1. Introduction Keil µVision is an integrated development environment (IDE) used for embedded development. It combines project management, source code editing, and debugging into a single tool. It is widely used because it includes the ARM Compiler (one of the most optimized compilers for ARM chips). What you need:
The Software: Keil MDK-ARM (Microcontroller Development Kit). You can download it from the Keil website (Arm). The "Lite" edition is free but has a code size limit (usually 32KB), which is plenty for learning. Pack Installer: Required to download support files for your specific chip.
2. Installation & Setup
Download: Go to the Keil website, download MDK5xx.exe , and install it. Keep the default path (usually C:\Keil_v5 ). Pack Installer: When the installation finishes, the Pack Installer window will usually pop up automatically. If not, open µVision and go to the toolbar: Project > Manage > Pack Installer . Add Device Support: keil uvision ide
In the Pack Installer, look for your chip manufacturer (e.g., STMicroelectronics, NXP). Click the row, then on the right side, click Install for "Device Specific" or "CMSIS CORE". This step is crucial; without it, you cannot select your chip in the project wizard.
3. Creating Your First Project Let's create a "Blinky" project (flashing an LED). Step A: Start a New Project
Open µVision. Go to Project > New µVision Project . Create a new folder (e.g., MyFirstProject ) and name your project (e.g., Blinky ). Tip: Always use a separate folder for every project. It is widely used because it includes the
Step B: Select the Device
A window titled "Select Device for Target" will appear. Navigate through the list to find your microcontroller.
Example: STMicroelectronics > STM32F1 Series > STM32F103 > STM32F103C8. The "Lite" edition is free but has a
Click OK .
Step C: Manage Run-Time Environment