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NXP Semiconductors FRDM-KW38
- Part No.:
- FRDM-KW38
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
FRDM-KW38.pdf
- Description:
- KW38 FREEDOM DEV BOARD
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,290
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Product details
Overview
FRDM-KW38 from NXP is a Freedom Development Platform built around the KW38Z dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+/M4 microcontroller, featuring integrated Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 radio, 2.4 GHz RF transceiver, 512 KB flash, 128 KB RAM, and on-board OpenSDA debug interface. It supports out-of-box beacon, sensor-to-cloud, and wireless connectivity demos.
For engineers reviewing the FRDM-KW38 datasheet, FRDM-KW38 pinout, FRDM-KW38 application, or FRDM-KW38 equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of BLE-enabled IoT edge nodes, low-power wireless sensor networks, and automotive-grade LIN/CAN gateway evaluation with pre-certified RF compliance.
Technical Context
The FRDM-KW38 integrates the KW38Z MCU with dual Arm cores, hardware-accelerated cryptography, and a certified Bluetooth LE 5.0 stack. It includes 32 MHz and 32 kHz crystals for precise timing, an onboard thermistor, RGB LED, push buttons (SW2/SW3), and F-antenna + SMA connector for RF flexibility.
It features dedicated headers for CAN, LIN, and general-purpose I/O (e.g., PTA16–PTA19, PTC1–PTC19, PTB0–PTB18), ADC inputs (ADC0_DP0/DM0), voltage rails (P5V_USB, P1V8_3V3, 9V_IN), and SWD debug via OpenSDA MCU (FWOS8700CQ).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Core Architecture | Dual-core Arm Cortex-M0+ (radio control) and Cortex-M4F (application processing) for real-time RF coexistence and deterministic application execution. |
| Wireless Standard | Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, certified per EU RED 2014/53/EU with +5 dBm max output in 2360–2483 MHz band. |
| Memory | 512 KB on-chip flash and 128 KB SRAM enable full BLE stack + application firmware without external memory. |
| Debug Interface | On-board OpenSDA circuit (FWOS8700CQ) provides USB-to-SWD conversion for programming and real-time debugging without external tools. |
| Timing Sources | 32 MHz crystal for system clock and 32 kHz crystal for RTC/low-power mode timing-both required for BLE sleep/wake synchronization. |
| I/O Expansion | Multiple headers (J1–J4, J32) expose GPIO, ADC, UART, SPI, I²C, CAN, LIN, and analog reference (VREFH) for peripheral integration. |
Availability
FRDM-KW38 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Bluetooth LE beacon deployment, industrial wireless sensor node development, and automotive LIN/CAN protocol gateway validation requiring stable component supply and regulatory-compliant RF design support.
Supply support for FRDM-KW38 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 specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The FRDM-KW38 belongs to NXP's Freedom Development Platform family, designed to accelerate evaluation and prototyping of ultra-low-power, multi-protocol wireless MCUs targeting certified BLE 5.0 end-node and gateway applications.
FAQ
What is the primary function of the FRDM-KW38?
The FRDM-KW38 is a fully assembled, ready-to-run development platform centered on the KW38Z MCU. Its primary function is to enable rapid evaluation and prototyping of Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 applications-including beacons, sensor networks, and wireless gateways-with pre-integrated RF, debug, and peripheral interfaces. The FRDM-KW38 eliminates the need for custom carrier boards during early-stage design.
Does the FRDM-KW38 include a certified Bluetooth radio?
Yes, the FRDM-KW38 integrates the KW38Z MCU with a fully certified Bluetooth LE 5.0 radio compliant with EU Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. It operates in the 2360–2483 MHz band with a maximum transmitted power of +5 dBm, and includes both F-antenna and SMA connector options for RF validation and antenna tuning. This certification applies directly to the FRDM-KW38 board.
Can the FRDM-KW38 be used for CAN or LIN communication?
Yes, the FRDM-KW38 features dedicated CAN and LIN headers (labeled "CAN Header" and "LIN Header") that connect directly to the KW38Z MCU's on-die peripherals. These interfaces support physical-layer signal conditioning and are validated for automotive-grade protocol evaluation. The FRDM-KW38 allows developers to prototype gateway functionality between BLE and legacy vehicle buses without additional level-shifting hardware.
What debug capabilities does the FRDM-KW38 provide?
The FRDM-KW38 includes an onboard OpenSDA debug circuit (FWOS8700CQ) that implements SWD over USB, enabling programming, real-time debugging, and virtual COM port communication. No external debugger is needed-just a micro-USB cable connects the FRDM-KW38 to a host PC. All debug functions are accessible through standard IDEs supporting CMSIS-DAP, including MCUXpresso IDE and Keil µVision. This capability is integral to the FRDM-KW38 design.
Is the FRDM-KW38 compatible with NXP's IoT Toolbox mobile app?
Yes, the FRDM-KW38 ships with preloaded firmware that supports immediate interaction with the NXP IoT Toolbox mobile app. When powered via USB, the FRDM-KW38 broadcasts as a BLE beacon and appears in the app's "Beacons" demo. This out-of-box experience validates RF functionality, device enumeration, and service discovery-confirming correct operation of the FRDM-KW38 before any code modification.
FRDM-KW38 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Transceiver; Bluetooth® 5.x (BLE)
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- KW38
FRDM-KW38 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for FRDM-KW38 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for FRDM-KW38 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for FRDM-KW38 reliable?
The price and inventory of FRDM-KW38 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for FRDM-KW38 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for FRDM-KW38?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for FRDM-KW38 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for FRDM-KW38?
FRDM-KW38 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your FRDM-KW38 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for FRDM-KW38?
For technical support, including FRDM-KW38 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your FRDM-KW38 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that FRDM-KW38 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All FRDM-KW38 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that FRDM-KW38 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of FRDM-KW38?
All FRDM-KW38 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with FRDM-KW38, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The FRDM-KW38 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for FRDM-KW38:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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