STM32F103C8T632-bit Arm Cortex-M3 microcontroller

A 72 MHz controller with a compact, versatile peripheral set.

Manufacturer-referenced

STMicroelectronics · STM32F103C8T6

LQFP-48DS5319 · Rev 20 · July 2025

STM32F103C8T6 is a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 microcontroller in a 48-lead LQFP package. The C8 device has 64 KB of specified Flash and 20 KB of SRAM, with timers, DMA, serial interfaces and two twelve-bit ADCs. Its maximum system frequency is 72 MHz with a correctly configured clock tree. The part operates from 2.0 to 3.6 V, with additional analog supply conditions when using the ADC. Every digital supply pair, the analog rail and the backup input need deliberate connections. Some digital pins tolerate 5 V under specified conditions, but this does not apply to every pin or to analog inputs. The reference circuit uses 3.3 V and the reset-default 8 MHz internal oscillator, so its simple LED demonstration needs no external crystal. SWD remains accessible, BOOT0 is held low and firmware starts from Flash. Higher-speed, USB and precision-timing applications need their own reviewed clock configuration.

Real View

STM32F103C8T6 black LQFP-48 package with silver leads and pin-one mark.

Pinout

STM32F103C8T6LQFP-48Top view

PCB Footprint

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3D View

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Digital, analog and backup suppliesDigital GPIO and alternate functionsOscillator connectionsReset and boot selectionADC-capable GPIOSWD / JTAG access

STM32F103C8T6LQFP-48Top view

Click a lead or use the arrow keys. Top view

PIN 1 · Digital, analog and backup supplies

VBAT

Supply

Function

Supply connection for the named power domain.

How to connect

Connect to 3.3 V when no separate backup battery is fitted.

Electrical note

Connect every supply domain; do not leave VDDA or VBAT floating.

At a glance

32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 microcontroller

The Cortex-M3 core and DMA share memory and peripheral buses; GPIO selects which functions reach the pins.

72 MHzMaximum system clock

64 KBSpecified Flash

20 KBSRAM

−40–85 °CT6 temperature grade

Operating profile

STM32F103C8T6

Exact package: LQFP-48STM32F103C8T6
Digital supply: 2.0–3.6 V3.3 V example
ADC input channels: 10 externalAvailable on this 48-pin device

Exact device and memory

Key parameters and their test conditions

Core: Arm Cortex-M3Conditions / notes: 32-bit; no hardware floating-point unit
Maximum SYSCLK: 72 MHzConditions / notes: Requires valid clock and Flash settings
Flash: 64 KBConditions / notes: C8 guarantee; do not rely on undocumented extra memory
SRAM: 20 KBConditions / notes: Application data and stack
Package: 48-lead LQFP, 7 × 7 mmConditions / notes: 0.5 mm lead pitch
Temperature suffix 6: −40 to +85°CConditions / notes: Selected C8T6

Package details

Follows the selected physical package

Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics
Part number: STM32F103C8T6
Package: LQFP-48
Connections: 48 pins
Mounting: SMD
Lead pitch: 0.5 mm
Package code: LQFP-48
Thermal reference: See manufacturer operating limits

Connections by function

Select a pin to open its function, electrical notes and wiring guidance.

Digital, analog and backup supplies9 pins

Digital GPIO and alternate functions17 pins

Oscillator connections4 pins

Reset and boot selection3 pins

ADC-capable GPIO10 pins

SWD / JTAG access5 pins

STM32F103C8T6 interactive datasheet with all 48 LQFP pins, SWD, boot modes, 3.3 V supply, clock tree, 64 KB Flash, ADC and an original KiCad footprint. — Open the image for a closer look. The individual diagrams are also available in their own tabs.

Power every domain

Connect VDD, VDDA, VBAT and all returns with local bypass.

Preserve debug access

Use SWDIO, SWCLK, reset, ground and a 3.3 V reference.

Choose clocks and modes

Configure buses, Flash latency and GPIO deliberately before increasing speed.

At HCLK = 8 MHz, SysTick clocked from HCLK with LOAD = 7999 gives a nominal 1 ms tick. Count 500 ticks for each LED toggle.

STM32F103C8T6CortexM3FlashSRAMDMAtimersADCinterfacesandGPIOfunctionalcutaway. — Original teaching illustration; matching named nodes join.

