Getting Started with the Bidirectional AC-DC Reference Solution

Last Modified: May 18, 2025Supports 800W Bidirectional AC-DC Conversion Solution Based on Programmable Digital Signal Controller

Contents of this document

  • 1

    Out of the Box

  • 2

    Get the Hardware

  • 3

    Configure Hardware

  • 4

    Install Software Tools

    Purchase your 800W Bidirectional AC-DC Conversion Solution Based on Programmable Digital Signal Controller

    Contents of this document

    1. Out of the Box

    NXP reference design solutions provide you with an easy-to-start platform, which allowing you to shorten development cycles, and keep up with industry trends. This page guides you through the process of setting up and using the bidirectional AC-DC reference platform.

    1.1 Hardware Requirements

      The hardware required includes:
    • Bidirectional AC-DC power board (The Gerber and BOM are provided by NXP, but not the board)
    • MCU control expansion card (HVP-56F83783)

    A detailed user manual and an application note are available on the bidirectional AC-DC reference design webpage to explain the comprehensive operation of the software, platform assembly, and startup process.

    1.2 Other Hardware

      In addition, the following hardware is necessary or beneficial when working with this platform.
    • Power supply: AC source up to 220 V, 5 A for PFC mode, DC source up to 400 V, 2.5 A for inverter mode.
    • Load.
    • Cable assembly, double row wire cable.
    • A PC to run the provided graphical user interface (GUI) and USB to serial cable for GUI connection
      • connection.
    • A JTAG debugger to program the controller.

    1.3 Software

    In addition to the kit contents, FreeMASTER is necessary for working mode selection and start and stop control.

    NextGet the Hardware

    2. Get the Hardware

    It is composed of a hardware and a software package. The hardware includes two PCBs as described in Section 1.1, the HVP-56F83783 expansion card is plugged into the expansion card socket on the power board. The board schematic and layout are available on the bidirectional AC-DC reference design webpage.

    2.1 Bidirectional AC-DC Power Board

    Bidirectional AC-DC Power Board

    Bidirectional AC-DC Power Board

    2.2 HVP-56F83783

    HVP-56F83783 Board

    HVP-56F83783 Board

    The NXP High-Voltage-Development platform enables evaluation and development of high-voltage motor control and power conversion algorithms. It is ideal for rapid prototyping of high-voltage microcontroller-based applications. For more information, visit the HVP-MC3PH website.

    PreviousOut of the Box
    NextConfigure Hardware

    3. Configure Hardware

    The bidirectional AC-DC reference design supports multiple operating modes. The hardware configurations are different for different operating modes.

    3.1 Hardware Connections

    AC_TO_DC mode

    1. Plug HVP-56F83783 into the expansion card socket on the power board.
    2. Connect the high-voltage AC source on the grid-tied AC port to supply a single phase AC voltage.
    3. Connect the load on the DC port.

    AC_TO_DC Mode

    AC_TO_DC Mode

    OFFGRID DC_TO_AC mode

    1. Plug HVP-56F83783 into the expansion card socket on the power board.
    2. Connect the high voltage DC supply positive and negative connections on the DC bus port.
    3. Connect the load on the local load AC port.

    Note: The load switch is open and no output on the local load AC port by default. If you must enable the load connection, uncomment the CLOSE_SW_LOAD() command in the ACDC_TransStopRun function.

    OFFGRID DC_TO_AC Mode

    OFFGRID DC_TO_AC Mode

    GRIDCONNECTED DC_TO_AC mode

    1. Plug HVP-56F83783 into the expansion card socket on the power board.
    2. Connect the high voltage DC supply positive and negative connections on the DC bus port.
    3. Connect the grid-tied AC port to a power frequency transformer. The other side of the transformer is connected to the power grid with a transformation ratio of 1:1.

    GRIDCONNECTED DC_TO_AC Mode

    GRIDCONNECTED DC_TO_AC Mode

    3.2 Control and Monitor the System Using FreeMASTER

    1. Connect isolated SCI interface J2 on HVP-56F83783 to the PC through a USB to serial cable.
    2. Open the FreeMASTER project (Multimode_Bidir_DCAC_LCL_MC56F83783.pmpx) with latest FreeMASTER.
    3. Configure the USB connection on FreeMASTER.
    4. Click Go or click Connect in the FreeMASTER menu to start communication.

    Note: For detailed instructions and precautions, refer to the bidirectional AC-DC converter user guide.

    PreviousGet the Hardware
    NextInstall Software Tools

    4. Install Software Tools

    4.1 CodeWarrior IDE

    The CodeWarrior IDE installed on a PC enables editing, compiling, and debugging of source code designs.

    Install revision: CodeWarrior 11.1

    4.2 Software Development Kit (SDK)

    The SDK is complimentary and includes full source code under a permissive open source license for all hardware abstraction and peripheral driver software.

    Install revision: SDK_2_13_1_MC56F83783

    4.3 MCUXpresso Config Tools

    The MCUXpresso Config Tool is an integrated suite of configuration tools that guides users in creating MCUXpresso SDK projects, and provides pin, clock peripheral tools to generate initialization C code for custom board support.

    Install revision: MCUXpresso Config Tools v13.1

    4.4 FreeMASTER

    FreeMASTER is a user-friendly real-time debug monitor and data visualization tool that enables runtime configuration and tuning of embedded software applications. Install revision: FreeMASTER tool 3.2

    To use the CP210x USB to UART bridge virtual COM port communication on HVP-MC56F83783, download, and install the CP210x drivers.

    PreviousConfigure Hardware