MICROCONTROLLER SOLUTIONS

Easy, Inexpensive and Fun Introduction to STM32

STM32 Primer is an innovative, low-cost evaluation and development package containing sample projects and resources that pleasantly introduce engineers to the STM32’s features. The STM32 performance stick helps compare the Cortex-M3 to ARM7TDMI performance.

STM32s are 32-bit Flash microcontrollers built around the high performance, low power consumption and low cost attributes of the ARM Cortex™-M3 core as described in issue 10 of Arrow Innovation. The STM32 Primer provides a complete toolset for STM32 that is fun to use while learning about the features of the STM32 and its powerful ARM Cortex-M3 core. The STM32 Primer has an ergonomic design and provides considerable help for starting and using the primer, with FAQs and sample applications.



Preloaded applications include a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and games demonstrating the resources of the STM32 microcontroller, e.g. ‘Maze’ and ‘Breakout’, with MEMS-based controls (navigate by tilting the tool left, right, backward or forward) to navigate menus, LCD display controls, clock function, battery level indicator, etc.



The RIDE software toolset included contains the GNU C/C++ compiler to view, modify and compile unlimited code and debug up to 32KByte of code running on the Primer. The Primer connects directly to a PC via a USB port to program and debug the STM32; the USB connection also recharges the Primer’s battery. Resources and information are also available from other designers, Raisonance and STMicroelectronics to simplify developing an application.

Also available is the STM32 performance stick that contains all the components of STM32 in a USB stick: firmware, user’s guide, CD and application, including a full tool chain from Hitex.



STMicrolectronics is intending to introduce additional boards for MEMS accelerometers, ZigBee, temperature sensors, ambient light sensors, cameras, etc.

Specification Table

Part Number	Description
STM3210B-EVAL	Evaluation board
STM3210B-PRIMER	Primer from Raisonance
STM3210B-SK/HT	Hitex starter kit
STM3210B-SK/IAR	IAR starter kit
STM3210B-SK/KEIL	Keil starter kit
STM3210B-SK/RAIS	Raisonance starter kit

Features: STM32 Primer

• LCD color monitor (64K colours, 128x128 pixels)
• USB connectors x 2
  • Debug connects to a PC running Ride for application development
  • STM32 allows the embedded application to communicate with an external USB host
• One push-button switch for power supply and menu commands
• Accelerometer (MEMS) captures the STM32-Primer 3D-position information to navigate through menus and move the pointer
• NIMH batteries for work without power supply
• PCB has capacity to interface optional components
  • IrDA transmitter allows communication between two STM32-Primers
  • Extra connector to add extra peripherals

Features: STM32 Performance Stick

• Everything: firmware, user’s guide, CD, application
• USB bus powered
• Demonstrate and evaluate STM32 CPU features
  • Application compares Cortex-M3 with ARM7TDMI performance
  • Low power
  • Wake up
  • Battery driven real time clock
• Full tool chain from Hitex
• No limit to code size
• Full capability: editing, compiling, Flash programming and debugging with HiTOP environment including GNU and tasking compiler
• Access to all pins
  • Extension connector

For further information, including a copy of the STM32 Brochure, please click here