Getting Started with the Bidirectional DC-DC Reference Solution

Last Modified: May 18, 2025Supports 800W Bidirectional DC-DC Conversion Solution Based on Programable 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 DC-DC Conversion Solution Based on Programable 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 DC-DC reference platform.

    1.1 Hardware Requirements

      The hardware required includes:
    • Bidirectional DC-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 DC-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: DC source up to 400 V/3 A for battery charge mode, DC source up to 60 V/30 A for battery
      • discharge mode.
    • Load: DC electronic load up to 400 V/3 A for battery discharge mode, DC electronic load up to 60 V/30 A for
      • battery charge mode.
    • Cable assembly, double row wire cable.
    • A PC to run the provided graphical user interface (FreeMASTER) and USB-Mini-B connector for FreeMASTER
      • connection.
    • A Universal Multilink or DSC Multilink 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

    The bidirectional DC-DC reference design is developed for evaluation and development purposes. 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 DC-DC reference design webpage.

    2.1 Bidirectional DC-DC Power Board

    Bidirectional DC-DC Power Board

    Bidirectional DC-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 DC-DC reference design supports bidirectional power conversion. The hardware configurations are different for different operating modes.

    3.1 Hardware Connections

    BCM Mode

    1. Plug HVP-56F83783 into the expansion card socket on the power board.
    2. Connect the DC source on the high-voltage port to supply DC voltage.
    3. Connect the load on the low voltage port.

    BCM Mode

    BCM Mode

    BDM Mode

    1. Plug HVP-56F83783 into the expansion card socket on the power board.
    2. Connect the DC source on the low voltage port to supply DC voltage.
    3. Connect the load on the high-voltage port.

    BDM Mode

    BDM 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-Mini-B cable.
    2. Open the FreeMASTER project (Bidir_DCDC_MC56F83783.pmpx) with latest FreeMASTER.
    3. Configure the USB connection on FreeMASTER.
    4. Click Go or click Connect in the FreeMASTER menu to start the communication.

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

    PreviousGet the Hardware
    NextInstall Software Tools

    4. Install Software Tools

    4.1 CodeWarrior IDE

    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

    4.2 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 v15

    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