We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Flávio Cavalieri

Programming course in C language for ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers, based on the microcontroller

Explore the features of the

Explore many resources of the STM32CubeIDE as well as software libraries

Provide practical skills for diagnosing common programming failures through the use of STM32CubeIDE embeeded debugger tools, or even by monitoring and terminal tools as STM32CubeMonitor.

Read more

Programming course in C language for ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers, based on the microcontroller

Explore the features of the

Explore many resources of the STM32CubeIDE as well as software libraries

Provide practical skills for diagnosing common programming failures through the use of STM32CubeIDE embeeded debugger tools, or even by monitoring and terminal tools as STM32CubeMonitor.

Develop applications integrating microcontroller peripherals such as With those peripherals and their software resources, develop solutions for Graphic Display and Touch controller, uSD Cards, Ethernet interface and much more.

Common hardware resources avaluable in the market as

Complementary documentation as Application Notes, User Manuals, Reference Manuals, Datasheets, Firmware Packages and much more, can be downloaded in their last version directly form ST website. Software like STM32Cube

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Explore the features of the stm32f407 microcontrollers by knowing its electrical characteristics, its main registers and applications
  • Explore many resources of the stm32cubeide as well as software libraries, hal api, and a bunch of middlewares to accelarate the development task
  • Provide practical skills for diagnosing common programming failures through the use of stm32cubeide embeeded debugger tools, and stm32cubemonitor
  • Develop applications integrating microcontroller peripherals such as adc, usart, usb, tim, rtc, spi, gpio, iwdg, etc
  • Develop solutions for graphic display and touch controller, usd cards, ethernet interface and much more.

Syllabus

Training Lectures

Introduction – Goals – Hardware and Software resources

Explore important microcontroller hardware and software documentation. Find in firmware examples and it’s reference documentation a great starting point for your project development proccess.

Read more

Explore CMSIS concepts and implement a solution interfacing GPIO and TIM peripherals using microcontroller registers.

Explore HAL and LL reference document. Create na application mixing a delay solution implemented with register direct manipulation and a GPIO solution using HAL API functions instead.

Understand External Interrupt main features and it’s concept. Implement a EXTI solution and use IDE embeeded debugging features in order to solve common software issues. Install STM32CubeMonitor tool and set it for working as a debugger auxiliary graphical tool.

Explore PWM features and implement a solution to control LED brightness.

Erratum: TIM14 is connected to APB1 bus, but 42Mhz is a maximum frequency for other peripherals instead (Labeled: APB1 peripheral clocks)! In this case, TIMER/PWM peripheral has an internal PLL and the frequency is 2x42Mhz = 84Mhz.

main.c: __HAL_TIM_SET_AUTORELOAD(&htim14,2000);  //set the pwm frequency to 100Hz (84MHz/420) = 200kHz | 200kHz/2000 = 100Hz.



Explore Input Capture features and implemente a frequencimeter solution, capable to retrieve frequency and pulse width values. Using PWM output as a generator signal source. Graphical monitoring option is possible with STM32CubeMonitor tool.


Erratum: TIM14 is connected to APB1 bus, but 42Mhz is a maximum frequency for other peripherals instead (Labeled: APB1 peripheral clocks)! In this case, TIMER/PWM peripheral has an internal PLL and the frequency is 2x42Mhz = 84Mhz.

main.c: __HAL_TIM_SET_AUTORELOAD(&htim14,2000);  //set the pwm frequency to 100Hz (84MHz/420) = 200kHz | 200kHz/2000 = 100Hz.

Explore general-purpose timer concepts in order to create and understand a timer period elapsed interruption application.

Explore Independent Watchdog basis and create a sample application.

Understand STM32 main ADC characteristics and create a polling application in order to test the peripheral. Explore and observe results using a graphical monitoring interface with STM32CubeMonitor.

Understand STM32 main DMA controller concepts. Use this peripheral to transfer ADC input data directly to RAM memory.

