STMicroelectronics STM32F038F6P6

Overview

STM32F038F6P6 from STMicroelectronics is an ARM® Cortex®-M0 32-bit microcontroller with 32 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM (with hardware parity), and operation at up to 48 MHz. It integrates a 12-bit 1.0 µs ADC (10-channel), nine timers-including one advanced-control timer with deadtime generation-and communication interfaces including I²C Fast Mode Plus (1 Mbit/s), USART with IrDA/LIN/ISO7816 support, and SPI (18 Mbit/s). It targets compact industrial control and sensor node applications requiring extended temperature operation (–40 to +105°C) and low-voltage supply (1.8 V ±8%).

For engineers reviewing the STM32F038F6P6 datasheet, STM32F038F6P6 pinout, STM32F038F6P6 application, or STM32F038F6P6 equivalent, key selection criteria include its TSSOP20 package footprint, 5 V-tolerant I/O count (up to 25 pins), RTC with alarm/wakeup from Stop mode, SWD debug interface, and support for 1.8 V digital supply with separate 2.4–3.6 V analog rail.

Technical Context

The STM32F038F6P6 implements a single-cycle ARM Cortex-M0 core with Thumb-2 instruction set, coupled with tightly coupled memory subsystems: 32 KB Flash with error correction logic and 4 KB SRAM with hardware parity checking. Its clock tree supports multiple sources-4–32 MHz HSE, 32.768 kHz LSE, 8 MHz HSI with x6 PLL, and 40 kHz LSI-enabling precise timing control across operating modes.

Peripheral integration follows ST's STM32F0 architecture: DMA controller (5 channels), NVIC with 32 interrupt lines, EXTI for configurable edge-triggered wakeups, and dedicated analog domain with independent VDDA supply. The advanced-control timer (TIM1) provides six PWM outputs with programmable deadtime and emergency stop, while the RTC includes calendar function, alarm, and periodic wakeup capability from Stop mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The STM32F038F6P6 is housed in a 20-pin TSSOP package (6.5 × 4.4 mm), optimized for automated assembly and board-level space efficiency. Pin functions are validated per ST's official datasheet (DocID026079 Rev 5, Figure 7).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F042F6P6 and STM32F070F6P6, the STM32F038F6P6 provides optimal balance of advanced PWM capability, low-voltage operation, and industrial temperature range without USB overhead-making it ideal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained motor and sensor control where USB is absent.

Availability

STM32F038F6P6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, automotive body electronics, and home appliance UI controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for STM32F038F6P6 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 high integration-optimized for industrial control, appliance management, and sensor edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the STM32F038F6P6?

The STM32F038F6P6 operates at up to 48 MHz using its internal 8 MHz HSI oscillator with x6 PLL, or directly from an external 4–32 MHz crystal. This frequency is guaranteed across the full –40°C to +105°C temperature range and 1.8 V ±8% supply, as confirmed in Section 6.3.1 of the datasheet.

Does the STM32F038F6P6 support 5 V tolerant I/Os?

Yes-up to 25 I/O pins on the STM32F038F6P6 are 5 V tolerant when VDD is ≥2.0 V, enabling direct interface with 5 V logic, sensors, and actuators without external level shifters. This is specified in Section 3.7 and Table 44 of the datasheet.

Can the STM32F038F6P6 run from a 1.8 V supply while maintaining ADC accuracy?

Yes-the ADC operates with a separate VDDA supply (2.4–3.6 V), decoupled from the 1.8 V digital VDD. As long as VDDA is within spec and properly filtered, 12-bit ADC performance (±1.5 LSB INL, 70 dB SNR) is maintained per Section 6.3.15, independent of VDD voltage.

Is Serial Wire Debug (SWD) supported on the STM32F038F6P6?

Yes-SWD is fully supported via dedicated SWDIO (PA13) and SWCLK (PA14) pins, enabling programming, debugging, and real-time trace without requiring JTAG pins. SWD functionality is documented in Section 3.16 and verified in production silicon per ST's release notes.