STM32F103C8T6 ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller core board, 72MHz development system board with 64KB flash memory and 20KB SRAM, 5.3cm x 2.2cm compact PCB with Mini USB interface for power and communication, SWD debug mode ready

£12.68

STM32F103C8T6 ARM Cortex-M3 Minimum System Development Board for Compact Prototyping

This development board provides a ready-to-use hardware platform centred on the STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller from STMicroelectronics. It delivers a complete minimum system, incorporating essential components like power regulation, clock generation, and programming interfaces onto a compact 5.3cm by 2.2cm PCB. It is designed for engineers, students, and hobbyists seeking a practical foundation for projects utilising the popular ARM Cortex-M3 architecture, eliminating the need for initial custom PCB design for basic functionality.

Core Technical Specifications

The board's functionality is defined by the specifications of its central microcontroller and supporting circuitry.

Microcontroller and Performance

At the heart of the board is the STM32F103C8T6, featuring a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 core CPU. This processor operates at a frequency of 72MHz, providing substantial computational power for embedded applications. The chip is equipped with 64 kilobytes (KB) of integrated flash memory for storing application code and 20KB of SRAM for data handling during operation, offering a balanced resource set for many development tasks.

Power and Electrical Characteristics

The system is designed to operate from a supply voltage ranging from 2.0 volts to 3.6 volts, which applies to both the core and its general-purpose I/O pins. It includes Power-On Reset (POR) and Power-Down Reset (PDR) circuitry, ensuring reliable startup and recovery. An on-board 4-16MHz crystal oscillator provides the precise clock source required for the microcontroller's stable 72MHz operation and accurate timing functions.

Physical Design and Connectivity

The board's layout prioritises accessibility and integration in a small footprint.

Compact Form Factor and Layout

Integrated USB Interface A key feature is the on-board Mini USB connector. This single port serves a dual purpose: it can be connected to a standard USB port on a computer or a 5V USB power adapter to supply power to the entire board, removing the need for a separate power supply. Simultaneously, it facilitates USB communication, allowing the developed application to interact directly with a host computer for data transfer or device control functions.

Development and Practical Application

This board is tailored to streamline the process of working with STM32 microcontrollers.

Programming and Debugging Setup

The board supports the SWD (Serial Wire Debug) interface, which is the standard two-wire debugging and programming protocol for ARM Cortex-M cores. To upload code, developers will need an external SWD-compatible programmer/debugger, such as an ST-Link device. This setup provides powerful debugging capabilities like breakpoints and single-stepping through code directly within common IDEs like STM32CubeIDE or Keil MDK.

Typical Use Cases and Projects

This core board acts as a foundational element for a wide array of embedded projects. Its combination of processing power, memory, and connectivity makes it suitable for developing data loggers, motor controllers, user interface panels, IoT device prototypes, and educational demonstrations. The accessible I/O pins allow direct interfacing with buttons, LEDs, serial displays, analog sensors, and communication modules like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi shields.

Getting Started and Next Steps

Users begin by installing the necessary STM32 development tools and drivers on their computer. After connecting an SWD programmer and the Mini USB cable for power, they can compile and download their first application. From there, the extensive GPIO pins enable rapid prototyping by wiring additional components on a breadboard. The board's design makes it a practical choice for moving from concept to functional prototype without initial PCB fabrication.