STMicroelectronics STM32F031C4T6

Overview

STM32F031C4T6 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M0 microcontroller with 16 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM (with hardware parity), and operating voltage range of 2.0–3.6 V. It integrates a 12-bit 1.0 µs ADC (10-channel), up to 9 timers including advanced-control TIM1 with deadtime generation, and communication interfaces: I²C (Fast Mode Plus), USART (LIN/IrDA/ISO7816), and SPI (18 Mbit/s). It targets cost-sensitive industrial control and sensor node applications requiring low-power operation and robust peripheral integration.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F031C4T6 datasheet, STM32F031C4T6 pinout, STM32F031C4T6 application, or STM32F031C4T6 equivalent, key selection criteria include Flash/SRAM size, 5 V-tolerant I/O count (up to 26), RTC with alarm/wakeup, SWD debug support, and extended temperature range (–40 to +105°C) for harsh environments.

Technical Context

The device implements an ARM Cortex-M0 core running at up to 48 MHz, supported by a flexible clock tree with multiple sources: 4–32 MHz HSE crystal, 32 kHz LSE for RTC, 8 MHz HSI with x6 PLL, and 40 kHz LSI. Power management includes POR/PDR, programmable voltage detector (PVD), and three low-power modes (Sleep, Stop, Standby) with VBAT backup for RTC and registers.

Peripheral architecture features a 5-channel DMA controller, nested vectored interrupt controller (NVIC), and extended interrupt/event controller (EXTI). The 12-bit ADC supports conversion ranges from 0 to 3.6 V with separate analog supply (VDDA = 2.4–3.6 V), while all timers-especially TIM1 and TIM3-support complementary PWM outputs with configurable deadtime and emergency stop for motor control.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP32 package (7 × 7 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant and ECOPACK®2 certified. Pinout validated per STMicroelectronics DocID025743 Rev 6, Section 4 (Pinouts and pin description), Figure 4.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with STM32F031C4T6, the STM32F030F4P6 sacrifices timer capability and RTC precision for lower cost and smaller footprint, while the STM32F042F4P6 adds USB and ADC enhancements at modest cost premium - making STM32F031C4T6 optimal for balanced feature set in industrial edge nodes.

Availability

STM32F031C4T6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, home appliance UIs, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32F031C4T6 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power devices, sensors, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32F0 series targets cost-sensitive, resource-constrained embedded applications requiring ARM Cortex-M0 performance, low power, and rich peripheral integration - optimized for rapid development and high-volume manufacturability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and how is it achieved?

The STM32F031C4T6 achieves a maximum CPU frequency of 48 MHz using its internal 8 MHz HSI oscillator with a 6× PLL multiplier. Alternatively, an external 4–32 MHz crystal (HSE) can be used directly or with PLL scaling. All timing specifications in the datasheet - including ADC conversion time and SPI throughput - are guaranteed at this 48 MHz rate under specified voltage and temperature conditions.

Does this MCU support hardware CRC and why does it matter?

Yes, it includes a dedicated CRC calculation unit supporting CRC-32 (IEEE 802.3) with programmable polynomial and data width. This enables real-time firmware image verification during boot or OTA updates, and frame-level error detection in I²C/SPI communications - eliminating software CRC overhead and improving system security and reliability without CPU intervention.

How many I/O pins are 5 V tolerant and which ones?

Up to 26 I/O pins are 5 V tolerant, specifically PA0–PA15, PB0–PB1, and PB10–PB15 as defined in Table 11 (Pin definitions) of the datasheet. These pins tolerate 5.5 V regardless of VDD level (2.0–3.6 V), enabling direct connection to 5 V sensors, displays, or legacy logic without external level-shifting circuitry - verified per electrical characteristics section 6.3.14.

Can the RTC retain time during power loss, and what's required?

Yes, the RTC retains calendar time and alarm settings during main power loss when a VBAT supply (1.8–3.6 V) is connected to the VBAT pin and backed by a coin cell or supercapacitor. The RTC continues running in Standby mode with typical current draw of 0.8 µA, and supports periodic wakeup events - confirmed in Section 3.12 and electrical characteristics Table 26.