Mini FX Evaluation Kit
The Mini FX EVK is the fastest, simplest, and most cost effective way to evaluate LonWorks® control networking technology. In a matter of minutes, you can set up, demonstrate, write, compile, and load control-networking applications for devices equipped with our microprocessors or smart transceivers.
- Supports evaluation of LonWorks application development and the benefits of LonWorks control networking
Resources
- Includes example control networking application source code and evaluation hardware with schematics
- Includes a toolset for the Neuron® C programming language, which makes it easy to develop applications that communicate on a control network and interface with I/O hardware
- Provides integrated support for developing devices that communicate with the ISO/IEC 14908‑1 Control Network Protocol
- Integrated Interoperable Self-Installation (ISI) plug-and-play installation code lets you develop devices that don’t require installation tools
- Provides easy migration to the powerful NodeBuilder® FX Development Tool with a common programming language and development hardware
For complete specifications and ordering information, refer to the Mini FX Evaluation Kit datasheet (PDF).
Operating system: Microsoft® Windows® 7 (32-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit), or Windows XP
Minimum hardware:
- Intel Pentium® III 600MHz processor
- 2GB RAM for Windows 7 or Windows Vista
- 512MB RAM for Windows XP
- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
- 1024 x 768 or higher-display with at least 256 colors
- Mouse or other Windows compatible pointing device
- 120 to 350MB free hard-disk space
Mini FX Evaluation Kit datasheet (PDF)
Introduction to the Technology
Introduction to the LonWorks Platform (PDF)
Boards, Transceivers, and ICs
FT 5000 EVB (evaluation board) Examples Guide (PDF)
FT 5000 EVB (evaluation board) Hardware Guide (PDF)
Gizmo 4 (I/O hardware for prototyping) User’s Guide (PDF)
I/O Model Reference for Smart Transceivers and Neuron Chips (PDF)
LTM-10A Module User’s Guide (PDF)
Series 5000 Chip Data Book (PDF)
Development
ISI Programmer’s Guide (PDF)
ISI Protocol Specification (PDF)
Mini FX User's Guide (PDF)
Neuron C Programmer's Guide (PDF)
Neuron C Reference Guide (PDF)
NodeBuilder FX Development Tool
While the inexpensive Mini FX Evaluation Kit is ideal for developing smaller applications and evaluating the LonWorks platform, the NodeBuilder FX Development Tool is a complete development platform, great for larger applications and faster development.
Because both tools share the same programming language, Mini FX users can easily to move up to the NodeBuilder tool at any time, preserving the code they have developed. The FT versions of the two tools are based on the same hardware, making the transition even simpler because there is a software-only version of the NodeBuilder FX tool.
In particular, the NodeBuilder Resource Editor utility lets you view standard resource definitions and view, create, and modify custom resource definitions. Resources include network variables types, configuration property types, enumeration types, string definitions, and functional profiles.
Mini FX Evaluation Kit and NodeBuilder FX Development Tool comparison:
| Feature | Mini FX | NodeBuilder FX |
|---|---|---|
| Neuron C Compiler | X | X |
| Network Variables per Device | 32 maximum | 254 maximum |
| Generated Code Size per Device | 12kB compiled instructions maximum | 64kB maximum |
| Resource Editor | X | |
| Code Wizard | X | |
| Plug-in Framework | X | |
| Debugger | X | |
| Project Manager | X | |
| Integrated Development Environment | X | |
| Network Installation Tool | Application loader only; compatible with optional LonMaker Integration Tool | Includes the LonMaker Integration Tool |
Learn about our training center courses, including these and others:
- Introduction to the LonWorks Platform
- LonWorks Network Design
- Using the LonMaker® Integration Tool
- LonWorks Device Development
Register for free online eTraining, including these courses and others:
- Introduction to the LonWorks Platform
- Device Developers Introduction to LonWorks
- Mini FX Evaluation Kit Development
- Introduction to Neuron C Programming
- Series 5000 Processor Development
- Smart Transceivers and Neuron Processors
- ISI Interoperable Self-installation Protocol
- Interfacing LonWorks Devices to TCP/IP Networks
Series 5000 Tools Update Patch 2
If you are using the Echelon series 5000 chips in production devices, and use the SCI I/O model on those devices, you should apply this update to your development tools, and then follow the usage instructions to ensure a reliable SCI I/O data stream.
Series 5000 Tools Update Patch 1
If you are using the Echelon series 5000 chips in production devices, and plan to use the device NME file for programming external EEPROM chips, you should apply this update to your development tools.
Additional Service Packs and Updates for Prior Releases
See the complete list of development tool downloads.