STMicroelectronics STM32F101RCT6

Overview

STM32F101RCT6 from STMicroelectronics is a high-density access-line ARM® Cortex®-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB Flash, 36 MHz max CPU frequency, and integrated peripherals including 1×12-bit ADC (16-channel), 2×12-bit DAC, and up to 10 communication interfaces (3×SPI, 2×I²C, 3×USART). It targets industrial control, sensor node processing, and embedded HMI applications requiring deterministic real-time response and low-voltage operation (2.0–3.6 V).

For engineers reviewing the STM32F101RCT6 datasheet, STM32F101RCT6 pinout, STM32F101RCT6 application, or STM32F101RCT6 equivalent, key selection considerations include its LQFP64 package with 51 I/Os (5 V-tolerant), 48 KB SRAM, flexible static memory controller (FSMC), and dual watchdog timers for safety-critical firmware supervision.

Technical Context

The STM32F101RCT6 implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M3 processor with Harvard bus architecture, supporting Thumb-2 instruction set and hardware division. Its clock system integrates multiple oscillators: 4–16 MHz external crystal, 8 MHz factory-trimmed internal RC, and 40 kHz low-power RC with calibration - enabling precise RTC operation and dynamic power-state transitions.

Peripheral interconnect uses AHB/APB buses with nested vectored interrupt controller (NVIC) supporting 68 interrupt channels. The FSMC provides asynchronous/synchronous interface to NOR/PSRAM/CompactFlash, while the LCD parallel interface supports 8080/6800 modes - confirming its role in display-enabled edge nodes with local memory expansion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP64 (10 × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, ECOPACK® certified.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F103RCT6, the STM32F101RCT6 trades USB and extra memory for lower gate count and reduced dynamic power; versus STM32F072RBT6, it offers higher interrupt density, richer timer features, and FSMC for external memory - making it optimal for resource-constrained industrial nodes needing expandability without USB overhead.

Availability

STM32F101RCT6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, smart sensor nodes, HMI keypad controllers, and motor drive feedback units requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32F101RCT6 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 ICs, sensors, and automotive-grade components since 1987.

The STM32F101xx series belongs to ST's foundational Cortex-M3 access line, engineered for cost-sensitive industrial and consumer applications demanding robust real-time performance, wide operating voltage range, and long-term supply assurance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and corresponding power supply range for the STM32F101RCT6?

The STM32F101RCT6 operates at up to 36 MHz with a supply voltage range of 2.0 V to 3.6 V. At 36 MHz, typical current consumption in Run mode is 29 mA (with peripherals enabled, VDD = 3.3 V, code from Flash). The internal voltage regulator maintains core stability across this range, and the device includes a programmable voltage detector (PVD) to trigger interrupts or resets during brown-out conditions.

Does the STM32F101RCT6 support external memory expansion, and if so, what types and interface widths?

Yes, the STM32F101RCT6 integrates a Flexible Static Memory Controller (FSMC) supporting external NOR Flash, PSRAM, SRAM, and CompactFlash devices. It provides four chip select lines and supports both asynchronous and synchronous protocols, with data bus widths of 8 or 16 bits. The FSMC does not support NAND Flash on this variant - that capability is reserved for higher-density STM32F103/F105 families.

How many analog inputs can be sampled simultaneously, and what is the ADC's effective resolution under typical conditions?

The STM32F101RCT6 features one 12-bit ADC with up to 16 external input channels, but it does not support true simultaneous sampling across multiple channels. Conversion is sequential with 1 µs per sample (1 MHz max sampling rate). Effective resolution is 11.5 bits (ENOB) at 100 kS/s under typical conditions (VDD = 3.3 V, 25°C), limited by internal reference noise and aperture jitter - confirmed in Section 5.3.18 of the official datasheet.

Is the STM32F101RCT6 pin-compatible with other members of the STM32F101xx family, and which packages share identical pinouts?

Yes, the STM32F101RCT6 in LQFP64 is pin-compatible with other STM32F101x6 variants (e.g., STM32F101C8T6, STM32F101CBT6) within the same package. However, it is not pin-compatible with LQFP100 or LQFP144 variants (e.g., STM32F101RDT6, STM32F101RET6) due to differing pin counts and signal allocations. Pin compatibility is guaranteed only across same-package derivatives sharing the 'R' density and '6' suffix.