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STM32F103C8T6 Incorrect Memory Size

Titan
Associate II

Recently i bought this STM32F103C8T6 Board along with ST Link V2 
I was trying to upload a HEX(60KB) file using STlink software but i noticed something wierd, memory size in both pics is showing 256KB but this device only comes with 64KB flash memory then how is this possible?

Product Descriptions says 64KB Flash Memory

Honestly i am confused 
 

STM32F103C8T6.pngScreenshot 2025-06-19 123755.pngScreenshot 2025-06-19 123829.png

11 REPLIES 11
Peter BENSCH
ST Employee

Welcome @Titan, to the ST Community!

Could you please insert a photo of your ST-Link V2 (back and front) and your board?

Regards
/Peter

In order to give better visibility on the answered topics, please click on Accept as Solution on the reply which solved your issue or answered your question.

Hi thanks for reply!
Sharing what you asked also providing some more info on what i am trying to do

I am building DIY FFB Steering Wheel using two boards STM32F103C8T6 Work as wireless transmitter paired with NRF24L01 on the other hand Main board STM32F401CCU6+NRF24L01 (Input hardware working fine just both boards not connecting wirelessly

Firmware on STM32F401 is working (Uploaded via USB not stlink).But this STM32F103 is causing issue most probably as i am unable to identify if the firmware is uploaded succefully or not.(How to check occupied flash memory on stm32 boards?)

Moreover i am adding Video how i upploaded HEX file using St Link
(Boot 0 Heander is on 1 position // Boot 1 Header on 0 Position)


photo_2025-06-19_22-04-10.jpgphoto_2025-06-19_22-04-15.jpgphoto_2025-06-19_22-04-18.jpgphoto_2025-06-19_22-04-20.jpg

>> how is this possible?

Probably fake or counterfeit parts.

The ST-LINK you picture is not authentic.

The Part# on your Blue Pill board is not readable, you might try using macro mode to get a close and in-focus image.

The Size of the FLASH is reported by a memory location within the IC, the programmer software reads that and displays the value. Suggests this started life as something other than a STM32F103C8T6

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Up vote any posts that you find helpful, it shows what's working..
Karl Yamashita
Principal

It's either a counterfeit part as @Tesla DeLorean mentions or the actual part number STM32F103C8T6 in the description is not correct.

So instead of STM32F103C8, it maybe another part, like a STM32F103RC, which is a 256KB part

Edit: Actually the RC is a 64pin part so that wouldn't be the case.

I was told that if a devices starts to smoke, put the smoke back in. I guess I never got all the smoke because the device never worked afterwards.
Don't worry, I won't byte.
TimerCallback tutorial! | UART and DMA Idle with multiple UART instances tutorial!

If you find my solution useful, please click the Accept as Solution so others see the solution.
Karl Yamashita
Principal

When using a real ST-LinkV2, I get the correct flash size of 64KB for my blue pill. It also shows it as a Medium density part. Your screen shot shows high density, so something doesn't add up. 

KarlYamashita_0-1750355053053.png

 

I was told that if a devices starts to smoke, put the smoke back in. I guess I never got all the smoke because the device never worked afterwards.
Don't worry, I won't byte.
TimerCallback tutorial! | UART and DMA Idle with multiple UART instances tutorial!

If you find my solution useful, please click the Accept as Solution so others see the solution.

https://www.stm32duino.com/viewtopic.php?t=2557

 

I don't think the 256KB Flash was offered in the 48-pin QFP, although the die is about 4.4x4.4 mm

 

https://community.st.com/t5/stm32-mcus-boards-and-hardware/i-have-chips-in-a-48-lqfp-case-with-the-sign-on-top-of/td-p/89821

 

Tips, Buy me a coffee, or three.. PayPal Venmo
Up vote any posts that you find helpful, it shows what's working..

Yes, i know, You must have missed my edit.

I was told that if a devices starts to smoke, put the smoke back in. I guess I never got all the smoke because the device never worked afterwards.
Don't worry, I won't byte.
TimerCallback tutorial! | UART and DMA Idle with multiple UART instances tutorial!

If you find my solution useful, please click the Accept as Solution so others see the solution.
xisco
Senior

Hi, @Titan ,

 

Unfortunately, it's a blue pill with a counterfeit chip.

I accidentally had a few of them, and they are going to give you problems.

The STM32F103C8T6 isn't the real deal. It has 64kB of flash memory but it has many issues.

Some of the problems I had include:

- It doesn't have 5V-tolerant pins. The original does

- SPI bus fails at high speed.

- In one unit I needed to push RESET button every time I powered the chip.

- ST does not want to program counterfeit chips or use of non-original ST-Link

The ones I had were labeled as genuine, but they obviously weren't.

 

Regards

Titan
Associate II

The project that i am following uses this board only and HEX file is made for this board only .Sadly i can't shift to any other board also the original black pill is not available anymore.Can HEX file be modified for other STM32 Board?