STM32F401RET6 - 84MHz ARM Cortex-M4 MCU, 512KB Flash | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32F401RET6 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.12 | $3,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.44 | $5,440.00 |
STM32F401RET6 Overview
What is a microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation in an embedded system. It integrates a processor core, memory (flash and SRAM), and programmable input/output peripherals on a single chip. In the system hierarchy, an MCU sits between a microprocessor (which typically requires external memory and peripherals) and a system-on-chip (SoC) that may include more complex subsystems. The STM32F401RET6 belongs to the STM32F4 series, which is part of the broader STM32 family of 32-bit ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers, known for their balance of performance, power efficiency, and peripheral richness.
Key features of the STM32F401RET6 include an ARM Cortex-M4 core with FPU, 84 MHz maximum clock speed, 512 KB flash, 96 KB SRAM, and a rich set of peripherals: 3 USARTs, 4 SPIs, 3 I2Cs, 1 SDIO, 1 USB 2.0 OTG FS, 1 CAN, 12-bit ADC with 16 channels, and multiple timers including advanced-control timers. The device operates from a 1.7V to 3.6V power supply and supports a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C (T suffix). It includes a variety of low-power modes (Sleep, Stop, Standby) for battery-powered applications.
Technically, the STM32F401RET6 is built on a 90nm process technology, offering a good balance of performance and power consumption. The Cortex-M4 core with FPU accelerates mathematical computations, making it ideal for digital signal processing (DSP) tasks. The device supports a comprehensive set of development tools, including STM32CubeMX, STM32CubeIDE, and the HAL library, which streamline firmware development. The memory architecture includes a flexible external memory controller (FMC) for expanding memory beyond the internal flash and SRAM.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, motor drives, consumer electronics, IoT devices, and medical equipment. The combination of high clock speed, ample memory, and rich peripherals makes it a versatile choice for applications requiring real-time processing and connectivity. For example, in an IoT gateway, the STM32F401RET6 can manage sensor data acquisition, process it with the FPU, and communicate via USB or CAN.
When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling of the power supply pins with 100nF capacitors placed close to each VDD pin, and a 4.7uF bulk capacitor. The VDDA pin should be connected to a clean analog supply, and the VREF+ pin to a stable reference voltage for accurate ADC conversions. The BOOT0 pin configuration determines the boot source; a 10kΩ pull-down resistor is recommended for booting from flash. Also, consider the thermal performance: the LQFP64 package has a thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 45°C/W, so for high-current applications, adequate PCB copper area is needed.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32F401RET6 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with STM32F401RET6 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, SRAM, Core, Communication Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32F401RCT6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F401RDT6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F411RET6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F405RET6
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F103RET6
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →STM32F401RET6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 84 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 96 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.7 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | LQFP64 (10x10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) |
| Number of Pins | 64 |
| ADC | 12-bit, 16 channels |
| USART | 3 |
| SPI | 4 |
| I2C | 3 |
| USB | USB 2.0 OTG FS |
| CAN | 1 |
| Timers | Advanced-control, general-purpose, basic |
| DMA | Yes, 16 channels |
| Low Power Modes | Sleep, Stop, Standby |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
STM32F401RET6 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VBAT — Backup battery supply for RTC and backup registers |
| Pin 2 | PC13 — GPIO or RTC tamper/calendar output |
| Pin 3 | PC14 — GPIO or OSC32_IN |
| Pin 4 | PC15 — GPIO or OSC32_OUT |
| Pin 5 | PF0 — GPIO or OSC_IN |
| Pin 6 | PF1 — GPIO or OSC_OUT |
| Pin 7 | NRST — Reset (active low) |
| Pin 8 | VSSA — Analog ground |
| Pin 9 | VDDA — Analog power supply |
| Pin 10 | PA0 — GPIO/ADC12_IN0/WKUP |
| Pin 11 | PA1 — GPIO/ADC12_IN1 |
| Pin 12 | PA2 — GPIO/ADC12_IN2/USART2_TX |
