TCP/IP stack options for Kinetis K64 family

[lfschrickte]

Hi,

I've recently decided to go with Freescale again in a http based device project, to take place in a  Cortex-M4 MK64FN1M0VLL12 device (have some experience already with a KL15 Cortex-M0+).

My question is: Kinetis SDK advertises in its fact sheet that it contemplates "lwIP open source lightweight TCP/IP stack", but I've seen no signs that this actually exists or is going to happen soon enough... is there any hope?

I've already ordered a FRDM-K64F kit and downloaded the Kinetis Design Studio, but now I'm considering again to take another MCU as I'm having the following issues:

- I could compile a simple program using FreeRTOS + KDS, however there is no easy way to integrate a TCP/IP stack to it

- I can see the enet hal code on the KSDK folder, however there is no hal component on the KDS interface. Am I doing something wrong? If I could understand the Ethernet driver from KSDK maybe I'll try to port the lwip stack by myself.

It will be really nice to have a simple and complete TCP/IP stack in Kinetis Design Studio to use with Freescale MCUs.

I've already compiled (after a couple hours) a sample application from latest MQX RTOS release (httpsrv_frdmk64f, which has something in common with my application) on Codewarrior 10.6, but I would really prefer to go with the more adopted combination FreeRTOS + lwip... In the sample I noted that the PE components are not present and it looks like I'll have a hard time putting things together. I had no success using PE MQX component directly and it looks like MQX configuration/use is not an easy task.

I would definitely appreciate if someone could give me some advice on which path to choose in order to have available a TCP/IP stack suitable to the Kinetis MCU I'm using. I wish I could use some already tested stack, so I don't have the spend a lot of time developing low level stuff (I like to do it, but it is not the focus here in my company :smileysad:).

Thank you very much!

Regards

Luiz Fernando

p.s.: I know KSDK is in beta state and that some features in the fact sheet are not available yet

[dave408]

Hi Luiz, I am currently trying to determine whether or not I have a viable solution in the FRDM-K64F.  Basically, I'm temporarily doing proof of concept work with it in the mbed online environment.  However, the lwIP TCP/IP stack that it supports maxes out at 4 active connections.  I'm reading through the RTCS user's manual, and I haven't found any statement regarding a maximum number of connections.  Would you be able to tell me whether or not it has a limit, and if so, what it is?

[lfschrickte]

Hi Dave,

I've checked my code and you can define the max number of connections on the user_config.h header file and on RTCS init parms. Theoretically the limit depends on your memory and processing availability. I've initialized my RTCS with max number of connections to 8 without trouble.

Sorry for the late answer, I've just seen your question right now!

Regards

Luiz Fernando

[lfschrickte · Accepted solution]

MQX RTOS + RTCS is proving to be a good choice! I've just found out some problems (MQX 4.1: CGI script in separated tasks + keep-alive), but I'm probably going with it (and for sure recommending it to others!).

Thank you for your suggestions!

Luiz Fernando

[GregC]

Kinetis Design Studio (IDE) and Kinetis Software Development Kit (SDK) should be released in September ...
... so as mentioned by Mark, your wait won't be too long

[mjbcswitzerland]

Luiz

See the following:

New Freedom FRDM-K64F board

uTasker V1.4.5 with integrated KDS support

This supports the K64F (and all code runs on all KL and K devices as long as the necessary peripherals are available) and has an integrated TCP/IP stack {ARP, RARP, ICMP, IPv4/IPv6, UDP, DHCP, DNS, TFTP, TCP, dynamic HTTP, HTTP post, FTP server, FTP client, SNMP V1/V2c, Multicast with IGMP V1/V2, SMTP, POP3, TELNET, NetBIOS and VLAN plus various useful utilities for real-world Internet work. Multiple interface, network and VLAN capable}

In the first link you can run a simulated FRDM-K64F and the TCP/IP stack in real-time on a PC.

The binary attached to the following thread can be loaded to the FRDM-K64F and shows various things (full details in the thread) including dual-networked TCP/IP - put web server content on the SD card in the directory "dir1" and use a start side called "index.htm" and you can see its web server in operation too. Errors with the FRDM-K64F and KDS

You can build the project with KDS, CW10.x, IAR, Keil uVision, Rowley Crossworks, Atollic, GCC-make file, CooCox CoIDE or VisualStudio (for simulation).

Regards

Mark

http://www.utasker.com/kinetis.html

[lfschrickte]

Hi Mark,

Thank you, however one of the main reasons to choose Kinetis devices is the fact that the Kinetis Design Studio and the KDSK are both free of charge and supported by the manufacturer. I prefer to keep going with Freescale official SDK and support (it is kind of a rule here in my company)!

Regards

Luiz Fernando

[mjbcswitzerland]

Hi Luiz

There is a saying - "Good things come to those who wait"

You just have to ensure that your company's competitors are also happy to wait until someone gives them what they envisage to be their silver bullet before starting on their real job.

I am seeing K64F based projects and products being developed and nearing completion, so hopefully your wait won't be too long so that you can then start catching up with the others ;-)

Regards

Mark

[lfschrickte]

Thank you Mark for your advice!

I liked what I saw in your website, maybe I'll give it a try at home and if it proves to be a fast alternative I can try to convince people in here!

Regards

Luiz

[mjbcswitzerland]

Hi Luiz

That sounds like a good idea. You willl find that the K64F is fully integrated into the project and the FRDM-K64F works 'out-of-the-box', including powerful Ethernet features.

In case of any questions or difficulties there is full support at this forum or the uTasker's own forum.

Presumably Brazil will be watching football the next few weeks ;-) -  but I look forward to hearing how trials go.

Regards

Mark