Getting Started with FRDM-A-S32M276 Development Board Setup and Programming

Last Modified: Sep 23, 2026 updated Supports FRDM Automotive S32M276 Development Board

Contents of this document

  • 1

    Introduction

  • 2

    Out of Box

  • 3

    Get Software

  • 4

    Plug It In

Purchase your FRDM Automotive S32M276 Development Board

Contents of this document

1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction

This Getting Started template describes the first steps and SW installation setup for S32M27XEVB-SW version 2.x.

Note: S32M27xEVB is an older name for FRDM-A-S32M276. SW installer keeps the S32M27xEVB name for backward compatibility.

The Getting Started for older S32M27XEVB-SW package version 1.x is distributed inside S32M27XEVB-SW.exe package in pdf format.

NextOut of Box

2. Out of Box

2.1 Get to Know the FRDM-A-S32M276 Development Board

Figure 1. S32M2

2.2 Get to Know the FRDM-A-S32M276 Features

Figure 2. S32M27XEVB Callouts

PreviousIntroduction
NextGet Software

3. Get Software

Sign in at NXP.com with your credentials.

3.1 Select SW Packages from Automotive Software Package Manager

Open Automotive Software Package Manager and select S32K3 device - contains software also compatible with S32M27x.

Figure 3. Package Manager S32K3

Unfold the FRDM Automotive Board Installation Package bundle and check S32 Design Studio, Real-Time Drivers and FreeMASTER software. Other SW packages are optional.

Figure 4. Package Manager FRDM-A Bundle

Click on Generate Bundle Installer button at end of the page.

Figure 5. Package Manager Generate Bundle Installer

Follow the wizard instructions for Export Control and SW License Agreement (need to scroll whole text down before accepting). After that, you may close wizard window. Installer and Installer User Manual download will start automatically in a few moments.

Note: NXP Multi Installer is generated and works only for limited time window. Please start with installation right after installer download.

Figure 6. MultiInstaller

The FRDM Automotive Board Installation Package bundle allows to enable automatic installation and configuration sw without any interaction. That simplifies the installation procedure.

Figure 7. MultiInstaller

3.2 Add GCC Toolchain Version 10.2

Latest versions of the S32 Design Studio contain GCC toolchain only in version 11.4. For full compatibility with RTD, you need to install GCC also in version 10.2.

In S32 Design Studio, go to Help → S32DS Extensions and Updates from the top menu to open the S32DS Extensions and Updates dialogue where you may install it.

Figure 8. GCC10_2

3.3 Add FreeMASTER Communication Driver for S32M27x

Download updatesite file with FreeMASTER Communication Driver for S32M2.

Figure 9. S32M2 FM Driver download Figure 10. S32M2 FM Driver download

In S32 Design Studio, go to Help → S32DS Extensions and Updates from the top menu to open the S32DS Extensions and Updates dialogue where you click on Add Update Sites and install it.

Figure 11. Add Update Sites Figure 12. Install S32M2 FM Driver

Note: Any other optional sw might be downloaded from S32M2 Standard Software Package or S32M2 Reference Software Package. Use the same way with Add Update Sites link or use drag and drop option - drag downloaded updatesite file and drop on S32DS Extensions and Updates menu. Added sw package will be also automatically selected for following installation.

3.4 Get FreeMASTER Application Tool for Real-Time Debugging

Download and install FreeMASTER application tool for real-time debugging.

Note: for this setup you may even skip the Lite service installation (for which the activation code is required).

Figure 13. FreeMASTER Installer Lite

3.5 Get Automotive Math and Motor Control Library (AMMCLib) Set

Download and install AMMCLib for S32M27x.

Note: Required is version 1.1.44 or newer

Figure 14. AMMCLib Figure 15. AMMCLib Installer

Note: If possible, install AMMCLib in their default path location for easy later path modification.

3.6 Download the Development Kit Application Software

Download and install FRDM-A-S32M276 motor control application software package.

Note: S32M27xEVB is an older name for FRDM-A-S32M276. SW installer keeps the S32M27xEVB name for backward compatibility.

Figure 16. S32M27XEVB_SW Installer

Note: The installation process will also ask you to download the latest version of the Automotive Math and Motor Control Library (AMMCLib) set and installer will test minimum required version in next step.

Figure 17. AMMCLib Install

PreviousOut of Box
NextPlug It In

4. Plug It In

The recommended accessory kit for FRDM-A-S32M276 board is NXP BLDC_KIT (sw developed and tuned for given motor), however you may use any suitable 3 ph motor and 12 V power supply instead.

