Beginning STM32: Developing with FreeRTOS, libopencm3 and GCC

Using FreeRTOS and libopencm3 instead of the Arduino software environment, this book will help you develop multi-tasking applications that go beyond Arduino norms. In addition to the usual peripherals found in the typical Arduino device, the STM32 device includes a USB controller, RTC (Real Time Clock), DMA (Direct Memory Access controller), CAN bus and more.

Each chapter contains clear explanations of the STM32 hardware capabilities to help get you started with the device, including GPIO and several other ST Microelectronics peripherals like USB and CAN bus controller. You’ll learn how to download and set up the libopencm3 + FreeRTOS development environment, using GCC. With everything set up, you’ll leverage FreeRTOS to create tasks, queues, and mutexes. You’ll also learn to work with the I2C bus to add GPIO using the PCF8574 chip. And how to create PWM output for RC control using hardware timers.

You’ll be introduced to new concepts that are necessary to master the STM32, such as how to extend code with GCC overlays using an external Winbond ​W25Q32 flash chip. Your knowledge is tested at the end of each chapter with exercises. Upon completing this book, you’ll be ready to work with any of the devices in the STM32 family.

Beginning STM32 provides the professional, student, or hobbyist a way to learn about ARM without costing an arm!

What You’ll Learn

• Initialize and use the libopencm3 drivers and handle interrupts
• Use DMA to drive a SPI based OLED displaying an analog meter
• Read PWM from an RC control using hardware timers

Who This Book Is For

Experienced embedded engineers, students, hobbyists and makers wishing to explore the ARM architecture, going beyond Arduino limits.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Software Setup
Chapter 3: Power Up and Blink
Chapter 4: GPIO
Chapter 5: FreeRTOS
Chapter 6: USART
Chapter 7: USB Serial
Chapter 8: SPI Flash
Chapter 9: Code Overlays
Chapter 10: Real-Time Clock (RTC)
Chapter 11: I2C
Chapter 12: OLED
Chapter 13: OLED Using DMA
Chapter 14: Analog-to-Digital Conversion
Chapter 15: Clock Tree
Chapter 16: PWM with Timer 2
Chapter 17: PWM Input with Timer 4
Chapter 18: CAN Bus
Chapter 19: CAN Bus Software
Chapter 20: New Projects
Chapter 21: Troubleshooting
Appendix A: Answers to Exercises
Appendix B: STM32F103C8T6 GPIO Pins