Getting started with emPower

In conjunction with the all-in-one software platform emPowerOS, the emPower evaluation board is designed to give embedded developers access to SEGGER's powerful suite of middleware products . These products include, among others, the embOS RTOS, the emFile file system, the emWin graphics library, emUSB-Host, and emUSB-Device. emPower also features a J-Link OB, an on-board version of SEGGER’s market-leading debug probe J-Link. This step-by-step guide walks you through setting up and using your emPower evaluation board.

Please note: For detailed technical information, please visit the SEGGER emPower page.

Set up the hardware

1. Power up: Connect the board to a computer using the mini-USB cable, which powers the board and enables communication with the J-Link onboard debug probe.
2. Network setup (optional): To enable additional web-based features, connect the emPower board to an Ethernet port using the ETH connector.

Run the pre-loaded demo

The emPower board comes pre-loaded with a SEGGER Eval software package that can be downloaded to the emPower evaluation board via the debug interface. To get started:

1. Watch the display demo: When powering up, the demo will automatically start and show some features of emWin, SEGGER's controller-independent graphical user interface (GUI).
2. Establish network access: If connected via Ethernet, the board's web server is accessible. Open a browser and enter the IP address displayed on the LCD to explore the web-based demo features.
3. Establish VNC access: Use a VNC client to connect to the board for remote access.

Install additional software

To get the most out of the emPower board, install the following SEGGER tools:

J-Flash Lite

J-Flash Lite (part of the J-Link Software and Documentation Package) is required to use the emPower eval board's J-Link OB. It is a free and simple graphical user interface that allows downloading into the flash memory of target systems. To get started:

1. Download the software package: Go to SEGGER Downloads, and select the appropriate file from the J-Link Software and Documentation Package.
2. Open J-Flash Lite: Start the J-Link Software and Documentation Package, open J-Flash Lite, and connect the J-Link OB to the PC.
3. Select the target: Choose the device named MK66FN2M0XXX18, set the debug interface to SWD, and select a speed of 2000 kHz.
4. Upload the file: Choose the emPower_K66.bin file and click Program Device. The file will be written to the board’s memory automatically.
5. Run the program: Press the reset button on the board to execute the new program.

SystemView

SystemView allows comprehensive insight into an application's runtime behavior. It is part of the SEGGER Demo and can be used straight out of the box. To get started:

1. Download SystemView: Download and install SystemView.
2. Start SystemView: Connect the board to a PC and open SystemView.
3. Record and monitor: Select Target -> Start Recording (F5). Choose the Kinetis K66 target MCU, with the interface set to SWD and the speed to 2000 kHz.
4. View runtime behavior: SystemView displays tasks and interrupts in real time, allowing the user to observe activity within embOS, emWin, and other SEGGER middleware.

Embedded Studio

The emPower board comes with an Embedded Studio project that includes sample applications for all middleware components, and it allows evaluation of their features in new applications. To get started:

1. Download Embedded Studio: Download and install Embedded Studio.
2. Open the project: Download the emPower Eval software for Embedded Studio, and open emPower_K66.emProject in Embedded Studio.
3. Compile and run: The default demo is pre-configured, and it can be built by hitting F7 and started by hitting F5.