Get Started with the NXP FRDM-MCXN947 Development Board Bundle

The NXP FRDM-MCXN947 Development Board Bundle is an excellent resource for engineers, hobbyists, and students. With its dual Arm Cortex-M33 cores operating at up to 150 MHz, this board is suited for a variety of applications, including industrial automation, IoT, and machine learning. It offers a range of connectivity options, such as Hi-Speed USB, CAN 2.0, I³C, and 10/100 Ethernet, making it versatile for different projects. The onboard MCU-Link debugger, FlexI/O for LCD control, and dual-bank flash for efficient memory use add to its appeal for those looking to explore advanced technologies.

What Sets It Apart?

A standout feature of the FRDM-MCXN947 is its integrated eIQ Neutron Neural Processing Unit (NPU), enabling users to develop AI-based applications. The board is also compatible with Arduino shields and includes connectors for MikroElektronika Click Boards and Pmod peripherals, enhancing its flexibility. Plus, the accompanying book from Prof. Dr. Dogan Ibrahim provides a variety of tested projects using the MCUXpresso IDE and SDK, allowing users to jump right in.
 

Specifications of the NXP FRDM-MCXN947 Development Board

The following table highlights the board's key features, including its powerful microcontroller, memory options, connectivity, debugging capabilities, and user interface elements.
 

Specification	Details
Microcontroller	MCX-N947 Dual Arm Cortex-M33 cores @ 150 MHz  each with optimized performance efficiency, up to  2 MB dual-bank flash with optional full ECC RAM,  External flash
	Accelerators: Neural Processing Unit, PowerQuad,  Smart DMA, etc.
Memory Expansion	*DNP Micro SD card socket
Connectivity	Ethernet Phy and connector
	HS USB-C connectors
	SPI/I²C/UART connector (PMOD/mikroBUS, DNP)
	WiFi connector (PMOD/mikroBUS, DNP)
	CAN-FD transceiver
Debug	On-board MCU-Link debugger with CMSIS-DAP
	JTAG/SWD connector
Sensor	P3T1755 I³C/I²C Temp Sensor, TouchPad
Expansion Options	Arduino Header (with FRDM expansion rows)
	FRDM Header
	FlexIO/LCD Header
	SmartDMA/Camera Header
	Pmod *DNP
	mikroBUS
User Interface	RGB user LED, plus Reset, ISP, and Wakeup buttons

 

Highlighted Projects from the Book

Here’s a look at some of the exciting projects included in Get Started with the NXP FRDM-MCXN947 Development Board:
 

• Port Expander using the I3C Bus: Ever wished for more I/O ports? This project shows you how to use the MCP23017 chip to add 16 extra I/O ports to your development board. It’s a great way to expand your capabilities!
• TMP102 Temperature Sensor:  In this project, you’ll use the TMP102 sensor to read the ambient temperature. Every three seconds you’ll see the temperature displayed on the debug console, giving you hands-on experience with sensor interfacing.
• FlexIO UART Communication with PC: Want to see how your board can interact with a PC? In this project, you’ll type characters on your computer, and the board will respond with the next character in the ASCII table. It’s a great way to get familiar with the FlexIO module.
• FreeRTOS Simple Task Application: This project provides an excellent introduction to multitasking in embedded systems and shows how the NXP board can handle multiple operations efficiently.
• LCD-Based Conveyor Belt Goods Counter: Count items passing on a conveyor belt in this interactive project. Using an LDR to detect interruptions in a light beam, the system increments a counter and displays the total on an LCD. It’s a hands-on experience with sensors and displays that’s both practical and fun.
• Changing Motor Speed and Direction: In this project, you’ll adjust the speed and direction of a DC motor using an H-bridge circuit. Switch between high and low speeds and rotate the motor clockwise or counter-clockwise—an essential skill for anyone interested in robotics!
• Neural Network Demo: Explore AI with this demo program that identifies objects using a camera. It begins by classifying a static stopwatch image, showing the inference time and detected object name. For real-time classification, just place a trained image in front of the camera within a designated area, and the program will display the inference time, object name, and detection success percentage on the LCD.

And that's just the beginning! These projects are designed to give you practical experience in embedded systems, making this book a valuable resource on your learning journey.