ARM-Based Development Boards
ARM-based development boards represent the professional tier of microcontroller development platforms, offering sophisticated 32-bit processing capabilities, extensive peripheral sets, and production-ready development pathways. Unlike hobbyist-oriented platforms, these boards typically come directly from silicon vendors and are designed to facilitate evaluation of specific microcontroller families while providing a clear transition path to production hardware.
The ARM architecture dominates the 32-bit microcontroller market, with multiple silicon vendors licensing ARM Cortex-M cores and building their own peripheral ecosystems around them. This creates a rich landscape of development options, where engineers can select platforms based on specific requirements such as processing performance, power efficiency, integrated connectivity, analog capabilities, or specialized peripherals. Each vendor provides development boards that showcase their silicon capabilities while offering professional-grade debugging and evaluation features.
This guide explores the major ARM-based development board ecosystems, examining their capabilities, development environments, and ideal use cases. Understanding these platforms enables engineers to select appropriate tools for prototyping and to leverage vendor resources effectively throughout the development process.
STM32 Discovery and Nucleo Boards
STMicroelectronics offers one of the most comprehensive ARM development board ecosystems through their Discovery and Nucleo product lines. The STM32 family spans from entry-level Cortex-M0 devices through high-performance Cortex-M7 and Cortex-M33 processors, with development boards available for nearly every device family.
STM32 Nucleo Boards
Nucleo boards follow standardized form factors that support Arduino-compatible and ST Morpho expansion headers. The Nucleo-32, Nucleo-64, and Nucleo-144 designations indicate board size and pin availability, with larger boards exposing more microcontroller pins. All Nucleo boards include an integrated ST-LINK debugger and programmer, enabling immediate development without additional hardware purchases.
The Nucleo platform excels in its breadth of coverage. Engineers can prototype with an inexpensive Nucleo board, validate designs, then transition directly to production using the same microcontroller with identical firmware. The consistent pinout across Nucleo boards of the same form factor allows hardware designs to be reused across different STM32 variants, facilitating performance scaling or cost optimization without complete redesign.
STM32 Discovery Boards
Discovery boards integrate additional hardware to demonstrate specific STM32 capabilities or application scenarios. Examples include boards with TFT displays for GUI development, audio codecs for sound processing applications, sensors for IoT prototyping, and motor control circuitry for industrial applications. These boards provide complete demonstration platforms that accelerate evaluation of STM32 features in context.
Notable Discovery boards include the STM32F407 Discovery with accelerometer and audio, the STM32F746 Discovery featuring a capacitive touchscreen display, and the STM32WB55 Discovery for Bluetooth Low Energy development. Each board comes with example projects demonstrating the integrated hardware.
Development Environment
STM32 development is supported through multiple toolchain options. STM32CubeIDE provides a free, Eclipse-based integrated development environment with built-in support for ST-LINK debugging. STM32CubeMX generates initialization code and manages peripheral configuration through a graphical interface, significantly accelerating project setup. The STM32Cube firmware packages include HAL drivers, middleware libraries, and example projects for each microcontroller family.
Alternative development approaches include using ARM mbed with compatible Nucleo boards, PlatformIO for cross-platform development, or direct register programming for maximum control. The extensive documentation, application notes, and community resources make STM32 an accessible platform for engineers at all experience levels.
Nordic Semiconductor Development Kits
Nordic Semiconductor specializes in low-power wireless microcontrollers, and their development kits reflect this focus on Bluetooth Low Energy, Thread, Zigbee, and cellular IoT applications. The nRF52 and nRF53 series development kits are industry standards for BLE application development.
nRF52 Development Kits
The nRF52 DK boards support the nRF52832 and nRF52840 system-on-chips, combining ARM Cortex-M4 processors with 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radios. These boards include integrated J-Link debuggers, multiple buttons and LEDs for basic interaction, Arduino-compatible headers, and current measurement capabilities for power optimization. The nRF52840 DK additionally supports USB device functionality and has increased memory and processing capability.
