Item specifics
Description
The STM32F051K8U6 is a mainstream Arm Cortex-M0 access line MCU from STMicroelectronics, UFQFPN-32 package (5×5×0.55 mm). 48 MHz Cortex-M0 core, 64 KB Flash, 8 KB SRAM. Integrates 12-bit ADC (up to 13 channels, 1.0 μs), 12-bit DAC, 2 analog comparators, HDMI CEC, 5-channel DMA, up to 18-channel capacitive touch, calendar RTC (VBAT backup), up to 11 timers (1×16-bit 7-channel advanced-control/6-ch PWM/deadtime/emergency stop, 1×32-bit GP/IC/OC/IR decode, 5×16-bit GP incl. 1 basic timer for DAC, independent/window WDG, SysTick), up to 2×I2C (1×1 Mbit/s Fast Mode Plus, 20 mA sink), up to 2×USART (1×ISO7816/LIN/IrDA/auto baud/wakeup), 1×SPI (18 Mbit/s, I2S mux). 27 I/Os. 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: Up to 13 channels (10 ext. + 3 int.), 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 HDMI CEC: Wakeup on header 18-ch Capacitive Touch: Keys/linear/rotary 5-ch DMA: Flexible mapping Up to 11 Timers: 1×16-bit 7-ch advanced-control (6-ch PWM/deadtime/emergency stop), 1×32-bit GP (4 IC/OC/IR decode), 5×16-bit GP (incl. 1 basic timer for DAC), independent/window WDG, SysTick Communication: Up to 2×I2C (1×1 Mbit/s Fast Mode Plus, SMBus/PMBus, 20 mA sink, Stop wakeup), up to 2×USART (master sync SPI/modem, 1×ISO7816/LIN/IrDA/auto baud/wakeup), 1×SPI (18 Mbit/s, I2S mux) 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: 27 fast I/Os, 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: UFQFPN-32 (5×5×0.55 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/emergency stop) 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
UFQFPN-32 Ultra-Compact: 5×5 mm, 27 I/Os, ideal for space-constrained designs 64 KB Flash + 8 KB SRAM: Balanced configuration in the STM32F0 access line for medium-complexity 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 I2C Fast Mode Plus: 1 Mbit/s, 20 mA sink, SMBus/PMBus 11 Timers: Advanced-control/PWM/deadtime/emergency stop + 32-bit IR decode + 5 GP Calendar RTC: Alarm/periodic wakeup, VBAT 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 STM32F051K8U6 and what makes it special in a 32‑pin Cortex‑M0?
The STM32F051K8U6 is a 48 MHz Arm Cortex‑M0 microcontroller with 64 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM, housed in a tiny UFQFPN‑32 package. It is uniquely positioned as a cost‑effective, small‑footprint MCU that integrates a 12‑bit DAC and an HDMI CEC controller—peripherals rarely found together in such a compact device. Combined with a 12‑bit ADC, multiple timers, and standard serial interfaces (USART, SPI, I2C), it is an ideal single‑chip solution for space‑constrained industrial sensors, portable medical devices, and HDMI‑connected consumer electronics that need both analog output and digital control.
How does the STM32F051K8U6 differ from the popular STM32F103C8T6? What are the main trade‑offs?
The STM32F103C8T6 is a 72 MHz Cortex‑M3 with 64 KB Flash, 20 KB SRAM, USB, and CAN in an LQFP‑48 package. The STM32F051K8U6 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 a much smaller 32‑pin package, and consumes significantly less power. Choose the F051K8U6 when you need a very compact design, analog voltage output, or HDMI connectivity, and you do not require USB, CAN, or the larger SRAM and CPU speed of the F103.
How does the STM32F051K8U6 compare to the STM32F042F6P6? Which one is the right choice for a tiny USB or HDMI project?
The STM32F042F6P6 is also a 32‑pin Cortex‑M0 with 32 KB Flash and 6 KB SRAM, but it replaces the DAC and HDMI CEC with a USB 2.0 full‑speed device and a CAN 2.0B controller. The F051K8U6 doubles the Flash to 64 KB, increases SRAM to 8 KB, and includes a DAC and HDMI CEC. Choose the F051K8U6 when your design needs analog output or must interface with HDMI‑CEC devices (such as TVs or set‑top boxes). Choose the F042F6P6 when you need USB or CAN communication in a similarly tiny package.
Does the STM32F051K8U6 really have a DAC and HDMI CEC? Why are these features important?
Yes, the STM32F051K8U6 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 over the HDMI cable. These two peripherals make the F051K8U6 a rare, highly capable device in the ultra‑compact 32‑pin category, perfect for mixed‑signal and AV‑connected applications.
Is 64 KB Flash and 8 KB SRAM enough for a real‑time application? What can I realistically fit?
Absolutely, for focused, well‑optimized tasks. 64 KB of Flash provides comfortable space for sensor drivers, a USART/SPI/I2C communication stack, 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 STM32F051K8U6's larger‑memory siblings in the STM32F0 family (e.g., STM32F071K8U6 with more RAM) or move to a 48‑pin package for a significant memory upgrade.
What low‑power modes does the STM32F051K8U6 support, and can it run from a coin‑cell 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—extremely low for a 32‑bit MCU. 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 F051K8U6 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 UFQFPN‑32 package provide, and what peripherals can I use simultaneously?
The UFQFPN‑32 package offers up to 26 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 a few 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 moving to a 48‑pin STM32F071C8T6 (128 KB Flash) or STM32F091CCT6 (256 KB Flash).
How does the STM32F051K8U6 compare to the STM32F030K6T6? Is it worth the upgrade?
The STM32F030K6T6 is a 48 MHz Cortex‑M0 with 32 KB Flash and 4 KB SRAM in an LQFP‑32 package. The STM32F051K8U6 doubles both Flash (64 KB) and SRAM (8 KB), and adds a 12‑bit DAC and an HDMI CEC controller. It also provides more advanced timers and richer communication peripherals. For a small additional cost, the F051K8U6 offers significantly more memory headroom and valuable analog/output features, making it a strong upgrade for F030 designs that have outgrown their memory limits or need DAC/CEC functionality.
What are the most typical applications for the STM32F051K8U6?
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 tiny 32‑pin footprint at a very competitive cost is a strong fit for the F051K8U6.