STMicroelectronics STM8L101K3T3TR

Overview

STM8L101K3T3TR from STMicroelectronics is an 8-bit ultra-low-power microcontroller featuring 8 Kbytes Flash, 1.5 Kbytes RAM, and integrated peripherals including two 16-bit timers, USART, SPI, I²C, two comparators, and infrared remote control interface. It operates from 1.65 V to 3.6 V across –40 °C to +85 °C, with dynamic run current of 150 µA/MHz - ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes and portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the STM8L101K3T3TR datasheet, STM8L101K3T3TR pinout, STM8L101K3T3TR application, or STM8L101K3T3TR equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low-power Halt mode (0.3 µA), SWIM debug interface, 30 I/Os with LED driver capability on PA0, and support for in-application programming with ECC-protected Flash.

Technical Context

The STM8L101K3T3TR implements a CISC-based STM8 core delivering up to 16 MIPS at 16 MHz, paired with dual clock domains: a 16 MHz internal RC oscillator (HSI) for active operation and a 38 kHz low-power RC (LSI) for watchdog and auto-wakeup unit (AWU) timing. Its nested interrupt controller supports 29 external sources with software-configurable priority.

Memory architecture includes 8 Kbytes of Flash with error correction code (ECC), up to 2 Kbytes configurable as data EEPROM, and 1.5 Kbytes of static RAM. Power management integrates three low-power modes - Wait, Active-halt, and Halt - with sub-µA retention in Halt and fast 4 µs wakeup from HSI.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM8L101K3T3TR is housed in a 32-pin UFQFPN package (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in wearables and IoT endpoints. The exposed thermal pad enhances thermal dissipation under sustained peripheral activity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power 8-bit microcontroller applications.

Compared with STM8L051F3P6, the STM8L101K3T3TR adds IR transmission and EEPROM; versus EFM8LB12F32ES1-QFP32, it delivers 4× lower Halt current at the cost of smaller memory and legacy 8051 toolchain compatibility.

Availability

STM8L101K3T3TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered sensor nodes, portable medical devices, and infrared remote control transmitters requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for STM8L101K3T3TR 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, specializing in microcontrollers, power management, sensors, and automotive ICs.

The STM8L101 series belongs to ST's ultra-low-power 8-bit MCU product line, designed specifically for energy-constrained applications where sub-µA sleep current, fast wake-up, and integrated analog/mixed-signal peripherals reduce bill-of-materials and PCB area.

FAQ

Does STM8L101K3T3TR support in-circuit programming without removing it from the target board?

Yes. The device features a Single-Wire Interface Module (SWIM) accessible via the NRST pin, enabling full in-circuit programming and non-intrusive debugging using ST-LINK/V2 or compatible programmers. No dedicated debug header or additional pins are required - only VDD, VSS, and NRST connections are needed for field firmware updates.

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

The STM8L101K3T3TR achieves a maximum CPU frequency of 16 MHz using its internal 16 MHz high-speed RC oscillator (HSI), which starts up in approximately 4 µs. No external crystal is required for full-speed operation, though optional external clocks (up to 16 MHz) can be used via CLK input for improved timing accuracy in time-critical applications.

Can the 2 Kbytes of data EEPROM be used for parameter storage across power cycles?

Yes. Up to 2 Kbytes of the 8 Kbytes Flash memory can be configured as data EEPROM with dedicated erase/write commands and ECC protection. This allows reliable storage of calibration coefficients, device IDs, or user settings that persist through power loss - verified for ≥100 k write/erase cycles and 20-year data retention at 85 °C.

Is there hardware support for infrared signal generation, and what protocols does it cover?

Yes. The integrated IR interface provides hardware-level carrier generation at 30–56 kHz and pulse-width modulation, supporting standard protocols including NEC, RC-5, and Sony SIRC without CPU intervention. Carrier frequency and modulation depth are programmable via dedicated registers, enabling robust remote control transmission with minimal firmware overhead.