Nordic provides specialized development kits for specific applications, including the nRF52840 Dongle for portable Bluetooth development, Thingy:52 for rapid IoT prototyping with integrated sensors, and the nRF21540 EK for extended range applications using Nordic's range extender.
nRF53 Series
The nRF5340 DK showcases Nordic's dual-core architecture, featuring a Cortex-M33 application processor alongside a dedicated Cortex-M33 network processor. This architecture enables concurrent application development and wireless protocol handling, with hardware separation enhancing security and real-time performance. The nRF5340 supports Bluetooth 5.3, Bluetooth mesh, Thread, and Zigbee protocols.
nRF Connect SDK
Nordic's development ecosystem centers on the nRF Connect SDK, built on the Zephyr real-time operating system. This provides a modern, actively developed foundation with excellent driver support, networking stacks, and security features. The SDK includes reference applications for common use cases including Bluetooth audio, mesh networking, and asset tracking. nRF Connect for Desktop provides tools for programming, debugging, and testing wireless functionality.
The nRF Connect SDK represents a significant shift from Nordic's earlier nRF5 SDK, offering better long-term support, more consistent APIs, and integration with the broader Zephyr ecosystem. New projects should generally target nRF Connect SDK unless specific legacy compatibility is required.
NXP LPCXpresso and i.MX Platforms
NXP Semiconductors provides development platforms spanning from entry-level Cortex-M0+ through high-performance Cortex-A application processors. The LPCXpresso series covers microcontroller development, while i.MX evaluation kits address more demanding embedded computing requirements.
LPCXpresso Boards
LPCXpresso development boards support NXP's LPC microcontroller families, offering integrated debugging through LPC-Link interfaces. These boards follow a consistent design philosophy with standardized expansion headers, on-board peripherals appropriate to each microcontroller family, and comprehensive example code. The LPCXpresso54628 and LPCXpresso55S69 are notable boards featuring advanced security capabilities including TrustZone-M support.
NXP's LPC family particularly excels in applications requiring USB connectivity, with many devices offering built-in USB device and host controllers. The LPCXpresso boards include example firmware demonstrating USB audio, HID, mass storage, and communication device class implementations.
i.MX RT Crossover Processors
The i.MX RT family occupies a unique position between microcontrollers and application processors, offering Cortex-M7 cores running at up to 1 GHz with large on-chip RAM but no internal flash memory. MIMXRT1060-EVK and MIMXRT1170-EVK evaluation boards demonstrate these capabilities for applications requiring high-performance real-time processing such as machine learning inference, advanced motor control, and multimedia applications.
These crossover processors maintain microcontroller-like simplicity with single-cycle memory access and deterministic interrupt response while providing processing capabilities approaching entry-level application processors. Development uses MCUXpresso IDE and SDK, maintaining consistency with other NXP microcontroller platforms.
MCUXpresso Development Environment
NXP's MCUXpresso ecosystem includes MCUXpresso IDE for code development and debugging, MCUXpresso Config Tools for graphical peripheral configuration, and MCUXpresso SDK containing drivers, middleware, and example projects. The SDK supports optional integration of FreeRTOS, lwIP networking stack, USB stacks, and other middleware components. MCUXpresso represents NXP's unified development approach, replacing earlier family-specific tools.
Texas Instruments LaunchPad Series
Texas Instruments LaunchPad development boards provide low-cost entry points into TI's diverse microcontroller ecosystem. The LaunchPad concept emphasizes accessibility, with boards typically priced under $20 while including essential debugging capabilities.
MSP430 LaunchPads
MSP430 LaunchPads showcase TI's ultra-low-power 16-bit microcontroller family. The MSP-EXP430FR2433 and similar boards demonstrate the MSP430's exceptional power efficiency, achieving active current consumption measured in microamperes. These platforms are ideal for battery-powered sensing applications, energy harvesting designs, and any application where extended battery life is critical.