Understand STM32 main Real-time clock concepts. Follow STM32F4 firmware examples to implement a RTC Calendar application. Comprehend importante registers as the backup one.

Understand STM32 main USART characteristics and create a polling application in order to test the peripheral. Use STM32CubeMonitor and Termite 3.1 as serial terminal tool.

Apply advanced technics using serial port idle interrupt and DMA to create a variable lenght serial port reception with low MCU processing resources.

Erratum: Regarding the macro __HAL_DMA_GET_COUNTER it retrieves the number of bytes still waiting to be received considering the DMA_BUF_SIZE (255) specified in the HAL_UART_Receive_DMA function, and not the number of bytes arrived in the peripheral. Thus, the operation implemented in the project (255 - __HAL_DMA_GET_COUNTER) results in the total bytes received by the peripheral.

Understand the USB device library concepts. Implement a USB HID application and test it with a demonstrator executable file from ST.

Implement an EEPROM emulation using microcontroller Flash memory sectors. Fully understand important concepts regarding on-chip Flash memory access and its characteristics.

Develop a FAT file system application using FatFs Middleware. Use SDIO as hardware peripheral connection to uSD card. Perform step by step debugging in order to execute open, read, write and close instructions.

With a LAN8720 ETH board and using the LwIP Middleware and the TCP/IP stack demonstration project from ST, develop a interesting TCP server project. Use Hercules 3.2.8 as TCP terminal tool.

Follow STM32F4 firmware examples to implement IAP over the ethernet. Use TFTPD64 tool and Hercules 3.2.8 to load MCU program throught TFTP protocol.

With a touch display based on ILI9341 and XPT2046 controllers, develop a HMI application using TouchGFX Middleware and graphical tool.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical skills in diagnosing common programming failures using STM32CubeIDE embedded debugger tools and STM32CubeMonitor, which are essential for troubleshooting embedded systems
Explores the features of the STM32F407 microcontroller, covering electrical characteristics, main registers, and applications, which is foundational knowledge for embedded development
Develops applications integrating microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, USART, USB, TIM, RTC, SPI, and GPIO, which are commonly used in embedded systems projects
Requires familiarity with the C programming language, which is a prerequisite for working with ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers and the STM32 ecosystem
Relies on STM32CubeIDE and its software libraries, HAL API, and middleware, which may require learners to adapt to the specific STMicroelectronics ecosystem
Uses complementary documentation like Application Notes, User Manuals, Reference Manuals, and Datasheets directly from the ST website, which may require learners to navigate extensive technical documentation

