Free tools for STM32 available on Linux and Windows platforms


STMicroelectronics (ST) has expanded free design opportunities for STM32 microcontroller-based Linux system users, including professional engineers, students, and hobby developers.

Linux is mostly distributed free of charge, and its open-source application software has made it more popular among technology enthusiasts. However, until now, most embedded computing development tools have only been available for Windows PCs.

System Workbench®, the STM32 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) from Ac6 Tools supported by the openSTM32.org community, along with the STM32CubeMX configurator and installer, has been available so far from www.st.com/sw4stm32 and is now also available to run on the Linux OS.

With these measures, ST is enabling Linux users to start their own embedded projects based on STM32 devices, free of charge, within their familiar desktop environment. By supporting developers who choose STM32 in this way, we expect to further expand our leading position in the advanced microcontroller market based on the 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M core.

“The Linux community is an attractive place for creative developers who want to share ideas and solve problems efficiently,” said Laurent Desseignes, Microcontroller Ecosystem Marketing Manager, Microcontroller Division, STMicroelectronics. “Now, we are making it easier for them to apply their skills to create imaginative new products, leveraging the performance and features of our STM32 family.”

With ST’s support, users will benefit from free software for configuring the microcontroller, developing and debugging code, and, with the addition of manufacturer-supported, low-cost evaluation boards, will be able to focus more on product development. The tool installation is also very easy and fast, which can be compared to the traditional Linux approach where users have to adjust or create their own tools with minimal support.

“Since the launch of System Workbench for STM32 in early 2015, it has gained huge popularity on both Windows and Linux platforms,” said Bernard Dautrevaux, CTO of Ac6 Tools. “ST’s new tools for Linux validate and complement our work and our plans for openSTM32. We plan to continue supporting ST with future major upgrades of System Workbench for STM32 as well as with support for OS/X as a development host.”