How to Use NUCLEO-F439ZI: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The NUCLEO-F439ZI is a development board manufactured by STMicroelectronics, featuring the STM32F439ZI microcontroller. This microcontroller is based on a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 core with a floating-point unit, making it ideal for high-performance embedded applications. The board is designed to provide a flexible and user-friendly platform for prototyping and developing applications, offering a wide range of peripherals such as USB, Ethernet, and multiple I/O interfaces.

• Industrial automation and control systems
• IoT (Internet of Things) devices and gateways
• Robotics and motor control
• Data acquisition and processing
• Prototyping for consumer electronics
• Educational and research projects

The NUCLEO-F439ZI provides access to its GPIO pins through Arduino Uno V3 connectors and ST morpho connectors. Below is a summary of the pin configuration:

1. Powering the Board:

   • Connect the board to your computer via the USB cable for power and programming.
   • Alternatively, use an external 5V power supply or VIN (7-12V) for standalone operation.

2. Programming the Board:

   • Use the integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer to upload code.
   • Compatible IDEs include STM32CubeIDE, Keil MDK, IAR Embedded Workbench, and Arduino IDE.

3. Connecting Peripherals:

   • Use the Arduino Uno V3 connectors for shields and modules.
   • Use the ST morpho connectors for advanced GPIO access and custom peripherals.

4. Running the Code:

   • After uploading the code, the board will automatically reset and execute the program.

• Ensure the board is powered correctly to avoid damage. Use only one power source at a time (USB, 5V, or VIN).
• Avoid exceeding the GPIO pin voltage limits (3.3V logic level).
• Use decoupling capacitors when connecting external components to reduce noise.
• For Ethernet applications, ensure proper grounding and shielding to avoid interference.
• Use the STM32CubeMX tool to configure peripherals and generate initialization code.

Below is an example code to blink an LED connected to pin D13:

// Blink an LED on pin D13 of the NUCLEO-F439ZI board

void setup() {
  pinMode(13, OUTPUT); // Set pin D13 as an output
}

void loop() {
  digitalWrite(13, HIGH); // Turn the LED on
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
  digitalWrite(13, LOW);  // Turn the LED off
  delay(1000);            // Wait for 1 second
}

1. The board is not detected by the computer:

   • Ensure the USB cable is functional and supports data transfer.
   • Check if the ST-LINK driver is installed on your computer.
   • Try connecting to a different USB port or restarting your computer.

2. Code upload fails:

   • Verify that the correct board and port are selected in the IDE.
   • Ensure no other application is using the ST-LINK interface.
   • Reset the board by pressing the NRST button and try again.

3. Peripherals are not working as expected:

   • Double-check the pin connections and configurations in your code.
   • Use a multimeter to verify voltage levels on the pins.
   • Ensure the peripheral initialization code is correct (use STM32CubeMX for assistance).

4. Ethernet or USB communication issues:

   • Verify the physical connections (e.g., Ethernet cable, USB cable).
   • Check the clock configuration in your code (e.g., HSE or LSE settings).
   • Ensure the correct drivers are installed on your computer.

Q: Can I use the NUCLEO-F439ZI with the Arduino IDE?
A: Yes, the board is compatible with the Arduino IDE. Install the STM32 core for Arduino to get started.

Q: What is the maximum current output of the 3.3V and 5V pins?
A: The 3.3V pin can supply up to 500 mA, and the 5V pin can supply up to 800 mA when powered via USB.

Q: How do I reset the board?
A: Press the NRST button on the board to perform a hardware reset.

Q: Can I use external debuggers with the NUCLEO-F439ZI?
A: Yes, the board supports external debuggers via the SWD interface.

Q: Is the board compatible with Ethernet-based applications?
A: Yes, the board includes an Ethernet PHY and supports Ethernet-based communication.