Getting Started with the KITFS23BUCKEVM Evaluation Board

2.1 Board Features

• Phoenix (3.81 mm) male connector or Jack connector for power supply input
• Phoenix (3.81 mm) male connectors for HVBUCK and HVLDOs
• Phoenix (3.81 mm) male connectors for CAN and LIN communication
• Phoenix (3.81 mm) male connectors for high-side drivers
• Selectable Debug mode, test mode and normal mode with switches and jumpers to power up the device in different modes
• INTB, RSTB, FS0B, LIMP0, FCCU pins
• Embedded USB to I²C/SPI protocol for easy connection to software GUI through S32K144 MCU
• Red and green LEDs to indicate signal or regulator status
• Blue LED to indicate that OTP 8.0 V burning voltage is set
• Header connectors for I/O configuration
• Advanced system monitoring via S32K144 MCU

2.2 Board Description

The KITFS23BUCKEVM kit provides an integrated platform for evaluating designs based on NXP’s FS2320 SBC. All FS2320 features can be accessed and monitored in a test environment using NXP GUI software to access the registers in Read and Write mode.

All regulators are accessible through connectors. Nonuser signals are mapped on test points. Digital signals (I²C, RSTB, etc.) are accessible through connectors.

2.3 Board Components

Overview of the KITFS23BUCKEVM board

The development kit uses NXP GUI for Automotive PMICs Families

3.1 Flashing or Updating the GUI Firmware

The KITFS23xxxEVM is delivered with the GUI firmware flashed in the board’s MCU.

3.2 Installing GUI Software Package

To install the FS23 NXP GUI, download or obtain the NXP GUI package, unzip 1- NXP_GUI_Setup folder:

Then, double-click NXP_GUI_version-Setup.exe and follow the instructions.

To install the application on Windows PC, proceed with the following pop-up windows:

Figure 1. Application Setup

Figure 2. License Agreement

Figure 3. Select FS23_GUI

Figure 4. Choose the folder to install

Select the following options before completing the installation of the setup:

• Run NXP_GUI
• Show Readme

Select Finish to complete the installation.

Figure 5. Run NXP_GUI

When the installation is finished, you can find the application by searching for NXPGUI in the windows search bar. Click to launch.

This section gives guidance on how to set up and run KITFS23BUCKEVM evaluation board and GUI.

4.1 Set up the KITFS23BUCKEVM

The procedure for setting up KITFS23BUCKEVM board is as follows:

1. Make sure the board has the jumpers and switches configured in their default positions. The default debug configuration enables the board to be fully controlled by the S32K144 MCU (via I²C) and the GUI
2. Connect the power supply to J6 (Phoenix connector - 3.81 mm). The power supply should be set to a nominal value of 14.0 V. Or connect the power supply to J2 (Jack connector) via a 14.0 V battery

Note: When connecting loads to the boards, check that the J37 jumper is in position J37-1-2 to avoid drawing current from the USB line. Place jumper in position J37-1-2 to supply 5.0 V from onboard LDO connected to VIN. Place jumper in position J37-2-3 to supply 5.0 V from the USB line.

3. Make sure the USB cable between the board and the PC is securely connected. This connection is critical because the USB port serves as a communication channel between the PC and the S32K144 MCU onboard, and provides voltages and references to some onboard circuits
4. Place SW1 to position SW1-3 if the power supply is connected to J6. Or place SW1 to position SW1-1 if the power supply is connected to J2

4.2 Connect the KITFS23BUCKEVM to the GUI

The procedure for connecting the KITFS23BUCKEVM to the GUI is as follows:

1. To launch the NXP GUI application, see UM11881, KITFS23BUCKEVM User Manual
2. In the USB and Device Status bar at the bottom of the GUI window, the state message should display "DISCONNECTED" when the USB cable is plugged in, but communication has not yet been established between the S32K144 MCU and the FS2320 SBC

State Disconnected: USB cable plugged in, communication not established yet

State Not Detected: USB cable not plugged in

3. To establish communication between the S32K144 MCU and the FS2320 SBC and allow the GUI to take control, click Start in the Connection toolbar in the top left corner of the GUI window. Once the communication is established, the state message becomes "CONNECTED"

State Connected: USB cable plugged in, communication established

Note: If the Start button does not light on and stays grey, the FTDI driver might be missing. To confirm this, access to the Windows Device Manager and look for FT230X Basic UART device.



Figure 1. Add FTDI driver from Windows Device Manager

Note: To solve this issue, look for the FTDI USB Serial Port driver corresponding to your PC and install it. For Dell computers, the package can be downloaded at this address

Board Information

• KITFS23BUCKEVM Schematics 
• KITFS23BUCKEVM Design Files 
• UM11881, KITFS23BUCKEVM User Manual
• NXP GUI for Automotive PMICs Families

Additional References

In addition to our FS23, Safety System Basis Chip (SBC) Family with Power Management, CAN and LIN page, you may also want to visit:

• Automotive Advanced Exterior Lighting
• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)