Skip to main content
HAbay.1
Associate III
July 27, 2021
Solved

Why is the rated supply voltage for the 5V pin regulator on the bluepill datasheet 4.0v and not 5v?

  • July 27, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 7415 views

I would like to know whether the stm32f103c8t6(Blue pill) can be supplied using a 5v source through the regulator ( 5V pin); I've seen a lot of people indicate that it was possible but the datasheet clearly says that the maximum voltage the regulator can take is 4.0v. In addition, I've read that the regulator is disabled in stop mode, does that mean that I cannot use my external 5v source in while in stop mode? and is the onboard usb regulator the same one used on the 5v pin? ( I've only seen one regulator in the blue pill schematic)

Image to see what portion of the datasheet I'm referring to :

0693W00000D0nisQAB.png

This topic has been closed for replies.
Best answer by Tesla DeLorean

Providing the node names are case insensitive, the USB 5V and the board edge 5V go into the supply side of a 3.3V regulator that supplies the STM32. Lacking diodes I wouldn't push 5V in concurrently from the USB and board edge. You could also confirm voltages at key circuit nodes with a multi-meter or a scope.

https://freeelectron.ro/bare-metal-stm32-led-blink/blue-pill-schematic/

https://freeelectron.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/blue-pill-schematic.png

0693W00000D0o9ZQAR.png

2 replies

TDK
Super User
July 27, 2021

You're confusing the onboard regulator which converts 5V to 3.3V with the absolute maximum input voltage of the MCU.

There is no problem powering the board from 5V USB under any operating condition because it it stepped down to 3.3V prior to going to the chip.

(There is also a regulator internal to the MCU which converts 3.3V to the working core voltage (around 1.2V) which you shouldn't need to worry about.)

"If you feel a post has answered your question, please click ""Accept as Solution""."
HAbay.1
HAbay.1Author
Associate III
July 27, 2021

Got it , so the regulator stepping down 5v from the USB to 3.3v is the same one attached to the "5v" pin right?

Tesla DeLorean
Tesla DeLoreanBest answer
Guru
July 27, 2021

Providing the node names are case insensitive, the USB 5V and the board edge 5V go into the supply side of a 3.3V regulator that supplies the STM32. Lacking diodes I wouldn't push 5V in concurrently from the USB and board edge. You could also confirm voltages at key circuit nodes with a multi-meter or a scope.

https://freeelectron.ro/bare-metal-stm32-led-blink/blue-pill-schematic/

https://freeelectron.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/blue-pill-schematic.png

0693W00000D0o9ZQAR.png

Tips, Buy me a coffee, or three.. PayPal VenmoUp vote any posts that you find helpful, it shows what's working..
Peter BENSCH
Technical Moderator
April 25, 2025

This thread relates to a so-called Blue Pill, which uses illegally cloned STM32F103. ST resources are only dedicated to supporting genuine ST products. We are not committed to ensuring that clones/fakes products work properly with the firmware we provide.

We recommend to purchase genuine products from STMicroelectronics and purchase them from known and trusted distributors.

This thread will now be locked. However, if you face difficulties while using genuine ST products, we’re here to assist you. Please feel free to start a new thread, and our team, along with community members, will be ready to help you with any issues/questions you encounter.

Thank you for your understanding.

Regards
/Peter