External Interrupts and Events (EXTI)

In this chapter, we will learn about interrupts and their critical role in embedded systems development. Interrupts are pivotal for creating responsive and efficient firmware, allowing microcontrollers to handle real-time events effectively. By understanding interrupts, you can develop systems that can react promptly to external stimuli, making your embedded applications more robust and versatile.

We will begin by exploring the fundamental role of interrupts in firmware, contrasting them with exceptions to highlight their unique purposes and handling mechanisms. Following this, we will dive into the specifics of the Interrupt Service Routine (ISR), the Interrupt Vector Table (IVT), and the Nested Vectored Interrupt Controller (NVIC), which collectively form the backbone of interrupt handling in Arm Cortex-M microcontrollers.

Next, we will focus on the STM32 External Interrupt (EXTI) controller, an essential peripheral for managing external...