STM32C5A3ZGT6 - 144MHz Cortex-M33 MCU, 1MB Flash | ST
MPN: STM32C5A3ZGT6 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.65 | $56.50 |
| 100 | $5.05 | $505.00 |
| 500 | $4.62 | $2,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.2 | $4,200.00 |
STM32C5A3ZGT6 Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals on one die, forming the lowest layer of the embedded processing hierarchy (MCU -> embedded processor -> application processor -> system-on-chip). Within the STM32 portfolio, the STM32C5 series sits in ST's mainstream general-purpose MCU family, positioned for cost-sensitive industrial and consumer designs that still require modern security and connectivity features.
Key features of the STM32C5A3ZGT6 include a 1 MB flash with ECC and 2-bank read-while-write architecture, 256 KB SRAM of which 128 KB is ECC-protected, and a rich peripheral set highlighted by I3C, Ethernet MAC, and dual FDCAN controllers. An MPU (memory protection unit), DSP instructions, and cryptographic hardware acceleration round out the feature set, enabling functional partitioning and secure firmware upgrade schemes such as secure boot.
Technically, the Cortex-M33 is an Armv8-M mainline core: the FPU supports all Arm single-precision data-processing instructions and data types, while the MPU enables privilege separation between application and bootloader code. Dual-bank flash with ECC supports live firmware updates without downtime, and the ECC-protected SRAM half reduces the risk of silent data corruption in electrically noisy industrial environments.
Typical applications include industrial automation nodes and PLC I/O modules (dual FDCAN and Ethernet), building control and motor control systems leveraging the 144 MHz headroom, and connected IoT gateways that exploit I3C for modern sensor attachment. The large on-chip memory eliminates external flash in most designs, improving BOM cost and reliability.
For design, note that the crypto-capable variant helps meet security requirements, but plan the power supply and clock tree early - Ethernet and FDCAN operation at 144 MHz demand clean decoupling across the 144-pin LQFP footprint.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32C5A3ZGT6 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32C5A3CGT6
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32C5A3ZET6
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32C5A3ZGT6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | Arm 32-bit Cortex-M33 with FPU |
| Core Frequency | 144 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1M x 8) with ECC, 2 banks read-while-write |
| SRAM | 256 KB, including 128 KB with ECC |
| FPU | Single-precision (supports all Arm single-precision instructions and data types) |
| MPU | Yes (Memory Protection Unit) |
| DSP Instructions | Yes |
| Connectivity | I3C, Ethernet, Dual FDCAN |
| Series | STM32C5 (mainstream Arm Cortex-M33 MCU) |
| Package | 144-LQFP (20 x 20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Data Bus Width | 32 bit |
| Product Type | General purpose microcontroller IC |
STM32C5A3ZGT6 144-lqfp (20 x 20 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for STM32C5A3ZGT6 (144-lqfp (20 x 20 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for STM32C5A3ZGT6.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
STM32C5A3ZGT6 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and PLC I/O Modules, IoT Gateways and Edge Connectivity, Motor Control and Drives, Building Control and HVAC, Secure Embedded Systems and Secure Boot, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Industrial Automation and PLC I/O Modules
The STM32C5A3ZGT6 fits industrial automation nodes because its dual FDCAN controllers and Ethernet MAC cover both fieldbus and backbone connectivity on one chip, while the 144 MHz Cortex-M33 with DSP instructions handles deterministic control loops. The ECC-protected flash and the 128 KB ECC-protected SRAM segment reduce silent data corruption risk in electrically noisy cabinet environments. In a typical PLC I/O module, the MCU polls sensor inputs, runs the control algorithm, and bridges data to Ethernet and CAN FD simultaneously. The 2-bank read-while-write flash enables remote firmware updates on installed equipment without stopping production, a decisive advantage for factory-floor deployments.
Recommended
IoT Gateways and Edge Connectivity
For IoT gateways, the STM32C5A3ZGT6 combines an Ethernet MAC for wired backhaul, native I3C for modern sensor attachment, and a hardware crypto accelerator for TLS-style secure communication - removing the need for an external security chip in many designs. The 1 MB flash hosts network stacks, application logic, and a bootloader with margin to spare, and the 256 KB SRAM buffers packet processing without external RAM. Because the Cortex-M33 implements Armv8-M with MPU, privilege-separated firmware partitions isolate the network stack from safety-relevant logic. Gateways benefit further from read-while-write updates, letting field devices receive security patches over Ethernet with zero downtime.