Figure 18. BLDC Kit Content

BLDC_KIT Content:

  • 95 W BLDC motor with HALL sensors Sunrise 42BLY3A78-24110
  • Plexiglass
  • 12 V, 5 A power supply Meanwell GST60A12-P1J
  • power supply cable with set of universal plugs
  • Four self-adhesive standoffs for any EVB Takachi AST3-10B
  • micro-USB cable

4.1 Check the Default Jumper Positions at the FRDM-A-S32M276 Evaluation Board

Figure 19. S32M27XEVB Jumpers

Table 1. FRDM-A-S32M276 Default Jumper Settings

Jumper State Notes
J1 CLOSED VSUP_MCU is routed to VSUP input of MCU
J2 1-2 VBAT is routed to VSUP. Boost Converter disconnected
J7 CLOSED Power domains LED Indicators enabled
J23 CLOSED VDD_MCU is connected to the VDD_MCU_PERH
J26 OPEN [1] High Voltage Input, [2] GND
J35 OPEN [1] LPUART0_RX, [2] LPUART0_TX
J51 CLOSED LIN Commander* mode
J55 OPEN ADC Potentiometer disabled
J61 CLOSED VSUP is routed to VSUP_PERH
J201 OPEN Current shunt voltage, not populated

*Master in the LIN standard document.

4.2 Plug the Motor

Figure 20. S32M27XEVB Plug Motor

4.3 Optionally Plug the Encoder/HALL Sensors (Only for Sensor-Based SW Application

Figure 21. S32M27XEVB Plug Sensors

4.4 Plug the Power Supply and USB Debug Interface

Figure 22. S32M27XEVB Plug Power and USB

4.5 Optionally to Previous Step Plug the JTAG Debug Interface and UART Interface

Figure 23. S32M27XEVB Plug JTAG and UART1

PreviousGet Software
NextProject and Tutorials: Build Application Project

Build Application Project

Let's take your FRDM-A-S32M276 motor control evaluation board for a test drive.

Select Application and MCU Programing

Select the appropriate PMSM or BLDC motor control application from the installed directory NXP\MC_DevKits\S32M27xEVB\sw

Note: S32M27xEVB is an older name for FRDM-A-S32M276. SW projects keep S32M27xEVB name for backward compatibility.

To import the installed application software project in the S32 Design Studio IDE for S32 Platform:

  1. Launch S32DS for S32 Platform
  2. Go to File > Import, then select General > Existing Projects into Workspace
    3. Figure 24. Import Project
  3. Navigate to the installed application directory: NXP\MC_DevKits\S32M27xEVB\sw and choose appropriate project and click OK. Then, click Finish

    4. Note: Check the box for the option Copy projects into workspace.

    Figure 25. S32M27XEVB Projects

Use Configuration Tool

  1. Unfold structure of the project with low-level drivers and double-click on *.mex file to open the project configuration in Configuration Tool
    2. Figure 26. MEX file
  2. Please ensure that you configure appropriate project and click on "Update Code" button for generating configuration files
    3. Figure 27. Update Code

Upload Software and Debug

  1. In S32DS, return back to the C/C++ perspective
    2. Figure 28. C_Cpp perspective
  2. Use the Debug Configuration menu and select the predefined debug configuration for building and uploading software into MCU
    3. Figure 29. Debug Menu Figure 30. Debug Configuration
  3. The S32DS will switch into debug perspective where you may let the code run by clicking on Resume (or press F8), and use Disconnect to avoid interference between the S32DS IDE debugger and the FreeMASTER tool
    4. Figure 31. Let Code Run Figure 32. Disconnect

Set Up the Debugging Tool

Launch the FreeMASTER application.

To open the *.pmpx FreeMASTER project <selected project>\FreeMASTER_control, click File > Open Project.

Note: You can also start it by double clicking directly in the S32DS project folder.

Figure 33. FM Project

To enable communication, in the FreeMASTER tool bar, click Go (or press Ctrl+G).

Figure 34. FM Start

Successful communication displays in the status bar at the bottom as:

RS-232; port=COMn; speed = 115200

PreviousPlug It In
NextProject and Tutorials: Application Control

Application Control

Application Setup (Optional Step)

If you run FRDM-A-S32M276 sw on modified or own hardware platform, you may need to edit hardware scales and fault triggers. In the Motor Control Application Tuning (MCAT) Tool switch to Application Setup page and edit values on left side.

Figure 35. Application Setup

Once you finish, click on Save config to generate static configuration file. You may check file content at Output file page.

Now, repeat step from Upload Software and Debug section to build the project and upload the code into MCU.

Note: MCU will go to reset, FreeMASTER reconnecting might be needed (Ctrl+K, Ctrl+G).

Motor Parametrization and Control Loops Autotuning (Optional Step)

In a case of motor change, you may benefit from new MCAT 2.0 motor parametrization and control loops autotuning features.

