STMicroelectronics STM32F401C-DISCO

Overview

STM32F401C-DISCO from STMicroelectronics is a Discovery kit built around the STM32F401VCT6 ARM® Cortex®-M4 MCU (256 KB Flash, 64 KB RAM, LQFP100), featuring on-board ST-LINK/V2 debugger, L3GD20 gyroscope, LSM303DLHC e-compass, MP45DT02 digital microphone, and CS43L22 audio DAC with integrated Class D speaker driver.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F401C-DISCO datasheet, STM32F401C-DISCO pinout, STM32F401C-DISCO application, or STM32F401C-DISCO equivalent, key selection considerations include on-board sensor integration, USB OTG micro-AB connectivity, dual power options (USB or external 5 V), and preloaded demonstration firmware supporting motion-based HID mouse emulation.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete evaluation platform for STM32F401VC-based designs, integrating MEMS motion sensing (3-axis gyro + 3-axis accel/mag), audio capture (digital PDM microphone), and audio playback (DAC + Class D driver) with direct GPIO access via LQFP100 extension header. All peripherals are connected via dedicated I²C/SPI buses routed to the MCU's verified peripheral pins.

ST-LINK/V2 operates in selectable mode - either as embedded debugger for the onboard MCU or as standalone programmer/debugger via SWD connector - enabling both development and production programming workflows without hardware modification.

Key Specifications

Availability

STM32F401C-DISCO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded prototyping, educational labs, and sensor-fusion algorithm validation requiring stable component supply and rapid time-to-test capability.

Supply support for STM32F401C-DISCO 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 designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, sensors, power ICs, and analog components for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This Discovery kit belongs to ST's STM32 evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate firmware development, peripheral validation, and real-world sensor/audio subsystem integration for Cortex-M4-based applications.

FAQ

Is STM32F401C-DISCO still in active production?

No - STMicroelectronics has officially replaced STM32F401C-DISCO with STM32F411E-DISCO (DocID025209 Rev 3, Section "Ordering information"). While legacy units remain available through authorized distributors, new designs should target the successor kit for long-term support and updated peripheral capabilities.

Can STM32F401C-DISCO be used as a standalone ST-LINK/V2 programmer?

Yes - the board includes a mode selection switch that configures the on-board ST-LINK/V2 circuitry to operate independently. In standalone mode, it connects via SWD to external STM32 targets using the dedicated SWD connector, supporting full programming and debugging without modifying the host board.

What software tools are supported for firmware development?

The kit supports IAR EWARM, Keil MDK-ARM, and GCC-based IDEs including AC6 SW4STM32 and Atollic TrueSTUDIO. Example projects and HAL drivers are provided in STM32CubeF4, while legacy Standard Peripheral Library support is available via STSW-STM32136 package.

Does the demonstration firmware require a host PC to run?

No - the preloaded demo runs autonomously on the board: pressing the user button toggles between LED blink patterns and motion-sensing mode. When connected to a PC via second USB cable, it enumerates as a standard HID mouse using USB OTG functionality - no additional host software is required for basic operation.