Get Started with the FRDM-KEAZ128

Last Modified: Supports KEA General Purpose Evaluation Board

Contents of this document

  • 1

    Get Started

  • 2

    Plug It In

  • 3

    Build, Run

    Purchase your KEA General Purpose Evaluation Board

    Contents of this document

    Get Started

    Let's take your FRDM-KEAZ128 KEA Freedom Evaluation Board for a test drive!

    Get Started with FRDM-KEA Development Platform

    1.1 Get your Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

    The FRDM-KEAZ128 board performs better when using S32 Design Studio for Arm® IDE.
    NOTE: Check the S32 Design Studio page for the latest version.
    FRDM-KEAZ128 board is also supported by the S32 Design Studio for Arm® IDE.

    Download S32 Design Studio for Arm.

    1.2 Download the FRDM-KEAZ128 QSP

    Get the FRDM-KEAZ128 Quick Start Package and check both FRDM-KEAZ128 Quick Start Guide and FRDM-KEAZ128 Software Integration Guide.

    Download FRDM-KEAZ128 QSP

    1.3 Download the FRDM-KEAZ128 Sample Code

    Get the FRDM-KEAZ128 sample code and heck both FRDM-KEAZ128 Quick Start Guide and FRDM-KEAZ128 Software Integration Guide.

    Download FRDM-KEAZ128 sample code.

    1.4 Download the MSCAN Driver

    Get the MSCAN driver for Kinetis EA devices.

    Download MSCAN driver.

    1.5 Get the Virtual COM Port Driver

    Make sure that the driver for the boards virtual COM port is installed as many of the example applications output data over the MCU’s UART.
    NOTE: The driver should install automatically when you plug the board into your PC.

    Download virtual COM port driver.

    NextPlug It In

    Plug It In

    Run your favorite terminal application to view the serial output from the MCU's UART (the recommended settings are: 115200 baud rate 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
    Open the device manager and look under the "Ports" group to define the port number of the FRDM-KEA's virtual COM port.

    Follow these steps if you are unsure on how to use the terminal application to display information sent from your NXP development platform's virtual serial port.

    Tera Term open source terminal emulation application:
    1. Download Tera Term from SourceForge and run the installer.
    2. Select the serial option once you launch Tera Term.
      A COM port will be automatically populated in the list if the FRDM-KEAZ128 board is plugged.
    3. Configure the serial port settings (using the COM port number identified earlier) by going to Setup > Serial Port and change the settings to 115200 baud rate, 8 data bits, no parity and 1 stop bit.
    4. Verify the open connection by checking the title bar in the Tera Term application:

    PuTTY application terminal emulation application:

    1. Download PuTTY and run the installer.
    2. Launch PuTTY by either double-clicking on the *.exe file you downloaded or from the Start menu, depending on the type of download you selected.
    3. Configure the serial port settings by selecting the Serial radio button and enter the selected COM port number and change the settings to 115200 baud rate.

    4. Click Open to open the serial connection.
      Verify the open terminal window once enter the correct COM port and plug the FRDM-KEAZ128 board
      NOTE: If the configuration is not correct, PuTTY will alert you.

    2.1 Plug the USB Cable


    2.2 Try Demos

    Your FRDM-KEAZ128 KEA Freedom Evaluation Board comes pre-loaded with two demos:


    • DEMO 1 = LED blinking with interactivity using the onboard potentiometer.
      The LED will blink faster and then switch colors when the potentiometer is turned.
    • DEMO 2 = LED brightness and dim
      by pressing the user button, which uses the ADC and potentiometer

    PreviousGet Started
    NextBuild, Run

    Build, Run

    Learn how to create a new project in S32 Design Studio for Arm® and the basics to load your own code by running an easy example code.

    Create an application for the FRDM-KEA

    3.1 Create a New S32DS Project

    Create a new project in your workspace and load the configuration for your FRDM-KEAZ128 KEA Freedom Evaluation Board.

    3.2 Create, Build and Run your Application

    Create a “hello world” code within minutes and watch it working in your FRDM-KEAZ128.

    PreviousPlug It In