STM32F103C8T6
Brand: ST
The STM32F103C8T6 is one of the world's most widely deployed ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers, part of STMicroelectronics' mainstream STM32F1 performance line. Running at 72 MHz with 64KB Flash, 20KB SRAM, dual 12-bit ADCs, CAN 2.0B, USB 2.0 Full-Speed, and up to 37 GPIOs in a compact LQFP-48 package, it powers everything from industrial motor controllers and IoT gateways to the famous "Blue Pill" development board. Extensive ecosystem support — STM32CubeIDE, HAL/LL libraries, Arduino core, and real-time OS compatibility — makes it the go-to MCU for rapid embedded development and volume production.
Product Specifications
STM32F103C8T6 - STM32 ARM Cortex-M3 Microcontroller, 72MHz, 64KB Flash
STMicroelectronics - Mainstream Performance Line, 20KB SRAM, CAN, USB, 2x12-bit ADC, LQFP-48
MFR Part #: STM32F103C8T6Superb SKU: SUP-STM32F103C8T6
In Stock - Ready to Ship
The STM32F103C8T6 is one of the world's most widely deployed ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers, part of STMicroelectronics' mainstream STM32F1 performance line. Running at 72 MHz with 64KB Flash, 20KB SRAM, dual 12-bit ADCs, CAN 2.0B, USB 2.0 Full-Speed, and up to 37 GPIOs in a compact LQFP-48 package, it powers everything from industrial motor controllers and IoT gateways to the famous "Blue Pill" development board. Extensive ecosystem support — STM32CubeIDE, HAL/LL libraries, Arduino core, and real-time OS compatibility — makes it the go-to MCU for rapid embedded development and volume production.
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Key Performance Highlights
Core
ARM Cortex-M3 72MHz
Memory
64KB Flash + 20KB SRAM
ADC
2x 12-bit, 10 Channels
Connectivity
CAN + USB + USART + SPI + I2C
I/O Count
37 GPIOs
Package
LQFP-48 (7 x 7 mm)
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | STMicroelectronics |
| Part Number | STM32F103C8T6 |
| Product Family | STM32F103 - Mainstream Performance Line |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit RISC (ARMv7-M architecture) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 72 MHz (1.25 DMIPS/MHz, 90 DMIPS) |
| Flash Memory | 64 KB (64K x 8) |
| SRAM | 20 KB |
| Data Bus Width | 32-bit |
| ADC | 2x 12-bit SAR ADC (up to 10 channels, 1 Msps) |
| DMA | 7-channel DMA controller |
| Timers | 3x 16-bit GP + 1x 16-bit advanced (PWM, dead-time) |
| Watchdog Timers | 2x (Independent + Window Watchdog) |
| RTC | Yes (with calendar, alarm, tamper detection) |
| USART | 3x (ISO 7816, LIN, IrDA, modem control) |
| SPI | 2x (up to 18 Mbps) |
| I2C | 2x (SMBus/PMBus compatible) |
| CAN | 1x CAN 2.0B Active |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) Device |
| GPIO | Up to 37 I/O pins (5V-tolerant) |
| Debug Interface | Serial Wire Debug (SWD) + JTAG |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 3.6V (typical 3.3V) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | LQFP-48 (7 mm x 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) |
| RoHS | RoHS Compliant |
Product Details
Peripheral & Ecosystem Overview
The STM32F103C8T6 packs a rich set of peripherals into the compact LQFP-48 package. The dual 12-bit ADCs sample up to 1 Msps across 10 channels, supporting simultaneous dual-channel conversion for motor current sensing. The advanced-control timer with complementary PWM and dead-time insertion targets 3-phase motor control and digital power conversion.
Connectivity: CAN 2.0B for automotive/industrial bus, USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device for PC communication, 3x USART, 2x SPI, and 2x I2C cover virtually all embedded communication needs. The 7-channel DMA offloads data transfers from the CPU.
Development Ecosystem: STM32CubeIDE (free, Eclipse-based), STM32CubeMX graphical configurator, HAL and LL libraries, FreeRTOS integration, Arduino core (STM32duino), PlatformIO support, and extensive community resources. Programming via low-cost ST-Link/V2 debug probe using SWD interface.
Key Applications
Industrial Motor Control - BLDC/PMSM FOC, 3-phase inverter, encoder feedback
IoT & Sensor Nodes - Environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, asset tracking
Consumer Electronics - Home appliances, power tools, gaming peripherals
Automotive Accessories - CAN bus gateway, OBD-II interfaces, dashboard displays
Medical Devices - Portable monitors, infusion pumps, diagnostic equipment
Education & Hobby - Blue Pill dev board, Arduino-compatible projects, STEM kits
USB Peripherals - Data loggers, HID devices, virtual COM ports, custom USB gadgets
STM32F103 Density Variants (LQFP-48)
| Part Number | Flash | SRAM | Package | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STM32F103C8T6 | 64 KB | 20 KB | LQFP-48 | General embedded, Blue Pill |
| STM32F103CBT6 | 128 KB | 20 KB | LQFP-48 | Larger firmware/complex apps |
| STM32F103RBT6 | 128 KB | 20 KB | LQFP-64 | More I/Os, pin-expanded |
| STM32F103VCT6 | 256 KB | 48 KB | LQFP-100 | High-end, FSMC external memory |
Why Source STM32F103C8T6 from Superb Automation?
Embedded BOM Kitting - STM32 + crystal + passives + connectors + power ICs - one PO
PCB Design + Assembly - Full turnkey: schematic to assembled boards with firmware pre-flash service
SWD Programming Jig - We can design and build production programming/test fixtures
Pin-Compatible Upgrades - Design once, upgrade Flash from C8T6 (64KB) to CBT6 (128KB) with zero PCB change
25 Years Trusted - Electronic components + PCBA partner since 2000
Genuine Parts - Direct from authorized ST channels, full lot traceability, counterfeit-free guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STM32F103C8T6 used for?
The STM32F103C8T6 is a 72MHz ARM Cortex-M3 MCU used in industrial motor control, IoT, consumer electronics, medical devices, and the famous "Blue Pill" dev board. With 64KB Flash, CAN, USB, dual ADC, and rich timer/PWM resources, it covers a vast range of embedded applications.
What is the Blue Pill?
The "Blue Pill" is a popular low-cost STM32F103C8T6 development board with all I/O broken out, 8MHz + 32.768kHz crystals, and micro-USB for power/programming via USB-to-serial bootloader. It's widely used by makers, students, and for rapid prototyping.
What programming tools support STM32F103C8T6?
STMicroelectronics provides STM32CubeIDE (free, with HAL/LL libraries and CubeMX configurator). Also supported: Keil MDK, IAR EWARM, PlatformIO, Arduino IDE (STM32duino core), and GCC/Eclipse toolchains. Debug via SWD with ST-Link/V2 or J-Link.
Can I upgrade from STM32F103C8T6 to CBT6?
Yes. The STM32F103CBT6 offers 128KB Flash in the same LQFP-48 package with identical pinout. PCB redesign is not required — just swap the part. CB prefix = 128KB, C8 prefix = 64KB. All other peripherals and pin functions are identical.
Are STM32F103C8T6 pins 5V tolerant?
Yes, most I/O pins on the STM32F103C8T6 are 5V-tolerant in input mode. This allows direct connection to 5V logic without level shifters. However, analog-capable pins (ADC inputs) are NOT 5V-tolerant when configured as analog inputs. Always check the specific pin definition in the datasheet.
