STM32 CubeIDE, CubeMx for beginners with Examples
Welcome to my STM32CubeIDE specifically designed for Beginners. In this, we will take a step-by-
step approach to ensure that you gain a solid understanding of how to use CudeIDE, CubeMx for
programming the STM32 Microcontroller.
Hardware requirements:
1. STM32 blue pill board
2. ST-LINK/V2
3. Jumper wires
4. SSD1306 Oled Display Module
5. HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
6. Push Button
7. Led, resistors
Software requirements:
1. Stm32 cubeide
2. Stm32 cubemx
Installation procedure: [Link]
I will be using the STM32F103C6T6A microcontroller board which is also known as Blue Pill, and for
uploading the programming I will use the ST-Link/V2.
STM32F103C6T6A MICROCONTROLLER OVERVIEW
The STM32 Blue Pill development board is based on the STM32F103C6T6A microcontroller from the
STM32F1 series by STMicroelectronics. It uses the ARM Cortex-M3 core and is widely used for
embedded system learning and development due to its low cost and rich peripherals.
MICROCONTROLLER CORE
The STM32F103C6T6A is based on the ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit RISC processor. It provides a good
balance between performance, power efficiency, and ease of programming, making it suitable for
real-time embedded applications.
CLOCK SPEED
The microcontroller operates at a maximum clock frequency of 72 MHz, which allows fast execution
of instructions and efficient peripheral handling.
MEMORY
The STM32F103C6T6A contains 32 KB of Flash memory used to store the program code and 10 KB of
SRAM used for data storage during program execution.
OPERATING VOLTAGE
The operating voltage range of the STM32F103C6T6A is from 2.0 V to 3.6 V, with 3.3 V as the typical
operating voltage. This makes it suitable for low-power applications.
GPIO PINS
The microcontroller provides approximately 32 GPIO pins. These pins are divided into Port A, Port B,
and Port C and can be configured as input or output for interfacing with external devices such as LEDs,
switches, sensors, and modules.
ANALOG PINS
The STM32F103C6T6A has 10 analog input pins connected to a built-in 12-bit Analog-to-Digital
Converter (ADC). These pins are used to measure analog signals from sensors.
COMMUNICATION INTERFACES
The microcontroller supports multiple communication protocols. It has three USART interfaces for serial
communication, two I2C interfaces for sensor and module communication, SPI for high-speed data
transfer, and CAN for industrial communication.
PWM AND TIMERS
Multiple timers are available in the STM32F103C6T6A. These timers are used to generate PWM signals,
perform time measurements, and control motors and other real-time operations.
POWER PINS ON BLUE PILL BOARD
The Blue Pill board provides two 3.3 V pins from the onboard voltage regulator. These pins can be used
to power external sensors. The 5 V pin is used as an input power pin, and the onboard regulator
converts it to 3.3 V. The board also has three common ground pins.
PROGRAMMING AND DEBUGGIN
The STM32F103C6T6A supports programming and debugging through SWD (Serial Wire Debug) pins. An
ST-Link V2 programmer is commonly used for flashing and debugging the microcontroller.
VOLTAGE TOLERANCE
Most GPIO pins on the board are 5 V tolerant, allowing safe interfacing with 5 V devices. However, the
PB5 pin is not 5 V tolerant and should only be used with 3.3 V signals .
DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT
STM32CubeIDE is the official integrated development environment used for programming the
STM32F103C6T6A. Programming is typically done using C or C++.
APPLICATIONS
The STM32F103C6T6A is widely used in industrial automation, robotics, IoT devices, motor control
systems, and embedded system learning projects.
STM32 Blue Pill Board Pinout:
ST-Link/V2 Pinout:
Connection:
ST-Link/V2 Pin Signal Name STM32 Blue Pill Pin
Pin 7 SWDIO SWDIO
Pin 9 SWCLK SWCLK
Pin 20 GND GND
Pin 1 VREF (3.3V) 3.3V
Project-1: Blink on-board LED
Objective: To understand basic GPIO configuration and control by blinking an on-board LED using the STM32
microcontroller.
Learning Outcomes: Configure GPIO pins as output using STM32CubeIDE. Generate delays and control LED
ON/OFF through embedded C code
Procedure/Setup:
Step-1: Open stm32Cubemx
Step-2:
Step-3:
Step-4:
Step-5:
Step-6:
Step-7: Expand Core Expand src main.c Scroll to while(1)
Code:
Step-8:
Step-9:
Step-10:
Step-11:
Output:
Project-2: Blink External LED
Objective: To interface and control external LEDs using GPIO pins of the STM32 microcontroller and generate a
blinking pattern.
Learning Outcomes: Interface external LEDs with proper current-limiting resistors. Configure GPIO pins as output
and control external LEDs using STM32CubeIDE
Procedure/Setup:
Step-1:
Circuit diagram:
Code:
Output:
Project-3: Button controlled LED
Objective: To interface a push button with the STM32 microcontroller and control an external LED based on button
input.
Learning Outcomes: Configure GPIO pins as input (button) and output (LED). Read button status and control an LED
using embedded C in STM32CubeIDE
Procedure/Setup:
Step-1:
Circuit Diagram:
Code:
Output:
Project-4: Interfacing OLED
Objective: To interface an OLED display with the STM32 microcontroller and display basic text or graphics using a
communication protocol.
Learning Outcomes: Interface an OLED display using I2C protocol. Initialize the display and send data/commands
using STM32CubeIDE.
Setup/Procedure:
Step-1:
Step-2:
Step-3: visit [Link]
Step-4:
Step-5:
Step-6: Repeat the same process with header source file and paste them in Inc.
Step-7:
Circuit diagram:
Code:
Output:
Project-5: Distance Measurement using Ultrasonic
sensor
Objective: To measure distance using an ultrasonic sensor interfaced with the STM32 microcontroller by calculating
time of echo signal.
Learning Outcomes: Interface an ultrasonic sensor using GPIO and timer/delay functions. Calculate distance based o
ultrasonic pulse timing using embedded C.
Setup/Procedure:
Step-1:
Step-2:
Step-3:
Step-4:
Circuit diagram:
Code:
Output: