STMicroelectronics attracts Linux users to develop embedded applications with STM32 microcontrollers for free

     Spanning multiple electronics applications, STMicroelectronics, a leading global semiconductor supplier, has expanded the opportunity for Linux system users, including engineers, academics and hobbyists, to develop applications for free using the popular ST STM32 microcontroller. Most Linux distributions are free to use, and open source applications keep technology enthusiasts hooked on Linux. However, most of the common embedded computing technology development tools on the market previously only supported the Windows PC platform.

     Now, the STM32CubeMX configurator and initializer and System Workbench for STM32, an integrated development environment (IDE) developed by Ac6 Tools, Supported by the openSTM32.org community and available for download at www.st.com/sw4stm32) is available and runs on Linux.

     ST's latest move shows that Linux users are now able to create their own embedded development projects using STM32 microcontrollers for free, without leaving their preferred desktop environment. By attracting innovators to the STM32 microcontroller, ST looks forward to further expanding its leading position in the advanced 32-bit ARM® Cortex-M core microcontroller market.

     Laurent Desseignes, Market Manager, Microcontrollers Ecosystem, ST MicroControllers Product Division, said: "The Linux community attracts free thinkers who are good at communicating ideas and solving difficult problems effectively, and now they have the tools to take advantage of the powerful features and capabilities of the STM32 family of products, and they can fully leverage their ability to create new and creative products."

     ST's commitment allows users to benefit from free microcontroller configuration software, code development debugging software, and vendor-supported low-cost evaluation boards that allow developers to focus on product development. In contrast to existing common practices in the Linux community, where users often have to create or modify their own development tools and there are very few support resources available, ST's tools are simple and quick to install.

     Bernard Dautrevaux, CTO of Ac6 Tools, said: "Since the release of System Workbench for STM32 in early 2015, it has been hugely popular on both Windows and Linux platforms. "St's new Linux development tool validates and refines our work and openSTM32 initiatives, and we plan to further support ST with significant upgrades to System Workbench for STM32 in the future, including support for Apple OS/X as development host software."