The MSP430 architecture differs from ARM, requiring developers to learn platform-specific concepts. However, TI provides extensive documentation, application notes, and the Energy Trace technology for detailed power profiling that helps developers optimize energy consumption at the code level.
SimpleLink ARM-Based LaunchPads
TI's SimpleLink family includes ARM Cortex-M based wireless microcontrollers with integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, Sub-1 GHz, or multiprotocol radio capabilities. The CC3220SF LaunchPad provides WiFi connectivity with integrated security features, while the CC2652R LaunchPad supports multiple protocols including Bluetooth 5, Zigbee, and Thread on a single device.
SimpleLink SDK provides unified software development across the wireless product families, enabling code portability and consistent programming models. The SDK includes TI-RTOS for real-time operation, drivers for integrated peripherals, and complete networking stack implementations.
Hercules and C2000 LaunchPads
For safety-critical and motor control applications, TI offers LaunchPads based on Hercules safety microcontrollers and C2000 real-time control processors. The LAUNCHXL-F28379D showcases dual-core C2000 capabilities for advanced motor control algorithms, while Hercules LaunchPads demonstrate IEC 61508 SIL 3 capable safety features.
Code Composer Studio
Code Composer Studio (CCS) is TI's integrated development environment supporting all TI microcontroller and processor families. Built on Eclipse, CCS provides advanced debugging features including real-time data visualization, power profiling integration, and multi-core debug capabilities. TI also supports development through cloud-based Code Composer Studio Cloud and resource-constrained options through Energia, an Arduino-like framework for select LaunchPads.
Microchip SAM Development Boards
Following Microchip's acquisition of Atmel, the SAM family of ARM-based microcontrollers continues under Microchip branding with expanded development board options. SAM microcontrollers span from Cortex-M0+ through Cortex-M7, with particular strength in connectivity and touch sensing applications.
SAM Xplained Boards
Xplained Pro and Xplained Ultra boards provide comprehensive evaluation platforms for SAM microcontrollers. These boards feature modular Xplained Pro extension connectors that accept standardized sensor, communication, and interface boards, enabling rapid assembly of application-specific evaluation configurations. The ATSAME54-XPRO, for example, includes Ethernet and CAN capabilities while accepting extensions for displays, wireless modules, or additional sensors.
Xplained Mini boards offer lower-cost alternatives with reduced feature sets, suitable for basic evaluation and learning. These boards typically omit the extension system but include essential debugging and basic I/O capabilities.
SAMV71 and High-Performance Platforms
For demanding applications, the SAMV71 Xplained Ultra board showcases a 300 MHz Cortex-M7 with hardware floating point, extensive connectivity including dual Ethernet, CAN-FD, and high-speed USB, plus audio codec integration. This platform targets industrial automation, audio equipment, and other applications requiring significant processing capability in a microcontroller form factor.
MPLAB Harmony and Development Tools
Microchip integrates SAM development into the MPLAB X IDE and MPLAB Harmony software framework, providing consistent development experience across PIC and SAM families. Harmony includes peripheral libraries, middleware components (USB, TCP/IP, graphics, file systems), and third-party RTOS integration. The graphical MPLAB Harmony Configurator generates initialization code and manages complex peripheral interactions.
Atmel START provides an alternative web-based configuration tool generating bare-metal or ASF4 framework code. Both approaches produce project files compatible with MPLAB X, ARM GCC, or IAR compilers.
Cypress PSoC Prototyping Kits
Infineon (formerly Cypress Semiconductor) PSoC devices combine ARM Cortex-M processors with programmable analog and digital blocks, creating uniquely flexible platforms for applications requiring custom peripheral configurations. PSoC development kits enable exploration of this programmable architecture.
PSoC 6 Development Kits
PSoC 6 features a dual-core architecture pairing Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M0+ processors with programmable analog blocks including operational amplifiers, comparators, ADCs, and DACs that can be configured and interconnected through software. The CY8CPROTO-062-4343W prototyping kit combines PSoC 6 with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, demonstrating the platform's IoT capabilities.
The programmable analog architecture enables implementation of custom sensor interfaces, signal conditioning circuits, and measurement functions without external components. This reduces BOM cost and board complexity while providing flexibility to modify analog functionality through firmware updates.
PSoC Creator and ModusToolbox
PSoC Creator provides graphical design entry for programmable analog and digital blocks, generating the configuration bitstreams and API code automatically. This visual approach makes the programmable architecture accessible without requiring deep understanding of the underlying hardware implementation. ModusToolbox represents Infineon's modern development platform, offering broader ecosystem integration while maintaining PSoC configuration capabilities.
CapSense Development
PSoC platforms excel in capacitive touch sensing applications, with dedicated CapSense development kits demonstrating button, slider, and proximity sensing implementations. The integrated CapSense blocks provide industry-leading touch sensitivity and water rejection, making PSoC the platform of choice for many touch interface applications.
ARM mbed Development Ecosystem
ARM mbed represents a cross-vendor development platform that provides consistent APIs and development experience across ARM Cortex-M devices from multiple silicon vendors. Rather than producing hardware, mbed provides software infrastructure that board manufacturers adopt.
Mbed OS
Mbed OS is an open-source operating system designed for IoT applications on ARM Cortex-M devices. It provides consistent APIs for common operations (GPIO, timers, communication interfaces) regardless of underlying hardware, connectivity stacks for Ethernet, WiFi, cellular, and mesh networking, security features including TLS, secure boot, and hardware security module integration, and over-the-air update capabilities for deployed devices.
The abstraction layer enables code portability across mbed-enabled boards from different manufacturers. A project developed on an STM32 Nucleo board can often be recompiled for an NXP LPCXpresso or Nordic nRF52 board with minimal modification, facilitating hardware evaluation and second-sourcing strategies.
Mbed-Enabled Boards
Many development boards from major vendors carry mbed-enabled designation, indicating verified compatibility with the mbed ecosystem. STM32 Nucleo boards, NXP LPCXpresso boards, Nordic nRF52 development kits, and various third-party boards support mbed OS development. The mbed hardware database catalogs supported boards with their capabilities and compatibility status.
Development Options
Mbed development can use the cloud-based Mbed Studio or Keil Studio Cloud IDEs, requiring only a web browser and USB connection to the target board. Alternatively, Mbed CLI provides command-line tooling for local development with preferred editors and toolchains. Both approaches access the same mbed OS libraries, online compiler capabilities, and code repository integration.
The mbed ecosystem particularly benefits developers creating IoT applications where connectivity, security, and device management are primary concerns. The platform's focus on these areas provides mature, tested implementations that would require significant effort to develop independently.
Selecting an ARM Development Platform
Choosing among the numerous ARM development board options requires consideration of project requirements, development experience, and strategic factors affecting the full product development cycle.
Technical Requirements
Begin by identifying the microcontroller capabilities required for your application. Consider processing performance needs including clock speed and instruction set features, memory requirements for code and data, peripheral requirements such as communication interfaces, ADCs, timers, and PWM channels, connectivity requirements including wireless protocols and wired interfaces, power constraints and low-power mode requirements, and security requirements including secure boot, cryptographic acceleration, and TrustZone.
Match these requirements against vendor offerings to identify suitable microcontroller families, then select development boards that provide access to the needed capabilities along with appropriate debugging and evaluation features.
Ecosystem Considerations
Beyond raw technical specifications, evaluate the development ecosystem quality. Consider IDE and toolchain maturity and platform support, availability and quality of driver libraries and middleware, documentation completeness and accuracy, community size and activity for peer support, availability of reference designs and application notes, and long-term support commitments and product longevity.
Strong ecosystems accelerate development through better tools, more available resources, and easier problem resolution. The value of ecosystem quality often exceeds the importance of minor technical specification differences.
