Two names come up whenever a team qualifies a Chinese Cortex-M supplier: Artery (AT32) and GigaDevice (GD32). Both offer STM32-compatible footprints and aggressive price-performance, and both are regularly in stock with us. This guide puts them side by side so you can decide which to qualify — remembering that the right answer is the specific part on your firmware and volume, not the brand.
1. Where each line shines
- GD32 — the most widely adopted F103-class alternative; easiest default swap, huge published code base.
- AT32 (F4 tier) — pushes higher on clock and FPU for math-heavy and motor-control work.
2. Both lines, in stock
| Part | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|
| AT32F403ACGT7 | Artery AT32F4 (Cortex-M4, FPU) | AT32F403ACGT7 |
| GD32F103C8T6 | GigaDevice, F103-class default alternative | GD32F103C8T6 |
| GD32F303CCT6 | GigaDevice, F303-class (more perf than F103) | GD32F303CCT6 |
| GD32F103VET6 | GigaDevice, higher-pin-count F103 class | GD32F103VET6 |
| GD32F103RCT6 | GigaDevice, mid-pin-count F103 class | GD32F103RCT6 |
| STM32F103C8T6 | The original F103 reference both are measured against | STM32F103C8T6 |
3. How to decide
- Easiest F103 swap — start with GD32; largest ecosystem.
- Math / motor headroom — evaluate the AT32F4 we stock for FPU and clock.
- Qualify, don't assume — separate device packs, clock trees and Flash behaviour mean each is its own qualification.
- Multi-source resilience — qualifying both protects the build when one is allocated.
Compare the full microcontroller range. Send your target part and volume for a side-by-side quote on real availability.
Frequently asked questions
How do Artery AT32 and GigaDevice GD32 compare?
Both are Chinese Cortex-M microcontroller families with broad STM32-compatible footprints, but they are distinct silicon and vendors. GD32 is the most widely adopted F103-class alternative; AT32's F4 tier pushes higher on clock and FPU. Compare the specific part, not the brand, on clock, memory, peripherals and price for your volume.
Which is 'better'?
Neither is universally better. If you need the largest ecosystem and easiest F103 swap, GD32 is the safe default. If your design benefits from AT32F4-class performance and FPU, the Artery part is the stronger fit. Qualify both on your actual firmware and volume price.
Can I use AT32 and GD32 interchangeably?
No. They share the Cortex-M concept and broadly similar footprints, but the device packs, clock trees, Flash behaviour and peripherals differ. Treat each as a separate qualification; do not assume firmware or board swaps.
Do you stock both lines?
Yes. We stock the Artery AT32F403ACGT7 and the in-stock GD32 F103/F303 lines, so you can compare and qualify both on real availability.
About us & trademarks: JTDZ Tech (Shenzhen Jingteng Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.) is an independent distributor of electronic components. We are not an authorised distributor or representative of the manufacturers named in this article. Manufacturer and part names are used for indicative purposes only, to help identify the components discussed; all trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Always verify specifications against the official datasheet before design-in or purchase.
Recommended next steps
If you are sourcing any of the parts mentioned in this guide, we can help you confirm stock, pricing, and lead times quickly.
- Upload your BOM — send your full parts list and receive a consolidated quote within 2 business hours.
- Browse related in-stock lines: Microcontrollers / MCUs.
- Contact our team for hard-to-find or end-of-life components.
