STMicroelectronics STM8S103K3T6CTR

Overview

STM8S103K3T6CTR from STMicroelectronics is an 8-bit access-line microcontroller featuring a 16 MHz STM8 core, 8 KB Flash program memory, 640-byte data EEPROM, 10-bit ADC with 5 channels, three timers (including advanced control timer TIM1), and UART/SPI/I²C interfaces. It operates from 2.95–5.5 V and targets cost-sensitive embedded control in industrial sensors, motor drives, and smart home peripherals.

For engineers reviewing the STM8S103K3T6CTR datasheet, STM8S103K3T6CTR pinout, STM8S103K3T6CTR application, or STM8S103K3T6CTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin UFQFPN package, 16 MHz max CPU frequency at full voltage, integrated data EEPROM endurance (300 kcycles), low-power active-halt mode current (0.35 µA typ), and SWIM single-wire debug interface compatibility.

Technical Context

The STM8S103K3T6CTR implements a Harvard-architecture 8-bit core with 3-stage pipeline and extended instruction set, enabling efficient C code execution and deterministic interrupt latency. Its clock system integrates four independent sources: 16 MHz user-trimmable RC, 128 kHz low-power RC, external crystal/resonator, and external clock input - all monitored by a clock security system.

Peripheral integration includes TIM1 (16-bit advanced timer with dead-time insertion and complementary outputs), TIM2 (16-bit general-purpose timer), TIM4 (8-bit basic timer), and auto-wakeup timer - supporting precise motor control timing, PWM generation, and periodic wake-up from low-power states without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM8S103K3T6CTR is housed in a 32-pin UFQFPN package (5 × 5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and automated assembly. Pin functions are validated per STMicroelectronics DS6120 Rev 15, Section 5.1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM8S103K3T6CTR, STM8S003F3P6 trades EEPROM and I/O count for smaller footprint, while EFM8BB10F8G-A-QSOP24 offers faster 8051 execution but lacks hardware motor control peripherals and nonvolatile data storage - making STM8S103K3T6CTR optimal for cost-sensitive, EEPROM-dependent, and motor-timed embedded systems.

Availability

STM8S103K3T6CTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart appliance motor controllers, and POS peripheral interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and qualified automotive-grade traceability.

Supply support for STM8S103K3T6CTR 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 STM8S series delivers cost-optimized 8-bit MCUs targeting resource-constrained embedded control applications - emphasizing low power, robust I/O, integrated EEPROM, and simplified development via SWIM debug.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the STM8S103K3T6CTR?

The STM8S103K3T6CTR achieves a maximum CPU frequency of 16 MHz across its full 2.95–5.5 V supply range, verified per DS6120 Rev 15 Figure 9. This frequency is sustained using the internal 16 MHz RC oscillator (trimmable ±1%), external crystal, or external clock source - with clock security monitoring enabled by default.

Does the STM8S103K3T6CTR support in-system programming via SWIM?

Yes. The STM8S103K3T6CTR uses ST's Single Wire Interface Module (SWIM) for full in-circuit programming and debugging over a single pin (SWIM). No bootloader is required - the device enters programming mode automatically upon SWIM line assertion, supporting read-out protection and option byte configuration via ST-LINK tools.

How many I/O pins are available in the UFQFPN32 package?

The STM8S103K3T6CTR in UFQFPN32 provides up to 28 usable I/O pins across four ports (PA–PD), as confirmed in DS6120 Rev 15 Table 5 and Figure 3. Of these, 21 pins support high-sink capability (20 mA), and multiple pins offer alternate functions including UART TX/RX, SPI SCK/MOSI/MISO, and I²C SCL/SDA.

Is the data EEPROM truly wear-levelled or managed in firmware?

No firmware wear-leveling is required. The 640-byte data EEPROM is implemented as dedicated silicon memory with guaranteed 300,000 write/erase cycles and 20-year data retention at 55 °C (DS6120 Rev 15 Section 2.2). Each byte is individually addressable and erasable; ST provides EEPROM emulation libraries only for extending capacity beyond hardware limits.