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Nicklink

NickStassen·nicklink

Nicklink PCB layout, top view — open source STM32 board by NickStassen

About the Nicklink PCB

Nicklink is an open source STM32 PCB design by NickStassen, published on GitHub under the MIT license. It is a 2-layer board measuring 34 × 33 mm, with 30 components from 17 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the STM32F103C8T6, from the STM32 family. Other key parts include the AMS1117-3.3. By type, the board carries 13 capacitors, 8 resistors, 3 connectors, 2 ICs, 1 crystal and 1 switch.

It belongs with the dev boards & breakouts designs in this gallery.

From the project

NickLink v1.1 — compact STM32F103C8 breakout board (KiCad)

NickLink is a compact STM32F103C8T6 development and breakout board. Version 1.1 packs the MCU, USB-C connector, regulator, oscillator and support components onto a 34 × 33 mm, two-layer PCB, with four M2 mounting holes and two identical 2×10, 2.54 mm headers for standard Dupont jumper cables.

- STM32F103C8T6 in LQFP-48, with a 16 MHz crystal. - USB-C connector for 5 V input and USB full-speed data; separate CC pull-downs support either cable orientation. - AMS1117-3.3 regulator, power LED, and local supply decoupling. - BOOT0 slide switch and a BOOT1 pull-down. - 33 GPIO/interface signals…

Nicklink, from the project README
From the project README

Main components on the Nicklink

STM32F103C8T6AMS1117-3.3

Nicklink bill of materials (BOM)

30 components, 17 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.

QtyPartRefs
1
STM32F103C8T6
U1
1
AMS1117-3.3
U2
1
16MHZ
16MHz
Y1
2
CONN_02X10_ODD_EVEN
Conn_02x10_Odd_Even
J1, J3
1
USB_C_RECEPTACLE_USB2.0_16P
USB_C_Receptacle_USB2.0_16P
J2
1
SW_SPDT
SW1
1
RED
D1
1
120R
FB1
6
100N
100n
C1, C2, C3, C4, C6, C9
1
10U
10u
C5
2
1u
C7, C8
2
10P
10p
C10, C11
1
4.7U
4.7u
C12
1
22u tantalum
C13
2
10K
10k
R1, R8
4
1K5
1k5
R2, R3, R6, R7
2
5K1
5k1
R4, R5

Nicklink design files

The KiCad project lives in the NickStassen/nicklink repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

Nicklink: common questions

What microcontroller does the Nicklink use?

The Nicklink is built around the STM32F103C8T6, from the STM32 family.

How big is the Nicklink PCB?

The Nicklink measures 34 × 33 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the Nicklink?

30 components, from 17 distinct parts, with part numbers taken from the project's own BOM. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the Nicklink design files?

From the NickStassen/nicklink repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout, the schematic and the BOM; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the Nicklink design in my own project?

Yes, under the terms of its MIT license, which NickStassen chose for the repository.

Can I test firmware for the Nicklink without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug STM32 firmware against it before you order a PCB.

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