Save this course

Save Mastering STM32 microcontrollers to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mastering STM32 microcontrollers with these activities:
Review C Programming Fundamentals
Strengthen your C programming foundation before diving into microcontroller-specific code. A solid understanding of C is crucial for effectively programming STM32 microcontrollers.
Show steps
  • Review basic C syntax and data types.
  • Practice writing simple C programs.
  • Study pointers and memory management concepts.
Review 'Embedded Systems Architecture' by Tammy Noergaard
Gain a broader understanding of embedded systems architecture. This book provides context for the STM32 microcontroller within the larger world of embedded systems.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on microcontroller architecture and memory organization.
  • Focus on sections related to peripherals and communication interfaces.
Practice HAL API Usage
Reinforce your understanding of the STM32 HAL API through targeted practice. This will improve your ability to quickly and efficiently configure and use microcontroller peripherals.
Show steps
  • Write code snippets to initialize and use different peripherals (GPIO, USART, ADC).
  • Experiment with different HAL API functions and configurations.
  • Debug your code using STM32CubeIDE's debugging tools.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Your Learning Journey
Solidify your understanding by documenting your learning process. Explaining concepts in your own words helps identify gaps in your knowledge and reinforces what you've learned.
Show steps
  • Create a blog or online notebook to record your progress.
  • Summarize key concepts and explain them in your own words.
  • Document any challenges you encounter and how you overcame them.
Simple Blinky with Timer Interrupt
Apply your knowledge by building a practical project. This project will solidify your understanding of timer interrupts and GPIO control.
Show steps
  • Configure a timer to generate interrupts at a specific frequency.
  • Write an interrupt handler to toggle an LED connected to a GPIO pin.
  • Debug your code to ensure the LED blinks at the desired rate.
Explore STM32CubeMonitor Tutorials
Master STM32CubeMonitor for debugging and monitoring. This will significantly improve your ability to diagnose and resolve issues in your microcontroller applications.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on using STM32CubeMonitor for variable monitoring.
  • Follow tutorials on using STM32CubeMonitor for fault injection.
  • Practice using STM32CubeMonitor with your own projects.
Review 'Mastering STM32' by Carmine Noviello
Deepen your understanding of STM32 microcontrollers with a comprehensive guide. This book provides detailed explanations and practical examples to enhance your skills.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on specific peripherals you are interested in.
  • Study the examples provided in the book and adapt them to your own projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Mastering STM32 microcontrollers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests the software and hardware for embedded systems, which are computer systems with a dedicated function within a larger device. This course exploring STM32 microcontrollers, provides a practical foundation for an embedded systems engineer. The course develops skills in C programming for ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers, and hands on experience in working with various microcontroller peripherals such as ADC, USART, USB, and much more. Experience with hardware resources common in the market, along with the debugging skills taught, makes this course particularly relevant for anyone wishing to work as an embedded systems engineer.
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops the low-level software that controls the hardware in electronic devices. This course, focused on mastering STM32 microcontrollers, is highly beneficial for aspiring firmware engineers. The course covers practical C programming for ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers, and also teaches how to integrate microcontroller peripherals and diagnose common programming failures using debugging tools. The course provides direct experience with developing solutions for Graphic Displays and Touch controllers as well as other peripherals, which is highly relevant for the daily work of a firmware engineer.
Internet of Things Engineer
An Internet of Things Engineer designs and develops connected devices and systems. This course, focused on mastering STM32 microcontrollers, is useful for an Internet of Things engineer. The course covers practical C programming for ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers, which are often used in IoT devices. Working with microcontroller peripherals, especially those related to networking like Ethernet, are directly relevant. The course also provides experience with debugging tools, which are essential in working with IoT devices, making this course very valuable for an Internet of Things engineer.
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and programs robots and automated systems. This course is useful for a robotics engineer due to its focus on microcontroller programming, a crucial component of robotic systems. The course provides practical skills in working with microcontroller peripherals, particularly crucial for sensing and interacting with the physical world. Additionally, the course gives experience with debugging tools that helps in diagnosing and fixing issues in robot systems. This makes the course a good fit as a learning experience for a robotics engineer.
Mechatronics Engineer
A Mechatronics Engineer integrates mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to create complex systems. This course may be useful to a mechatronics engineer as it teaches the use of C language to program microcontrollers, which are essential elements in mechatronic systems. The course provides practical skills in working with microcontroller peripherals and debugging, which is necessary for developing and troubleshooting mechatronic devices. The course builds a foundation for working with embedded systems, making it a good fit for a mechatronics engineer.
Control Systems Engineer
