STM32 Nucleo F401RE ARM Cortex-M4 Development Board

The STM32 Nucleo F401RE ARM Cortex-M4 Development Board is a microcontroller evaluation and prototyping platform from STMicroelectronics, designed for embedded systems development, electronics education and ARM-based programming projects.

Description

Powered by the STM32F401RE microcontroller, the board features a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 processor with a floating-point unit (FPU), operating at up to 84 MHz. It provides 512 KB Flash memory and 96 KB SRAM for developing embedded applications involving sensors, communication interfaces, control systems and real-time processing.

The NUCLEO-F401RE includes an integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer, allowing developers to program and debug the target microcontroller without purchasing a separate ST-LINK tool for standard development tasks.

Its Arduino Uno V3-compatible expansion connectors and ST Morpho headers provide access to GPIO pins and microcontroller peripherals. The board supports development using STM32CubeIDE and other compatible STM32 software tools.

With its onboard debugger, accessible expansion connectors and extensive STM32 development ecosystem, the Nucleo F401RE is suitable for students, engineers, researchers and embedded systems developers in Pakistan.

Key Features

• STM32F401RE Microcontroller: 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 architecture with hardware floating-point support.

• 84 MHz Maximum CPU Frequency: Suitable for a range of embedded processing and control applications.

• 512 KB Flash Memory: Stores application firmware and program code.

• 96 KB SRAM: Provides memory for runtime data and application processing.

• Integrated ST-LINK/V2-1: Supports programming and debugging through the onboard USB connection.

• Arduino Uno V3 Expansion Headers: Allow connection to electrically and functionally compatible expansion shields.

• ST Morpho Connectors: Provide access to additional microcontroller signals.

• Multiple Communication Interfaces: Supports USART/UART, SPI and I²C peripherals.

• Analog Input Support: On-chip 12-bit ADC for compatible analog sensor applications.

• Timers and PWM: Useful for timing, signal generation and motor-control development with appropriate external circuitry.

• USB OTG FS Peripheral: Available on the target MCU, subject to the required board connections and software configuration.

• Onboard USER and RESET Buttons: Convenient for application interaction and hardware reset.

• LED Indicators: Useful for power, communication and basic application testing.

• STM32 Development Ecosystem: Compatible with STM32CubeIDE, STM32CubeMX and supported STM32 programming tools.

Technical Specifications

Applications / Use Cases

Embedded Systems Development

Develop and test firmware for ARM Cortex-M4-based embedded applications, including digital control, peripheral interfacing and microcontroller programming.

Electronics Education

Suitable for university laboratories, engineering students and technical training involving embedded C, microcontroller architecture, interrupts and peripheral configuration.

Sensor Interfacing

Connect compatible digital and analog sensors through GPIO, ADC, I²C, SPI or UART interfaces.

Motor Control Prototyping

Develop PWM-based motor-control applications using suitable external motor drivers and appropriate power circuitry.

Communication Interface Development

Experiment with serial communication protocols, including UART, SPI and I²C, for embedded-device integration.

Industrial and Automation Prototyping

Prototype control logic, monitoring functions and communication interfaces. The board is an evaluation platform, not a certified industrial PLC or safety controller.

Research and Academic Projects

Useful for final-year projects, embedded programming experiments and ARM microcontroller research.

Compatibility

Important compatibility notes:

• The target microcontroller uses 3.3V logic. Do not assume every GPIO pin is 5V-tolerant.

• Arduino-style headers do not make this board electrically identical to an Arduino Uno.

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not integrated into the NUCLEO-F401RE.

• External sensors, shields and communication modules must be checked for voltage, pinout and software compatibility.

Package Contents

Confirmed from the supplied product images:

• 1 × STM32 Nucleo-F401RE Development Board With Cable

• 1 × STMicroelectronics-branded product box

  FAQs

  1. What is the STM32 Nucleo F401RE development board?

  The STM32 Nucleo F401RE is a microcontroller development board from STMicroelectronics. It features an ARM Cortex-M4-based STM32F401RE microcontroller and is designed for embedded systems programming, electronics education, prototyping and peripheral testing.

  2. Which microcontroller is used in the NUCLEO-F401RE?

  The board uses the STM32F401RE microcontroller, featuring a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 processor with a floating-point unit (FPU) and a maximum operating frequency of 84 MHz.

  3. How much Flash memory and RAM does the STM32 Nucleo F401RE have?

  The STM32F401RE microcontroller provides 512 KB Flash memory and 96 KB SRAM.

  4. Does the STM32 Nucleo F401RE have an onboard programmer?

  Yes. The board includes an integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 programmer and debugger, allowing firmware programming and debugging without requiring a separate ST-LINK device for standard development.

  5. Which software can I use to program the STM32 Nucleo F401RE?

  The board supports STM32CubeIDE, STM32CubeMX, STM32CubeProgrammer and compatible ARM development tools. It can also be used with supported embedded C and C++ development environments.

  6. Is the STM32 Nucleo F401RE compatible with Arduino shields?

  The board provides Arduino Uno V3-style expansion connectors. However, compatibility with individual shields depends on their voltage requirements, pin assignments and software support.

  7. Does the NUCLEO-F401RE support UART, SPI and I²C communication?

  Yes. The STM32F401RE microcontroller includes USART/UART, SPI and I²C peripherals for communication with compatible sensors, displays and external modules.

  8. What is the operating logic voltage of the STM32 Nucleo F401RE?

  The STM32F401RE operates with 3.3V logic. Some pins have specific 5V-tolerance characteristics, but this does not apply universally. Always check the MCU datasheet before connecting 5V signals.

  9. Can I connect sensors and motor drivers to this board?

  Yes. The NUCLEO-F401RE can interface with compatible sensors through GPIO, ADC and digital communication interfaces. Motor-control applications require suitable external motor drivers and power circuitry.

  10. Does the STM32 Nucleo F401RE have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

  No. The board does not include integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Wireless connectivity requires an appropriate external module.

  11. What is the difference between STM32F401RE and NUCLEO-F401RE?

  STM32F401RE is the microcontroller part number, while NUCLEO-F401RE identifies the complete STMicroelectronics development board containing that MCU.

  12. Does the NUCLEO-F401RE support USB communication?

  Yes. The STM32F401RE includes a USB OTG Full-Speed peripheral. However, the board's onboard USB Mini-B connector primarily serves the ST-LINK interface. Using the target MCU's USB peripheral requires suitable hardware connections and firmware configuration.

  13. Is the STM32 Nucleo F401RE suitable for students and beginners?

  Yes. It is suitable for engineering students and beginners learning ARM microcontrollers, embedded C, GPIO, interrupts and peripheral programming. Basic electronics and programming knowledge is helpful.

  14. Where can I buy the STM32 Nucleo F401RE in Pakistan?

  You can buy the STM32 Nucleo F401RE development board from Chip.pk , subject to current stock availability. Check the product page for the latest price and delivery information.