Production Path
For commercial product development, consider how the development platform connects to production implementation. Evaluate availability of the target microcontroller in required packages and quantities, consistency between development board and production hardware configuration, availability of production-oriented tools such as programming and test fixtures, and vendor support for production transitions including design reviews and technical guidance.
Development boards from silicon vendors generally provide the clearest production path, as the same microcontroller used for prototyping can be incorporated directly into production hardware with identical firmware.
Cost Considerations
While development board costs are typically minor relative to total development investment, microcontroller costs in production can significantly impact product economics. Evaluate not just the development board price but the production microcontroller pricing at target volumes. Some vendors offer significant volume discounts while others maintain flatter pricing curves.
Getting Started with ARM Development
New developers entering ARM microcontroller development should consider starting with platforms that minimize initial complexity while building transferable skills.
Recommended Starting Points
STM32 Nucleo boards offer an excellent entry point due to their low cost, excellent documentation, active community, and comprehensive example code. The STM32F401 or STM32L476 Nucleo boards provide capable platforms at minimal investment, with extensive tutorials available from both ST and the community.
For wireless applications, Nordic nRF52 development kits provide well-documented Bluetooth Low Energy development with modern SDK support. The nRF Connect SDK's Zephyr foundation teaches patterns applicable across the embedded industry.
Developers already familiar with Arduino concepts may find mbed OS approachable, as it provides similar abstraction while introducing professional development practices and more sophisticated connectivity options.
Learning Path
Effective ARM development learning progresses through stages. Start with basic I/O operations using vendor HAL libraries to understand board operation and development tool usage. Progress to understanding interrupt handling, timers, and communication peripherals. Explore low-power modes and power optimization techniques. Investigate real-time operating systems and their application to complex projects. Finally, address production concerns including debugging release builds, bootloader implementation, and manufacturing programming.
Most vendors provide learning resources, application notes, and example projects supporting this progression. Supplementing vendor materials with community tutorials and courses builds comprehensive understanding.
Advanced Development Topics
As proficiency develops, advanced topics become relevant for professional embedded development.
Debugging Techniques
ARM development boards typically include or connect to debug probes supporting JTAG or SWD interfaces. Learn to leverage these capabilities beyond simple breakpoint debugging. Explore real-time trace features (ETM/ITM) for non-intrusive code execution analysis. Use data watchpoints to catch memory corruption. Implement fault handlers that provide diagnostic information for field failures. Understand how to debug release builds with optimization enabled.
Security Implementation
Modern ARM microcontrollers include security features that require deliberate implementation. Understand secure boot implementation protecting against unauthorized firmware. Utilize cryptographic accelerators for efficient encryption. Implement TrustZone-M isolation for security-sensitive code. Manage secure firmware updates protecting both transport and installation. These capabilities differentiate production-quality implementations from prototypes.
Real-Time Operating Systems
Many ARM applications benefit from RTOS usage, providing task scheduling, synchronization primitives, and software architecture patterns. FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and ThreadX represent commonly used options with strong ARM support. Development board examples typically include RTOS demonstrations, providing starting points for RTOS-based development.
Conclusion
ARM-based development boards provide professional-grade platforms for embedded system development, offering sophisticated capabilities while maintaining accessible entry points. The diversity of vendors and platforms ensures solutions exist for virtually any application requirement, from ultra-low-power sensing through high-performance computing.
Success with these platforms comes from understanding not just the hardware capabilities but the complete development ecosystem each vendor provides. Investing time to learn vendor tools, understand available resources, and engage with community support yields returns throughout the development process. The skills developed transfer across vendors and platforms, as the ARM architecture and modern embedded development practices provide common foundations.
Whether prototyping a new product concept, evaluating microcontroller options for a design, or learning professional embedded development techniques, ARM-based development boards provide the tools and resources to succeed. The key is matching platform selection to project requirements and leveraging available resources effectively throughout the development journey.