topic Re: NXP FRDM-KL46Z redesign in Kinetis Microcontrollers

NXP FRDM-KL46Z redesign

Flo2 — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:53:44 GMT

Hello,

I would like to redesign the NXP FRDM-KL46Z board, removing some functions.

Regarding the OpenSDA PK20DX128VFM5 interface, how do I program it? Is the program (or bootloader) freely available?

Currently, I use the SEGGER J-link probe to program the MKL46Z256VLL4.

Regarding this device, is there any risk of it becoming obsolete in the coming years?

Thank you for your feedback.

Re: NXP FRDM-KL46Z redesign

Celeste_Liu — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:47:35 GMT

Hello @Flo2 ,

Thanks for your post.

Regarding the OpenSDA PK20DX128VFM5 interface, how do I program it?

->> It depends on whether the OpenSDA bootloader on your board is corrupted.
If the bootloader is working, you can simply update the OpenSDA firmware by using the drag-and-drop method.
However, if the bootloader is corrupted, you will need to use an external debugger (such as a J-Link or PEMicro Multilink) and connect it to J14, the SDA JTAG interface, to reprogram the K20 OpenSDA bootloader. See attached picture 1.

You may refer to below articles to get to know more about Kinetis OPENSDA.

Illustrated Step-by-Step Instructions: Updating the Freescale Freedom Board Firmware | MCU on Eclipse

Bricking and Recovering OpenSDA Boards in Windows 8 and 10 | MCU on Eclipse

Is the program (or bootloader) freely available?

->> Yes, FRDM-KL46 board's OPENSDA bootloader and firmware is free to use. Please refer to OpenSDA Serial and Debug Adapter | NXP Semiconductors. See attached picture 2.

Regarding this device, is there any risk of it becoming obsolete in the coming years?

->> The Kinetis family has extended lifecycle. According to the information shown on the Product Longevity | NXP Semiconductors webpage, KL46 will remain in the Longevity Program until June 2035. See attached picture 3.

Please note, after that date, does not mean that the part will be discontinued immediately because this part longevity will be market and customers driven.

For your information there are some status stages of each product in the following order – Active, Not recommended for a new design, End of life, No longer manufactured.

When the product is placed in End of life, we give our customers 6-12 months for last orders and an additional 6-12 months for last shipments.

Hope it helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Celeste

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Re: NXP FRDM-KL46Z redesign

Flo2 — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:24:07 GMT

Hello,

Thanks for your answer.

I don't understand what do you mean by "It depends on whether the OpenSDA bootloader on your board is corrupted." ?

Thank you

Re: NXP FRDM-KL46Z redesign

Celeste_Liu — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:04:24 GMT

Hello @Flo2 ,

You can refer to the attached OPENSDAUG for a deeper understanding of OPENSDA.
What this statement means is that if your OpenSDA bootloader is still working, you only need to update the OpenSDA application (firmware).
However, if the bootloader is no longer working, you will first need to use an external debugger to program the bootloader, and then update the firmware afterward.

Celeste