Maxim MAX32650-EVKIT part1: Introduction

Maxim MAX32650-EVKIT part1: Introduction

This road test will evaluate the EV kit from Maxim for MAX32650 ultra-low power memory scalable microcontroller. One of the important features is the 3.5 inch 320 X 240 Color TFT Display. I hope to take this for a few spins to test the programming capabilities of the built in controller. Besides the on chip 3 MB flash, an additional 64MB Flash is available through XIP. This should provide large amounts of program storage along with static data. A Micro SD Card interface is also provided. I hope to test a few different cards during the road test period.

To actual run data that changes, on chip has 1 MB storage. Add to that an additional 64 MB Hyper RAM is provided. My ultimate goal is to provide a port of Micro Python to this EV kit. With the resources at hand it not only makes sense, but show be a serious option for larger projects. But since I have only 2 months, I have shorten the goal to only allow off board Micro Python on an attached PC. I plan on blogging the steps and methods involved in building the environment.

The out of the box experience includes MAX32650 EV kit containing a MAX32650 with a preprogrammed demo. When you attach one of the two provided standard A to Micro B USB cables, to the C1 at the top, the board shows the Maxim logo. This verifies the LCD and controller works. I plan on modifying this if I can find the code. Also in the box, is an external JTAG debugger from Olimex. Being a generic debug, it should be usable on any other board using JTAG. To connect to a PC, the box included an additional standard A-to-B USB cable. A simple quick start guide was provided.

The first step I did even before the board arrived was to install the SDK from Maxim. A free user name and password is needed before the download. While you are there, take a look at the following videos:

• Using the LCD Controller on the MAX32650, Part 1: What’s an LCD
• Using the LCD Controller on the MAX32650, Part 2: Why Timing is Everything
• Using the LCD Controller on the MAX32650, Part 3: Your First Drawing
• Using the LCD Controller on the MAX32650, Part 4: Let’s Get Moving
• Using the LCD Controller on the MAX32650, Part 5: Control is a Good Thing

They were very well authored and provide some good details on using the provided LCD. If you have seen other devices, you should feel reassured that scanning is the same.

Here are some pictures of the unboxing.

     I wish to thank Randy and Maxim for providing me the opportunity of road testing this great board. So far I am impressed with the quality and potential. Well enough for now, check out next blog for project details!

Thanks for following.