Creator: STMicroelectronics
STM32CubeMX 6.11 is a brand new milestone because it permits builders to make use of the distinctive options of the brand new STM32H7R and STM32H7S. The software program additionally continues to simplify improvement on STM32 by providing standard USB middleware beforehand sure to an OS. Equally, it’s the first model of CMake, which is able to considerably optimize workflows. STM32CubeMX thus continues to face because the reference utility for STM32 builders because of its UI that removes complexity and will increase the accessibility of the STM32 ecosystem. Moreover, the brand new model inaugurates assist for the NUCLEO-U031R8, NUCLEO-U083RC, NUCLEO-H7S3L8, NUCLEO-H533RE.
What’s new in STM32CubeMX 6.11
Help for the STM32H7R and STM32H7S
STM32CubeMX 6.11 is an important replace for the brand new STM32H7R and the STM32H7S MCUs as a result of the software program helps make the most of their reminiscence capabilities. Certainly, the gadgets have a smaller flash, which makes them essentially the most cost-effective STM32H7. For the reason that gadget targets purposes that should use exterior storage, the brand new reminiscence can assist considerably decrease the invoice of supplies. Moreover, to make the embedded flash much more significant, ST launched the boot flash, which shops the complete boot sequence, thus changing the ROM we see on MCUs. Consequently, the embedded storage turns into much more versatile and sensible because it isn’t solely used for utility, however boot, and initialization as effectively.
To make the boot flash extra accessible, we’re exposing the characteristic on STM32CubeMX. Put merely, the GUI will assist builders configure the embedded flash to make the most of its boot capabilities. Equally, because the STM32H7R and STM32H7S shall be utilized in techniques with exterior reminiscence, STM32CubeMX can arrange an exterior loader so purposes like STM32CubeProgrammer can program these discrete flash modules immediately. It’ll additionally assist builders load the primary utility within the embedded reminiscence and the remainder of the system within the exterior one.
Help for USBX middleware
The brand new model of STM32CubeMX provides assist for the USBX middleware in a naked metallic surroundings. USBX is a software program stack that permits using a USB host or gadget. Till now, builders who wished to make use of it needed to set up ThreadX RTOS. The issue is that if groups wished to get rid of the working system to optimize their system, they couldn’t use USBX. Because of STM32CubeMX, it’s now simpler to incorporate the appropriate middleware into initiatives.
Make challenge technology
STM32CubeMX 6.11 inaugurates its assist for CMake, an open-source suite of instruments that enable builders to construct, check, and package deal their software program. It’s particularly helpful in giant multi-platform initiatives as a result of it helps streamline giant workflows. The present CMake assist present focuses on purposes that run on a single-core MCU and don’t use Trustzone. Over time, we’ll proceed to replace our CMake assist to permit STM32CubeMX to generate initiatives for extra STM32 microcontrollers.
What’s STM32CubeMX?
STM32CubeMX is a graphical instrument that helps builders generate code that initializes a microcontroller and its utility. Customers get an interface to configure the MCU’s pinout, resolve conflicts, and arrange {hardware} peripherals and middleware. Customers may also configure the clock tree and profit from a wizard that automates particular calculations. Equally, it might assist arrange and tune the DDR on STM32 MPUs. The instrument additionally helps choose MCUs or MPUs and obtain their software program packages. Therefore, it’s fairly often the primary level of contact with builders. The instrument is out there in STM32CubeIDE or as a standalone obtain.
STM32CubeMX additionally assists builders in different elements of their job. As an illustration, discovering the correct documentation may be tough, particularly with such an enormous library. ST is legendary for its intensive documentation, and companions inform us that it’s one of many causes they choose our gadgets. Therefore, we provide tutorial movies throughout the standalone model of STM32CubeMX to assist builders seek for data. We provide content material on configuring the clock tree, the pins, or completely different software program options. Programmers who’re new to our instruments can begin their utility faster, thus additional reducing the barrier to entry and decreasing friction.
For readers who could also be much less aware of STM32CubeMX, here’s a rundown of a few of the options we’ve launched prior to now.
A UI for fast characteristic entry
Embedded system builders should grasp the quite a few layers of abstractions inside their ecosystem. A typical PC or cell app developer can do all their work with just one or only a few high-level languages and scripting frameworks. Conversely, working with a microcontroller forces groups to contemplate the various present layers. As an illustration, a staff in search of the last word optimizations will work as near the metallic with low-level code. Nevertheless, these in search of a extra sensible method that may nonetheless yield wonderful efficiency will use our {hardware} abstraction layer (HAL), and people with a precedence on speedy improvement will use our board assist package deal (BSP), which abstracts the HAL.
Nevertheless, too many embedded ecosystems fail to know that the upper the abstraction, the extra builders search comfort. Certainly, if groups should spend hours and even days establishing an abstraction layer, it turns into pointless. Consequently, CubeMX 6.10.0 launched a brand new UI that helps initialize our BSP capabilities underneath “New Tasks” -> “Begin My Mission”. The UI presently works with only some of our latest improvement platforms (NUCLEO-C031C6, in addition to NUCLEO-H563ZI and NUCLEO-U5A5ZJ-Q when TrustZone is disabled), however our groups are working to assist extra improvement boards over time.
