How to Deploy Simulink Model to STM32 Microcontroller
To deploy a
Simulink model to an STM32 microcontroller, first install the STM32 support package and Embedded Coder. Then configure the model for code generation targeting STM32 hardware, build the code, and flash it to the device using the provided tools.Syntax
Deploying a Simulink model to STM32 involves these main steps:
- Install Support Packages: STM32 hardware support and Embedded Coder.
- Configure Model: Set hardware board to STM32, enable code generation.
- Build Code: Generate C code from the model.
- Deploy: Flash the generated code to STM32 using the programmer.
matlab
%% Step 1: Open Simulink model open_system('your_model_name') %% Step 2: Set hardware board set_param('your_model_name', 'HardwareBoard', 'STMicroelectronics->STM32') %% Step 3: Configure code generation set_param('your_model_name', 'SystemTargetFile', 'ert.tlc') %% Step 4: Build and deploy rtwbuild('your_model_name')
Example
This example shows how to configure and deploy a simple Simulink model named stm32_blinky that toggles an LED on STM32.
matlab
%% Open the model open_system('stm32_blinky') %% Set STM32 as hardware board set_param('stm32_blinky', 'HardwareBoard', 'STMicroelectronics->STM32') %% Use Embedded Coder target set_param('stm32_blinky', 'SystemTargetFile', 'ert.tlc') %% Build and deploy to STM32 rtwbuild('stm32_blinky')
Output
### Build Summary for stm32_blinky ###
Build completed successfully.
Code generated and flashed to STM32 device.
Common Pitfalls
- Missing Support Packages: Not installing STM32 hardware support or Embedded Coder causes build errors.
- Incorrect Hardware Board: Setting wrong board in model config leads to incompatible code.
- Code Generation Errors: Model blocks not supported for code generation can fail the build.
- Flashing Issues: STM32 device not connected or drivers missing prevents deployment.
matlab
%% Wrong way: No hardware board set set_param('stm32_blinky', 'HardwareBoard', '') rtwbuild('stm32_blinky') %% Right way: Set correct STM32 board set_param('stm32_blinky', 'HardwareBoard', 'STMicroelectronics->STM32') rtwbuild('stm32_blinky')
Output
Error: Hardware board not specified.
### After correction ###
Build completed successfully.
Quick Reference
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Install Support Packages | STM32 hardware support and Embedded Coder from MATLAB Add-Ons |
| 2 | Configure Model | Set Hardware Board to STM32 and System Target File to ert.tlc |
| 3 | Build Model | Run rtwbuild to generate and compile code |
| 4 | Deploy Code | Flash generated code to STM32 using built-in programmer |
Key Takeaways
Install STM32 hardware support and Embedded Coder before deployment.
Set the Simulink model hardware board to STM32 for correct code generation.
Use rtwbuild to generate and flash code to the STM32 device.
Check for unsupported blocks to avoid code generation errors.
Ensure STM32 device is connected and drivers are installed for flashing.