STMicroelectronics STM32VLDISCOVERY

Overview

STM32VLDISCOVERY from STMicroelectronics is a low-cost, USB-powered development kit for the STM32F100RBT6B Value Line microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M3, 24 MHz, 128 KB Flash, 8 KB RAM, 64-pin LQFP). It integrates an on-board ST-LINK debugger/programmer with SWD interface and provides dual-voltage (3.3 V / 5 V) supply capability for target prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the STM32VLDISCOVERY datasheet, STM32VLDISCOVERY pinout, STM32VLDISCOVERY application, or STM32VLDISCOVERY equivalent, this kit serves as both a rapid-start evaluation platform and a standalone ST-LINK programmer-enabling firmware development, debugging, and power-supply-flexible hardware validation without external tools.

Technical Context

The board implements a dual-role architecture: one side hosts the STM32F100RBT6B MCU running user code, while the other side contains the ST-LINK V2.1 firmware on a separate STM32F103C8T6, enabling full SWD-based programming and real-time debugging of both on-board and external targets. Jumper-selectable mode switching isolates or shares the SWD lines between host and target.

Power routing supports three configurations: USB-only (5 V), external 5 V input, or external 3.3 V input-with onboard regulators delivering stable 3.3 V to the MCU and configurable 3.3 V/5 V outputs to external circuits. The extension header exposes all 64 LQFP I/Os in 0.1" pitch.

Key Specifications

Availability

STM32VLDISCOVERY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded prototyping, educational labs, and firmware validation requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and integrated debug infrastructure.

Supply support for STM32VLDISCOVERY 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 applications.

This kit belongs to ST's STM32 Discovery series-engineered to lower entry barriers for ARM Cortex-M adoption through plug-and-play hardware, free software stacks (STSW-STM32078), and seamless toolchain integration (IAR, Keil, TrueSTUDIO).

FAQ

Can STM32VLDISCOVERY be used as a standalone ST-LINK programmer?

Yes. By moving jumpers CN3 and CN4 to the "ST-LINK" position, the on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 circuit disconnects from the target MCU and exposes SWDIO/SWCLK pins on the mini-USB connector, allowing it to program and debug external STM32 boards without modifying the kit hardware.

What development environments are officially supported?

ST officially supports IAR Embedded Workbench for ARM, Keil MDK-ARM, and GCC-based Atollic TrueSTUDIO. All are compatible with the STSW-STM32078 software package, which includes preconfigured projects, HAL drivers, and example code for GPIO, timers, USART, and USB CDC.

Does the board provide regulated 3.3 V output for external circuits?

Yes. When powered via USB or external 5 V, the board delivers a regulated 3.3 V output (labeled "3V3") capable of supplying up to 150 mA. This rail is derived from an onboard LDO and is electrically isolated from the MCU's internal 3.3 V domain when configured for target power.

Are all 64 pins of the STM32F100RBT6B accessible externally?

Yes. The extension header provides 0.1"-pitch male pins for every signal of the 64-pin LQFP package-including all GPIOs, analog inputs (ADC1_IN0–IN15), timer channels, communication peripherals (USART1–3, SPI1–2, I²C1), and system control pins (NRST, BOOT0, VDDA, VSSA).