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10 min

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Flash 11 Click with Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU

Published Feb 26, 2024

Click board™

Flash 11 Click

Dev. board

Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

STM32F091RC

Data management reaches new heights with our flash memory marvel.

A

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

Flash 11 Click is based on the AT25SF321B, a 32-Mbit SPI serial Flash memory with Dual I/O and Quad I/O support from Dialog Semiconductor. The AT25SF321A is organized as a 32Mbit (4Mx8 physical block) Flash memory where the memory array can be erased in four levels of granularity, including a full-chip erase, which, depending on the blocks, can be done typically in 10 seconds. In addition, the optimized erase architecture allows erasing data in 4kB, 32kB, and 64kB block erase operations. Optimizing the erase blocks' size can be the most efficient use of memory space. The AT25SF321B specifies a minimum of 100.000 endurance cycles with data retention of a minimum of 20 years, allowing it to handle (almost) unlimited reads/writes to the memory. Flash 11 Click communicates with MCU through a

standard SPI interface supporting the two most common SPI modes, SPI Mode 0 and 3, and a maximum clock frequency of up to 108MHz. Furthermore, this Click board™ provides additional hardware-controlled functions. The configurable Write Protection, marked as WP and routed on the default position of the PWM pin of the mikroBUS™ socket, protects all registers (including status and configuration) from write operations and must be held low to inhibit all the write operations to registers. When this pin is in a low logic state, all memory and register write are prohibited, and the address count is not incremented. In addition, there is software write protection too. Also, it is possible to use the Reset or Hold function through the RST pin of the mikroBUS™ socket, depending on the state of the

HOLD/RESET bit 7 in Status Register 3. In the case of the Hold function, this pin temporarily pauses serial communication without deselecting or resetting the device, while in the case of the Reset feature, a low logic level on the RST pin puts the AT25SF321B into a Reset state. This is a part of the Program and Erase, Suspend, and Resume features of the Flash 11 Click. This Click board™ can be operated only with a 3.3V logic voltage level. The board must perform appropriate logic voltage level conversion before using MCUs with different logic levels. Also, it comes equipped with a library containing functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Flash 11 Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU offers a cost-effective and adaptable platform for developers to explore new ideas and prototype their designs. This board harnesses the versatility of the STM32 microcontroller, enabling users to select the optimal balance of performance and power consumption for their projects. It accommodates the STM32 microcontroller in the LQFP64 package and includes essential components such as a user LED, which doubles as an ARDUINO® signal, alongside user and reset push-buttons, and a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator for precise timing operations. Designed with expansion and flexibility in mind, the Nucleo-64 board features an ARDUINO® Uno V3 expansion connector and ST morpho extension pin

headers, granting complete access to the STM32's I/Os for comprehensive project integration. Power supply options are adaptable, supporting ST-LINK USB VBUS or external power sources, ensuring adaptability in various development environments. The board also has an on-board ST-LINK debugger/programmer with USB re-enumeration capability, simplifying the programming and debugging process. Moreover, the board is designed to simplify advanced development with its external SMPS for efficient Vcore logic supply, support for USB Device full speed or USB SNK/UFP full speed, and built-in cryptographic features, enhancing both the power efficiency and security of projects. Additional connectivity is

provided through dedicated connectors for external SMPS experimentation, a USB connector for the ST-LINK, and a MIPI® debug connector, expanding the possibilities for hardware interfacing and experimentation. Developers will find extensive support through comprehensive free software libraries and examples, courtesy of the STM32Cube MCU Package. This, combined with compatibility with a wide array of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), including IAR Embedded Workbench®, MDK-ARM, and STM32CubeIDE, ensures a smooth and efficient development experience, allowing users to fully leverage the capabilities of the Nucleo-64 board in their projects.

Nucleo 64 with STM32F091RC MCU double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

ARM Cortex-M0

MCU Memory (KB)

256

Silicon Vendor

STMicroelectronics

Pin count

64

RAM (Bytes)

32768

You complete me!