A Control Systems Engineer designs and implements systems that regulate and manage processes, often using feedback loops and automated controls. This course on STM32 microcontrollers can be useful to a control systems engineer. This course gives practical skills for programming and debugging microcontrollers, which are frequently used in control systems. The material on integrating microcontroller peripherals such as timers and analog to digital converters directly help build a foundation for working with control systems. The ability to develop applications with Ethernet interfaces is also directly useful for a control systems engineer.
Automation Engineer
An Automation Engineer designs and implements automated systems for tasks in diverse fields. This course is helpful for an automation engineer, as microcontrollers are an essential component of many automated systems. The course provides a hands on approach to programming ARM Cortex-M4 microcontrollers. In particular, the course gives a good foundation in working with various microcontroller peripherals useful to the Automation Engineer, like Ethernet interfaces, touch controllers, and SD cards, as well as debugging tools useful in troubleshooting automated systems.
Product Development Engineer
A Product Development Engineer is involved in the entire process of creating new products, often involving hardware and software integration. This course may be useful for a product development engineer, given the course's hands on focus on microcontroller programming. The course material gives a practical understanding of hardware and software integration using microcontrollers which will be useful in product development. The skills in debugging common programming failures as well as developing practical solutions with various peripherals are beneficial for anyone wishing to work as a product development engineer.
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer designs and develops the physical components of electronic devices. While this role has hardware as its focus, this course may be useful for a hardware engineer who wants to understand the software side of microcontrollers and embedded systems. This course teaches low level programming which is crucial for hardware engineers to understand the software that interacts with their hardware designs. The course also teaches debugging using IDE embedded tools, and the use of a microcontroller debugger. This skill can help hardware engineers better troubleshoot and work with systems.
Application Engineer
An Application Engineer works closely with customers to understand their needs and develop custom solutions. A background in microcontroller systems helps an application engineer support products and clients using these systems. This course can be useful for an application engineer who wants to deepen their understanding of the underlying technology. The course develops skills in C programming for microcontrollers, integrating various peripherals and practical debugging skills. This will be useful for an application engineer to better understand what they are supporting.
System Integration Engineer
A System Integration Engineer combines different components and systems into a unified and functioning whole. This course on mastering STM32 microcontrollers may be useful to a System Integration Engineer who works with embedded systems. This course teaches how to integrate microcontroller peripherals and software libraries. In particular, learning how to work with communication interfaces like Ethernet is very helpful for a system integration engineer. This makes the course relevant to a system integration engineer who wants to gain proficiency in embedded systems.
Test Engineer
A Test Engineer designs and executes tests to ensure the quality and reliability of products, including those based on embedded systems. This course may be useful to a test engineer working with embedded systems. It introduces the use of debugging tools and techniques, as well as software that aids in diagnosing issues in microcontroller systems. The practical skills in microcontroller programming, and the use of peripherals such as displays, sensors, and network interfaces also provide a fundamental knowledge that may be helpful to a test engineer. This course can be valuable for a test engineer who wants to deepen their understanding of microcontroller-based systems.
Technical Support Engineer
A Technical Support Engineer provides support to users of technical products. This course may be helpful for a technical support engineer who will be supporting products based on STM32 microcontrollers. The course provides practical skills for diagnosing common programming failures through the use of debugger tools, which will help a tech support engineer. Additionally, the course gives experience working with various microcontroller peripherals and software libraries, which helps in understanding the systems they will be supporting.
Electronic Design Engineer
An Electronic Design Engineer designs electronic circuits and systems. This course may be somewhat useful for an electronic design engineer who wants to learn more about the software side of the systems they are designing. The course focuses on microcontroller programming in C. The course includes practical work with peripherals and debugging, both of which are helpful for an electronic design engineer expanding their knowledge of electronic systems. This course provides additional skills to compliment the work of an electronic design engineer.
Research Engineer
A Research Engineer conducts experiments, investigates new technologies, and develops innovative solutions. This course may be useful to a research engineer who is working with embedded systems. The course gives a foundational understanding of microcontroller programming and debugging which is helpful for a research engineer. The practical experience working with hardware resources may also be relevant to a research engineer. This makes it a useful course that fits into the general scope of roles for a research engineer.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mastering STM32 microcontrollers.
Provides a broad overview of embedded systems architecture, covering hardware and software aspects. It's useful for understanding the context in which STM32 microcontrollers operate. While not STM32-specific, it offers valuable background knowledge and is often used as a reference in embedded systems courses.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser