Item specifics
Description
The STM32F051C8T6 is a mainstream Arm Cortex-M0 access line MCU from STMicroelectronics, LQFP-48 package (7×7×1.4 mm). 48 MHz Cortex-M0 core, 64 KB Flash, 8 KB SRAM. Integrates 12-bit ADC (13 channels/1.0 μs), 12-bit DAC, 2 analog comparators, HDMI CEC, 5-channel DMA, up to 18-channel capacitive touch, calendar RTC (V_BAT backup), 9 timers (1×16-bit advanced-control/6-ch PWM/deadtime, 1×32-bit GP, 5×16-bit GP, independent/window WDG, SysTick), 2×I2C (1 Mbit/s Fast Mode Plus), 2×SPI (18 Mbit/s, 1×I2S mux), 2×USART. 39 I/Os (36 5V-tolerant). VDD 2.0 V–3.6 V, VDDA 2.4 V–3.6 V, -40 °C to 85 °C, ECOPACK®2.
Core: Arm Cortex-M0 48 MHz, NVIC Memory: 64 KB Flash, 8 KB SRAM (HW parity), CRC 12-bit ADC: 13 channels, 1.0 μs, 0–3.6 V, analog supply 2.4 V–3.6 V 12-bit DAC: 1 channel, buffered output 2 Analog Comparators: Programmable input/output, fast low-power HDMI CEC: Wakeup on header 18-ch Capacitive Touch: Keys/linear/rotary 5-ch DMA: Flexible mapping 9 Timers: 1×16-bit advanced-control (6-ch PWM/deadtime), 1×32-bit GP (4 IC/OC/IR decode), 5×16-bit GP, independent/window WDG, SysTick Communication: 2×I2C (1 Mbit/s Fast Mode Plus, SMBus/PMBus, 20 mA sink, Stop wakeup), 2×SPI (18 Mbit/s, 1×I2S mux), 2×USART (master sync SPI/modem, 1×ISO7816/LIN/IrDA/auto baud) Low Power: Sleep/Stop/Standby Clock: 4–32 MHz XTAL, 32 kHz RTC XTAL (calibrated), 8 MHz RC (×6 PLL), 40 kHz RC I/Os: 39 fast I/Os (36 5V-tolerant), all ext. interrupt mappable Reliability: POR/PDR, PVD, SWD, 96-bit unique ID Supply/Temp: VDD 2.0 V–3.6 V, VDDA 2.4 V–3.6 V, -40 °C to 85 °C Package: LQFP-48 (7×7×1.4 mm), Tray
Consumer: Remote controls, toothbrushes, toys, handhelds, PC peripherals Industrial: PLCs, sensor transmitters, RS-485 nodes, inverters Motor Control: Fans, pumps, small motors (6-ch PWM/deadtime) Automotive: Light/window control, sensor nodes Home Appliances: Panels, HVAC, alarms, smart lighting IoT: Wireless sensors, environmental monitoring, smart home LED Lighting: Dimming, RGB strips, SMPS HMI: Touch keys/sliders/wheels
64 KB Flash + 8 KB SRAM: Among the largest memory configurations in the STM32F0 access line for complex applications 12-bit ADC + DAC + Dual Comparators: Complete analog signal chain without external analog ICs 12-bit DAC: Buffered output, rare in this class, supports audio/sensor excitation/control loops 18-ch Capacitive Touch: No external touch IC needed, reduces BOM HDMI CEC: For digital TV, A/V receivers, and consumer electronics 5-ch DMA: Direct peripheral-to-memory transfers, offloads CPU 2×I2C Fast Mode Plus: Dual I2C, 1 Mbit/s, 20 mA sink, SMBus/PMBus 9 Timers: Advanced-control/PWM/deadtime + 32-bit IR decode + 5 GP 39 I/Os: 36 5V-tolerant, rich resources in LQFP-48 package Calendar RTC: Alarm/periodic wakeup, V_BAT backup Mature STM32 Ecosystem: CubeIDE/CubeMX/HAL/development boards Cost-Effective: 32-bit ARM + ADC + DAC + capacitive touch, ideal upgrade from 8/16-bit MCUs
Years of experience in the electronics industry. Trusted by global customers.
Massive In-Stock Inventory – Ready to ship promptly
BOM Matching Service – One-stop solution, save time
PCBA Customization – Professional engineering team creates tailor-made solutions based on your needs
Cost-Effective & Efficient – Better channel, better cost
A dedicated team makes your procurement smoother.
Contact us for BOM quotes or PCBA inquiries
FAQ:
What is the STM32F051C8T6 and what makes it a unique 48‑pin Cortex‑M0 MCU?
The STM32F051C8T6 is a 48 MHz Arm Cortex‑M0 microcontroller with 64 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM, housed in an LQFP‑48 package. It stands out in the STM32F0 series by integrating a 12‑bit DAC and an HDMI CEC controller—peripherals that are rarely found together in a standard 48‑pin, hand‑solderable package. Combined with a 12‑bit ADC, multiple timers, and standard serial interfaces (USART, SPI, I2C), it is an ideal single‑chip solution for cost‑sensitive industrial sensors, portable medical devices, and HDMI‑connected consumer electronics that need analog output capability and modern display connectivity without paying for unused memory or communication peripherals like USB or CAN.
How does the STM32F051C8T6 differ from the STM32F051C6T6 and STM32F051CBT6? When should I choose the C8T6?
All three share the same core, 8 KB SRAM, DAC, HDMI CEC, and LQFP‑48 package. The only difference is Flash size: the C6T6 has 32 KB, the C8T6 provides 64 KB, and the CBT6 offers 128 KB. Choose the C8T6 when your firmware requires more than 32 KB of code storage but you do not need the full 128 KB of the CBT6. It sits in the sweet spot between cost and memory, offering double the Flash of the entry‑level C6T6 for a very small price increase, while still being pin‑compatible with the entire family for easy future upgrades.
How does the STM32F051C8T6 compare to the popular STM32F103C8T6? What are the main trade‑offs?
The STM32F103C8T6 is a 72 MHz Cortex‑M3 with the same 64 KB Flash and 20 KB SRAM, plus USB and CAN. The STM32F051C8T6 runs at a lower 48 MHz and uses a simpler Cortex‑M0 core, has less SRAM (8 KB vs 20 KB), and removes USB and CAN. However, it adds a built‑in 12‑bit DAC and an HDMI CEC controller, comes in the same 48‑pin package, and consumes significantly less power. Choose the F051C8T6 when your design needs analog voltage output or HDMI connectivity, and you do not require USB, CAN, or the larger SRAM and CPU speed of the F103. It delivers a rich set of mixed‑signal features at a lower cost and power budget.
Is 64 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM enough for a real‑time application? What can I realistically fit?
Absolutely, for focused and well‑optimized tasks. 64 KB of Flash provides comfortable space for a real‑time OS, a USART/SPI/I2C communication stack, sensor drivers, a simple control loop, and application logic—often with room left for future firmware updates. The 8 KB SRAM requires careful buffer management—using DMA for serial transfers and keeping large arrays in Flash—but is sufficient for task stacks and communication buffers in many proven designs such as motor controllers, smart sensors, and home automation nodes. If your code later outgrows the 8 KB SRAM limit, you can consider the pin‑compatible STM32F071C8T6 (which has 16 KB SRAM) or move to a larger package for a significant memory upgrade.
Does the STM32F051C8T6 really have a DAC and HDMI CEC? Why are these features valuable?
Yes, the STM32F051C8T6 integrates a 2‑channel 12‑bit DAC and a dedicated HDMI CEC controller. The DAC allows you to generate analog voltage outputs for sensor excitation, waveform generation, or audio playback without an external DAC chip. The HDMI CEC controller handles the low‑level protocol for consumer electronics control, enabling the MCU to communicate with TVs, projectors, and set‑top boxes directly over the HDMI cable. These two peripherals make the F051C8T6 a rare, highly capable device in the 48‑pin category, perfect for mixed‑signal and AV‑connected applications.
What low‑power modes does the STM32F051C8T6 support, and can it run from a battery?
The chip supports Sleep, Stop, and Standby modes. In Stop mode with the main regulator off and all 8 KB SRAM retained, the typical current is around 3 µA—far lower than a comparable Cortex‑M3. Wake‑up from Stop is fast enough to respond to external interrupts or communication events. The 48 MHz Cortex‑M0 core is inherently power‑efficient, making the F051C8T6 an excellent choice for battery‑powered sensors, energy‑harvesting devices, and portable instruments that spend most of their time in deep sleep and wake periodically to acquire and transmit data.
How many I/O pins does the LQFP‑48 package provide, and what peripherals can I use simultaneously?
The LQFP‑48 package offers up to 39 general‑purpose I/O pins. With careful planning, you can allocate one USART, one SPI, one I2C, the HDMI CEC line, the two DAC outputs, and still have several pins left for ADC input or GPIO. The flexible pin‑multiplexing of the STM32F0 series helps you maximize the use of every pin. STM32CubeMX is essential for verifying the exact pin‑out and ensuring no conflicts in such a tightly constrained package.
Can I perform over‑the‑air (OTA) firmware updates with the 64 KB single‑bank Flash?
Yes, but with strict code‑size discipline. A minimal bootloader (4–8 KB) and a compact application must be implemented. The 8 KB SRAM can temporarily buffer very small firmware chunks received via USART, SPI, or an external wireless module. A CRC check ensures a safe update. An A/B update scheme is not practical with this Flash size; a download‑and‑overwrite approach is the recommended method. For designs that require comfortable OTA headroom, consider the pin‑compatible STM32F051CBT6 (128 KB Flash) or STM32F071CBT6 (128 KB Flash, 16 KB SRAM).
How does the STM32F051C8T6 compare to the STM32F030C8T6? Is it worth the upgrade?
The STM32F030C8T6 is a 48 MHz Cortex‑M0 with the same 64 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM, but it lacks the DAC and HDMI CEC controller, and has fewer advanced timers and communication peripherals. The STM32F051C8T6 adds a built‑in 12‑bit DAC, an HDMI CEC controller, and a richer peripheral set for only a small additional cost. If your design needs analog output, HDMI connectivity, or more flexible timer resources, upgrading to the F051C8T6 provides these valuable features without increasing the package size or power consumption.
What are the most typical applications for the STM32F051C8T6?
It is widely used in compact HDMI‑CEC interface modules, smart sensors with analog output, portable medical devices, power tools, LED lighting controllers, and cost‑sensitive industrial nodes. Any space‑constrained embedded system that needs a proven 32‑bit core, a built‑in DAC, HDMI connectivity, and a standard 48‑pin LQFP package at a very competitive cost is a strong fit for the F051C8T6.