| name | application-notes |
| description | This skill should be used when the user asks to "read application note", "check AN document", "application note guidance", "AN reference design", "ST app note", "AN2606", "AN4013", "AN4031", or needs to extract implementation guidance, configuration examples, and reference designs from ST application notes (AN documents) stored in the docs/application-notes/ folder. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
Application Note Extraction
Read and extract practical implementation guidance from ST application notes (AN documents).
What Application Notes Contain
Application notes are practical guides from ST that bridge the gap between the reference manual (theoretical register descriptions) and real-world implementation. They provide:
- Step-by-step implementation procedures
- Reference designs and schematics
- Code examples and configuration snippets
- Performance measurements and benchmarks
- Troubleshooting tips and common pitfalls
- PCB layout recommendations
Where to Find Application Notes
Glob pattern: docs/application-notes/*.pdf
Application notes are shorter than reference manuals (typically 20-80 pages), making them easier to read in fewer passes.
Extraction Process
- Glob
docs/application-notes/*.pdf to list available AN documents
- Identify which AN is relevant to the current task (use the catalog below)
- Read the AN table of contents (page 1-2) to find relevant sections
- Read the relevant sections (can often read larger page ranges than RM)
- Extract implementation steps, configuration values, and code examples
- Cross-reference extracted values with the reference manual register descriptions
Commonly Referenced Application Notes
Core/System
- AN2606 - STM32 microcontroller system memory boot mode (bootloader reference for ALL STM32)
- AN3155 - USART protocol used in the STM32 bootloader
- AN3156 - USB DFU protocol used in the STM32 bootloader
- AN4657 - STM32 in-application programming (IAP) using the USART
Peripherals
- AN4013 - STM32 cross-series timer overview (comprehensive timer guide)
- AN4031 - Using the STM32 DMA controller
- AN4776 - General-purpose timer cookbook
- AN4838 - Managing memory protection unit in STM32
- AN4655 - Virtually extending the number of serial communication peripherals
Analog
- AN4826 - STM32 ADC accuracy and performance
- AN2834 - How to get the best ADC accuracy in STM32
- AN3116 - STM32 ADC modes and their applications
Communication
- AN4221 - I2C protocol description and usage on STM32
- AN4286 - SPI protocol description and usage on STM32
- AN5765 - UART/USART usage on STM32
Power and Clock
- AN4488 - Getting started with STM32 power consumption optimization
- AN4491 - Getting started with STM32L4/L4+ power optimization
RTOS
- AN5365 - FreeRTOS with STM32
Hardware Design
- AN2867 - Oscillator design guide for STM32
- AN4661 - Getting started with STM32 hardware development
- AN1709 - EMC design guide for STM32
Security
- AN4701 - Proprietary code read-out protection on STM32
- AN5054 - Secure boot and secure firmware update
- AN5156 - Introduction to STM32 security
How to Use AN Information
When Configuring a Peripheral
- First check if a relevant AN exists (use catalog above)
- Read the AN for practical guidance and recommended configurations
- Then read the RM for exact register values
- The AN provides the "why" and best practices, the RM provides the "what"
When Troubleshooting
- ANs often have "troubleshooting" sections
- Check ADC accuracy ANs (AN4826, AN2834) for analog issues
- Check timer AN (AN4013) for timing issues
- Check oscillator AN (AN2867) for clock stability issues
Cross-Referencing with RM
AN documents reference RM register names but may not give exact bit positions. Always verify register values in the RM. ANs may cover multiple STM32 families with slightly different register layouts.
Output Format
## Application Note: AN[number] - [Title]
**Relevance**: [Why this AN is relevant to the current task]
**Key Findings**:
1. [Finding 1 with page reference]
2. [Finding 2 with page reference]
3. [Configuration values or code examples]
**Recommended Configuration**:
[Extracted configuration steps or register values]
**Cross-Reference with RM**:
[Which RM sections to verify these values against]
Additional Resources
references/an-catalog-guide.md - Extended catalog with descriptions, keywords for matching ANs to tasks