Recommended
Motor Control and Drives
Motor drive designs exploit the STM32C5A3ZGT6's 144 MHz Cortex-M33 with single-precision FPU to execute field-oriented control at high loop rates; the FPU accelerates the Clarke and Park transforms, and DSP instructions speed up filtering. Dual FDCAN interfaces allow the drive to join vehicle or industrial CAN FD networks while a second bus handles auxiliary nodes. The MCU's peripheral-rich mainstream architecture supports advanced timer-based PWM generation for inverter stages. Field-updatable firmware via dual-bank flash is especially valuable in installed drives: performance parameters and control firmware can be revised without removing the drive from service, reducing maintenance cost across large fleets.
Recommended
Building Control and HVAC
Building automation controllers need long product lifecycles, multi-protocol connectivity, and field upgradability - all strengths of the STM32C5A3ZGT6. The Ethernet MAC supports BACnet/IP-class backbones, dual FDCAN covers modern building bus segments, and the 1 MB flash holds protocol stacks plus application logic for AHU controllers, VAV boxes, and lighting gateways. The 144 MHz core leaves headroom for control algorithms running alongside communication stacks, and the ECC flash protects configuration data integrity over years of service. STMicroelectronics' mainstream longevity commitments make this part a low-obsolescence-risk choice for 10-20 year building infrastructure designs.
Recommended
Secure Embedded Systems and Secure Boot
The STM32C5A3ZGT6 targets security-conscious designs with its hardware cryptographic accelerator and Armv8-M TrustZone-class architecture features. Combined with the MPU, developers partition privileged bootloader code from user application code, implementing secure boot chains that verify firmware signatures before execution - a requirement in payment terminals, industrial control, and connected devices subject to security regulations. The 2-bank flash architecture lets the device download and verify a new image in the inactive bank before committing, guaranteeing rollback safety. Per STMicroelectronics' product listing, the crypto engine offloads symmetric operations from the CPU, preserving real-time performance for the main application.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Benchtop and portable instruments benefit from the STM32C5A3ZGT6's balance of compute and connectivity: the 144 MHz Cortex-M33 with FPU processes acquired waveforms and calibration math, while USB-class communication, Ethernet, and I3C provide host, network, and front-end sensor interfaces. The 256 KB SRAM buffers sample streams for post-processing, and DSP instructions accelerate FFT and windowing routines used in spectrum and power analysis. Read-while-write flash permits field firmware updates that add measurement features after deployment - a common commercial requirement for instrument makers. The mainstream cost position keeps instrument BOMs competitive against higher-tier STM32H7 designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32C5A3ZGT6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32C5A3CGT6 | STM32C5A3ZET6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same | 144-LQFP (20x20 mm) - same |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Core | Arm Cortex-M33 with FPU | Arm Cortex-M33 with FPU | Arm Cortex-M33 with FPU |
| Core Frequency | 144 MHz | 144 MHz | 144 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB with ECC, 2 banks | 256 KB | 512 KB |
| Connectivity | I3C, Ethernet, Dual FDCAN | I3C, Ethernet, Dual FDCAN | I3C, Ethernet, Dual FDCAN |
| Security | Crypto accelerator | Crypto accelerator | Crypto accelerator |
Key Differentiators
- Double the flash of the mid-density family member (vs STM32C5A3ZET6)
- Four times the flash of the entry family member at modest cost delta (vs STM32C5A3CGT6)
- Trade-off: mainstream performance tier (vs STM32H7 series (not a drop-in))
Design Notes
A 144-pin LQFP at 20x20 mm concentrates high-speed peripherals (Ethernet MAC, FDCAN) that toggle near the 144 MHz system clock. Place 100 nF decoupling capacitors at every VDD/VSS pair as close to the pins as possible, plus bulk capacitance near the supply entry. Route Ethernet RMII/MII traces as controlled-impedance pairs where the PHY placement allows, and keep FDCAN differential pairs matched in length. Follow STMicroelectronics' STM32 hardware getting-started application notes for the reference decoupling network before finalizing the PCB stackup.
Estimated: power budget scales with core frequency and enabled peripherals - at 144 MHz with Ethernet active, current consumption is materially higher than idle. Use [DATA_NEEDED: supply current] figures from the datasheet power consumption tables rather than assumptions, and size the regulator for peak (all peripherals on) plus margin. Verify the VDD/VDDA sequencing and decouple VDDA separately with an RC filter to protect ADC accuracy in mixed-signal sections of the board.
Two frequent mistakes with ECC dual-bank flash MCUs: first, firmware that assumes linear flash addressing can break when read-while-write bank swapping changes effective address mapping - always derive addresses from the linker script and ST's flash interface drivers. Second, bootloader code must be placed in privileged MPU regions before enabling the MPU, otherwise the application may fault on legitimate flash operations. Validate the secure boot chain on early silicon, not only in the simulator, and test brown-out behavior with ECC enabled.
Compliance Information
Standard commercial STMicroelectronics MCU; RoHS/lead-free status per distributor listings. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations should be confirmed via the ST product page compliance documentation.
