STM32F103RCY6TR - 72MHz Cortex-M3 256KB MCU | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32F103RCY6TR ✓ ActiveSTM32F103RCY6TR Overview
A microcontroller is a programmable semiconductor that integrates a processor core, memory, peripherals, and I/O into one device. The STM32F103 belongs to the STM32F1 family of 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontrollers. Within the broader hierarchy, it combines a general-purpose embedded processor with real-time control peripherals, serial communications, analog conversion, and timing resources, making it suitable for applications that require deterministic control without a separate external processor.
The STM32F103RCY6TR provides 72 MHz single-cycle multiplication, hardware division, and 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance at zero-wait-state memory access. Its 256 KB Flash supports firmware and application code, while 64 KB of SRAM supports working data, buffers, and peripheral state. USB, CAN, 11 timers, three ADCs, and 13 communication interfaces reduce the need for external interface components in connected embedded equipment.
The device operates from a 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply and includes 37 I/O ports according to the device listing information. Its high-density STM32F1 architecture is intended for motor control, communications gateways, industrial modules, USB peripherals, data acquisition, and consumer equipment. The 72 MHz Cortex-M3 core provides additional compute headroom for protocol handling, control loops, and supervisory logic when compared with lower-clock general-purpose alternatives.
For new designs, choose the STM32F103RCY6TR when firmware size, peripheral breadth, USB or CAN support, and a 64-pin surface-mount footprint are priorities. Confirm the device variant, package drawing, pin assignments, clock configuration, and temperature grade against the manufacturer datasheet before releasing production artwork or starting PCB layout.
This page combines the key device characteristics, commercial sourcing guidance, package considerations, and engineering-focused comparisons for teams evaluating the STM32F103RCY6TR as the central controller in a new embedded platform.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32F103RCY6TR — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with STM32F103RCY6TR (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Flash Memory, RoHS Status, SRAM, Supply Voltage Range.
STM32F103RCT6TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.6406 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F103RCT7TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →STM32F103RET6TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →STM32F103RGAT6TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F103RFET6TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F107RCT6
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →GD32F103RCT6
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F103RCY6TR Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 72 MHz |
| Core Architecture | ARM 32-bit Cortex-M3 |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 3.6 V |
| General-Purpose I/O Ports | 37 ports |
| ADC Count | 3 converters |
| Timer Count | 11 timers |
| Communication Interface Count | 13 interfaces |
| Connectivity | USB and CAN |
| Package | 64-pin LQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| CPU Performance | 1.25 DMIPS/MHz at 0-wait-state memory access |
| Arithmetic Support | Single-cycle multiplication and hardware division |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Ordering Package Form | Tape and reel |
STM32F103RCY6TR tape and reel Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for STM32F103RCY6TR (tape and reel package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for STM32F103RCY6TR.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
STM32F103RCY6TR is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, USB-CAN Communication Gateway, Brushless Motor Control, Data Acquisition and Sensor Hub, USB Audio Interface, Connected Embedded Control Module.
Industrial Automation Controller
The STM32F103RCY6TR suits industrial automation modules that combine logic control, analog monitoring, and serial communications. Its 72 MHz ARM Cortex-M3 core provides capacity for state machines and communication stacks, while 256 KB of Flash supports control firmware and 64 KB of SRAM supports working buffers. Three ADCs, 11 timers, and 37 I/O ports simplify implementation of sensor acquisition, actuator timing, and digital interfaces. The 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply range also fits common 3.3 V industrial control architectures. Designers should use the manufacturer pin description and electrical characteristics to assign 5 V-tolerant or non-tolerant pins correctly.
Recommended
USB-CAN Communication Gateway
The STM32F103RCY6TR is appropriate for gateways that translate between USB host or peripheral connections and embedded CAN networks. Its integrated USB and CAN controllers remove the need for separate protocol converters, while the 72 MHz Cortex-M3 core can support protocol framing, buffering, and supervisory tasks. The 256 KB Flash provides room for bootloader and application code, and 64 KB of SRAM accommodates packet queues. Firmware development must handle USB enumeration, CAN bit timing, fault recovery, and bus arbitration. The 64-pin LQFP package also offers more I/O than compact 32-pin alternatives, supporting status indicators and configuration interfaces.
