The STM32F103C8T6 is a popular microcontroller in the STM32 family from STMicroelectronics. Known for its versatility and performance, it is widely used in various applications, from hobbyist projects to professional embedded systems. In this blog, we will explore the key features of the STM32F103C8T6, its datasheet, pinout, schematic, and compare it with other similar models like the STM32F103C6T6. Additionally, we will discuss common use cases and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the STM32F103C8T6.
The STM32F103xx medium-density performance line family incorporates the high-performance Arm® Cortex®-M3 32-bit RISC core operating at a 72 MHz frequency, high-speed embedded memories (Flash memory up to 128 Kbytes and SRAM up to 20 Kbytes), and an extensive range of enhanced I/Os and peripherals connected to two APB buses. All devices offer two 12-bit ADCs, three general purpose 16-bit timers plus one PWM timer, as well as standard and advanced communication interfaces: up to two I2Cs and SPIs, three USARTs, an USB and a CAN.
The devices operate from a 2.0 to 3.6 V power supply. They are available in both the –40 to +85°C temperature range and the –40 to +105 °C extended temperature range. A comprehensive set of power-saving mode allows the design of low-power applications.
The STM32F103xx medium-density performance line family includes devices in six different package types: from 36 pins to 100 pins. Depending on the device chosen, different sets of peripherals are included, the description below gives an overview of the complete range of peripherals proposed in this family.
These features make the STM32F103xx medium-density performance line microcontroller family suitable for a wide range of applications such as motor drives, application control, medical and handheld equipment, PC and gaming peripherals, GPS platforms, industrial applications, PLCs, inverters, printers, scanners, alarm systems, video intercoms, and HVACs.
All features about STM32F103C8
Mainstream Performance line, Arm Cortex-M3 MCU with 64 Kbytes of Flash memory, 72 MHz CPU, motor control, USB and CAN
1. Arm® 32-bit Cortex®-M3 CPU core
• 72 MHz maximum frequency, 1.25 DMIPS/MHz (Dhrystone 2.1) performance at 0 wait state memory access
• Single-cycle multiplication and hardware division
2. Memories
• 64 or 128 Kbytes of Flash memory
• 20 Kbytes of SRAM
3. Clock, reset and supply management
• 2.0 to 3.6 V application supply and I/Os
• POR, PDR, and programmable voltage detector (PVD)
• 4 to 16 MHz crystal oscillator
• Internal 8 MHz factory-trimmed RC
• Internal 40 kHz RC
• PLL for CPU clock
• 32 kHz oscillator for RTC with calibration
4. Low-power
• Sleep, Stop and Standby modes
• VBAT supply for RTC and backup registers
5. 2x 12-bit, 1 µs A/D converters (up to 16 channels)
• Conversion range: 0 to 3.6 V
• Dual-sample and hold capability
• Temperature sensor
6. DMA
• 7-channel DMA controller
• Peripherals supported: timers, ADC, SPIs, I2Cs and USARTs
7. Up to 80 fast I/O ports
• 26/37/51/80 I/Os, all mappable on 16 external interrupt vectors and almost all 5 V-tolerant
8. Debug mode:
• Serial wire debug (SWD) and JTAG interfaces
10. Seven timers
• Three 16-bit timers, each with up to 4 IC/OC/PWM or pulse counter and quadrature (incremental) encoder input
• 16-bit, motor control PWM timer with dead-time generation and emergency stop
• Two watchdog timers (independent and window)
• SysTick timer 24-bit downcounter
11. Up to nine communication interfaces
• Up to two I2C interfaces (SMBus/PMBus®)
• Up to three USARTs (ISO 7816 interface, LIN, IrDA capability, modem control)
• Up to two SPIs (18 Mbit/s)
• CAN interface (2.0B Active)
• USB 2.0 full-speed interface
12. CRC calculation unit, 96-bit unique ID
13. Packages are ECOPACK®
Introduction to STM32F103C8T6
The STM32F103C8T6 is a 32-bit microcontroller based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core. It is part of the STM32 family of microcontrollers, which are known for their high performance, low power consumption, and extensive peripheral options. This particular model is widely used in applications requiring efficient and reliable embedded systems.
The STM32F103C8T6 offers significant features such as:
• 72 MHz maximum clock speed
• 64 KB flash memory
• 20 KB SRAM
• Rich set of peripherals, including SPI, UART, I2C, and ADC
• Low power consumption
These characteristics make the STM32F103C8T6 a great choice for various applications like automation, robotics, and IoT (Internet of Things) projects.
STM32F103C8T6 Datasheet Overview
The STM32F103C8T6 datasheet is an essential document for understanding the full capabilities of the microcontroller. It provides detailed information about the features, specifications, pinout, electrical characteristics, and much more.
Key Features in the Datasheet:
• Core: ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit processor
• Flash Memory: 64 KB
• SRAM: 20 KB
• Operating Voltage: 2.0V to 3.6V
• Clock Speed: Up to 72 MHz
• Peripheral Set: UART, SPI, I2C, ADC, Timers, GPIO, etc.