Accessories

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 comes equipped with two proprietary mikroBUS™ sockets, allowing all the Click board™ devices to be interfaced with the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with no effort. This way, Mikroe allows its users to add any functionality from our ever-growing range of Click boards™, such as WiFi, GSM, GPS, Bluetooth, ZigBee, environmental sensors, LEDs, speech recognition, motor control, movement sensors, and many more. More than 1537 Click boards™, which can be stacked and integrated, are at your disposal. The STM32 Nucleo-64 boards are based on the microcontrollers in 64-pin packages, a 32-bit MCU with an ARM Cortex M4 processor operating at 84MHz, 512Kb Flash, and 96KB SRAM, divided into two regions where the top section represents the ST-Link/V2 debugger and programmer while the bottom section of the board is an actual development board. These boards are controlled and powered conveniently through a USB connection to program and efficiently debug the Nucleo-64 board out of the box, with an additional USB cable connected to the USB mini port on the board. Most of the STM32 microcontroller pins are brought to the IO pins on the left and right edge of the board, which are then connected to two existing mikroBUS™ sockets. This Click Shield also has several switches that perform functions such as selecting the logic levels of analog signals on mikroBUS™ sockets and selecting logic voltage levels of the mikroBUS™ sockets themselves. Besides, the user is offered the possibility of using any Click board™ with the help of existing bidirectional level-shifting voltage translators, regardless of whether the Click board™ operates at a 3.3V or 5V logic voltage level. Once you connect the STM32 Nucleo-64 board with our Click Shield for Nucleo-64, you can access hundreds of Click boards™, working with 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels.

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 accessories 1 image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
QSPI IO3 / Reset
PC12
RST
SPI Chip Select
PB12
CS
SPI Clock
PB3
SCK
QSPI IO1 / SPI Data OUT
PB4
MISO
QSPI IO0 / SPI Data IN
PB5
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
QSPI IO2 / Write Protection
PC8
PWM
Data Transfer Pause
PC14
INT
NC
NC
TX
NC
NC
RX
NC
NC
SCL
NC
NC
SDA
NC
NC
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

Flash 11 Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Nucleo-64 with STM32F091RC MCU as your development board.

Click Shield for Nucleo-64 front image hardware assembly
Nucleo 64 with STM32F401RE MCU front image hardware assembly
EEPROM 13 Click front image hardware assembly
Prog-cut hardware assembly
Nucleo-64 with STM32XXX MCU MB 1 Mini B Conn - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
Necto image step 5 hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
Clicker 4 for STM32F4 HA MCU Step hardware assembly
Necto No Display image step 8 hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Debug Image Necto Step hardware assembly

Track your results in real time

Application Output

1. Application Output - In Debug mode, the 'Application Output' window enables real-time data monitoring, offering direct insight into execution results. Ensure proper data display by configuring the environment correctly using the provided tutorial.

2. UART Terminal - Use the UART Terminal to monitor data transmission via a USB to UART converter, allowing direct communication between the Click board™ and your development system. Configure the baud rate and other serial settings according to your project's requirements to ensure proper functionality. For step-by-step setup instructions, refer to the provided tutorial.

3. Plot Output - The Plot feature offers a powerful way to visualize real-time sensor data, enabling trend analysis, debugging, and comparison of multiple data points. To set it up correctly, follow the provided tutorial, which includes a step-by-step example of using the Plot feature to display Click board™ readings. To use the Plot feature in your code, use the function: plot(*insert_graph_name*, variable_name);. This is a general format, and it is up to the user to replace 'insert_graph_name' with the actual graph name and 'variable_name' with the parameter to be displayed.

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for Flash 11 Click driver.

Key functions:

  • flash11_memory_write - Flash 11 memory write function.

  • flash11_memory_read - Flash 11 memory read function.

  • flash11_block_erase - Flash 11 block erase function.

Open Source

Code example

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.

