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LQFP-48 · STM32F103C8T6
Active32-bit ARM MCU
STM32F103C8T6
STMicroelectronics · LQFP-48 · 32-bit ARM MCU
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Overview
The STM32F103C8T6 is the "Blue Pill" MCU that launched a thousand hobby projects, but it is far more than a maker toy: it is a mainstream medium-density ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller running at up to 72 MHz with 64 KB Flash and 20 KB SRAM, built on ST's 90 nm process with a mature HAL/LL ecosystem, STM32CubeMX configurator, and pin-compatible upgrade paths to the F103CB (128 KB) and F303 series.
The peripheral set is generous for a $1-2 part: two 12-bit ADCs with 16 total channels (up to 1 MSPS in scan mode), three 16-bit general-purpose timers plus one advanced-control timer with complementary PWM outputs for motor drive, two I2C, two SPI, three USART, a full-speed USB 2.0 device with crystal-free operation possible in some firmware, and one bxCAN 2.0B for automotive and industrial networking. DMA controllers on the ADCs, timers and communication peripherals free the CPU for signal processing.
Operating voltage is 2.0 V to 3.6 V, which lets it run directly from a Li-ion cell or from a 3.3 V LDO. Temperature grades span -40 to +85 °C. Package is LQFP-48, 7×7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch — hand-solderable with a fine-tip iron and reflow-friendly.
Sourcing note: STM has periodically allocated the F103C8T6 during shortages, and counterfeit "C8T6" chips relabeled from lower-spec dies are common on broker markets. Our authorized ST channel guarantees genuine dies with 64 KB Flash (verified via the DBGMCU_IDCODE and Flash size register at 0x1FFFF7E0). MOQ 1 tray (250 pcs) or 90 pcs on tape-and-reel for the LQFP-48.
Key Features
- ARM Cortex-M3 @ 72 MHz with 1.25 DMIPS/MHz
- 64 KB Flash + 20 KB SRAM — enough for RTOS, USB stack, small DSP
- 12-bit ADCs at 1 MSPS, DMA-capable
- Full-speed USB device + bxCAN + 3 USART + 2 SPI + 2 I2C
- LQFP-48 pinout is drop-in compatible with STM32F103CBT6 (128 KB Flash)
Typical Applications
- IoT gateways and edge controllers with USB/UART bridging
- Brushed and BLDC motor controllers using the advanced timer
- Industrial sensor hubs on Modbus RTU / CANopen
- Consumer appliances (coffee machines, power tools, e-bikes)
- 3D-printer main boards and CNC controllers (Grbl / Marlin)
Specifications
- Core
- ARM Cortex-M3
- Max Clock
- 72 MHz
- Flash
- 64 KB
- SRAM
- 20 KB
- Supply Voltage
- 2.0 to 3.6 V
- ADC
- 2x 12-bit
- Operating Temperature
- -40 to 85 °C
- Pins
- 48
- RoHS
- Compliant
Procurement Tips
For any new design, consider the STM32F103CBT6 (128 KB Flash) at nearly identical cost — the extra 64 KB of Flash prevents the "we ran out of code space" redesign 12 months into production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between STM32F103C8T6 and CBT6?
Same die family, same LQFP-48 pinout, same 20 KB SRAM, same peripherals. The only difference is Flash size: C8T6 has 64 KB, CBT6 has 128 KB. CBT6 is a drop-in upgrade — flash your firmware onto CBT6 without changing hardware or layout.
Is STM32F103C8T6 counterfeit-prone?
Yes, this is one of the most counterfeited MCUs on the market. Common frauds include: relabeled CKS32F103 (Chinese clone) with same markings, chips with 32 KB Flash remarked as 64 KB, and pulled/used chips from e-waste. Verify by reading the Flash size register at address 0x1FFFF7E0 — genuine C8T6 reads 0x0040 (64 KB). We test every reel.
Can I program it without an ST-Link?
Yes. The built-in ROM bootloader accepts UART, I2C, SPI, CAN and USB DFU programming. Wire BOOT0 high, reset, and flash over UART with stm32flash or over USB with dfu-util (the internal USB requires an external crystal for DFU mode).
Does it run FreeRTOS?
Yes, FreeRTOS, Zephyr, RT-Thread and ChibiOS all support the Cortex-M3 target out of the box. With 20 KB SRAM you have room for ~10 tasks plus stacks, and the SysTick timer plus 4 general-purpose timers give you plenty of scheduling headroom.
What is the maximum operating frequency at 3.3 V?
72 MHz at 2.7-3.6 V, per ST datasheet. Below 2.7 V the maximum frequency drops to 24 MHz. Always check the voltage-frequency scaling table when running from a battery that will sag under load.
What's the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ 1 tray (250 pcs) or 90 pcs on cut tape for prototypes. ST authorized channel lead time is 8-14 weeks during allocation; Shenzhen stock typically ships same-day for quantities under 5,000 pcs.
Is the STM32F103 series EOL?
ST has declared the F1 series "Active" with no announced end-of-life, but they are pushing designers toward F3/G0/L4 for new sockets. Existing F103 designs remain fully supported for at least 10 more years under ST's longevity commitment.
Alternatives & Equivalents
STM32F103CBT6
STMicroelectronics
upgrade alternative
STM32F103RCT6
STMicroelectronics
upgrade alternative
RP2040
Raspberry Pi
alternative
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