Let’s take the instance of a blinking gentle demo on the NUCLEO-H563ZI. Step one is to make sure that at the very least USER LED GREEN is chosen within the Human Machine Interface dropdown menu. When selecting this feature within the new UI, the system routinely commits the appropriate pins, as a substitute of simply suggesting which pin to make use of and units up the HAL so builders can instantly use the BSP operate to toggle the LED on or off. Therefore, customers merely must push the GENERATE CODE button on the highest proper facet and open the primary.c file in Core/Src/ to see the BSP_LED operate initialized and able to use in the primary operate and prepared to be used within the whereas loop.
Moreover, ST included a “Generate demonstration code” choice, which provides feedback and examples within the generated primary C file. Therefore, past automating the initialization course of, the brand new UI may also function a information for brand spanking new builders who can open their new information and see how you can toggle a lightweight on and off, as an illustration. Consequently, even a developer with a cursory information of C can run a blinking gentle utility with minimal teaching. In a nutshell, the brand new model of STM32CubeMX goals to make embedded techniques extra accessible, even to these with minimal expertise within the area.
No admin rights required
With model 6.10.0, STM32CubeMX for Home windows managed to get rid of the admin privilege requirement. Beforehand, the working system would ask for the admin password when putting in the utility. Now, because of a remodeling of the set up course of, Home windows now not asks for admin permissions, which is an incredible assist for customers with a locked-down laptop. Usually, firms lock their machines to stop hacks or misuse, and it may be very cumbersome to ask the administrator to authorize an set up. STM32CubeMX 6.10.0 solved that. The Linux and macOS variations of STM32CubeMX don’t endure the identical points attributable to how every working system manages person privileges.
New assist for the STM32H5 and STM32MP13
STM32CubeMX is commonly the primary utility builders launch when engaged on their STM32 MCU as a result of it lets them initialize their gadget, choose the proper firmware package deal, configure the clock tree, and extra. In consequence, ST goals so as to add assist for our newest gadgets constantly. As an illustration, this new model is suitable with the power to generate information for safe initiatives working on our new STM32H5, which introduces new safety safeguards. Equally, STM32CubeMX now gives a reminiscence administration instrument for the STM32WB and STM32WBA MCUs. The latter can also be getting choices to assist its Thread, Zigbee, and 802.15.4 millimeter wave RF functionalities. Lastly, as promised, we’re additionally including RTOS assist for the brand new STM32MP13.
Reminiscence Administration Software (MMT)
STM32CubeMX comes with a Reminiscence Administration Software. The graphical person interface vastly facilitates the configuration of registers on gadgets just like the STM32H5 or STM32U5, amongst others. As an illustration, it might assist arrange a tool to make use of TrustZone, a safe surroundings, or a reminiscence safety unit with only some clicks. Beforehand, builders had to determine which registers ruled what operate. The brand new MMT removes a lot of the complexity to create a much more intuitive expertise. Moreover, as STM32CubeMX 6.10.0 reveals, we proceed to convey the MMT to new STM32 gadgets.
Boot Path Administration
The Boot Path Supervisor facilitates the configuration of the brand new boot loader obtainable on the STM32H5. The most recent mainstream MCU from ST helps an immutable root of belief (iRoT) and an updatable root of belief (uRoT). Relying on their safety wants, builders can select to make use of each, one or none. STM32CubeMX makes this attainable by serving to customers choose their configuration from a menu, routinely generate keys, and arrange the boot path to safe the microcontroller. As STM32H5 improvement boards are more and more obtainable, we be certain that STM32CubeMX can assist them make the most of the brand new options.
Safe Supervisor
Safe Supervisor is one other essential characteristic introduced in early 2023 that’s now accessible from STM32CubeMX. Safe Supervisor is our first Trusted Execution Setting. As a part of the STM32 Belief initiative, it consists of binaries and can assist with certification on the system degree. In consequence, prospects concentrating on a SESIL & PSA Stage 3 Certification can vastly hasten their qualification course of. In a nutshell, builders use STM32CubeMX to arrange all of the functionalities in Safe Supervisor, and the system then makes use of a scripting mechanism counting on the most recent model of STM32CubeProgrammer CLI to configure the MCU.
Pre- and post-flight scripts
ST added pre- and post-flight scripting capabilities in STM32CubeMX to automate numerous duties. Put merely, customers can ask the applying to launch scripts earlier than and after it performs a code technology to adapt to the wants of skilled customers. As an illustration, a programmer may routinely copy information to a brand new folder or ship them to GitHub earlier than they’re erased by the brand new information generated. It will allow engineers to maintain a historical past of their configuration in case they’d wish to revert to a earlier state. Equally, a post-flight script may add the newly generated information to a challenge and launch an IDE.
Authentication
STM32CubeMX requires customers to log in to their my.ST.com account earlier than downloading a package deal, which can perplex some in our group. Beforehand, customers needed to go away the applying, go to ST.com, and enter their credentials when downloading a bit of software program. A couple of variations in the past, STM32CubeMX created a extra cohesive expertise by guaranteeing customers don’t have to depart the software program. Nevertheless, it does imply asking for his or her credentials. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless attainable to make use of STM32CubeMX with out an account till that time