Getting Started with the KITFS23BUCKEVM Evaluation Board | NXP Semiconductors

Getting Started with the KITFS23BUCKEVM Evaluation Board

Last Modified: Dec 19, 2023Supports KITFS23BUCKEVM

Contents of this document

  • 1

    Out of the Box
  • 2

    Get to Know the Hardware
  • 3

    Install Software
  • 4

    Configure Hardware

1. Out of the Box

The NXP analog product development boards provide an easy-to-use platform for evaluating NXP products. The boards support a range of analog, mixed-signal and power solutions. They incorporate monolithic integrated circuits and system-in-package devices that use proven high-volume technology. NXP products offer longer battery life, a smaller form factor, reduced component counts, lower cost, and improved performance in powering state-of-the-art systems.

This page will guide you through the process of setting up and using the KITFS23BUCKEVM board.

1.1 Kit Contents and Packing List

The KITFS23BUCKEVM kit contents include:

  • Assembled and tested evaluation board with preprogrammed S32K144 microcontroller in an anti-static bag
  • 3.0 ft USB-STD A to USB-B-micro cable
  • Six connectors, terminal block plug, two positions, straight, 3.81 mm
  • Six connectors, terminal block plug, three positions, straight, 3.81 mm
  • Jumpers mounted on board

1.2 Additional Hardware

In addition to the kit contents, the following hardware is necessary or beneficial when working with this kit:

  • One power supply with a range up to 40 V

1.3 Minimum System Requirements

This evaluation board requires a Windows PC workstation.

  • FTDI USB serial port driver (for FT230X Basic UART device)

1.4 Software

Installing software is necessary to work with the KITFS23BUCKEVM evaluation board. All listed software is available on the evaluation board's information page at the FS23 Safety SBC Evaluation Board with Soldered FS2320 BUCK Variant.

  • NXP GUI for automotive SBC family installation package - latest version

2. Get to Know the Hardware

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

3. Install Software

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:








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

  • Run NXP_GUI
  • Show Readme

Select Finish to complete the installation.


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

4. Configure Hardware

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

    State Not Detected: USB cable not plugged in

  4. 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"
  5. State Connected: USB cable plugged in, communication established