STMicroelectronics STM32-COMSTICK

Overview

STM32-COMSTICK from STMicroelectronics is a low-cost evaluation and development kit centered on the STM32F107VC microcontroller (Cortex-M3, 72 MHz, 256 KB Flash, 64 KB SRAM), featuring integrated 10/100 Ethernet MAC, USB Full-Speed device/host/OTG, dual CAN 2.0B, 3×UART, 2×ADC, and DAC. It enables rapid prototyping of networked embedded applications including web servers and industrial connectivity gateways.

For engineers reviewing the STM32-COMSTICK datasheet, STM32-COMSTICK pinout, STM32-COMSTICK application, or STM32-COMSTICK equivalent, this kit delivers verified hardware-software integration for Ethernet, USB, and CAN-based embedded networking - with full C source code, unlimited TASKING compiler, and HiTOP IDE support included out-of-box.

Technical Context

The STM32-COMSTICK implements a complete, self-contained evaluation platform for the STM32 Connectivity Line, leveraging the STM32F107VC's dual CAN controllers, MII/RMII-capable Ethernet PHY interface, and USB OTG FS transceiver. Its design integrates all required termination, magnetics, and level-shifting to support IEEE 802.3-compliant 10/100 Mbps Ethernet operation without external components.

It supports in-circuit debugging and programming via dedicated USB interface, drawing power exclusively from the host PC. The bundled Hitex software stack includes HiTOP5 IDE, unlimited TASKING C compiler for Cortex-M3, and fully documented C source for web server, CAN gateway, and USB CDC examples - all built against ST's official STM32 standard peripheral libraries.

Key Specifications

Availability

STM32-COMSTICK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial gateway prototyping, embedded web server deployment, and CAN-to-Ethernet bridge development requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain continuity.

Supply support for STM32-COMSTICK 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, analog ICs, power devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32 Connectivity Line - to which STM32F107VC belongs - was engineered specifically for embedded networking applications requiring integrated Ethernet, USB, and CAN peripherals in a single chip, reducing BOM count and PCB complexity.

FAQ

Does STM32-COMSTICK include an onboard Ethernet PHY?

No. The STM32-COMSTICK provides only the STM32F107VC's MII/RMII interface and requires an external Ethernet PHY (e.g., DP83848 or LAN8720) to complete the physical layer. The board includes all necessary magnetics, transformers, and bias circuitry for direct PHY connection per IEEE 802.3 standards.

Is the TASKING compiler included with STM32-COMSTICK time-limited or feature-restricted?

No. The bundled TASKING C compiler for Cortex-M3 is fully licensed and unlimited - no code-size restrictions, no expiration date, and full support for inline assembly, floating-point, and linker scripting. It is pre-integrated into the HiTOP5 IDE and configured for STM32F107VC memory map and startup sequence.

Can STM32-COMSTICK operate standalone without a host PC?

No. The board lacks an independent power supply and relies entirely on USB bus power from the host PC for both operation and programming/debugging. It does not support battery or external DC input, and the dedicated USB port is not configurable as a user-accessible device interface.

Are the provided web server and CAN gateway examples compatible with current STM32Cube firmware?

No. The examples shipped with STM32-COMSTICK are based on ST's legacy Standard Peripheral Library (SPL) and Hitex's proprietary HAL abstraction. They are not natively compatible with STM32CubeMX or HAL/LL drivers; porting requires manual adaptation of peripheral initialization, interrupt handlers, and middleware layers.