| Pin 13 | PA3 — GPIO/ADC12_IN3/USART2_RX |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 16 | PA4 — GPIO/ADC12_IN4/SPI1_NSS |
| Pin 17 | PA5 — GPIO/ADC12_IN5/SPI1_SCK |
| Pin 18 | PA6 — GPIO/ADC12_IN6/SPI1_MISO |
| Pin 19 | PA7 — GPIO/ADC12_IN7/SPI1_MOSI |
| Pin 20 | PC4 — GPIO/ADC12_IN14 |
| Pin 21 | PC5 — GPIO/ADC12_IN15 |
| Pin 22 | PB0 — GPIO/ADC12_IN8 |
| Pin 23 | PB1 — GPIO/ADC12_IN9 |
| Pin 24 | PB2 — GPIO/BOOT1 |
| Pin 25 | PB10 — GPIO/I2C2_SCL/USART3_TX |
| Pin 26 | PB11 — GPIO/I2C2_SDA/USART3_RX |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 29 | PB12 — GPIO/SPI2_NSS/I2C2_SMBA |
| Pin 30 | PB13 — GPIO/SPI2_SCK |
| Pin 31 | PB14 — GPIO/SPI2_MISO |
| Pin 32 | PB15 — GPIO/SPI2_MOSI |
| Pin 33 | PC6 — GPIO/TIM3_CH1 |
| Pin 34 | PC7 — GPIO/TIM3_CH2 |
| Pin 35 | PC8 — GPIO/TIM3_CH3 |
| Pin 36 | PC9 — GPIO/TIM3_CH4 |
| Pin 37 | PA8 — GPIO/TIM1_CH1/MCO1 |
| Pin 38 | PA9 — GPIO/TIM1_CH2/USART1_TX |
| Pin 39 | PA10 — GPIO/TIM1_CH3/USART1_RX |
| Pin 40 | PA11 — GPIO/TIM1_CH4/USB_DM |
| Pin 41 | PA12 — GPIO/USB_DP |
| Pin 42 | PA13 — GPIO/SWDIO |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 45 | PA14 — GPIO/SWCLK |
| Pin 46 | PA15 — GPIO/TIM2_CH1 |
| Pin 47 | PB3 — GPIO/TIM2_CH2 |
| Pin 48 | PB4 — GPIO/TIM3_CH1 |
| Pin 49 | PB5 — GPIO/TIM3_CH2 |
| Pin 50 | PB6 — GPIO/I2C1_SCL/TIM4_CH1 |
| Pin 51 | PB7 — GPIO/I2C1_SDA/TIM4_CH2 |
| Pin 52 | BOOT0 — Boot mode selection |
| Pin 53 | PB8 — GPIO/I2C1_SCL/TIM4_CH3 |
| Pin 54 | PB9 — GPIO/I2C1_SDA/TIM4_CH4 |
| Pin 55 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 56 | VDD — Power supply |
| Pin 57 | PC10 — GPIO/USART4_TX |
| Pin 58 | PC11 — GPIO/USART4_RX |
| Pin 59 | PC12 — GPIO/USART5_TX |
| Pin 60 | PD2 — GPIO/TIM3_ETR |
| Pin 61 | PB4 — GPIO/SPI1_MISO |
| Pin 62 | PB5 — GPIO/SPI1_MOSI |
| Pin 63 | PB6 — GPIO/SPI1_SCK |
| Pin 64 | PB7 — GPIO/SPI1_NSS |
Typical Applications
STM32F401RET6 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, IoT Devices, Consumer Electronics, Medical Equipment, Motor Drives, Audio Processing.
Industrial Control Systems
The STM32F401RET6 is ideal for industrial control systems due to its 84 MHz Cortex-M4 core with FPU, which can handle complex control algorithms like PID and FOC. It features advanced timers for PWM generation, multiple communication interfaces (USART, SPI, I2C, CAN) for connecting to sensors and actuators, and a 12-bit ADC for analog signal acquisition. In a typical PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), the MCU reads inputs from sensors, processes them, and drives outputs via relays or transistors. The wide supply voltage range (1.7V to 3.6V) and industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) ensure reliable operation in harsh environments. The FPU accelerates floating-point calculations, improving the performance of control loops. Additionally, the device's low-power modes help reduce energy consumption in remote or battery-powered industrial sensors.
Recommended
IoT Devices
The STM32F401RET6 is well-suited for IoT devices that require a balance of performance, power efficiency, and connectivity. Its 84 MHz Cortex-M4 core can handle protocol stacks like MQTT and TLS, while the 512 KB flash provides ample space for firmware and application code. The device includes a USB 2.0 OTG FS interface for direct connection to hosts or peripherals, and multiple UARTs/SPIs/I2Cs for interfacing with Wi-Fi or cellular modules. In a typical smart home sensor node, the MCU wakes from Stop mode periodically, reads sensor data via I2C, processes it, and transmits it over a wireless module. The low-power modes (Sleep, Stop, Standby) extend battery life, and the wide supply voltage range allows direct operation from a 3.3V LDO or a 3.7V Li-ion battery. The FPU enables on-device data processing, reducing the need for cloud computation and improving response times.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics
The STM32F401RET6 is a popular choice for consumer electronics such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and remote controls. Its compact LQFP64 package and low power consumption make it ideal for portable devices. The 84 MHz Cortex-M4 core with FPU can handle user interface rendering, sensor fusion, and audio processing. The device includes a variety of timers for generating PWM signals to drive LEDs or buzzers, and a 12-bit ADC for reading analog sensors like touch buttons or battery voltage. In a smartwatch, the MCU manages the display, collects data from an accelerometer and heart-rate sensor, and communicates with a smartphone via Bluetooth (through an external module). The low-power Stop mode allows the device to remain in a low-current state while maintaining RTC functionality, extending battery life. The wide supply voltage range (1.7V to 3.6V) supports operation from a single-cell lithium battery.