Recommended
Brushless Motor Control
The STM32F103RCY6TR can serve as the control processor in a brushless DC motor controller using its 72 MHz Cortex-M3 core, multiple timers, three ADCs, and extensive GPIO. Timers support deterministic PWM generation and input capture, while ADCs can sample rotor-position and current feedback. The 256 KB Flash is useful for current-control algorithms, fault handling, and communication protocols, and the 64-pin LQFP package provides connections for gate-driver signals and sensors. Firmware must include sensorless-start recovery and overcurrent handling. External gate drivers, power transistors, current sensing, and thermal protection remain necessary because the MCU controls rather than directly supplies motor power.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Sensor Hub
The STM32F103RCY6TR works well in a multi-sensor data-acquisition hub where several analog channels, digital inputs, and serial results must be coordinated. Three ADCs support analog measurement, 37 I/O ports handle discrete sensor lines, and 13 communication interfaces allow external radios, memory, or industrial transceivers to be connected. At 72 MHz, the Cortex-M3 core can combine acquisition control, filtering, calibration, and packet formatting. Its 256 KB Flash accommodates firmware plus configuration data, while 64 KB of RAM supports sample buffers. Designers should calculate acquisition timing from the relevant ADC clock and conversion characteristics, and isolate analog inputs appropriately from switching power stages.
Recommended
USB Audio Interface
The STM32F103RCY6TR can implement a USB audio peripheral when firmware requirements fit its 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM. The 72 MHz Cortex-M3 core supports USB service routines, buffer management, and synchronization, while multiple timers and communication interfaces provide paths to codecs, control interfaces, and diagnostics. Its 3.3 V-class supply operation simplifies integration with modern digital audio equipment. A production design must implement the required USB audio class, maintain stable clocking, manage DMA buffers, and avoid underruns during streaming. Analog codec, line input or output, isolation, and impedance-matching circuitry remain external because the MCU provides digital control and data paths.
Recommended
Connected Embedded Control Module
The STM32F103RCY6TR is suitable for compact connected equipment that needs local control plus USB, CAN, or other serial communications. The 72 MHz core can execute control loops while network software handles framing, device discovery, and diagnostics. Its 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM provide a practical balance for protocol stacks and application logic, and the 64-pin LQFP footprint leaves ample pins for status LEDs, local storage, configuration inputs, and expansion buses. Designers should reserve pins for boot and firmware recovery, implement secure firmware updates, and monitor supply voltage and temperature. The active lifecycle status supports continued product planning, subject to normal manufacturing and sourcing checks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32F103RCY6TR — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32F103RCT6TR | STM32F103RCT7TR | STM32F103RET6TR | STM32F103RGAT6TR | STM32F103RFET6TR | STM32F107RCT6 | GD32F103RCT6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | GigaDevice |
| Package | 64-pin LQFP | 64-pin LQFP | 64-pin LQFP | 64-pin LQFP | 64-pin LQFP | 64-pin LQFP | 64-pin LQFP | 64-pin LQFP |
| CPU Core | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Maximum Frequency | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 72 MHz | 108 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Exact Y6 ordering option with a 64-pin LQFP footprint (vs STM32F103RCT6TR)
- Higher memory option in the same STM32F103 family (vs STM32F103RCT6TR)
- Substantial firmware expansion without a package change (vs STM32F103RCT6TR)
- Different cross-brand clock and firmware profile (vs GD32F103RCT6)
Design Notes
Assign every PCB signal from the STM32F103RCY6TR package-specific pin description and keep the 64-pin LQFP footprint within the board assembly rules. Place decoupling capacitors adjacent to the supply and ground pins, provide a clean return path beneath the device, and route sensitive analog inputs away from switching nodes and high-current motor traces. Confirm alternate-function assignments and 5 V-tolerant limits before connecting external signals.
Design the 2.0 V to 3.6 V supply rail with enough startup and transient margin for the selected clock, peripherals, and attached load. Separate sensitive analog or transceiver supply paths from digital switching currents where practical, and use local bulk capacitance at the regulator output. Verify brownout behavior, operating voltage at the highest clock, and peripheral supply constraints in the manufacturer electrical-characteristics tables.
Do not treat a family-compatible MCU as an unconditional firmware substitute. Clock initialization, interrupt priorities, peripheral instances, USB descriptors, CAN timing, bootloader behavior, and library configuration must be reviewed. For GD32F103RCT6, the stated 108 MHz maximum frequency differs by 36 MHz from the target's 72 MHz, so startup code, peripheral timing, and toolchain assumptions require validation before production release.
Use short, continuous ground references for USB, CAN, ADC, and timer signals, and terminate communication lines according to the selected transceiver and network topology. For USB, follow the connector, protection, and routing requirements in the interface specification. For CAN, keep the bus topology and termination appropriate to the network. Although the MCU runs at 72 MHz, signal quality at its pins is also determined by edge rates, impedance, and return-path continuity.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance is identified in the STM32F103RCY6TR listing. No separate REACH, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive qualification statement is shown for this exact ordering code.
