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Lead
April 20, 2026
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Using crystal HSE configuration with external HSE source?

  • April 20, 2026
  • 2 replies
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Hi!

I have a STM32103 processor and I wonder if something bad can occurs if I use an external oscillator to OSC_IN and leave the OSC,_OUT floating. With a ceramic crystal HSE configuration in CubeMX.

I know that the BYPASS clock source is the best HSE configuration for an external source (as I have) because then the OCS_OUT is not oscilating. 

But for me, it won't make any difference because my OSC_OUT is floating and not connected to anything. Or will this break after few years of running?

I know that my OSC_OUT have the same oscillations as OSC_IN due to the "wrong" configuration. 

Best answer by mbarg.1

You can leave any output open and nothing will happen, short term or long term.

BUT

remember that unused outputs with some signal inside can be a source of RF noise and that can limit RF compliance.

As a general law, better not to take out unused signals in new design.

2 replies

mbarg.1
mbarg.1Best answer
Senior III
April 20, 2026

You can leave any output open and nothing will happen, short term or long term.

BUT

remember that unused outputs with some signal inside can be a source of RF noise and that can limit RF compliance.

As a general law, better not to take out unused signals in new design.

DMårtAuthor
Lead
April 20, 2026

@mbarg.1 

Thank you!

Understand that this might cause bad RF. Luckily, I don't have any RF requirements, only functional requirements.

STM32MP151AAC3 custom board with STM32-OS as operating system: https://github.com/DanielMartensson/STM32-ComputerSTM32MP257FAK3 custom board with STM64-OS as operating system: https://github.com/DanielMartensson/STM64-Computer
Andrew Neil
Super User
April 20, 2026

@DMårt wrote:

I don't have any RF requirements


That's not true!

All electronic products need to comply with the relevant EMC regulations wherever they're used/sold.

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
mƎALLEm
Technical Moderator
April 20, 2026

Hello,


@DMårt wrote:

I have a STM32103 processor and I wonder if something bad can occurs if I use an external oscillator to OSC_IN and leave the OSC,_OUT floating. With a ceramic crystal HSE configuration in CubeMX.


That statement is a bit ambiguous.

Are you using a crystal (XTAL) or a crystal oscillator (XO)?

If you are using a crystal oscillator (XO) that's the hardware configuration you should adopt in Bypass mode. OSC_IN connected to the oscillator output and OSC_OUT should kept floating. 

From the reference manual RM0008:

mALLEm_0-1776678147860.png

"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."
DMårtAuthor
Lead
April 20, 2026

Hi @mƎALLEm 

I'm using a XO with a ceramic configuration. But OSC_OUT is floating.

Yes, i know that I should adopt Bypass mode. But in this case it's ceramic/resonator mode.

I hope this won't cause any functional troubles.

STM32MP151AAC3 custom board with STM32-OS as operating system: https://github.com/DanielMartensson/STM32-ComputerSTM32MP257FAK3 custom board with STM64-OS as operating system: https://github.com/DanielMartensson/STM64-Computer
mƎALLEm
Technical Moderator
April 20, 2026

@DMårt wrote:

Hi @mƎALLEm 

I hope this won't cause any functional troubles.


No this is what it was suggested in the RM as I stated in my previous post.

"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."