Low cost embedded development kit

To whom who are all want to have own embedded development environment with cheaper prices, I recommend STM32F4DISCOVERY (which contains STM32F407VGT6 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F core, 1 MB Flash, 192 KB RAM).

http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/tools/PF252419

The CPU has built-in debug capability with ST-Link/V2 in circuit debugger. It can be connected through SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface to the host for which many IDEs provide built-in support drivers. So, no need to buy any debugger.

IDEs recommended by the board such as IAR EWARM, Atollic TrueSTUDIO, etc., provides free development environment upto 32 KB code size. So, no need to invest on any compiler/development environment.

It costs just around 15 dollars. You can buy it from local vendors.

It was my dream to setup such development environment personally. Now, it has been fulfilled through STM32F4DISCOVERY. I just invested only for the board and now I could run my own program there.

Hope this has some useful information for you!

ST-Link is not in the DFU mode

I faced problem when trying to execute the debugger in STM32F4-Discovery board.

When I tried to search with the keyword "ST-Link is not in the DFU mode", I was disappointed that there was almost no hits. Luckily I find one Japanese language blog and I could solve it.

To upgrade ST-Link over STM32F4 Discovery
1. Select JTAG mode in setting of STM32 ST-LINK Utility
    (Select "JTAG", from menu "Target->Settings->Connexion Protocol")
2. Disconnect and reconnect the target and execute "Firmware update" from  "ST-LINK" menu
3. When the upgrad is over, Restore the setting to "SWD"

To know about ST-LINK utility, please visit the following link:

http://www.delvee.com/articles/introduction-to-stm32-st-link-utility/

Enjoy embedded!