STMicroelectronics STM32F038K6U6

Overview

STM32F038K6U6 from STMicroelectronics is an ARM® Cortex®-M0 32-bit microcontroller with 32 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM (with hardware parity), and integrated peripherals including a 12-bit ADC, nine timers (including advanced-control TIM1 with deadtime and emergency stop), I²C Fast Mode Plus (1 Mbit/s), USART with IrDA/LIN/ISO7816, and SPI/I²S - deployed in industrial sensor nodes requiring low-voltage operation (1.8 V ±8%) and extended temperature range (−40 to +105°C).

For engineers reviewing the STM32F038K6U6 datasheet, STM32F038K6U6 pinout, STM32F038K6U6 application, or STM32F038K6U6 equivalent, key selection criteria include 5 V-tolerant I/O count (up to 25 pins), 1.8 V core supply compatibility, RTC with periodic wakeup from Stop mode, and SWD debug interface support.

Technical Context

The STM32F038K6U6 implements a single-cycle ARM Cortex-M0 core running at up to 48 MHz, supported by an internal 8 MHz RC oscillator with PLL multiplication and dual clock domains (VDDA analog supply 2.4–3.6 V, VDD digital supply 1.8 V ±8%). Its memory subsystem includes 32 KB of Flash with error correction and 4 KB of SRAM with hardware parity checking for safety-critical firmware execution.

Peripheral integration centers on deterministic real-time control: TIM1 provides six-channel PWM with programmable deadtime and emergency stop input; the 12-bit ADC achieves 1.0 µs conversion time across up to 10 channels with dedicated analog supply; and communication interfaces include I²C Fast Mode Plus (1 Mbit/s) with SMBus/PMBus support and a USART with auto-baud detection, LIN, and IrDA physical layer capability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32F038K6U6 is housed in a UFQFPN32 (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with 32 pins, optimized for space-constrained industrial control modules and compact sensor hubs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F038K6U6, the STM32F070F6P6 offers more SRAM but omits critical motor control features and 5 V tolerance; the STM32G030F6P6 delivers higher CPU speed and USB, yet sacrifices hardware-level motor protection and mixed-voltage I/O flexibility - making STM32F038K6U6 uniquely suited for compact, safety-aware, 1.8 V industrial drives.

Availability

STM32F038K6U6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart sensor nodes, automotive body electronics, and programmable power supplies requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and low-voltage operating conditions.

Supply support for STM32F038K6U6 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 demanding high reliability, low power, and rich analog/motor control peripherals - with the F038 variant specifically optimized for 1.8 V operation and integrated safety features.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the STM32F038K6U6?

The STM32F038K6U6 uses an ARM Cortex-M0 core rated for up to 48 MHz operation. It achieves this frequency via its internal 8 MHz RC oscillator with x6 PLL multiplication or external crystal sources (4–32 MHz). The core supports Thumb-2 instruction set, 24-bit SysTick timer, and NVIC with 32 interrupt lines - delivering deterministic real-time performance suitable for motor control and sensor fusion tasks.

Does the STM32F038K6U6 support 5 V-tolerant I/O, and how many pins have this capability?

Yes, the STM32F038K6U6 supports 5 V-tolerant I/O on up to 25 pins across its GPIO ports (PA and PB). This capability is hardware-defined and does not require external components or configuration bits. It enables direct interfacing with 5 V logic families, legacy sensors, or industrial I/O standards without level-shifting circuitry - verified per electrical characteristics Table 44 in the official datasheet.

What debug interface does the STM32F038K6U6 provide, and what are its key capabilities?

The STM32F038K6U6 integrates a Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface using SWDIO and SWCLK pins. It supports full JTAG-style debugging including flash programming, real-time variable inspection, hardware breakpoints, and watchpoint triggering - all over a 2-pin physical interface. SWD operates at frequencies up to 4 MHz and is compatible with ST-LINK/V2 and third-party debug probes without requiring additional pins or configuration.

Can the STM32F038K6U6 operate from a 1.8 V supply while maintaining full peripheral functionality?

Yes, the STM32F038K6U6 is fully specified to operate with VDD = 1.8 V ±8% across its entire temperature range (−40 to +105°C). All digital peripherals - including Flash, SRAM, timers, ADC, and communication interfaces - function at this voltage. The analog supply (VDDA) must be separately provided between 2.4 V and 3.6 V to ensure ADC accuracy and reference stability, as confirmed in Section 6.3.1 of the datasheet.