Using the Arduino IDE with Cygnet

Installation Prerequisites

Download and install STM32CubeCLT, which is a toolset that allows third-party IDEs to work with STM32-based host MCUs.

Linux only setup required for accessing the device in DFU mode and virtual COM port.

1. Create a /etc/udev/rules.d/ rule for the device in DFU mode.

   Bash
   COPY

   (echo '# DFU (Internal bootloader for STM32 MCUs)';  echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="0483", ATTRS{idProduct}=="df11", MODE="0664", GROUP="plugdev"') | sudo tee /etc/udev/rules.d/49-stdfu-permissions.rules > /dev/null

2. Create a /etc/udev/rules.d/ rule for the device's virtual COM port.

   Bash
   COPY

   (echo '# Virtual COM Port for STM32 MCUs'; echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTRS{idVendor}=="0483", ATTRS{idProduct}=="5740", MODE="0664", GROUP="plugdev"') | sudo  tee /etc/udev/rules.d/49-stvcp-permissions.rules > /dev/null

3. Add active user to plugdev group in /etc/group.

   Bash
   COPY

   sudo usermod -aG plugdev $USER

Using the Arduino CLI

As an alternative to using Arduino IDE to configure and build your project, you can use the Arduino CLI.

1. In order to specify Cygnet as the board, you need to first install the STM32duino core. You'll need a minimum of version 2.9.0 of the STM32duino core installed.

   Bash
   COPY

   arduino-cli core install STMicroelectronics:stm32

2. You can then specify Cygnet by using the board part number. For example:

   Bash
   COPY

   arduino-cli compile --fqbn STMicroelectronics:stm32:Blues:pnum=CYGNET blinky.ino

Installing STM32duino in the Arduino IDE

1. Add the following URL to the Additional Boards URL in Settings/Preferences: https://github.com/stm32duino/BoardManagerFiles/raw/main/package_stmicroelectronics_index.json

   

2. After restarting Arduino IDE, go to the Tools > Board > Boards Manager... menu option, search for "STM32 MCU based boards", and install or update to version 2.9.0 or greater.

3. Restart Arduino IDE.

Using STM32duino with the Arduino IDE

1. Under Tools > Board, select "STM32 MCU based boards", and then "Blues boards."

   

2. Next, under Tools > Board Part Number, select "Cygnet."

   

3. Lastly, under Tools > USB support (if available), select "CDC (generic 'Serial' supersede U(S)ART)."

Programming Cygnet with Arduino IDE

To program Cygnet in the Arduino IDE, you can use a programmer like the STLINK-V3MINI or program via a USB cable connected to your computer.

Programming Cygnet with the STLINK-V3MINI (Recommended)

1. Under Tools > Upload method, select "STM32CubeProgrammer (SWD)."

2. Plug the STLINK-V3MINI into your computer over USB.

3. Plug the Cygnet into a power source (e.g. a LiPo battery or your computer via USB).

   NOTE: If you want to see Serial output from the Cygnet, you need to either use a USB cable as the power source or customize your sketch to use the STLINK-V3MINI for Serial output.

4. Plug the Cortex-Debug connector from the STLINK-V3MINI into the Cygnet.

   

5. Skip to the Blink the Onboard LED instructions below.

Programming Cygnet without the STLINK-V3MINI

1. Under Tools > Upload method, select "STM32CubeProgrammer (DFU)."

2. Connect the Cygnet's USB C port to your computer with a USB cable.

   

3. Press and hold the BOOT button on the Cygnet, press and release RESET, then release BOOT to cause the Cygnet to jump into its bootloader. This sequence must be done every time you want to upload firmware to the Cygnet.

4. Proceed to the Blink the Onboard LED instructions below.

Blink the Onboard LED

1. In the Arduino IDE, use File > New to create a new sketch.

2. Overwrite the provided boilerplate code with the following to cause the onboard LED to blink repeatedly:

   C/C++
   COPY

   // the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
   void setup() {
     // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
     pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
   }
   
   // the loop function runs over and over again forever
   void loop() {
     digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
     delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
     digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
     delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
   }

3. Upload the sketch to Cygnet.

Step Debugging Cygnet with the Arduino IDE

Cygnet supports step debugging with Arduino Native Debugging on Arduino IDE when used with an attached STLINK programmer/debugger.

1. Set one or more breakpoints on your sketch.

   

2. In the Sketch menu, select Optimize for Debugging.

   

3. Upload the sketch to Cygnet.

4. Click the Start Debugging button.

   

5. When a breakpoint is hit, use the Arduino IDE to step through relevant code blocks and inspect variables, view the call stack, and watch expressions.