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NXP Semiconductors USB-KW40Z
- Part No.:
- USB-KW40Z
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Category:
- RF, RFID, Wireless Evaluation Boards
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
USB-KW40Z.pdf
- Description:
- EVAL BOARD USB DONGLE KW40Z
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,040
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Product details
Overview
USB-KW40Z from NXP Semiconductors is a USB-based wireless protocol sniffer and development dongle built around the KW40Z SoC, supporting IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) packet capture at 2.4 GHz, with pre-programmed sniffer firmware, green power LED indication, and direct USB 2.0 interface for PC connectivity.
For engineers reviewing the USB-KW40Z datasheet, USB-KW40Z pinout, USB-KW40Z application, or USB-KW40Z equivalent, this page delivers verified functional context, supported protocols (IEEE 802.15.4/BLE), out-of-box sniffer operation, Wireshark integration requirements, and Kinetis Protocol Analyzer Adapter dependency.
Technical Context
The USB-KW40Z implements a fully integrated, USB-powered wireless analysis platform leveraging the KW40Z dual-mode SoC - combining ARM Cortex-M0+ core, 2.4 GHz transceiver, and integrated flash/RAM - to perform real-time packet sniffing without external host processing. It operates exclusively in USB CDC (Communication Device Class) mode for streaming captured frames to host tools.
It requires no external programming hardware: firmware updates are performed via USB DFU or OpenSDA interface using MCUXpresso IDE or NXP's dedicated KW40Z Connectivity Software. The device does not support standalone operation or battery power - it is strictly bus-powered and host-dependent.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Protocol Support | IEEE 802.15.4-2006/2011 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 4.2; enables frame-level visibility into Zigbee, Thread, and BLE traffic. |
| Radio Frequency | 2.400–2.4835 GHz ISM band; matches standard 802.15.4/BLE channel plan for accurate over-the-air capture. |
| Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps); provides plug-and-play enumeration as CDC ACM device for seamless Wireshark integration. |
| Firmware Default | Pre-loaded sniffer application; eliminates need for initial programming - ready to capture immediately after driver installation. |
| Host Tool Dependency | Requires Wireshark + Kinetis Protocol Analyzer Adapter plugin; no native GUI - relies on open-source protocol analysis ecosystem. |
| Power Source | Bus-powered only (5 V USB); no battery or external power input - limits deployment to desktop/laptop environments. |
Availability
USB-KW40Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless protocol debugging, BLE/Zigbee interoperability validation, and IEEE 802.15.4 network diagnostics requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for USB-KW40Z 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 headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.
The USB-KW40Z belongs to NXP's Kinetis Wireless portfolio and was designed specifically to accelerate wireless protocol development and troubleshooting for engineers working with 802.15.4 and BLE ecosystems.
FAQ
Does USB-KW40Z require additional hardware to function as a sniffer?
No, USB-KW40Z does not require external debug probes or programming adapters. It is pre-programmed with sniffer firmware and enumerates as a USB CDC device. Once drivers and Wireshark with the Kinetis Protocol Analyzer Adapter are installed, USB-KW40Z begins capturing packets immediately upon connection - no JTAG/SWD hardware or secondary MCU is needed for basic operation of the USB-KW40Z.
What wireless protocols can USB-KW40Z decode natively?
USB-KW40Z captures raw IEEE 802.15.4 and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) physical-layer frames. Decoding into higher-layer protocols (e.g., Zigbee, Thread, or BLE GATT) is performed by Wireshark using the Kinetis Protocol Analyzer Adapter plugin - USB-KW40Z itself performs only RF reception and USB streaming, not protocol interpretation.
Is USB-KW40Z compatible with macOS or Linux systems?
USB-KW40Z is officially supported on Windows 7/10/11 per NXP documentation. While USB CDC enumeration may succeed on macOS/Linux, the Kinetis Protocol Analyzer Adapter plugin is Windows-only, and NXP does not validate or provide drivers for non-Windows platforms - full functionality of USB-KW40Z requires a Windows host.
Can USB-KW40Z be reprogrammed with custom firmware?
Yes, USB-KW40Z can be reprogrammed using OpenSDA debug interface and MCUXpresso IDE. The onboard KW40Z SoC supports full application development - users may replace the default sniffer firmware with custom BLE/802.15.4 stacks or test applications, provided they retain USB CDC communication for host interaction in custom builds of USB-KW40Z.
Why does NXP recommend K32W061/41 instead of USB-KW40Z for new designs?
NXP recommends K32W061/41 for new Zigbee, Thread, and BLE 5.0 designs because those devices support BLE 5.0 features (e.g., 2 Mbps PHY, Long Range), enhanced security, and newer software stacks - whereas USB-KW40Z is based on legacy KW40Z hardware limited to BLE 4.2 and lacks ongoing software updates, making it suitable only for legacy protocol analysis, not new product development using USB-KW40Z.
USB-KW40Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- NXP Semiconductors
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- Transceiver; 802.15.4 (Zigbee®), Bluetooth® Smart 4.x Low Energy (BLE)
- Frequency:
- 2.4GHz
- Contents:
- Board(s)
- Utilized IC / Part:
- KW20Z, KW30Z, KW40Z
USB-KW40Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for USB-KW40Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for USB-KW40Z 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 USB-KW40Z reliable?
The price and inventory of USB-KW40Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for USB-KW40Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for USB-KW40Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for USB-KW40Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for USB-KW40Z?
USB-KW40Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your USB-KW40Z 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 USB-KW40Z?
For technical support, including USB-KW40Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your USB-KW40Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that USB-KW40Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All USB-KW40Z 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 USB-KW40Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of USB-KW40Z?
All USB-KW40Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with USB-KW40Z, 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 USB-KW40Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for USB-KW40Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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