What Can You Build with STM32? Top 10 Project Ideas

Ever feel like you want to build something cool but don't know where to start with STM32? That’s a common problem. You buy the board, install the software, maybe blink an LED—but then get stuck. This post is the fix. We’ve put together 10 beginner-friendly and useful STM32 project ideas you can build with simple parts and code. No need to be an expert. If you have an STM32 board and STM32CubeIDE, you’re ready.

Why Build Projects with STM32?

STM32 microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics are perfect for both learning and real applications. These 32-bit chips are fast, efficient, and packed with features. You can do a lot more than blink an LED.

Reasons to build STM32 projects:

• Learn real hardware programming

• Get hands-on with sensors, displays, and wireless

• Create real-world products and prototypes

• Improve your resume and job skills

Let’s jump into the project ideas.

1. LED Blinking (The Classic First Step)

This is where most people begin. It teaches you how to set up GPIO output and write simple delays.

What you need:

• STM32 board (e.g., STM32F103 or Nucleo)

• On-board LED or external LED + resistor

Key concepts:

• HAL GPIO control

• Delay functions

• Clock config

2. Button-Controlled LED

This builds on the blinking project. You read a button and toggle an LED based on its state.

What you learn:

• GPIO input setup

• Debounce logic

• Basic conditional programming

Great second step after blinking an LED.

3. Temperature Sensor Using ADC

Connect a sensor like LM35 or NTC thermistor and read analog values using the ADC.

Required parts:

• Analog temperature sensor

• STM32 board with ADC

• Simple LCD or serial output

Skills covered:

• ADC setup using STM32CubeMX

• Analog to digital conversion

• Voltage-to-temperature formula

4. Serial Communication via UART

Learn how to send and receive data between STM32 and a PC using UART.

Tools needed:

• USB to UART converter (for Blue Pill)

• STM32 with UART pins

• Software like PuTTY or Tera Term

Why it’s useful:

• Debugging

• Data logging

• Wireless modules like GSM or Bluetooth

5. Digital Thermometer with Display

Display temperature data on an OLED or LCD screen.

Components:

• I2C OLED (SSD1306) or 16x2 LCD

• Temperature sensor

• STM32 board

Skills practiced:

• I2C or SPI communication

• Display libraries

• Combining ADC + output

You’ll build a simple but real-looking product.

6. Distance Measurement with Ultrasonic Sensor

Use the popular HC-SR04 sensor to measure distance.

Parts:

• HC-SR04

• STM32 with timers

• LCD or serial output

Key skills:

• Reading pulse width

• Timer setup

• Using input capture

This is a common step into robotics.

7. Digital Clock with Real-Time Clock Module

Make a clock using DS3231 RTC and display the time on a screen.

You’ll learn:

• I2C communication

• Time data handling

• Real-time updates on LCD/OLED

It’s a fun way to use interrupts and I2C.

8. Servo Motor Control with PWM

Control servo motors using the STM32’s PWM outputs.

Hardware:

• Servo motor

• Power supply

• STM32 with PWM-enabled timer

Learn:

• PWM setup using CubeMX

• Duty cycle adjustment

• Real-time motor control

This is great for robotics, automation, and remote-controlled projects.

9. IoT Project Using Wi-Fi (ESP8266 or ESP01)

Send sensor data to the internet or a local server.

Parts:

• ESP8266 Wi-Fi module

• STM32 board

• Sensor (e.g., DHT11, MQ-2)

Covered topics:

• UART communication

• AT commands

• Sending data to cloud/API

This is your entry point into smart devices and IoT.

10. Touchless Water Dispenser

A practical STM32 project using IR or ultrasonic sensors to detect hands and control a pump or valve.

Needed:

• IR or ultrasonic sensor

• Relay or MOSFET

• Water pump

What you learn:

• Sensor input

• GPIO output for control

• Real-world product logic

It’s a great mix of sensors, real-time control, and power electronics.

Bonus Ideas to Try Later

• Voice-controlled device (using Bluetooth + phone)

• Bluetooth car (control with smartphone)

• Simple oscilloscope using STM32 ADC

• Smart plant monitor (soil moisture + IoT)

• Home automation panel with touch screen

STM32 Boards That Work Well for Projects