eBoard ST-LINK Interface PCB for STM32 Programming & Debugging

The eBoard_STLINK_Interface repository provides a custom-designed PCB that acts as a flexible bridge between ST-LINK programmers and STM32-based projects. It supports multiple ST-LINK variants (e.g., V2, V3, clone models) and standardizes their pinouts, making it easy to connect any programmer to your target board without hassle. Additionally, it integrates a USB-to-TTL adapter, allowing the same board to serve as both a programmer/debugger and a serial interface for microcontroller communication. This makes it an essential tool for embedded developers who frequently work with different MCUs and need a reliable, all-in-one interface solution. This board is perfect for embedded developers who frequently switch between different ST-LINK programmers or need a compact, reliable interface for STM32 development and debugging.

Port Connection Details:

Here is a breakdown of where to connect your devices:

JTAG-20P Port

• Purpose: A standard 20-pin ARM JTAG/SWD header compliant with ARM Cortex Debug Connector specification.
• Supported Programmers/Debuggers:
  • ULINK series (ULINK2, ULINKplus, ULINKpro)
  • J-LINK (Segger J-Link Base, EDU, Pro, Mini)
  • ST-LINK (V2/V3 via JTAG/SWD adapter cables)
  • Other ARM-compliant programmers and debug probes.

ST-LINK V3 Port

• This header is used to connect ST-LINK V3 minie programmers, including official STMicroelectronics models.
• Supports SWD (Serial Wire Debug) and SWO signals for debugging STM32 microcontrollers.

ST-LINK V2 Port

• Dedicated port for ST-LINK V2 programmers (official or clone).
• Pinout is standardized to make connections easy without rewiring.

CheapPRG Port

• Universal pinout compatible with low-cost ST-LINK clone programmers.

USB-to-TTL Interface

• Integrated USB-to-TTL converter for UART communication with the target MCU.
• Can be used for serial debugging, bootloader programming, or logging.
• Supports TXD and RXD lines with selectable voltage levels (3.3 V via onboard regulator).

STM8 Port

• Special header for programming and debugging STM8 series microcontrollers via SWIM (Single Wire Interface Module).

UART Connectors (UART / BLUEPILL)

• Additional UART headers to connect directly to development boards such as the STM32 Blue Pill.
• Useful for serial communication during development.

Power Regulation (REG 3V3)

• Onboard regulator provides a stable 3.3 V supply for the connected devices.
• Can be used to power target boards directly from the interface.

[!TIP]
If you're looking to better understand how to navigate and use my GitHub repositories — including exploring their structure, downloading or cloning projects, submitting issues, and asking questions,
everything you need is clearly explained in this video:
aKaReZa 95 - Programming, Git - PART B
Make sure to check it out!

[!IMPORTANT] Begin your embedded systems journey with clarity and purpose. This episode outlines a structured roadmap for mastering microcontrollers, communication protocols, hardware design, and project development.
Learn how to choose your specialization, follow curated playlists, and engage effectively with the community—ideal for learners seeking a scalable, goal-driven path into embedded engineering.
aKaReZa 124 – Embedded Systems Roadmap
Watch it now to kickstart your journey!

[!CAUTION] It is absolutely critical that you carefully read every single word of this document, line by line, to ensure you don't miss any details. Nothing can be overlooked.

🔗 Resources

Here you'll find a collection of useful links and videos related to the topic of AVR microcontrollers.

[!TIP] The resources are detailed in the sections below.
To access any of them, simply click on the corresponding blue link.

• Altium Library

  All PCB designs across all repositories and projects are built using this Altium Designer component library. It contains a wide range of verified footprints, schematic symbols, and 3D models, ensuring consistency and accuracy in PCB designs. If you're working on a new PCB, using this library will save you time and minimize errors.

• PCB & Electronics Design Training

  This repository is dedicated to learning PCB design and electronics from scratch. It covers everything from circuit theory to practical PCB layout techniques, including routing strategies, best practices, and component placement. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced designer, this resource will help you improve your PCB design skills and create professional-quality boards.

• Microcontroller Training

  This repository offers a comprehensive guide to learning various microcontrollers and how to interface them with different shields. You’ll find tutorials on using and configuring shields, along with hands-on projects to help you get your microcontrollers up and running. Whether you're working with Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or others, this resource will help you understand how to integrate these platforms effectively for your projects.

Project Videos

📁 eBoard Designs
└── [aKaReZa 123 - STLink Interface]
      ├─ Schematic — Designing a custom ST-Link board.
      ├─ Soldering — Techniques for SMD and THT components.
      ├─ Debuggers — ST-Link, J-Link, ULink setup in Keil.
      ├─ UART — USB-to-TTL converter usage.
      └─ Comparison — Debugger features and practical tips.

💻 How to Use Git and GitHub

To access the repository files and save them on your computer, there are two methods available:

1. Using Git Bash and Cloning the Repository

   • This method is more suitable for advanced users and those familiar with command-line tools.
   • By using this method, you can easily receive updates for the repository.

2. Downloading the Repository as a ZIP file

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   • Note that with this method, you will not automatically receive updates for the repository and will need to manually download any new updates.

Clone using the URL.

First, open Git Bash :

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• Right-click inside the folder and select the option "Open Git Bash here" to open Git Bash in that directory.

[!NOTE] If you do not see the "Open Git Bash here" option, it means that Git is not installed on your system.
You can download and install Git from this link.
For a tutorial on how to install and use Git, check out this video.

• Once Git Bash is open, run the following command to clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/aKaReZa75/eBoard_STLINK_Interface.git

• You can copy the above command by either:
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• Then, press Enter to start the cloning operation and wait for the success message to appear.

[!IMPORTANT] Please keep in mind that the numbers displayed in the image might vary when you perform the same actions.
This is because repositories are continuously being updated and expanded. Nevertheless, the overall process remains unchanged.

[!NOTE] Advantage of Cloning the Repository:

• Receiving Updates: By cloning the repository, you can easily and automatically receive new updates.
• Version Control: Using Git allows you to track changes and revert to previous versions.
• Team Collaboration: If you are working on a project with a team, you can easily sync changes from team members and collaborate more efficiently.

Download Zip

If you prefer not to use Git Bash or the command line, you can download the repository directly from GitHub as a ZIP file.
Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the GitHub repository page and Locate the Code button:

   • On the main page of the repository, you will see a green Code button near the top right corner.

2. Download the repository:

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   • Select Download ZIP from the menu.

3. Save the ZIP file:

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4. Extract the ZIP file:

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   • Choose a destination folder and extract the contents.

5. Access the repository:

   • Once extracted, you can access the repository files in the destination folder.

[!IMPORTANT]

• No Updates: Keep in mind that downloading the repository as a ZIP file does not allow you to receive updates.
  If the repository is updated, you will need to download it again manually.
• Ease of Use: This method is simpler and suitable for users who are not comfortable with Git or command-line tools.

📝 How to Ask Questions

If you have any questions or issues, you can raise them through the "Issues" section of this repository. Here's how you can do it:

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[!TIP]

• Before creating a new issue, please check the "Closed" section to see if your question has already been answered.
  
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• While the examples provided above are in English, feel free to ask your questions in Persian (فارسی) as well.
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[!NOTE] Pages and interfaces may change over time, but the steps to create an issue generally remain the same.

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📜 License

This project is licensed under the GPL-3.0 License. This license grants you the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the project as long as you:

• Credit the original authors: Give proper attribution to the original creators.
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✉️ Contact Me

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• 📧 Email: aKaReZa75@gmail.com
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