Getting Started With STM32F103C8T6 Board

Introduction

The STM32F103C8T6 is a high-performance microcontroller from STMicroelectronics, part of the STM32F1 series. It is built around the ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit RISC core, offering a balance of high performance, low power consumption, and rich connectivity features. This microcontroller is suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial control, consumer electronics, and communication equipment. It comes with various peripherals and interfaces, making it a versatile choice for embedded system developers.

Hardware Overview

• Microcontroller: A powerful STM32F103C8T6 ARM Cortex-M processor serving as the brain of the board.
• Clock Source: Built-in oscillator or crystal for providing clock signals to the microcontroller.
• Flash Memory: Onboard flash memory for storing program code and data.

• Voltage Requirements: Microcontrollers typically require a specific operating voltage, such as 3.3V or 5V. It’s essential to provide the correct voltage to ensure proper operation and prevent damage.
• Reset Circuit: Reset button or circuit for restarting the microcontroller when needed.
• Debug Interface: Debugging and programming interfaces such as SWD (Serial Wire Debug) for development and troubleshooting.

• Power LED: This LED indicates that the device is receiving power and is usually illuminated whenever the device is powered on. It provides a visual indication that the device is operational and receiving the necessary power supply.
• Programming LED: This LED, short for “Programming LED,” is often used in development boards or microcontroller-based systems to indicate when the device is being programmed or programmed successfully. It may blink, flash, or remain steady to provide feedback on the programming process.

Specification

Application

• Industrial automation
• Consumer electronics
• Medical devices
• Communication equipment
• Robotics
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices

Pinout

• PA0 to PA15: GPIO Port A (General-Purpose I/O)
• PB0 to PB15: GPIO Port B (General-Purpose I/O)
• PC0 to PC15: GPIO Port C (General-Purpose I/O)

Key pins and their functions:

• PA0 to PA3: Analog input (ADC channels 0 to 3), alternative functions for timers and UART
• PB6 and PB7: I2C1 (Inter-Integrated Circuit) SCL and SDA
• PB10 and PB11: USART3 (Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) TX and RX
• PA9 and PA10: USART1 TX and RX
• PA13 and PA14: SWDIO (Serial Wire Debug) and SWCLK (Serial Wire Clock) for debugging and programming

Programming the STM32F103C8T6

Step 1: Install Arduino IDE

• Download the latest version of Arduino IDE from the official website.
• Install the IDE on your computer.

Step 2: Install Required Drivers

Install the ST-Link/V2 or USB Serial drivers depending on your upload method:

• For ST-Link: Download the ST-Link Utility from ST’s official website.
• For USB Serial (CH340 or FTDI): Install the appropriate USB-to-serial drivers.

Step 3: Add STM32 Board Manager to Arduino IDE

• Open the Arduino IDE.
• Go to File > Preferences.

• In the “Additional Board Manager URLs” field, add the following URL:

https://github.com/stm32duino/BoardManagerFiles/raw/main/package_stmicroelectronics_index.json

• Click OK.

Step 4: Install STM32 Boards

• Go to the “Board manager” tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Click on the “Board Manager” button (Board icon) at the top of the Board tab.
• In the Board Manager window, type “STM32” in the search bar.
• Locate the “STM32 MCU based board” Board click on the “Install” button next to it.
• Wait for the board to be installed.

Step 5: Connect the STM32F103C8T6 Board

Use a USB to UART adapter or ST-Link/V2 to connect your board:

• For USB to UART (Bootloader mode):
• Connect TX → RX, RX → TX, GND → GND, and 3.3V → VCC.
• Set the BOOT0 jumper to 1 (Programming Mode).
• For ST-Link: Connect the SWD pins (SWCLK, SWDIO, GND, 3.3V) to the ST-Link module.

Step 6: Select the STM32 Board

• Go to Tools > Board and select your STM32 board (e.g., “Generic STM32F1 series”).

• Board Part Number: Select STM32F103C8 (20k RAM, 64k Flash).Upload Method:

• Select STM32CubeProgrammer (SWD) if using ST-Link.
• Select Serial if using USB to UART.

Port: Select the correct COM port for your adapter or ST-Link.

Sample Blink Code for STM32F103C8T6

void setup() {
  // Initialize the built-in LED pin as an output
  pinMode(PC13, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  digitalWrite(PC13, HIGH);
  delay(1000); // Wait for a second

  // Turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  digitalWrite(PC13, LOW);
  delay(1000); // Wait for a second
}

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully program your STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller using the Arduino IDE

Troubleshooting Tips

• Error: No device found: Ensure the BOOT0 jumper is set correctly or check wiring.
• Upload fails with ST-Link: Verify that the SWD pins are securely connected.
• COM port not detected: Install USB-to-serial drivers properly.