Where to buy CS32F103C8T6 or csk32f103c8t6? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2021, 05:32:38 pm
content: Since the STM32F103C8T6 is not available and probably won't be for a couple of years, does anyone know of a reliable source for the clone chips? I have several bluepill boards with these chips and they all work with my projects. I prefer a supplier on Aliexpress but would also purchase from a fleabay buyer if someone recommends an honest seller.I have two PCB designs finished so I need 4 or 5 parts for this project. I guess I could purchase bluepill boards and remove the chips but that seems like a waste.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 07, 2021, 05:45:42 pm
content: Quote from: rcbuck on October 07, 2021, 05:32:38 pmThey are, but you will not like the pricehttps://lcsc.com/product-detail/ST-Microelectronics_STMicroelectronics-STM32F103C8T6_C8734.htmlQuoteCKS32f103c8t6Also it's cheaper to buy these dev boards and desolder STM32F103C8T6https://www.arrow.com/en/products/101020091/seeed-technology-limited?q=101020091

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2021, 07:59:45 pm
content: wraper, you are right, I don't like that price. I've came to the same conclusion about buying the boards and desoldering the chip. If the STM32 or clone parts become available in the next year or so I could always put the new chips back on the boards.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2021, 08:09:37 pm
content: If your code is small enough to fit, the C6 variant is a lot cheaper. A lot.

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 07, 2021, 11:26:52 pm
content: My code is only 11.5 KB Flash and 2 KB Ram so it would fit the C6 part. I'm assuming you mean the bluepill boards are cheaper as the chips themselves are only $0.70 less than the C8 part from Mouser and Digi-Key. LCSC doesn't have the C6 part in stock.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2021, 10:31:23 pm
content: I've seen the C6 in AliExpress for less than $3, while the C8/CB parts are $8-11.Ex: 10pcs for $17:https://a.aliexpress.com/_uuEsuk

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 10, 2021, 05:28:40 am
content: Quote from: DavidAlfa on October 09, 2021, 10:31:23 pmLooks counterfeit on the photo though (sanded, blacktopped, relabeled), likely relabeled clone.

author: GromBeestje
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2021, 11:16:24 am
content: Quote from: rcbuck on October 07, 2021, 11:26:52 pmKeep in mind the C6 does not have SPI2.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2021, 06:40:52 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on October 10, 2021, 05:28:40 amProbably, but who cares if it works. The OP is ok with clones.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 10, 2021, 08:55:16 pm
content: Quote from: DavidAlfa on October 10, 2021, 06:40:52 pmWhy would you buy rebadged and abused cat in the sac when you can just buy a known clone?

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2021, 03:42:51 pm
content: Yes, the listing at the link is probably a scam. The store has only been open since August 31 and there is no feedback.QuoteCould you provide a link to a honest, reliable seller of valid clones? I have found 2 or 3 sites who claim to have the C6 clones but they all seem like shady operators.I have no use for SPI, I2C, or ADC. Just GPIO and UART are needed.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 13, 2021, 04:04:34 pm
content: Quote from: rcbuck on October 13, 2021, 03:42:51 pmIt's unlikely to buy a counterfeit of a clone. So as long as seller ships the part, you should be fine. You could try Utsource for such sort of thing.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 13, 2021, 04:19:37 pm
content: https://www.utsource.net/itm/p/12223451.html

