ST reveals affordable, extensible platform for efficient prototyping with STM32 MCUs

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics is further broadening the accessibility and flexibility of its STM32 family by introducing affordable and easily extensible prototyping boards for all STM32 lines.

The new STM32 Nucleo boards are mbed-enabled, and support Arduino connectivity, while also providing ST Morpho extension headers that allow access to all of the microcontroller's on-chip peripherals. As an mbed-enabled board, developers can make use of the mbed open source software platform, online tools and collaboration infrastructure at mbed.org.

The board's Arduino headers accept shields from the extensive Arduino ecosystem, allowing developers to add specialized functionality quickly and easily. ST will also offer its own dedicated shields supporting functions such as Bluetooth LE or Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS, audio recording leveraging the company's MEMS microphone expertise, proximity sensing, and wireless control.

Full STM32 Nucleo support for the STM32 family allows agile development with fine-tuning of both hardware and software on-the-fly at each prototyping stage. Customers' investment in application shields is also protected, as any shield can be re-used with any STM32 Nucleo board and across various projects.

"STM32 Nucleo is the ideal platform for today's embedded developers because it delivers an unrivaled combination of affordability, ease of use, flexibility, connectivity, and compatibility with popular tools and resources," said Michel Buffa, GM, Microcontroller Division, STMicroelectronics. "STM32 Nucleo also provides extra flexibility for developers to re-target designs and re-use hardware and software IP across multiple projects, leveraging the diversity and scalability of the STM32 family."

ARM's Simon Ford, director of IoT platforms added, "The mbed-enabled STM32 Nucleo hardware gives ST's customers access to the extensive mbed ecosystem of software, tools and community, supporting development of a new wave of intelligent electronic products."

The first four STM32 Nucleo boards, supporting the STM32 F1, L1, F4, and F0 Value lines, will break cover at Embedded Word 2014 in Nuremberg, February 25-27, where 2,200 STM32 Nucleo boards will be given away to visitors that have registered at ST's website. Further introductions will add support for the STM32 F3, L0, and F0 lines in Q2 2014.