Where to start on STM32?

henry.dick · ‎2013-09-02

Posted on September 02, 2013 at 12:09

Hi,

Long time programmer for 8-bit mcus and just wanted to move my skills to STM32. Looked at some datasheets and found them to be daunting for me.

Any suggestions on how / how to start efficiently?

Tesla DeLorean · ‎2013-09-02

Posted on September 02, 2013 at 14:23

Which STM32 series are you focusing on?

For a general coverage of the core

http://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Yiu/e/B001IQWINC

, there is a new M3/M4 edition scheduled for mid-November as I recall. This can be augmented with the ARM Technical Reference Manual

http://infocenter.arm.com/help/index.jsp?topic=/com.arm.doc.ddi0337i/index.html

http://infocenter.arm.com/help/topic/com.arm.doc.ddi0337e/DDI0337E_cortex_m3_r1p1_trm.pdf

From the ST perspective you'll want to refer to the the Data Sheet/Manual, and Reference Manual, and work through the firmware examples and the associated .CHM help file.

For the F4

http://www.st.com/web/catalog/mmc/FM141/SC1169/SS1577/LN11/PF252140#

http://www.st.com/st-web-ui/static/active/en/resource/technical/document/datasheet/DM00037051.pdf

http://www.st.com/st-web-ui/static/active/en/resource/technical/document/reference_manual/DM00031020.pdf

http://www.st.com/st-web-ui/static/active/en/resource/technical/document/programming_manual/DM00023388.pdf

http://www.st.com/st-web-ui/static/active/en/resource/technical/document/programming_manual/DM00046982.pdf

http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/tools/PF257901

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jj2 · ‎2013-09-02

Posted on September 02, 2013 at 18:56

''Long time programmer for 8-bit mcus...daunting...'' Feel your pain - suspect that describes many here - and few (none) would go/look back!

In our group's case (small 15+ yr. firm) clients tore beloved 8051 enhanced device from our cold, bloody fingers. (i.e. upgrade MCU performance - or else!) Ten years back - ARMs were just poised to become affordable. And now - very much mainstream - great support & price erosion...

Add to Clive's excellent/detailed advice our suggestion to invest in several of the new M0 Eval Boards. (sub 10USD - ''

STM32F0DISCOVERY Kit.''

) You could not come close to this price via ''custom'' - and starting w/''known good'' HW - so important. F0 is the most basic of this bunch - KISS argues that you start small - expand as your knowledge base & needs dictate.

You'll need an IDE - free ''code-size limited'' versions (IAR, Keil) get you up/running quickly - if time & mental health are considerations...

Armed w/that board, IDE, and many code examples and serious read of MCU manual - adventure awaits...