NXP Semiconductors RDMMA8491

Overview

RDMMA8491 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) is an evaluation board kit designed for the MMA8491Q Xtrinsic low-power 3-axis accelerometer, featuring auto-on/auto-sleep mode, ±2g/±4g/±8g selectable full-scale range, and 14-bit digital output via I²C interface. It targets smart meter tilt detection, home appliance orientation sensing, and industrial asset tracking.

For engineers reviewing the RDMMA8491 datasheet, RDMMA8491 pinout, RDMMA8491 application, or RDMMA8491 equivalent, this kit provides factory-programmed Sensor Toolbox firmware, pre-integrated LFSTBUSB interface compatibility, and out-of-box HyperTerminal interaction per AN4296 Chapter 5 - enabling rapid functional validation without driver reprogramming.

Technical Context

The RDMMA8491 kit integrates the MMA8491Q accelerometer in a 3 × 3 × 1.05 mm QFN package with embedded motion detection logic, configurable interrupt outputs (FF_MT, DRDY), and hardware-accelerated 45° tilt angle detection. It interfaces exclusively via I²C at 100 kHz/400 kHz standard/fast mode.

Power delivery is USB-hosted (5 V), regulated to 3.3 V for the MMA8491Q and MC9S08QE8CWL microcontroller; the latter runs pre-flashed Sensor Toolbox communication firmware and supports real-time register read/write through the LFSTBUSB bridge.

Key Specifications

Availability

RDMMA8491 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart meter tilt verification, home appliance orientation calibration, and industrial asset tracking prototyping requiring stable component supply and validated sensor interface tooling.

Supply support for RDMMA8491 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 spin-off of Freescale Semiconductor and merged with NXP in 2015, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The RDMMA8491 belongs to NXP's Xtrinsic sensor evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate development of motion-aware systems using factory-calibrated accelerometers with integrated intelligence like tilt detection and power-state automation.

FAQ

What is the RDMMA8491 used for?

The RDMMA8491 is a Freescale/NXP evaluation kit for the MMA8491Q accelerometer, enabling rapid functional validation of tilt detection, motion-triggered wake-up, and orientation sensing in smart meters and home appliances. It includes the LFSTBUSB interface board, pre-flashed MC9S08QE8CWL firmware, and supports HyperTerminal interaction per AN4296 - no additional programming is required to begin testing the RDMMA8491.

Does the RDMMA8491 include the MMA8491Q sensor?

Yes, the RDMMA8491 kit contains one accelerometer development board that implements the MMA8491Q device in a 3 × 3 × 1.05 mm QFN package. The sensor is soldered onto the board and factory-configured for auto-on/auto-sleep operation, with I²C address 0x1C (7-bit) and default ±2g full-scale range - all verified in the LFSTBEB8491 Quick Start Guide (Doc Number: LFSTBEB8491QSG REV 1).

How do I connect and power the RDMMA8491?

Connect the RDMMA8491 development board to the included LFSTBUSB interface board using the alignment arrows marked on both boards. Plug a standard USB cable into the LFSTBUSB board and toggle its power switch to ON. The RDMMA8491 draws regulated 3.3 V internally; no external power supply is needed. Power-up sequence is defined in Section 3 of the LFSTBEB8491 Quick Start Guide.

Is software required to operate the RDMMA8491?

Yes - the RDMMA8491 requires the Sensor Toolbox software suite, downloadable from freescale.com/sensortoolbox. This includes the communication driver (AN4296_SW) and GUI application. The RDMMA8491's MC9S08QE8CWL is factory-programmed to communicate with this software; installation is one-time and enables register-level access, real-time data streaming, and configuration of MMA8491Q features such as interrupt thresholds and sleep timing.

Can the RDMMA8491 be used with other Freescale/NXP development platforms?

The RDMMA8491 is specifically designed for use with the LFSTBUSB interface board and is not electrically or mechanically compatible with general-purpose platforms like Tower or Freedom boards. Its pinout, firmware, and communication protocol are optimized for the Sensor Toolbox ecosystem. While raw I²C signals could theoretically be probed, the RDMMA8491 does not provide direct breakout headers or alternate interface modes - its intended use case is strictly as a turnkey evaluation kit.