Beginning STM32: Developing with FreeRTOS, libopencm3 and GCC

by Warren Gay

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.

537 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Brian Salehi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is heavily library dependent, this is not a from scratch ARM processor programming book.
This is a good resource to practically get involved with ARM processors but NOT as a beginner!
It covers almost all necessary protocols, e.g. CAN, SPI, USB, I2C, USART alongside ADC and DAC concepts but it's not a beginner level.
I can claim that this book is a good reference to review specific topics sometime.
I'm going to need something more solid though. Something to explain what the hell is ARM itself not what can be run with it.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banger of a tutorial book. Really bridges the gap between laissez faire Arduino style hacking and proper embedded system development. Even if not using the exact development environment I feel there is a lot one can draw from this text.

[N0dgrand87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy intro into FreeRTOS with lots of small well defined examples