How to Use STM32F411 BlackPill: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The STM32F411 BlackPill is a compact development board designed by STMicroelectronics, featuring the STM32F411 microcontroller. This microcontroller is part of the STM32 family, known for its high performance, low power consumption, and rich feature set. The BlackPill form factor makes it ideal for embedded applications, prototyping, and projects requiring a small footprint.

• IoT devices and smart home applications
• Robotics and motor control
• Wearable devices
• Data logging and sensor interfacing
• Educational and hobbyist projects
• Real-time signal processing

The STM32F411 BlackPill is built around the STM32F411CEU6 microcontroller, which offers a balance of performance and efficiency. Below are the key technical details:

• Microcontroller: STM32F411CEU6 (ARM Cortex-M4 core with FPU)
• Clock Speed: Up to 100 MHz
• Flash Memory: 512 KB
• SRAM: 128 KB
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• I/O Voltage Levels: 3.3V (5V-tolerant inputs)
• Communication Interfaces:
  • 3x USART/UART
  • 3x SPI
  • 3x I2C
  • 1x CAN
  • USB 2.0 Full-Speed (with OTG support)
• ADC: 12-bit, up to 16 channels
• DAC: 12-bit, 2 channels
• Timers: 10 (including advanced control timers)
• GPIO Pins: 37 (multiplexed with peripherals)
• Power Supply: 5V via USB or external VIN pin
• Dimensions: 53 mm x 22 mm

The STM32F411 BlackPill has a 40-pin layout. Below is the pinout description:

Note: For the full pinout, refer to the official datasheet.

The STM32F411 BlackPill is versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. Below are the steps to get started and some best practices.

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to a computer or USB power source using a Micro-USB cable.
   • Alternatively, supply 5V to the VIN pin and connect GND to the ground.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Use an ST-Link programmer or USB bootloader to upload firmware.
   • Compatible IDEs include STM32CubeIDE, Keil uVision, and PlatformIO.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use GPIO pins for digital input/output.
   • Connect sensors to ADC pins for analog input.
   • Use UART, SPI, or I2C for communication with external devices.

4. Example Circuit:

   • Connect an LED to PA5 (with a 220-ohm resistor in series).
   • Use PA0 as a button input with a pull-down resistor.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all connected peripherals operate at 3.3V logic levels. Use level shifters for 5V devices.
• Power Supply: Avoid exceeding the 5V input limit to prevent damage.
• Boot Modes: Use the BOOT0 pin to select between bootloader and normal operation modes.
• Debugging: Use the SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface for debugging and programming.

The STM32F411 BlackPill can be programmed using the Arduino IDE with the STM32 core installed. Below is an example of blinking an LED connected to PA5:

// Define the LED pin
#define LED_PIN PA5

void setup() {
  pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT); // Set PA5 as an output pin
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(500);                  // Wait for 500 milliseconds
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(500);                  // Wait for 500 milliseconds
}

Tip: Install the STM32 Arduino core from the Arduino Boards Manager to enable support for STM32F411.

1. Board Not Detected by USB:

   • Ensure the correct drivers are installed (e.g., STM32 Virtual COM Port driver).
   • Check the USB cable for data transfer capability (some cables are power-only).

2. Unable to Upload Code:

   • Verify the BOOT0 pin is set correctly for programming mode.
   • Ensure the correct board and port are selected in the IDE.

3. Peripherals Not Working:

   • Double-check connections and pin assignments in the code.
   • Ensure peripherals are powered and operating at 3.3V logic levels.

4. Board Overheating:

   • Check for short circuits or excessive current draw from peripherals.
   • Ensure the power supply voltage does not exceed 5V.

• Q: Can the STM32F411 BlackPill run on battery power?

  • A: Yes, you can power the board using a 3.7V LiPo battery with a suitable regulator.

• Q: Is the STM32F411 BlackPill compatible with Arduino libraries?

  • A: Yes, many Arduino libraries are compatible when using the STM32 Arduino core.

• Q: How do I reset the board?

  • A: Press the onboard reset button or pull the NRST pin low.

• Q: Can I use the BlackPill for USB device applications?

  • A: Yes, the STM32F411 supports USB OTG, allowing it to act as a USB device or host.

By following this documentation, you can effectively utilize the STM32F411 BlackPill for your embedded projects. For more details, refer to the official datasheet and reference manual from STMicroelectronics.