Getting Started with the FRDM Development Platform: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

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Getting Started with the FRDM Development Platform: A Complete Beginner’s Guide 

Whether you're an embedded developer, student, or hobbyist, the FRDM Development Platform by NXP offers a powerful and accessible way to dive into embedded systems. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from what FRDM boards are, to how to get started, and where to find the tools and resources that will support your development journey. 

What are NXP evaluation boards, including FRDM development boards, and how do they compare to other NXP evaluation kits?   

NXP evaluation boards are hardware tools that enable developers to experiment with, test, and prototype applications using NXP’s microcontrollers, processors, or other semiconductor components. They offer convenient access to essential chip features such as I/O interfaces, communication options, and power controls, making it easier to assess system performance before building custom hardware. Among these, FRDM development boards are recognized for being cost-effective, compact, and scalable through add-on expansion boards, ideal for quick prototyping and educational use. Though they offer essential features for embedded development in combination with scalability options though expansion boards, they are more streamlined than other NXP Evaluation Kits (EVKs), which tend to be larger and more feature-rich to support advanced, in-depth evaluation. 

Who Is the FRDM Development Platform Designed For? 

The FRDM Platform is built for a wide range of users: 

• Embedded developers looking for fast prototyping tools 

• Students and educators seeking hands-on microcontroller experience 

• Engineers working on motor control, security, or Industrial - IoT applications 

• Hobbyists and makers exploring embedded systems with professional-grade tools 

Its low-cost, easy-to-use design makes it ideal for both learning and professional development. 

Where Can I Get a FRDM Development Platform?  

Buying FRDM Development Boards is quick and easy: 

• Go to the product page of the FRDM board you’re interested in, click the Buy button, and choose from available options—either directly from NXP or through authorized distributors. 

• Customers can also purchase directly from the NXP Store. 

• To learn more about the buying process, visit the How to Buy from NXP page. 

Discover the New Generation of FRDM Development Boards 

FRDM Development Boards have long been a popular choice among developers for rapid prototyping and evaluation. Originally based on Kinetis microcontrollers, these boards offered an affordable and flexible platform for embedded development. 

Now, we’re excited to introduce a new series of FRDM boards, designed to support the latest MCX microcontrollers and i.MX processors. These next-generation boards bring enhanced performance, connectivity, and scalability to meet modern application needs. 

Some of the new FRDM boards feature support wireless connectivity like MCX W and RW612, enabling developers to build smarter, more connected solutions with ease. 

Whether you're working on IoT, industrial, or consumer applications, the new FRDM series provides the tools you need to innovate faster. 

Explore FRDM Development Boards at nxp.com/FRDM and download Design without bounds with FRDM to explore latest information. 

What Is the FRDM Development Platform Ecosystem? 

The FRDM (Freedom) Ecosystem is designed to support your development process from evaluation to deployment. It’s built on three core pillars that work together to help you prototype, test, and scale your applications efficiently: 

 Modular Hardware 

Start with FRDM Development Boards, which offer a minimal setup to get you up and running quickly. These boards include standard headers and connectors, making it easy to expand functionality with additional modules or shields as your project grows. 

Software and Tools 

You’ll have access to a full suite of development tools, including: 

• MCUXpresso IDE and MCUXpresso for Visual Studio Code for coding and debugging. 

• Tools for pin configuration, security, machine learning, and GUI design with GUI Guider. 

These tools are built to simplify your workflow and help you get the most out of your hardware. 

Application Code Examples 

Explore the Application Code Hub, where you’ll find a wide range of examples—from NXP in-house projects to partner contributions. We’re also highlighting new Zephyr-based content to support modern embedded development. 

If you're working with i.MX processors, check out GoPoint, a built-in Linux BSP demo launcher that gives you quick access to interactive demos and showcases platform capabilities. 

 

How to Start Using a FRDM Development Platform 

Getting started is simple, thanks to the resources provided both online and in the box: 

Printed Quick Start Guide 

Inside the box, every FRDM board includes a printed Quick Start Guide. This guide helps users: 

• Identify key components on the board 

• Connect and power the board correctly 

• Locate and download the necessary tools 

• Begin development with confidence 

Together, these resources ensure a smooth onboarding experience and help users unlock the full potential of their FRDM board. 

 Online Getting Started Guides 

Each FRDM board has a dedicated product page on NXP’s website that includes a step-by-step Getting Started Guide. These guides walk developers through: 

• Setting up the hardware 

• Installing development tools like MCUXpresso IDE 

• Running example projects 

• Accessing additional documentation and training 

How to Find Your Getting Started Guide 

• Go to nxp.com 

• Search for your FRDM board by part number 

• Example: FRDM-MCXN947 

• Open the product page 

• Click the “Getting Started” button (usually located in the top right corner) 

• Follow the left-hand menu to explore all available resources 

• Don’t forget to check out additional projects and training materials to keep learning! 

Here are direct links to popular Getting Started Guides: 

• FRDM-MCXN947 Getting Started Guide 

• FRDM-MCXE247 Getting Started Guide 

• FRDM-IMX91 Getting Started Guide 

Continue Exploring FRDM in the NXP Community 

Want to dive deeper into the FRDM ecosystem? The FRDM Trainings and Resources hub in the NXP Community is a great place to start. 

There, you’ll find: 

• Training materials to help you get started and advance your development skills. 

• Product communities where you can connect with other developers, ask questions, and share insights. 

• A variety of resources and documentation to support your FRDM based projects and expand your knowledge. 

Whether you're new to FRDM or looking to explore the latest boards based on MCX microcontrollers and i.MX processors, the NXP Community is your go-to space for collaboration and learning.