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2021, 11:17:22 pm
content: Lots of stores drop the price at first to get customers fast and get feeback, then they put normal prices again.In rarely had any problem in AliExpress, I've got my money back in almost every claim.So it's ok for me. If I don't get the product... I'll get my money.Sellers can't run away with your money, AliExpress holds the payment during the whole time until the customer protection period expires.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2021, 10:04:21 am
content: Given the current cost of the 64/128KB versions (~$12-15), I'd prefer to lose a finger instead of damaging itSo I bought few cheap STM32F103C6 here. They arrived yesterday, tested today:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003197789619.htmlGenuine or not, they work perfectly fine with STM32 Cube Ide.I can debug them too, not having the usual error "Could not verify ST device" that happen when using clones/compatibles.Most clones have external flash, can be easily be detected because it's noticeably slower when programming.But with these it's very fast, so I guess they could be genuine after all.I don't really think they are because the markings seem painted instead laser-engraved, but who knowsThe C6 die name is different from the 103 C8/CB, but I had to try anyways: Accessing more than 32KB flash/10KB RAM caused hard fault, so there isn't any free memory in the C6.Else than the smaller memory, they're a *lot* cheaper, great for small projects.And you won't regret it so much if you connect the power polarity wrong. Luckly, that didn't happen with a stm32, it was a cheap PIC.It smoked for 2 seconds, the time it took me to remove the power. Amazingly, the bastard survived the beating, everything is working like nothing happened

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2021, 10:29:26 am
content: 100% sanded, blacktopped and then relabeled counterfeits. Try rubbing them with acetone or alcohol, preferably before they were heated with hot air.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2021, 11:16:39 am
content: Sanded? Normally, that's very noticeable, here the texture is grainy, not brushed.I already dropped few solvents on it, didn't even fade a little, like a painted would.When I pass a sharp needle over it, I can definitely feel the markings.Anyways, it works, you can't even get cheap clones these days, the CKS cost the same as the original!Edit:Read few unique IDs. C6 seems to be from the same batch... Would a clone copy this too? Maybe...C8 10671FF48 51538849 87175317C8 20671FF54 51488072 67184519C6 105D8FF32 37305342 43185051C6 205D9FF37 3238564D 43032362

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 06, 2021, 11:21:36 am
content: Quote from: DavidAlfa on November 06, 2021, 11:16:39 amI wrote blacktopped = surface was painted overQuoteYou need to rub it quite hard, not just put a drop of solvent. If IC was heated, blacktopping often becomes very resistant against solvents. These look extremely dodgy, there is not chance they were not relabeled. Look on sharp corners left from sanding and that dimple does not look right. Also on picture where they are in tape, looks like there is some solder leftovers on terminals, and they are not quite straight but bent a little bit here and there. Probably they were salvaged from scrapped equipment.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2021, 11:43:49 am
content: Sure, I know how relabeled ICs do! I almost re-sanded them, no change

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2021, 07:33:11 pm
content: DavidAlfa, I took a chance and bought 3 of the C6T6 parts from the same store. They arrived 2 days ago. I looked at the parts under my microscope. The print was a little fuzzy and the dimple looks funny. The normal dimple is there but then there is an additional same radius partial dimple on top of the normal dimple. The sort of thing you see when you drill a hole in something and then hit the edge of the hole again with part of the bit to make it oval. Also, a couple of the pins were slightly bent but I didn't notice any solder on the pins.I soldered the part to my board yesterday. I was able to program the part with no issues. The programming time is as fast as a real C8T6 part (I've never worked with the C6T6 part before). I didn't try debugging as my code was finalized a couple of months ago. I am using 2.2KB of RAM and 11.48KB of flash so plenty of room for my application. I am using 24 I/O pins on the part and all of them work as intended.The shipping was $2.79 to U.S. and the parts were $1.30 each. That works out to $2.23 for each piece. That is less than half of what Mouser sells them for. Not to mention the fact that Mouser shows a lead time of 53 weeks for the part. They don't give an actual date so I doubt they will have them a year from now. The bottom line is they work for my purpose and that is all that matters.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2021, 11:16:39 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on November 06, 2021, 11:21:36 amI think you are right, the radius is uneven and very slightly thinner than a genuine IC.However, could just be re-labeled to a recent date code, or matching codes, as you say from salvage PCBs. Which is OK with me. At least its a genuine part.Last time I bought F030's they were random mixed date codes, probably swept up from the floor of the pick and place