The FRDM-MCXW23 is a development board based on the MCX W23 Bluetooth Low Energy 5.3 wireless MCU. It provides a compact platform for evaluating low-power wireless designs, targeting applications such as portable medical devices, smart appliances, automation systems, and asset tracking.

The MCX W23 itself is a highly integrated device that combines an Arm Cortex-M33 processor with a 2.4 GHz Bluetooth LE transceiver and embedded flash. Designed for efficiency, it extends battery lifetime in small, power-sensitive applications and reduces the footprint of end devices by integrating application processing and wireless functionality in a single package.

MCX W23 Block Diagram
(click image to enlarge)

Security is an integral part of the architecture, with TrustZone-M isolation, secure boot, cryptographic acceleration, PRINCE flash encryption, and PUF-based key storage. Its power management system supports both coin cell operation through an integrated buck converter and externally regulated supply, which makes it suitable for compact IoT designs.

FRDM-MCXW23 Block Diagram
(click image to enlarge)

On the FRDM-MCXW23 board, this microcontroller is paired with external SPI Flash and supported by a set of expansion interfaces that include Arduino sockets, mikroBUS headers, and a Pmod connector. UART, SPI, and I²C modules are distributed across these connectors, while the I²C bus also serves the onboard FXLS8974CFR3 three-axis accelerometer and the P3T1755 digital temperature sensor.

Wireless communication is provided through the integrated 2.4 GHz radio, which can operate with the default PCB antenna or be connected to an external antenna using the SWG interface.

FRDM-MCXW23 Peripherals
(click image to enlarge)

It can be powered by USB Type-C, an external 5–9 V input through the Arduino header, or a CR2032 coin cell battery. System timing is handled by 32 MHz and 32.768 kHz oscillators for the MCX W23, with a 16 MHz clock driving the LPC55S69 MCU that enables debug operations.

Programming and debugging are supported through the onboard MCU-Link probe over USB Type-C, simplifying development setup.

Software support is provided by the MCUXpresso environment, which offers SDKs, configuration tools, and reference material. A healthcare IoT demonstration is preloaded to allow immediate functional verification, and from there the platform can be extended to more advanced applications.

Further Information

The FRDM-MCXW23 is already available for ordering at $30.00 on the NXP website. The hardware kit is supplied with the FRDM-MCXW23 board, a one-meter USB Type-A to Type-C cable, and a quick start guide. At the time of release, the board is listed on the NXP website for $30.00.