STM32F103C8T6LQFP48withallsupplydomainsbootselectionSWDandPA0LED. — Original teaching illustration; matching named nodes join.

Pin reference

Select a pin to explore its function and connection.

48 pins

Signal	Type	Function
VBAT	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
PC13 / TAMPER	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PC14 / OSC32_IN	Multiplexed pin	GPIO multiplexed with the selected crystal oscillator function.
PC15 / OSC32_OUT	Multiplexed pin	GPIO multiplexed with the selected crystal oscillator function.
PD0 / OSC_IN	Multiplexed pin	GPIO multiplexed with the selected crystal oscillator function.
PD1 / OSC_OUT	Multiplexed pin	GPIO multiplexed with the selected crystal oscillator function.
NRST	Multiplexed pin	Active-low device reset.
VSSA	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
VDDA	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
PA0 / WKUP	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA1	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA2 / USART2_TX	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA3 / USART2_RX	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA4 / SPI1_NSS	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA5 / SPI1_SCK	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA6 / SPI1_MISO	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA7 / SPI1_MOSI	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB0	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB1	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB2 / BOOT1	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB10 / I2C2_SCL	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB11 / I2C2_SDA	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
VSS1	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
VDD1	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
PB12 / SPI2_NSS	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB13 / SPI2_SCK	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB14 / SPI2_MISO	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB15 / SPI2_MOSI	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA8 / MCO	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA9 / USART1_TX	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA10 / USART1_RX	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA11 / USB_DM	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA12 / USB_DP	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PA13 / SWDIO	Debug / GPIO	Debug port function at reset; some pins can be released to GPIO with software configuration.
VSS2	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
VDD2	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
PA14 / SWCLK	Debug / GPIO	Debug port function at reset; some pins can be released to GPIO with software configuration.
PA15 / JTDI	Debug / GPIO	Debug port function at reset; some pins can be released to GPIO with software configuration.
PB3 / JTDO	Debug / GPIO	Debug port function at reset; some pins can be released to GPIO with software configuration.
PB4 / NJTRST	Debug / GPIO	Debug port function at reset; some pins can be released to GPIO with software configuration.
PB5	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB6 / I2C1_SCL	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB7 / I2C1_SDA	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
BOOT0	Multiplexed pin	Boot-mode selection sampled at reset.
PB8	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
PB9	Multiplexed pin	Multiplexed GPIO and the named default alternate function; remapping and peripheral configuration may change its use.
VSS3	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.
VDD3	Supply	Supply connection for the named power domain.

Exact device and memory

Do not substitute larger family members

Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters

Parameter	Value	Conditions / notes
Core	Arm Cortex-M3	32-bit; no hardware floating-point unit
Maximum SYSCLK	72 MHz	Requires valid clock and Flash settings
Flash	64 KB	C8 guarantee; do not rely on undocumented extra memory
SRAM	20 KB	Application data and stack
Package	48-lead LQFP, 7 × 7 mm	0.5 mm lead pitch
Temperature suffix 6	−40 to +85°C	Selected C8T6
GPIO	Up to 37 I/O	Some consumed by clocks, debug or peripherals

The device name describes memory, pin count, package and temperature grade.

Power-domain connections

3.3 V reference circuit

Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters

Parameter	Value	Conditions / notes
VDD1 / VDD2 / VDD3	Pins 24 / 36 / 48	3.3 V; 100 nF near each pair plus local bulk
VSS1 / VSS2 / VSS3	Pins 23 / 35 / 47	Common ground
VDDA / VSSA	Pins 9 / 8	Analog rail and return; 1 µF + 10 nF bypass
VBAT	Pin 1	Tie to VDD when no separate backup supply is used
Digital VDD	2.0–3.6 V	Recommended range
ADC VDDA	2.4–3.6 V	Specified ADC operating range
Input tolerance	Pin and mode dependent	Do not feed 5 V into an analog input

All supply contacts are required even for a minimal program.

