The FRDM-KE02Z MCU board recently announced by Freescale is a $12.95 development platform designed for operation in electrically noisy environments. Using 5 V logic it hosts a 32-bit Cortex M0+ Kinetis E Series microcontroller type KE02Z64VQH2 built on the ARM Cortex-M0+ core.

The company announcement targets the board at white-goods applications such as dishwashers, refrigerators, home and building control systems, motor control fans, industrial converters and other equipment operating in high-noise environments. Offering a 32-bit processor and extensive I/O expansion it is anticipated to be a one-board solution in applications that have traditionally required more distributed processing. The board package has large-pitch hook-up options and incorporates built-in electrostatic discharge protection, reducing the need for additional circuitry.

In addition to the electrically robust hardware features Freescale also offer pre-certified, fault-tolerant software routines designed to allow customer products based on this platform to achieve the IEC 60730 Class B safety standard for household appliances.

To find out just how electrically noisy your environment is build the Elektor Tapir, it will help you track down electrical noises to their source-you may be surprised.