Recommended
Medical Equipment
The STM32F401RET6 is used in medical devices such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic equipment. Its high processing power and FPU enable real-time signal processing for applications like ECG analysis or blood pressure monitoring. The device's multiple ADCs can sample analog signals from sensors, and its communication interfaces (USART, SPI, I2C) allow connection to external modules like Bluetooth for data transmission. In a pulse oximeter, the MCU reads the photodiode signal via ADC, processes it to calculate oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate, and displays the results on an LCD. The low-power modes are crucial for battery-operated portable medical devices, ensuring long operation between charges. The industrial temperature range ensures reliable operation in clinical environments. The device's robust design and long-term availability make it suitable for medical applications where reliability is critical.
Recommended
Motor Drives
The STM32F401RET6 is well-suited for motor drive applications, including brushless DC (BLDC) motors and stepper motors. Its advanced-control timers (TIM1 and TIM8) can generate complementary PWM signals with programmable dead-time, essential for driving H-bridges or three-phase inverters. The 84 MHz Cortex-M4 core with FPU can execute Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithms in real-time, providing smooth and efficient motor control. The device includes a 12-bit ADC for current sensing and position feedback, and its multiple communication interfaces allow for connection to encoders or host controllers. In a typical BLDC motor drive, the MCU reads Hall sensors or encoder signals, computes the rotor position, and generates PWM signals to control the inverter switches. The FPU accelerates the trigonometric calculations required for FOC, reducing CPU load. The device's wide supply voltage range and industrial temperature range make it suitable for industrial motor drives.
Recommended
Audio Processing
The STM32F401RET6 can be used in audio processing applications such as audio effects pedals, voice recorders, and smart speakers. Its 84 MHz Cortex-M4 core with FPU can handle real-time audio processing algorithms like filtering, equalization, and echo cancellation. The device includes multiple I2S interfaces (via SPI) for connecting to audio codecs, and a 12-bit ADC for analog audio input. In a voice recorder, the MCU samples audio from a microphone via ADC, compresses it (e.g., using ADPCM), and stores it in flash or external memory. The FPU accelerates DSP operations, enabling complex effects in real-time. The device's low-power modes are beneficial for battery-powered audio devices. The wide supply voltage range allows operation from a 3.3V rail, and the LQFP64 package is compact enough for portable designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32F401RET6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32F401RCT6 | STM32F401RDT6 | STM32F411RET6 | STM32F405RET6 | STM32F103RET6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | LQFP64 | LQFP64 - same | LQFP64 - same | LQFP64 - same | LQFP64 - same | LQFP64 - same |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 84 MHz | 84 MHz | 84 MHz | 100 MHz | 168 MHz | 72 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 256 KB | 384 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 96 KB | 64 KB | 96 KB | 128 KB | 192 KB | 64 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.7V to 3.6V | 1.7V to 3.6V | 1.7V to 3.6V | 1.7V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 3.6V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| USB | USB 2.0 OTG FS | USB 2.0 OTG FS | USB 2.0 OTG FS | USB 2.0 OTG FS | USB 2.0 OTG FS | USB 2.0 FS |
Key Differentiators
- Higher clock speed and FPU (vs STM32F103RET6)
- More SRAM (vs STM32F401RCT6)
- Lower power consumption (vs STM32F405RET6)
Design Notes
Decouple each VDD pin with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the pin, and add a 4.7uF bulk capacitor on the main supply. The VDDA pin should be connected to a clean analog supply, and VREF+ to a stable reference voltage (e.g., 3.3V) for accurate ADC conversions. If the VDDA supply is noisy, consider adding an LC filter to reduce ripple.
For the LQFP64 package, ensure adequate copper pour on the ground plane to reduce thermal resistance. The thermal resistance (theta_JA) is approximately 45°C/W, so for high-current applications, provide a solid ground plane and thermal vias under the exposed pad (if present) to improve heat dissipation. Keep high-speed traces (e.g., USB) impedance-controlled and short.
The BOOT0 pin must be pulled low (10kΩ to GND) to boot from flash. If BOOT0 is high, the device will boot from system memory or SRAM, which may cause unexpected behavior. Also, ensure the NRST pin has a 100nF capacitor to GND for reliable reset. When using the ADC, avoid floating analog input pins; connect unused ADC channels to GND or VDD to prevent noise.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per STMicroelectronics product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (standard grade).
