Bluetooth development platform enables BLE connectivity for portable and embedded systems

The FRDM-KW40Z, available from Farnell element14, is an ultra-low-power, highly integrated platform that enables Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and/or IEEE Std. 802.15.4/RF connectivity for portable, ultra-low-power embedded systems. These evaluation boards offer easy-to-use mass-storage-device mode flash programmer, a virtual serial port, and standard programming and run-control capabilities. The device is a low-cost development platform enabled by the Kinetis W series KW40Z/30Z/20Z family built on the ARM Cortex-M0 processor featuring an integrated 2.4 GHz transceiver supporting Bluetooth BLE v4.1 and/or IEEE 802.15.4-2011 standards. The kit contains two boards, enabling point-to-point out of the box connectivity. Each board can be configured as a Freedom development board or as a Freedom shield. The hardware is form-factor compatible with the ArduinoR3 pin layout, providing a broad range of expansion board options. The device features a highly-sensitive, optimised 2.4GHz radio with PCB F-antenna which can be bypassed for connection to test equipment via SMA connection, multiple power supply options, push and capacitive touch buttons, switches, LEDs and integrated sensors.