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11 years, 1 month ago.
Can the FRDM-KL05Z be used on Mbed?
I have a FRDM-KL05Z and was hoping that the Mbed code would work but it does not.
The reason I would like to use this is quite simply the lower pin count of the processor makes it more usable for projects after Prototyping. I can load the Mbed firmware and appears to load a BIN file but does not work.
OR is there a KLZ25Z reduced pin count CPU available?
2 Answers
10 years, 7 months ago.
What mbed firmware did you load on this? I didnt think there is a compatible one, i thought the mbed firmware is specifically for the kl25z? i also have this board and am eager to try it with mbed for the same reason, its nice for low end applications
No its not and yes it is, however the situation is changing with Mbed open source, Take a look here:
http://mbed.org/users/Kojto/notebook
posted by 27 Aug 2013
10 years, 7 months ago.
The mbed firmware is tied to the KL25Z device.
While the source is available and you could probably eventually port it, why bother? You can get the QFN32 package of the KL25Z. It'd likely be a pain to work with without a microscope and SMT soldering tools, as it's very small...
In fact, I just ordered a pack of 10 QFN32 adapter boards and tiny 8MHz crystals off eBay last night just so I could cobble together little micro boards that I can program with my FRDM-KL25Z. (See http://www.ebay.com/itm/281135725355?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 and http://www.ebay.com/itm/120870539612?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649). Samples of the 128K QFN32 package are available from Freescale in quantities up to 5.
Ideally, I'd have boards made like the one at mchck.org, but I'm only needing a handful of GPIO/ADC/Timer pins at the most, so it won't be too bad. My current application is a smart remote controllable trigger for some 1980's vintage portable Norman strobes I have, eventually ending in replacing the analog controller board inside the pack.
I have been having a blast with mbed and the Freescale Cup Car I have... I LOVE mbed and the ease with which the board can be reflashed.
Take a look here:
http://www.schmartboard.com/index.asp?page=products_csp&id=76
I bought a bunch of these along with 64pin QFP boards and no problem to solder. You will need to add decoupling and Xtal capacitors, these may be a bit tricky with the board you are going to use.
Here is the 64pin QFP board I put together and jump the code from the Freescale board:
http://mbed.org/cookbook/Prototype-To-Hardware-KL25Z
You may only need a few ports to connect, but I find the 64pin chip easier to use and is much the same price. I buy my chips from Farnel.
posted by 28 Aug 2013Thanks, I had seen your cookbook entry already. It's what prompted me to attempt to build up some boards myself. But at $10/board vs. $8.50 for 10 boards, the lower pin count, higher difficulty and higher quantity won the day.
I have edge soldered QFNs before. If it's a real problem, the solder mask can be scraped back a little bit, but the solder should wick under. It's just a matter of keeping it aligned while soldering the first pad..
The decoupling caps can be soldered up close by scraping solder mask. I will try the crystal and caps for the oscillator out at the periphery first and see how that goes. My applications are not all that timing critical.
The challenge will come if/when I attempt to replace the analog control board for the Norman 200B strobe packs I have... Positive ground, high voltage (500V), and high switching current for the inverter (20A average)... That's going to require a hand-etched prototype board for the high voltage/high current components. Having divested myself of the capability of making PCBs at home long ago, I will be needing to re-aquire that before embarking on that project...
posted by 28 Aug 2013