NuExpander
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COMING SOON - NuExpander-NSF1

Integrated I/O platform for STM32 Nucleo-64.

Focus on concepts, not connectors.

NuExpander-NSF1 turns an STM32 Nucleo-64 development board into a classroom-ready, all-in-one microcontroller I/O lab — replacing a stack of shields and breakouts. Designed for lab or distance learning: consistency, fewer failure points, and less support overhead.

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3D render of the NuExpander board with headers and labeled connector areas
Interactive render with clickable callouts to NuExpander features.

Features at a glance

Who benefits

For faculty

Reduce lab setup time and errors, align to outcomes and clearly show cause-and-effect.

For students

Touch hardware, read registers, build intuition—from blink to touch.

For programs

Low-cost platform with reusable labs and documentation; scales from intro to advanced.

Features - All‑in‑one I/O lab (less clutter, more clarity)

Analog output

→ Buffered internal DAC, external DAC (SPI) or PWM. Banana sockets with standard spacing

Analog input

→ Buffered analog signal to an ADC channel. Banana sockets with standard spacing

External SPI ADC

→ Read various voltages on the board. NuEdge analog signals, servo power

I²C/SPI breakouts

→ Pin headers for observation

STM32 Nucleo-64 development board

→ See the FAQ for supported boards

CAN I/O

→ CAN transceiver with terminal block connection and jumpered 120 Ω line termination

NuEdge expansion sites

→ UART transceivers, motor drivers, etc.

Qwiic connector

→ I²C expansion using Qwiic

I²C I/O expander

→ Additional 8 GPIO with a dedicated pushbutton and LED

GPIO header

→ Assortment of 3.3V and 5V digital I/O with 3.3V and 5V power

Servo motor connectors

→ Six standard 3 pin servo motor connectors (PWM, power and GND) - PWM is true 5V logic

External servo power

→ Screw terminal supporting up to 3 amps of servo motor power with reverse polarity protection

Touch pads

→ Two pads connected to the Touch Sensitive Controller

Keypad

→ 3x4 scanning keypad

LEDs

→ Four general purpose LEDs

Pushbuttons

→ Four general purpose pushbuttons

Speaker

→ Piezo speaker connected to a buffered timer output

Thermal touch pad

→ Offset and scaled thermistor connected to an ADC channel. Touch to change the temperature.

OLED graphics display site

→ OLED display with SPI interface, 0.96" or 1.56" size

VIN connector

→ VIN to the microcontroller board with reverse polarity protection

Milestones

✅ Schematic & PCB
Complete
✅ Prototype board assembly
Complete
🧪 Prototype test
September-October 2025
👥 Educator beta
Target October 2025
🚀 Production run
Target Nov–Dec 2025
NuExpander NSF1 prototype under test
Prototype under test — mid-September 2025.
Early bring-up is underway. More details soon.

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Quick FAQ

Which STM32 Nucleo-64 boards are supported?
These are the boards we're targeting first. Each item links to the official ST page.
STM32 and Nucleo are trademarks of STMicroelectronics.
Do I have to use STM32Cube HAL?
No. You can choose the HAL or simple bare metal software.
What is the Qwiic interface?
Qwiic is SparkFun’s plug-and-play ecosystem for I²C: a 4-pin JST-SH connector carrying 3.3 V power plus SDA/SCL, designed to reduce wiring errors and make daisy-chaining sensors and peripherals fast. Qwiic uses 3.3 V logic. If you need 5V devices, use appropriate level shifting or a Qwiic booster accessory. “Qwiic” is a trademark of SparkFun Electronics.
What labs are included? Can I write my own labs?
The current plan is to provide a lab for all I/O on the NuExpander and supported NuEdge boards. All information needed to develop labs will be provided.
What lab equipment is required?
Many labs only use the NuExpander. Some require common equipment such as a DMM, oscilloscope and bench power supply.
How robust is the NuExpander?
The NuExpander is designed for student use. Current limiting and over voltage protection on all signal I/O. Reverse polarity protection on power supply inputs.
Can the NuExpander be expanded?
Yes. A general purpose header has off board GPIO. NuEdge expansion sites allow GPIO and I²C controlled daughercards. In addition, there is a QWIIC I²C connector.
What are NuEdge boards?
NuEdge are expansion boards which allow customization for the many types of UART based I/O (RS-232, RS-485) and motor drivers such as H bridge and stepper motors drivers. The NuEdge interface to the NuExpander has four GPIO, I²C and an analog signal to the microcontroller. NuEdge boards are planned for serial RS232 and RS485, H Bridge motor drive and unipolar stepper motor drive. NuEdge is open hardware and your custom boards are possible.
Are the NuExpander and NuEdge boards open hardware?
The NuExpander is not open at this time. Circuit details will be provided for software development and educational purposes. NuEdge expansion boards are open hardware.
How does NuExpander support distance learning?
All core I/O is on one board with clear labels, so students build labs with less wiring and deciphering add-ons. Instructors can diagnose issues from a photo or live video. Fewer wiring errors → less frustration, less time lost.
Pricing?
Final pricing is to be determined. We're aiming for classroom‑friendly per seat costs with educator bundles. Tariffs are also a consideration.

Affiliation & Trademarks

NuExpander is an independent project and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by STMicroelectronics N.V.

  • STMicroelectronics: “STM32”, “Nucleo”, and other ST product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of STMicroelectronics.
  • SparkFun: “Qwiic” is a trademark of SparkFun Electronics.
  • All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.