Getting started with the STM32F4-Discovery board using the EmBitz IDE
FreeBlink LEDs on STM32F4-Discovery with EmBitz IDE
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About Getting started with the STM32F4-Discovery board using the EmBitz IDE
This GitHub repository provides a complete getting-started guide for the STM32F4-Discovery board (STM32F407VGT6) using the free EmBitz IDE on Windows. It includes source code to blink the four on-board LEDs (Red, Orange, Green, Blue) and read the user button. The project is structured as a reusable template with standard peripheral libraries, delay and LED driver files, and a precompiled HEX file for direct flashing via ST-Link Utility. The author emphasizes EmBitz's ease of setup compared to Eclipse-based IDEs, making it an ideal starting point for beginners exploring STM32 development.
Key Features
Blink 4 onboard LEDs (Red, Orange, Green, Blue) with configurable patterns
Read user button input to change LED behavior
Precompiled HEX file for immediate flashing via ST-Link Utility
Project template with STM32F4 standard peripheral libraries and CMSIS
Custom delay and LED driver source files
Includes documentation and datasheet links for STM32F4-Discovery and STM32F407VG
Uses the free EmBitz IDE, noted for fast performance and easy setup
MIT licensed – fully open-source for learning and reuse
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with MIT license
- Works out-of-the-box with a prebuilt HEX file for quick testing
- EmBitz IDE is described as fast and easier to set up than Eclipse alternatives
- Includes multiple support links (datasheets, schematics, sample projects)
- Well-documented source code with separate driver files for delay and LED control
- Suitable as a project template for further STM32 development
Cons
- Primarily designed for Windows (EmBitz setup demonstrated on Windows only)
- Repository last updated in 2017 – may not reflect the latest EmBitz or STM32 tooling
- Limited scope: only basic LED blinking and button reading, not a comprehensive tutorial
- EmBitz IDE may have a smaller community compared to Keil or STM32CubeIDE
Best For
Learning ARM Cortex-M4 development on STM32F4-DiscoveryGetting started with the EmBitz IDE for embedded projectsEmbedded systems education and hobbyist prototypingCreating a basic firmware template for STM32F4 series microcontrollers
FAQ
What hardware is required for this project?
An STM32F4-Discovery board (STM32F407VGT6) and an ST-Link programmer (onboard) are needed. The project is tested on Windows with the EmBitz IDE.
Is the EmBitz IDE free to use?
Yes, EmBitz is a completely free IDE for ARM, AVR, PIC, MSP430, and other architectures.
What does the example demonstrate?
It blinks the four onboard LEDs (Red, Orange, Green, Blue) and reads the user button. When the button is not pressed, the Red LED stays on and the Orange LED blinks; when pressed, the Green LED stays on and the Blue LED blinks.
How do I flash the HEX file to the board?
Use ST-Link Utility to flash the precompiled HEX file located at /STM32F407Disco/bin/Release/STM32F407Disco.hex.
Can I use this project as a template for my own STM32F4 code?
Yes, the author left all autoconfigured standard libraries so the project can serve as a starting template. You can modify the delay and LED driver files as needed.