/*!
 * @file main.c
 * @brief Flash 11 Click example
 *
 * # Description
 * This example demonstrates the use of Flash 11 click board.
 * The demo app writes specified data to the memory and reads it back.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 *
 * ## Application Init
 * The initialization of SPI module, log UART, and additional pins.
 * After the driver init, the app executes a default configuration.
 *
 * ## Application Task
 * This example demonstrates the use of the Flash 11 Click board™.
 * The demo application writes a desired number of bytes to the memory 
 * and then verifies if it is written correctly
 * by reading from the same memory location and displaying the memory content.
 * Results are being sent to the UART Terminal, where you can track their changes.
 *
 * @author Nenad Filipovic
 *
 */

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "flash11.h"

static flash11_t flash11;
static log_t logger;

#define DEMO_TEXT_MESSAGE_1         "MikroE"
#define STARTING_ADDRESS_1           0x010203ul
#define DEMO_TEXT_MESSAGE_2         "Flash 11 Click"
#define STARTING_ADDRESS_2           0x123456ul

void application_init ( void )
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;  /**< Logger config object. */
    flash11_cfg_t flash11_cfg;  /**< Click config object. */
    
    /** 
     * Logger initialization.
     * Default baud rate: 115200
     * Default log level: LOG_LEVEL_DEBUG
     * @note If USB_UART_RX and USB_UART_TX 
     * are defined as HAL_PIN_NC, you will 
     * need to define them manually for log to work. 
     * See @b LOG_MAP_USB_UART macro definition for detailed explanation.
     */
    LOG_MAP_USB_UART( log_cfg );
    log_init( &logger, &log_cfg );
    log_info( &logger, " Application Init " );
    
    // Click initialization.
    flash11_cfg_setup( &flash11_cfg );
    FLASH11_MAP_MIKROBUS( flash11_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    if ( SPI_MASTER_ERROR == flash11_init( &flash11, &flash11_cfg ) )
    {
        log_error( &logger, " Communication init." );
        for ( ; ; );
    }
    
    if ( FLASH11_ERROR == flash11_default_cfg ( &flash11 ) )
    {
        log_error( &logger, " Default configuration." );
        for ( ; ; );
    }
    
    log_info( &logger, " Application Task " );
    log_printf( &logger, " ----------------------------\r\n" );
    Delay_ms( 100 );
}

void application_task ( void )
{
    uint8_t data_buf[ 128 ] = { 0 };
    log_printf( &logger, " Memory address: 0x%.6LX\r\n", ( uint32_t ) STARTING_ADDRESS_1 );
    if ( FLASH11_OK == flash11_block_erase( &flash11, FLASH11_CMD_BLOCK_ERASE_4KB, STARTING_ADDRESS_1 ) )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, " Erase memory block (4KB)\r\n" );
    }
    
    memcpy( data_buf, DEMO_TEXT_MESSAGE_1, strlen( DEMO_TEXT_MESSAGE_1 ) );
    if ( FLASH11_OK == flash11_memory_write( &flash11, STARTING_ADDRESS_1, data_buf, sizeof( data_buf ) ) )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, " Write data: %s\r\n", data_buf );
        Delay_ms( 100 );
    }
    
    memset( data_buf, 0, sizeof( data_buf ) );
    if ( FLASH11_OK == flash11_memory_read( &flash11, STARTING_ADDRESS_1, data_buf, sizeof( data_buf ) ) )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, " Read data: %s\r\n", data_buf );
        Delay_ms( 3000 );
    }
    log_printf( &logger, " ----------------------------\r\n" );
    
    log_printf( &logger, " Memory address: 0x%.6LX\r\n", ( uint32_t ) STARTING_ADDRESS_2 );
    if ( FLASH11_OK == flash11_block_erase( &flash11, FLASH11_CMD_BLOCK_ERASE_4KB, STARTING_ADDRESS_2 ) )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, " Erase memory block (4KB)\r\n" );
    }
    
    memcpy( data_buf, DEMO_TEXT_MESSAGE_2, strlen( DEMO_TEXT_MESSAGE_2 ) );
    if ( FLASH11_OK == flash11_memory_write( &flash11, STARTING_ADDRESS_2, data_buf, sizeof( data_buf ) ) )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, " Write data: %s\r\n", data_buf );
        Delay_ms( 100 );
    }
    
    memset( data_buf, 0, sizeof( data_buf ) );
    if ( FLASH11_OK == flash11_memory_read( &flash11, STARTING_ADDRESS_2, data_buf, sizeof( data_buf ) ) )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, " Read data: %s\r\n", data_buf );
        Delay_ms( 3000 );
    }
    log_printf ( &logger, " ----------------------------\r\n" );
}

void main ( void )
{
    application_init( );

    for ( ; ; )
    {
        application_task( );
    }
}

// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END

Additional Support

Resources

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