STM32F407VG Input Capture Unit
A deep dive into its features, configuration, and testing.
Introduction to Input
Capture
The Input Capture Unit (ICU) within the STM32F407VG microcontroller is a crucial component for precise time measurement of external
events. It's designed to capture the exact time at which a specific event, such as a rising or falling edge of an input signal, occurs on a
designated pin. This capability is fundamental in various embedded applications, including pulse width measurement, frequency
measurement, and period measurement, enabling the microcontroller to interact synchronously with external hardware.
Understanding and effectively utilizing the ICU is key for engineers working on real-time systems where timing accuracy is paramount. This
presentation will guide you through the intricacies of the STM32F407VG's Input Capture Unit, from its underlying timer mechanisms to
practical configuration and testing.
Types of Timers in
STM32F407VG
The STM32F407VG microcontroller is equipped with a versatile array of timers, each serving distinct purposes. The Input Capture Unit relies
heavily on these underlying timer resources.
Advanced Control Timers (TIM1, General Purpose Timers (TIM2-5, Basic Timers (TIM6, TIM7)
TIM8) 9-14) Primarily used for time-base generation
Highly flexible, suitable for complex Versatile timers used for basic timing, and do not support input capture
waveforms and motor control, and PWM generation, and also support directly.
support input capture. input capture.
For input capture, General Purpose and Advanced Control Timers are typically used due to their advanced features and channel capabilities.
Board Configuration for Input Capture
To successfully configure and test the Input Capture Unit on the STM32F407VG, specific aspects of the board's hardware must be understood and set up correctly. This includes clocking, GPIO configuration,
and understanding the timer's prescaler and period settings.
Clock Configuration
The timer peripheral dedicated to input capture must be clocked appropriately. This typically
involves enabling the clock for the chosen timer and its associated GPIO port in the RCC (Reset and
Clock Control) register. Consult the STM32F407VG datasheet for specific clock enable bits.
GPIO Pin Setup
The pin used for input capture must be configured in alternate function mode, connected to the
desired timer channel. Additionally, ensure the pin has appropriate pull-up/pull-down resistors as
needed for signal integrity.
Features of the Input Capture Unit
The Input Capture Unit (ICU) on the STM32F407VG offers a rich set of features that allow for flexible and precise event timing.
Edge Detection Prescaler Interrupt Generation
Configurable to capture on rising Allows dividing the input signal Generates an interrupt upon each
edge, falling edge, or both edges of frequency for more flexible capture capture event, enabling real-time
the input signal. scenarios, preventing overflow of processing without constant polling.
the counter.
DMA Support Input Filter
Direct Memory Access (DMA) can be Provides a digital filter to debounce
configured to transfer captured noisy input signals, preventing false
values directly to memory, reducing captures.
CPU overhead for high-frequency
events.
These features collectively make the ICU a powerful tool for a wide range of timing-critical applications.
Key Registers for Input Capture Configuration
Configuring the Input Capture Unit primarily involves manipulating several key registers associated with the chosen timer. These registers control
the timer's operation mode, input channel settings, and interrupt mechanisms. Understanding their functionality is critical for precise control. Refer
to the STM32F407VG reference manual for comprehensive details on each register.
Register Abbreviation Purpose
Control Register 1 TIMx_CR1 Enables the counter, sets direction, and defines alignment mode.
Capture/Compare Mode TIMx_CCMR1 Configures the capture channel (e.g., input capture mode, input prescaler,
Register 1 input filter).
Capture/Compare TIMx_CCER Enables the input capture channel and sets the active edge (rising, falling, or
Enable Register both).
Status Register TIMx_SR Indicates pending capture interrupts and other event flags.
Event Generation TIMx_EGR Used to generate software events, such as updating the registers or clearing
Register flags.
Capture/Compare TIMx_CCR1 (or 2,3,4) Stores the captured counter value when an event occurs on the
Register corresponding channel.
API for Input Capture Configuration
STMicroelectronics provides a Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) and Low-Level (LL) API for configuring peripherals, simplifying the
development process. Here are typical API functions required for Input Capture configuration:
HAL_TIM_IC_Init(): Initializes the TIM peripheral in Input Capture mode.
HAL_TIM_IC_ConfigChannel(): Configures a specific timer channel for input capture, specifying parameters like polarity and prescaler.
HAL_TIM_IC_Start_IT(): Starts the Input Capture process in interrupt mode, enabling capture interrupts.
HAL_TIM_IC_Start_DMA(): Starts the Input Capture process with DMA, useful for high-speed data acquisition.
HAL_TIM_ReadCapturedValue(): Reads the captured value from the specified timer channel.
HAL_TIM_IC_Stop_IT() / HAL_TIM_IC_Stop_DMA(): Stops the input capture process.
HAL_TIM_IC_CaptureCallback(): User-defined callback function executed when a capture event occurs, allowing custom processing of the
captured value.
These functions encapsulate the direct register manipulations, making the configuration more abstract and manageable. Always refer to the
STM32 HAL driver documentation for detailed usage and available parameters.
Detailed Test Plan for Input Capture
A robust test plan is essential to verify the correct functionality of the Input Capture Unit. This plan outlines a series of steps to ensure accuracy and
reliability.
Hardware Setup: Connect a known signal source (e.g., a function generator) to the designated input capture pin (e.g., PA0 connected to TIM2_CH1).
Basic Frequency Measurement: Apply a square wave of known frequency (e.g., 1 kHz) and measure the period using the ICU. Compare the
calculated period with the expected value. Verify accuracy within acceptable tolerance.
Pulse Width Measurement: Apply a square wave with a varying duty cycle. Measure both the high time and low time of the pulse using different
capture polarities. Ensure the sum of high and low times equals the total period.
Edge Detection Verification: Test capture on rising edge, falling edge, and both edges independently. Confirm that interrupts are triggered and
values captured only on the specified edges.
Prescaler Impact Assessment: Test the ICU with various prescaler settings. Observe how the captured values change, ensuring the resolution
aligns with calculations.
Interrupt Latency Test: Measure the time delay between an input event and the execution of the capture callback function. This helps assess
system responsiveness.
DMA Performance Test: For high-frequency signals, enable DMA. Monitor CPU utilization and compare it with the interrupt-driven approach to
confirm performance benefits.
Noise Immunity Test: Introduce electrical noise into the input signal (if possible) and observe if the input filter effectively debounces the signal,
preventing spurious captures.
