Starting with STM32 can feel confusing. Datasheets are long, toolchains look complex, and beginners often don’t know where to start. Without clear steps, the learning curve can stop many before they even write their first program. This STM32 tutorial for beginners explains everything step by step. We will cover what STM32 is, how to set up STM32CubeIDE, basic programming, and simple examples like LED blink and UART communication. By the end, you will be ready to start real projects using STM32 microcontrollers.
What is STM32?
STM32 is a family of 32-bit microcontrollers made by STMicroelectronics. These chips are based on ARM Cortex cores and are widely used in embedded systems, IoT devices, robotics, and industrial automation.
Key reasons to learn STM32:
- Large range of boards (STM32F1, STM32F4, STM32H7, etc.).
- Strong ecosystem with STM32CubeIDE and HAL libraries.
- Rich peripherals like ADC, UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, and Ethernet.
- Supported by a large developer community.
STM32 Development Boards
For beginners, the most popular boards are:
- STM32F103C8T6 (Blue Pill) – Low cost, widely used for entry-level projects.
- STM32F407 Discovery Board – More advanced, supports Ethernet and audio.
- Nucleo Boards – Official development boards supported by ST.
These boards are affordable and easy to program using STM32CubeIDE.
STM32CubeIDE Setup
Step 1: Download and Install
- Get STM32CubeIDE from the official STMicroelectronics website.
- Install it on Windows, Linux, or macOS.
Step 2: Create a New Project
- Connect your STM32 board via USB.
- Open CubeIDE and create a new STM32 project.
- Select your microcontroller or board from the list.
Step 3: Configure Peripherals
CubeIDE includes CubeMX, a tool for pin configuration. You can set pins for GPIO, ADC, UART, or other peripherals.
STM32 Tutorial Example 1: LED Blink
The LED blink is the “Hello World” of embedded systems.
Steps:
- Open CubeIDE project.
- Configure one pin as GPIO Output.
- Generate code.
- Write this simple loop in
main.c:
while (1) {
HAL_GPIO_TogglePin(GPIOC, GPIO_PIN_13);
HAL_Delay(1000);
}
This will toggle the LED every second.
STM32 Tutorial Example 2: UART Communication
UART is used for serial communication with PCs or other devices.
Steps:
- In CubeIDE, enable USART2 in configuration.
- Generate code and open
main.c. - Add this:
char msg[] = "Hello from STM32 UART!\r\n";
HAL_UART_Transmit(&huart2, (uint8_t*)msg, strlen(msg), HAL_MAX_DELAY);
You can now see this message on a serial terminal like PuTTY.
STM32 Tutorial Example 3: ADC Input
ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) is used to read sensors.
Steps:
- Configure ADC1 Channel in CubeIDE.
- Generate code.
- Read sensor value:
uint32_t adcVal = 0;
HAL_ADC_Start(&hadc1);
HAL_ADC_PollForConversion(&hadc1, HAL_MAX_DELAY);
adcVal = HAL_ADC_GetValue(&hadc1);
This reads an analog voltage and stores it in adcVal.
STM32 Tutorial Example 4: Ethernet Setup
For boards like STM32F4 Discovery or STM32H7, you can use Ethernet.
- Enable LWIP middleware in CubeIDE.
- Configure network settings.
- Write code to send or receive data over TCP/IP.
This makes STM32 ideal for IoT and server-based applications.
Tips for Beginners in STM32 Programming
- Start with simple GPIO and LED projects.
- Use CubeIDE auto-generated code to save time.
- Always check datasheets for pinout.
- Use serial debug messages for troubleshooting.
- Move from small examples to advanced peripherals step by step.
Who Should Learn STM32?
- Students who want to learn embedded systems.
- Hobbyists building IoT or robotics projects.
- Engineers working with industrial controllers.
- Arduino Users looking to move into advanced microcontrollers.
Pros and Cons of STM32 Microcontrollers
Pros
- Powerful ARM Cortex cores.
- Wide choice of series for different applications.
- Rich set of peripherals.
- Free official development tools.
Cons
- More complex than Arduino for beginners.
- Steeper learning curve for low-level programming.
FAQ on STM32 Tutorial for Beginners
What is STM32 used for?
It is used in embedded systems, IoT devices, and industrial control.
Which STM32 board is best for beginners?
STM32F103C8 (Blue Pill) and Nucleo boards are the easiest to start with.
Can STM32 be programmed with Arduino IDE?
Yes, STM32 can be programmed using Arduino IDE with STM32 core installed.
What software is used for STM32 programming?
STM32CubeIDE is the official IDE for STM32.
Does STM32 support UART communication?
Yes, STM32 supports multiple UART interfaces.
How do I install STM32CubeIDE?
Download from the STMicroelectronics website and follow the installation steps.
Can I use STM32 for IoT projects?
Yes, many STM32 boards support Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth modules.
What is STM32 ADC used for?
It is used to read sensor signals and convert analog values into digital form.
Is STM32 better than Arduino?
STM32 is more powerful and feature-rich, but Arduino is easier for beginners.
Does STM32 support Ethernet?
Yes, some STM32 boards support Ethernet with TCP/IP stack.
Conclusion
This STM32 tutorial for beginners explained the basics of STM32 microcontrollers, CubeIDE setup, and simple examples with GPIO, UART, and ADC. Starting with small projects makes learning easier and builds a strong foundation for advanced applications.
If you want more in-depth guides and code examples, check ControllersTech for detailed STM32 tutorials and projects.