• Package: LQFP-48 package
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
To get detailed information on the full specifications, always refer to the STM32F103C8T6 datasheet directly from the manufacturer's website.
STM32F103C8T6 Pinout and Pin Description
Understanding the STM32F103C8T6 pinout is crucial for designing circuits with this microcontroller. The 48-pin LQFP package offers a wide variety of I/O options, including:
• Power Pins: VDD, VSS, and VBAT
• Analog Pins: ADC1, ADC2, etc.
• Digital I/O Pins: GPIO pins
• Communication Pins: USART, SPI, I2C
• Timers: Pins for PWM, input capture, and output compare
Here’s a simplified version of the STM32F103C8T6 pinout diagram:
| Pin Number | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VSS | Ground Pin |
| 2 | VDD | Power Pin |
| 3 | PA0 | GPIO, ADC Input |
| 4 | PA1 | GPIO, ADC Input |
| 5 | PA2 | GPIO, USART1 TX |
| 6 | PA3 | GPIO, USART1 RX |
| ... | ... | ... |
You can find the complete STM32F103C8T6 pinout in the datasheet or product manual.
STM32F103C8T6 Schematic
A STM32F103C8T6 schematic is often used in the design phase of embedded systems to correctly wire the microcontroller to the necessary peripherals. The schematic diagram shows the connections between the microcontroller's pins and external components such as sensors, motors, LEDs, and communication modules.
A basic schematic would include:
• Power supply connections (VDD, VSS)
• Connections for serial communication (USART, SPI)
• Analog pins for sensors (ADC)
• GPIO pins for digital control
You can find a reference STM32F103C8T6 schematic online or in development kits provided by STMicroelectronics.
Key Specifications of STM32F103C8T6
Here’s a detailed look at the STM32F103C8T6 specs:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Core | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB |
| SRAM | 20 KB |
| Clock Speed | Up to 72 MHz |
| GPIO Pins | 37 |
| Timers | 3 general-purpose timers, 1 advanced timer |
| Analog Pins | 10 channels of 12-bit ADC |
| Communication | 2x USART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C |
| Package Type | LQFP-48 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 3.6V |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to 85°C |
These specs make the STM32F103C8T6 suitable for various embedded applications.
STM32F103C8T6 vs STM32F103C6T6
While the STM32F103C8T6 and STM32F103C6T6 are both part of the STM32F1 series, they have some key differences:
| Feature | STM32F103C8T6 | STM32F103C6T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Memory | 64 KB | 32 KB |
| SRAM | 20 KB | 12 KB |
| GPIO Pins | 37 | 37 |
| Clock Speed | 72 MHz | 72 MHz |
| Price | Slightly more expensive | Less expensive |
The STM32F103C8T6 offers more memory, making it better suited for more complex applications that require larger storage for code and data. The STM32F103C6T6 is a more cost-effective option for simpler projects.
STM32F103C8T6 Development Board
A STM32F103C8T6 development board is an essential tool for those looking to start working with this microcontroller. It provides easy access to the microcontroller’s I/O pins and allows for easy prototyping and development. Some popular development boards for the STM32F103C8T6 include:
• Blue Pill: A low-cost, open-source development board that includes the STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller.
• STM32F103C8T6 Nucleo Board: A more feature-rich development platform with additional accessories and peripherals for advanced development.
These boards typically come with features like:
• Built-in USB for programming and debugging
• Access to I/O pins
• Onboard voltage regulator
• USB connectivity for easy interfacing
Applications of STM32F103C8T6
The STM32F103C8T6 is used in a wide variety of applications, such as:
• Consumer Electronics: Embedded controllers for home appliances, smart devices, and more.
• Automotive Systems: ECUs (Electronic Control Units) in automotive applications.
• Industrial Automation: For controlling sensors, motors, and automation systems.
• IoT Devices: Connecting sensors and actuators to the internet.
• Robotics: Control systems for robotic arms and other machinery.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I program the STM32F103C8T6?
A1: The STM32F103C8T6 can be programmed using various tools, such as STM32CubeIDE, which provides an integrated development environment. You will need a programmer, like the ST-Link V2, to load your code onto the microcontroller.
Q2: What are the major differences between the STM32F103C8T6 and STM32F103C6T6?
A2: The key differences are in the amount of flash memory and SRAM. The STM32F103C8T6 has 64 KB of flash memory and 20 KB of SRAM, while the STM32F103C6T6 has 32 KB of flash memory and 12 KB of SRAM.
Q3: Can the STM32F103C8T6 be used for real-time applications?
A3: Yes, the STM32F103C8T6 is suitable for real-time applications due to its ARM Cortex-M3 core, which supports deterministic behavior and low-latency interrupts.
Conclusion
The STM32F103C8T6 is a powerful and versatile microcontroller suitable for a wide range of embedded applications. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this microcontroller provides an excellent balance of performance, memory, and peripherals. By understanding its datasheet, pinout, schematic, and comparing it to other models like the STM32F103C6T6, you can make informed decisions on your next project.
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you gain a better understanding of the STM32F103C8T6. For more detailed information, always refer to the official datasheets and reference materials from STMicroelectronics.
Written by Icey Ye from AIChipLink.
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