accelerometer + magnetometer) eCompass, 9-axis (accelerometer + gyroscope + magnetometer) orientation, virtual gyroscope synthesis, and offset-compensated angular rate outputs. These functions run on the host MCU (e.g., KL25Z) using Freescale's Xtrinsic Sensor Fusion Toolbox libraries - no external processor or custom algorithm development is required to access them in the FRDM-FXS-MULTI.

Can the FRDM-FXS-MULTI operate without a host Freedom MCU board?

No, the FRDM-FXS-MULTI is an expansion board and lacks a microcontroller, USB interface, or standalone power management circuitry. It must be mated with a compatible Freedom base board such as FRDM-KL25Z or FRDM-K20D50M to provide processing, programming, and regulated power. All sensor communication, fusion computation, and Bluetooth handling in the FRDM-FXS-MULTI depend on firmware executing on the host MCU - the FRDM-FXS-MULTI itself contains no executable code or embedded controller.