Clock tree and bus limits

Firmware controls the operating speed

Manufacturer specifications 8 parameters

Parameter	Value	Conditions / notes
Reset system clock	Internal HSI, nominal 8 MHz	Used by this example
External HSE crystal	4–16 MHz	Select load capacitors for the crystal
HSI PLL input	HSI divided by 2	PLL multiplier limits still apply
SYSCLK / AHB	Up to 72 MHz	Match Flash latency and supply conditions
APB1	Up to 36 MHz	Use a divider at 72 MHz SYSCLK
APB2	Up to 72 MHz	Independent peripheral enables
ADC clock	Up to 14 MHz	Select ADC prescaler and sampling time
USB clock	48 MHz with specified accuracy	Reset HSI-only example is not a USB design

A 72 MHz target constant does not configure the hardware clock tree.

Boot and programming

Keep a recoverable SWD path

Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters

Parameter	Value	Conditions / notes
Normal Flash boot	BOOT0 low	10 kΩ pull-down on pin 44
System memory	BOOT0 high, BOOT1 low	Built-in serial bootloader; check ST bootloader documentation
SRAM boot	BOOT0 high, BOOT1 high	Special development use
BOOT1	PB2 pin 20	Defined low in the reference
SWDIO / SWCLK	PA13 pin 34 / PA14 pin 37	3.3 V-compatible programmer
NRST	Pin 7	Expose reset to programmer; optional button
JTAG pins	PA15 / PB3 / PB4 also reserved initially	Disable JTAG while retaining SWD if these GPIO are needed

Do not enable readout protection or remove debug access casually.

Common interface assignments

Default mappings; selected remaps exist

Manufacturer specifications 8 parameters

Parameter	Value	Conditions / notes
USART1 TX / RX	PA9-30 / PA10-31	Logic levels, not RS-232 voltage
USART2 TX / RX	PA2-12 / PA3-13	Shared with ADC inputs
I²C1 SCL / SDA	PB6-42 / PB7-43	External pull-ups to a compatible rail
I²C2 SCL / SDA	PB10-21 / PB11-22	Open-drain bus configuration
SPI1 NSS / SCK / MISO / MOSI	PA4-14 / PA5-15 / PA6-16 / PA7-17	Shared analog-capable pins
SPI2 NSS / SCK / MISO / MOSI	PB12-25 / PB13-26 / PB14-27 / PB15-28	Configure chip select deliberately
USB DM / DP	PA11-32 / PA12-33	External interface and accurate clock required
CAN	Shared resources with USB	External CAN transceiver required

The peripheral block does not supply external bus transceivers or pull-ups.

ADC and restricted GPIO

48-pin device details

Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters

Parameter	Value	Conditions / notes
External ADC channels	PA0–PA7 and PB0–PB1	Ten externally available inputs
ADC resolution	12-bit	Sampling time and source impedance affect accuracy
Reference	VDDA / VSSA on this package	No separate external VREF pins
Calibration	Run after power-up	Follow ADC initialization sequence
PC13–PC15	Restricted output drive	Do not source LED current from these pins
LED example	PA0 pin 10	General push-pull output in this circuit
Analog input span	VSSA through VDDA	No 5 V tolerance in analog mode

The internal temperature sensor measures die temperature, not a guaranteed ambient temperature.

HSI LED starting circuit

No external oscillator required

Manufacturer specifications 7 parameters

Parameter	Value	Conditions / notes
Supply	3.3 V to all required rails	Local decoupling and a bulk capacitor
BOOT0 / BOOT1	Defined low	Boot from programmed Flash
Output	PA0-10 → 1 kΩ → red LED → GND	Ideal current about 1.3 mA for a 2 V LED
GPIO setup	Enable GPIOA clock; set PA0 output	Choose low output speed and known initial state
SysTick clock	HCLK = 8 MHz	Select core clock as SysTick source
SysTick reload	7999	(7999 + 1) / 8 MHz = 1 ms
Blink	Toggle every 500 ticks	Nominal full cycle 1 second

Actual RC oscillator tolerance affects timing; the illustration is not firmware execution.

Embedded controllers

Timers, interrupts and serial links.

Manufacturer application guide

Data acquisition

ADC with DMA and deliberate sampling.

Manufacturer application guide

Communication endpoints

Add the required external interface hardware.

Manufacturer application guide

Take it into ProTech

Find STM32F103C8T6 in the Components Library to place its schematic symbol and connect its pins.

Reference page · circuit simulation model not yet availableOpen ProTech