How to Use NUCLEO-L476RG: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The NUCLEO-L476RG is a development board manufactured by STMicroelectronics (Part ID: NUL476RG$AU1) and is based on the STM32L476RG microcontroller, which features an ARM Cortex-M4 core. This board is designed to provide a flexible and user-friendly platform for developing low-power applications. It supports a wide range of connectivity options, including USB, UART, I2C, and more.

The NUCLEO-L476RG is compatible with the Arduino Uno R3 pinout, making it easy to integrate with Arduino shields and other accessories. Additionally, it includes an ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer, eliminating the need for an external programmer.

• Low-power IoT devices
• Wearable technology
• Sensor interfacing and data logging
• Prototyping for industrial and consumer electronics
• Educational and research projects

The NUCLEO-L476RG features a dual-row pin header layout, with compatibility for both STM32 and Arduino Uno R3 pinouts. Below is a summary of the key pin configurations:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer via the micro-USB port for power and programming.
   • Alternatively, supply power through the VIN pin (7V-12V) or the 5V pin (regulated 5V).

2. Programming the Board:

   • Use the embedded ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer to upload code directly from the STM32CubeIDE or Arduino IDE.
   • Ensure the correct board and port are selected in your IDE.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the Arduino Uno R3 headers to connect compatible shields.
   • For custom circuits, use the STM32 pin headers for direct access to GPIO, ADC, I2C, SPI, and other interfaces.

4. Running the Code:

   • After uploading the code, the board will automatically reset and execute the program.
   • Use the LED indicators (e.g., LD1, LD2) to monitor power and activity.

• Power Supply: Avoid exceeding the input voltage range (7V-12V) to prevent damage to the board.
• Pin Voltage Levels: Ensure that external devices connected to GPIO pins operate at 3.3V logic levels.
• Debugging: Use the ST-LINK/V2-1 for real-time debugging and monitoring.
• Low-Power Modes: Leverage the STM32L476RG's ultra-low-power features for battery-powered applications.

The following example demonstrates how to blink an LED connected to pin D13:

// Example: Blink an LED on pin D13 (built-in LED on NUCLEO-L476RG)

// Define the LED pin
const int ledPin = 13;

void setup() {
  // Initialize the LED pin as an output
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on
  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second

  // Turn the LED off
  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

1. Board Not Detected by IDE:

   • Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and functional.
   • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the IDE.
   • Update the ST-LINK drivers if necessary.

2. Code Upload Fails:

   • Check that the board is in programming mode (default mode).
   • Ensure no external devices are interfering with the SWD pins.

3. Power Issues:

   • Confirm that the input voltage is within the specified range (7V-12V for VIN).
   • Check for loose connections or damaged cables.

4. Peripherals Not Working:

   • Verify the pin configuration in your code matches the hardware setup.
   • Ensure external devices are powered and operating at 3.3V logic levels.

Q: Can I use the NUCLEO-L476RG with the Arduino IDE?
A: Yes, the board is compatible with the Arduino IDE. Install the STM32 core for Arduino to get started.

Q: How do I enable low-power modes?
A: Use the STM32 HAL library or STM32CubeMX to configure the microcontroller's power modes.

Q: Is the board compatible with all Arduino shields?
A: The board supports the Arduino Uno R3 pinout, but some shields may require 5V logic, which is not directly supported.

Q: Can I use the board for battery-powered applications?
A: Yes, the STM32L476RG microcontroller is optimized for ultra-low-power applications, making it ideal for battery-powered designs.

This concludes the documentation for the NUCLEO-L476RG development board. For further details, refer to the official datasheet and user manual provided by STMicroelectronics.