STMicroelectronics STEVAL-DRONE01

Overview

STEVAL-DRONE01 from STMicroelectronics is a complete mini drone evaluation kit built around the STEVAL-FCU001V1 flight controller unit, featuring an STM32F401CC 32-bit MCU, LSM6DSL 6DoF IMU, LPS22HB pressure sensor, LIS2MDL magnetometer, SPBTLE-RF Bluetooth Smart v4.1 module, and four STL6N3LLH6 N-channel MOSFET motor drivers - enabling full closed-loop stabilization and smartphone-based remote control.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-DRONE01 datasheet, STEVAL-DRONE01 pinout, STEVAL-DRONE01 application, or STEVAL-DRONE01 equivalent, this kit supports rapid prototyping of toy-class drones with integrated sensor fusion, real-time motor PWM control, BLE telemetry, and LiPo battery management - all on a RoHS/WEEE-compliant 3D-printed frame with propeller guards.

Technical Context

The STEVAL-DRONE01 implements a sensor-fused flight control loop: the STM32F401CC executes STSW-FCU001 firmware to process raw accelerometer/gyroscope data from the LSM6DSL, magnetometer readings from the LIS2MDL, and barometric pressure from the LPS22HB via I²C and SPI interfaces. Timing-critical motor outputs are generated using TIM2 (input capture for RC signal) and TIM4 (four-channel complementary PWM).

Motor drive uses four discrete STL6N3LLH6 30 V / 3 A N-channel MOSFETs configured in half-bridge topology per motor, controlled by GPIO-driven gate signals. Power is managed by STC4054 LiPo charger and LD39015M33R LDO, while SPBTLE-RF provides UART-based BLE communication routed through USART1.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-DRONE01 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for educational drone labs, embedded control curriculum development, hobbyist UAV prototyping, and industrial proof-of-concept demonstrations requiring stable component supply and full mechanical-electrical integration.

Supply support for STEVAL-DRONE01 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and wireless solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

This kit belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) platform family, purpose-built to accelerate learning and validation of embedded control systems - specifically targeting motion-sensing, real-time motor control, and BLE-connected edge devices.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-DRONE01 include firmware, and how is it loaded?

Yes - the kit ships with preloaded STSW-FCU001 reference firmware on the STM32F401CC. Firmware updates are performed via SWD interface using ST-LINK/V2 or compatible debuggers; source code and build instructions are provided in the official ST GitHub repository for FCU001.

What smartphone OS versions are supported by the companion app?

The official ST Drone Control app supports Android 6.0+ and iOS 11.0+ with Bluetooth Smart (BLE) v4.1 or later. App functionality includes real-time telemetry display, manual mode control, flight mode selection (stabilized/acro), and firmware OTA update capability.

Can the flight controller board (STEVAL-FCU001V1) be used independently?

Yes - STEVAL-FCU001V1 is a standalone evaluation board with full pin access (JTAG, UART, I²C, SPI, motor outputs). It can be integrated into custom airframes or ground vehicles; schematic, layout files, and BOM are publicly available in DB3749 documentation.

Is the LiPo battery replaceable, and what charging specifications apply?

Yes - the 3.7 V / 600 mAh LiPo battery uses a standard JST-PH 2.0 mm connector and is field-replaceable. Charging is handled onboard by STC4054 with constant-current/constant-voltage profile, 500 mA max charge rate, and thermal regulation - powered via Micro-USB input only.