How to Use STM32F103C8T6: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The STM32F103C8T6 is a 32-bit microcontroller manufactured by STMicroelectronics. It is based on the ARM Cortex-M3 core and is designed for high-performance, low-power embedded applications. With 64KB of flash memory, 20KB of SRAM, and a wide range of peripherals, this microcontroller is a versatile choice for a variety of projects.

• Industrial control systems
• Consumer electronics
• IoT devices and smart home applications
• Robotics and motor control
• Data acquisition systems
• Prototyping and development with platforms like Arduino or custom PCBs

The STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller offers the following key technical features:

The STM32F103C8T6 comes in a 48-pin LQFP package. Below is a table summarizing the key pins and their functions:

For a complete pinout, refer to the STM32F103C8T6 datasheet.

1. Power Supply: Connect the VDD pin to a 3.3V power source and the VSS pin to ground. Ensure proper decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF) are placed close to the power pins.
2. Clock Configuration: Use an external 8 MHz crystal oscillator connected to the OSC_IN and OSC_OUT pins for accurate timing. Alternatively, the internal RC oscillator can be used.
3. Programming: The STM32F103C8T6 can be programmed using the SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface or USART1. Tools like ST-Link or USB-to-serial adapters are commonly used.
4. GPIO Configuration: Configure GPIO pins as input, output, or alternate function using the STM32 HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) or direct register manipulation.
5. Peripherals: Enable and configure peripherals (e.g., UART, SPI, I2C) using the STM32CubeMX tool or STM32 HAL libraries.

• Voltage Levels: Ensure all input signals are within the 3.3V logic level range to avoid damage.
• Decoupling: Place decoupling capacitors near the power pins to reduce noise and improve stability.
• Boot Modes: Use the BOOT0 and BOOT1 pins to select the boot mode (e.g., boot from flash, system memory, or SRAM).
• Debugging: Use the SWD interface for debugging and firmware uploading. Ensure the SWDIO and SWCLK pins are accessible.

The STM32F103C8T6 can be programmed using the Arduino IDE with the STM32duino core. Below is an example of blinking an LED connected to pin PC13:

// Include the Arduino core for STM32
#include <Arduino.h>

// Define the LED pin
#define LED_PIN PC13

void setup() {
  // Set the LED pin as output
  pinMode(LED_PIN, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Turn the LED on
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, HIGH);
  delay(500); // Wait for 500 ms

  // Turn the LED off
  digitalWrite(LED_PIN, LOW);
  delay(500); // Wait for 500 ms
}

To upload the code:

1. Install the STM32duino core in the Arduino IDE.
2. Select "Generic STM32F103C8T6" as the board.
3. Use an ST-Link or USB-to-serial adapter for programming.

1. Microcontroller Not Responding:

   • Cause: Incorrect power supply or missing decoupling capacitors.
   • Solution: Verify the power supply voltage and ensure proper decoupling.

2. Cannot Upload Code:

   • Cause: Incorrect boot mode or programming interface not connected.
   • Solution: Set BOOT0 to 1 (system memory boot) for USART programming or ensure SWD pins are connected for ST-Link.

3. Peripherals Not Working:

   • Cause: Incorrect clock configuration or peripheral initialization.
   • Solution: Use STM32CubeMX to generate proper initialization code.

1. Can I use the STM32F103C8T6 with 5V logic?

   • No, the STM32F103C8T6 operates at 3.3V logic levels. Use level shifters if interfacing with 5V devices.

2. What is the maximum clock speed?

   • The maximum clock speed is 72 MHz.

3. How do I reset the microcontroller?

   • Use the NRST pin or software reset commands.

4. Can I use the internal oscillator?

   • Yes, the internal RC oscillator can be used, but an external crystal is recommended for better accuracy.

By following this documentation, users can effectively integrate the STM32F103C8T6 into their projects and troubleshoot common issues. For more details, refer to the official datasheet and reference manual from STMicroelectronics.