Generate IDE Projects from Simulink Models for STM32

Generate STM32CubeIDE or Keil uVision projects directly from Simulink models by using STM32 Microcontroller Blockset. This workflow enables you to move from Model-Based design to an external integrated development environment (IDE), where you can build, debug, and extend the generated C code. Use IDE project generation to inspect code structure, integrate additional handwritten C code, or continue development in STM32CubeIDE or Keil uVision while maintaining Simulink as the source for algorithm design and code generation.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, complete these requirements:

Open Example Model

Open the example stm32_gettingstarted.slx model used for this workflow.

Enable IDE Project Generation

Enable IDE project generation so that Simulink produces IDE-compatible project files during the build. To enable this option:

  1. In the Simulink model, open Model Settings (Ctrl+E).

  2. In the Configuration Parameters dialog box, select Target hardware resources Generation > Build options.

  3. Select Generate IDE project.

    Target hardware resource

This setting instructs Simulink to generate IDE project files in addition to building the executable.

Select Toolchain and Target IDE

The generated IDE project format depends on the selected toolchain. To select or change the toolchain:

  1. In Model Settings, select Code Generation.

  2. From the Toolchain list, choose one of the following options:

Selected ToolchainGenerated IDE Project
GNU Tools for STM32STM32CubeIDE project
Armclang CompilerKeil uVision project

Toolchain selection

Simulink generates the appropriate IDE project based on this selection.

Build Model and Generate IDE Project

Generate code, build the executable, and create the IDE project.

To build the model, in the Simulink toolstrip, click Build Model.

During the build process, Simulink:

  • Generates C code from the model

  • Builds and loads the executable on the STM32 hardware

  • Creates an IDE project in the build folder

To view detailed build output, click View Diagnostics to open the Diagnostic Viewer.

Open Generated IDE Project

IDE Available on System Path

If STM32CubeIDE or Keil uVision is available on the system path, click the project hyperlink in the Diagnostic Viewer. The IDE opens automatically with the generated project.STM32CubeIDE project link

IDE Not Available on System Path

If the IDE is not found, add it to the system path and rebuild the model.

On Windows:

setenv("PATH", getenv("PATH") + ";<Path to STM32CubeIDE/Keil uVision>")

On Linux:

setenv("PATH", getenv("PATH") + ":<Path to STM32CubeIDE/Keil uVision>")

Project path not added to the path

After updating the path, rebuild the model and open the project again.

Work with Generated IDE Project

After the project opens in STM32CubeIDE or Keil uVision:

  • Generated source files appear in the project structure

  • The project builds successfully

  • You can inspect, debug, and extend the generated code

CubeIDE project

Keil uVision

Use this workflow to continue development in an IDE while maintaining Simulink as the source for algorithm design and code generation.

Choose IDE-Based Development Workflow

Export Simulink Code to an IDE

Use IDE project generation when you want to:

  • Continue application development in C or C++

  • Integrate handwritten C code with generated code

  • Inspect or modify generated source files

  • Use IDE-based build, analysis, or refactoring tools

Debug Simulink-Generated Code Without Modification

Use Debug Simulink Generated Code using STM32CubeIDE when you want to:

  • Debug runtime behavior without changing generated code

  • Inspect hardware registers or memory buffers

  • Monitor low-level execution behavior

See Also

Topics