At Motor Parameters page, fill four basic motor parameters that cannot be detected automatically:

  • Number of pole pairs
  • Nominal Current
  • Nominal Speed
  • Maximum Speed

Click on Update target button and start the motor parameters estimation and automating tuning for control loops. Parameters are automatically updated typically in less than a minute.

Figure 36. AutoParam

For more information about the automatic motor parametrization and control loops autotuning please read AN15061 Application Note in S32M27xEVB\doc folder. Default path: c:\NXP\MC_DevKits\S32M27XEVB\doc\ApplicationNotes\AN15061 MCAT 2.0 - Motor Control Application Tuning Tool for PMSM FOC.pdf

Spin the Motor

Switch for example to Speed Loop page. Under Speed control tab, configure Required speed and turn on the motor drive.

Figure 37. FM App Control

Select one of predefined Scopes or Recorders in Project Tree to watch the application variables real-time.

For comfortable run-time debugging you may create or modify any of scopes or recorders.

Figure 38. Speed
  • Check pending faults

    • In case of pending faults (fault state - fast blinking USER_LED01), click the CLEAR button at MCAT control tab or alternatively press simultaneously SW2 and SW3 on the board.

    Figure 39. Fault
  • Start application

    • Click On/Off on the control bar or press SW2/SW3 on the board to initiate clockwise/counterclockwise spinning of the rotor. Run state is signalized by slowly blinking USER_LED01.

  • Set Speed

    • Modify Required speed field on the Speed control bar or change Speed Required in Variable Watch window. Alternatively control speed by pressing SW2 or SW3 switches on the board.

    Figure 40. Speed Required
  • Stop Application

Stop the motor by clicking On/Off button on the MCAT control page, clear On/Off variable or simultaneously press and hold SW2 and SW3 on the FRDM-A-S32M276 board. Ready state is signalized by steadily light at both USER_LED01 and USER_LED02.

Note: For more information about MCAT tool please read AN15061 Application Note in S32M27xEVB\doc folder. Default path: c:\NXP\MC_DevKits\S32M27xEVB\doc\ApplicationNotes\AN15061 MCAT 2.0 - Motor Control Application Tuning Tool for PMSM FOC.pdf

PreviousProject and Tutorials: Build Application Project
NextProject and Tutorials: RTD Examples

RTD Examples

Kickstart your RTD journey with these handy examples. We've rounded up some of the most common use cases to get you inspired and moving forward.

Users can copy the path directly into their window once the RTD is downloaded.

RTD Examples

AE HANDLER FAULTS

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Ae_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Ae_Handler_Faults_Example_DS_001_S32M276

AE SPI

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Ae_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Ae_Spi_Example_DS_001_S32M276

AEC SPI

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Ae_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Aec_Ip_Spi_Example_DS_001_S32M276

CAN TRCV

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\CanTrcv_43_AE_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\CanTrcv_Example_S32M276

DPGA

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Dpga_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Dpga_example_S32M276

DPGA IP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Dpga_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Dpga_Ip_example_S32M276

GDU

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Gdu_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Gdu_Example_DS_S32M276

LIN TRCV

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Lin_43_LPUART_FLEXIO_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Lin_LinTrcv_Flexio_MasterFrameTransfer_S32M276

LIN TRCV LPUART

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Lin_43_LPUART_FLEXIO_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Lin_LinTrcv_Lpuart_MasterFrameTransfer_S32M276

CLOCK IP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Mcu_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Clock_Ip_Example_S32M276

MCU

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Mcu_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Mcu_Example_S32M276

POWER IP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Mcu_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Power_Ip_Example_S32M276

MEM OTP IP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Ocotp_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Mem_Otp_Ip_Example_S32M276

OCOTP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Ocotp_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Ocotp_Example_S32M276

PLATFORM MPU HLD

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Platform_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Platform_MPU_HLD_Example_S32M276

MPU IP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Platform_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Platform_MPU_IP_Example_S32M276

PORT

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Port_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Port_Example_S32M276

SIUL2 PORT IP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Port_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Siul2_Port_Ip_Example_S32M276

WDOG

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Wdg_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Wdg_Example_S32M276

WDOG IP

C:\NXP\S32DS.3.6.1\S32DS\software\PlatformSDK_S32K3\RTD\Wdg_TS_T40D34M30I0R0\examples\S32DS\S32M276\Wdg_Ip_Example_S32M276

PreviousProject and Tutorials: Application Control
NextDesign Resources

Design Resources

Board Information

Chip Documents

Software

PreviousProject and Tutorials: RTD Examples
NextSupport

Support

Forums

Connect with other engineers and get expert advice on designing with the FRDM-A-S32M276 Reference Design Board using our community sites.

Trainings

PreviousDesign Resources