STMicroelectronics STM32F038C6T6TR

Overview

STM32F038C6T6TR from STMicroelectronics is an ARM® Cortex®-M0 32-bit microcontroller operating up to 48 MHz, featuring 32 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM with hardware parity, and integrated peripherals including a 12-bit ADC (1.0 µs conversion), nine timers (including advanced-control TIM1 with deadtime and emergency stop), and communication interfaces (I²C Fast Mode Plus, USART with IrDA/LIN/ISO7816, SPI/I²S). It targets cost-sensitive industrial control and sensor interface applications requiring extended temperature operation (–40 to +105°C) and low-voltage digital supply (1.8 V ±8%).

For engineers reviewing the STM32F038C6T6TR datasheet, STM32F038C6T6TR pinout, STM32F038C6T6TR application, or STM32F038C6T6TR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.8 V core supply tolerance, 25 I/Os with 5 V tolerance, integrated RTC with alarm/wakeup, SWD debug support, and UFQFPN32 (5 × 5 mm) package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The STM32F038C6T6TR implements a single-cycle ARM Cortex-M0 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, supported by an on-chip 8 MHz RC oscillator (±1% typical after calibration) and optional x6 PLL for 48 MHz system clock. Its clock tree integrates dual oscillators - a 4–32 MHz HSE for precision timing and a 32.768 kHz LSE for RTC - enabling robust timekeeping and low-power Stop mode wakeup.

Peripherals are organized around a multi-layer AHB/APB bus matrix: the 12-bit ADC supports up to 10 channels with 0–3.6 V input range and separate VDDA supply (2.4–3.6 V); five-channel DMA handles memory-to-peripheral transfers without CPU intervention; and the advanced-control timer (TIM1) delivers six PWM outputs with programmable deadtime insertion and hardware-triggered emergency shutdown - critical for motor gate-drive safety compliance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32F038C6T6TR is housed in a 32-pin Ultra-Fine Pitch Quad Flat No-lead (UFQFPN32) package measuring 5 × 5 × 0.55 mm, with 0.5 mm pitch and exposed thermal pad. This RoHS-compliant ECOPACK®2 package supports reflow soldering and provides optimal thermal performance for continuous 48 MHz operation in compact industrial modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F038C6T6TR, STM32F070CBT6 trades 5 V tolerance and advanced PWM capability for USB integration, while STM32G030F6P6 replaces those analog/motor features with cryptographic acceleration and broader voltage operation - making the F038 uniquely balanced for cost-sensitive, mixed-signal industrial edge nodes.

Availability

STM32F038C6T6TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart HVAC actuators, energy meter front-ends, and programmable logic controller I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32F038C6T6TR 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 management ICs, MEMS sensors, and automotive-grade components since 1987.

The STM32F0 series targets cost-optimized, low-power industrial and consumer applications requiring ARM Cortex-M0 performance with rich analog integration and robust peripheral sets - specifically engineered for seamless migration from 8-bit architectures.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and corresponding supply voltage specification?

The STM32F038C6T6TR achieves a maximum system clock of 48 MHz using its internal 8 MHz RC oscillator with x6 PLL multiplication. This requires VDD = 1.8 V ±8%, verified across the full –40 to +105°C temperature range per datasheet Section 6.3.1. Operation above 48 MHz is not supported; exceeding the voltage tolerance risks permanent latch-up or reduced Flash endurance.

Does this MCU support hardware-based PWM deadtime generation, and which timer provides it?

Yes - the advanced-control timer TIM1 provides hardware deadtime generation with 1–1024 ns resolution, configurable via the BDTR register. It supports complementary PWM outputs on six channels, emergency stop via BKIN pin, and automatic fault recovery - essential for driving half-bridge or three-phase inverter stages without software intervention.

How many I/O pins are 5 V tolerant, and what is the absolute maximum rating for those pins?

Up to 25 I/O pins (PA0–PA15, PB0–PB11 excluding PB12–PB15) are 5 V tolerant when VDD = 1.8 V. Per datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings (Section 6.2), these pins withstand up to 5.5 V DC input voltage regardless of VDD state - enabling safe interfacing with 5 V logic families without external level-shifting components.

Is the internal 8 MHz RC oscillator calibrated, and what is its accuracy over temperature and voltage?

The internal 8 MHz RC oscillator (HSI) is factory-calibrated to ±1% typical accuracy at 25°C and 1.8 V, with drift up to ±4.5% over –40 to +105°C and ±8% VDD variation (Section 6.3.7). For applications requiring tighter timing, ST recommends using the 4–32 MHz external crystal oscillator (HSE) or trimming HSI via the RCC_HSICALIBR register using a known reference clock.