How to use SPBTLE-RF + NUCLEO-F401RE and graphics GUI

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This tutorial explain how to use the SPBTLE-RF in conjunction to the NUCLEO-F401RE (STM32F401RE) and how to use the graphics GUI.

For did this tests we use this two kit:
NUCLEO-F401RE
nucleo-f401re
X-NUCLEO-IDB05A1
(this contain the SPBTLE-RF)
x-nucleo-idb05a1


The SPBTLE-RF is based on the BlueNRG-MS that is a BTLE v.4.1

The stack on module are these: GAP, GATT, SM, L2CAP, LL, RFPHY
I recommend reading this application note:
UM1865 User manual – BlueNRG-MS Bluetooth® LE stack application command interface (ACI)


NUCLEO-F401RE + X-NUCLEO-IDB05A1 (this contain the SPBTLE-RF)

  1. Source file for STM32
    DownLoad the: X-CUBE-BLE1
    The X-CUBE-BLE1 work with the Android APP that is: ST BlueNRG

  2. To show to the PC the NUCLEO-F401RE, download and install the ST-LINK-UTILITY

  3. Once you have downloaded and unpacked the X-CUBE-BLE1 package go to the directory:
    …\STM32CubeExpansion_BLE1_V2.7.0\Projects\Multi\Applications\SensorDemo\Binary\STM32F401RE-Nucleo
    Here the is file: Sensor Demo F401RE.bin
    drag and drop it over the icon of: NUCLEO_F401RE, see below.
    btf1
    Done the above you have the programmed the kit.
  4. Press the BLACK button that is in the NUCLEO-F401RE
    Launches mobile app: BlueNRG that will make a scan and must find your BlueNRG.
    Having done this you will see a page with a STM cube.
    Press the BLUE button that is in the NUCLEO-F401RE and you must see the cube  rotate.
    See this video.
  5. The SW sources of this simple application is available for IAR, KEIL and AC6 (free compiler STM).
    To look inside the SW I suggest to use the KEIL compiler which is free up to 32K of executable and is the easiest to use.
    Once you installed KEIL go into this directory:
    …\STM32CubeExpansion_BLE1_V2.7.0\Projects\Multi\Applications\SensorDemo\MDK-ARM\STM32F401RE-Nucleo
    Double click on the file: SensorDemoProject.uvprojx and you’ll see that it will open the project SensorDemo automatically (see below).
    btf2

GUI for BlueNRG

The second way to get familiar with the controls of BTLE is to use the graphical GUI that STM has released and which is called: STSW-BLUENRG-DK

  1. Just download and install the STSW-BLUENRG-DK.
  2. Then go here:
    ….\STM32CubeExpansion_BLE1_V2.7.0\Projects\Multi\Applications\Virtual_COM_Port\Binary\STM32F401RE-Nucleo
    And as before, take the file: Virtual COM Port F401RE.bin
    and drag it over the icon: NUCLEO_F401RE
  3. Now run BlueNRG GUI
    Select the communications port from the NUCLEO-F401RE and press OPEN (see below)
    btf3If the FW present on the module is old the GUI propose you to make an update, if this is yours situation see the sequence below.
    btf4
    btf5
    btf6
    btf7
    At the end of the FW update you can try preset BTLE commands (ACI Utilities) or ACI commands, refer to this manual:
    UM1865 User manual – BlueNRG-MS Bluetooth® LE stack application command interface (ACI), etc.See also: BlueNRG MS Hands-on that is here.