STM32F446RET6 - 512KB Flash, 180MHz ARM Cortex-M4 MCU | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32F446RET6 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.8 | $980.00 |
| 500 | $8.5 | $4,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.9 | $7,900.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for STM32F446RET6 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32F446RCT6
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F446RET7
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F446RCT7
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F446RET6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU |
| Max Clock Speed | 180 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 128 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.7 V to 3.6 V |
| Package | LQFP64 (10x10 mm) |
| GPIO Pins | 51 |
| ADC | 3x 12-bit, up to 16 channels |
| DAC | 2x 12-bit |
| Timers | 12x 16-bit, 2x 32-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | SPI, I2C, USART, CAN, USB OTG, SDIO |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| DMA Channels | 16 |
| Debug Interface | SWD, JTAG |
STM32F446RET6 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VBAT β Battery backup supply |
| Pin 2 | PC13 β GPIO or RTC tamper |
| Pin 3 | PC14 β GPIO or OSC32_IN |
| Pin 4 | PC15 β GPIO or OSC32_OUT |
| Pin 5 | PF0 β GPIO |
| Pin 6 | PF1 β GPIO |
| Pin 7 | NRST β Reset (active low) |
| Pin 8 | VDD β Digital power supply |
| Pin 9 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 10 | PD0 β GPIO or OSC_IN |
| Pin 11 | PD1 β GPIO or OSC_OUT |
| Pin 12 | PD2 β GPIO |
| Pin 13 | PD3 β GPIO |
| Pin 14 | PD4 β GPIO |
| Pin 15 | PD5 β GPIO |
| Pin 16 | PD6 β GPIO |
| Pin 17 | PD7 β GPIO |
| Pin 18 | VDD β Digital power supply |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 20 | PD8 β GPIO |
| Pin 21 | PD9 β GPIO |
| Pin 22 | PD10 β GPIO |
| Pin 23 | PD11 β GPIO |
| Pin 24 | PD12 β GPIO |
| Pin 25 | PD13 β GPIO |
| Pin 26 | PD14 β GPIO |
| Pin 27 | PD15 β GPIO |
| Pin 28 | PC0 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 29 | PC1 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 30 | PC2 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 31 | PC3 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 32 | VDD β Digital power supply |
| Pin 33 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 34 | PC4 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 35 | PC5 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 36 | PB0 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 37 | PB1 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 38 | PB2 β GPIO or BOOT1 |
| Pin 39 | PB10 β GPIO or I2C2_SCL |
| Pin 40 | PB11 β GPIO or I2C2_SDA |
| Pin 41 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 42 | VDD β Digital power supply |
| Pin 43 | PB12 β GPIO or SPI2_NSS |
| Pin 44 | PB13 β GPIO or SPI2_SCK |
| Pin 45 | PB14 β GPIO or SPI2_MISO |
| Pin 46 | PB15 β GPIO or SPI2_MOSI |
| Pin 47 | PD8 β GPIO or USART3_TX |
| Pin 48 | PD9 β GPIO or USART3_RX |
| Pin 49 | PD10 β GPIO or USART3_CK |
| Pin 50 | PD11 β GPIO or USART3_CTS |
| Pin 51 | PD12 β GPIO or USART3_RTS |
| Pin 52 | PD13 β GPIO |
| Pin 53 | PD14 β GPIO |
| Pin 54 | PD15 β GPIO |
| Pin 55 | PC6 β GPIO or I2S2_MCK |
| Pin 56 | PC7 β GPIO or I2S2_SCK |
| Pin 57 | PC8 β GPIO or I2S2_SD |
| Pin 58 | PC9 β GPIO or I2S2_WS |
| Pin 59 | PA0 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 60 | PA1 β GPIO or ADC input |
| Pin 61 | PA2 β GPIO or USART2_TX |
| Pin 62 | PA3 β GPIO or USART2_RX |
| Pin 63 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 64 | VDD β Digital power supply |
Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics
No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.
Typical Applications
STM32F446RET6 is suitable for 6 applications: Motor Control, Industrial Automation, IoT Devices, Audio Processing, Consumer Electronics, Medical Devices.
Motor Control
The STM32F446RET6 is ideal for motor control applications due to its high-speed Cortex-M4 core with FPU, advanced timers for PWM generation, and multiple ADCs for current sensing. In a typical FOC (Field-Oriented Control) setup, the MCU reads phase currents via ADCs, computes the rotor position using encoders or Hall sensors, and generates PWM signals to drive the inverter. The FPU accelerates the Clarke and Park transformations, enabling high-bandwidth control loops. The device's 180 MHz clock ensures low latency in control algorithms, while the 512 KB Flash provides ample space for complex control firmware. Additionally, the rich peripheral set includes CAN for industrial networking and UART for debugging. The LQFP64 package offers sufficient GPIOs for interfacing with gate drivers and sensors. Power dissipation is manageable with proper heatsinking, and the wide operating temperature range (-40C to +85C) suits industrial environments. Compared to lower-end MCUs, the STM32F446RET6 provides the computational headroom needed for advanced control techniques like sensorless FOC and predictive control.
Recommended
Industrial Automation
In industrial automation, the STM32F446RET6 serves as a central controller for PLCs, robotic arms, and conveyor systems. Its multiple communication interfaces (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C) allow seamless integration with sensors, actuators, and industrial networks like Modbus. The 180 MHz CPU and FPU handle complex control algorithms, while the 512 KB Flash stores firmware for multiple functions. The device's 12-bit ADCs (up to 16 channels) enable precise analog signal acquisition from temperature, pressure, and position sensors. The advanced timers generate precise PWM for controlling motors and valves. The STM32F446RET6's robust design, with a wide operating temperature range and low power consumption, ensures reliable operation in harsh factory environments. Its support for real-time operating systems (RTOS) like FreeRTOS allows multitasking, improving system efficiency. The LQFP64 package is compact, fitting into space-constrained control panels. Compared to 8-bit MCUs, the STM32F446RET6 offers superior performance and scalability, making it a future-proof choice for evolving automation needs.
Recommended
IoT Devices
The STM32F446RET6 is well-suited for IoT edge devices that require local processing and connectivity. Its ARM Cortex-M4 core with FPU can handle sensor fusion, data filtering, and protocol stacks (e.g., MQTT) efficiently. The device supports multiple low-power modes, enabling battery-powered operation for extended periods. With 512 KB Flash and 128 KB SRAM, it can run embedded Linux-like environments (e.g., Zephyr, FreeRTOS) and store application code and data. The USB OTG interface allows direct connection to smartphones or PCs for configuration and data transfer. The SDIO interface supports external storage for data logging. The STM32F446RET6's rich peripheral set includes multiple UARTs, SPI, and I2C for interfacing with various sensors (temperature, humidity, motion). Its security features, including a true random number generator and cryptographic acceleration, enhance data protection. The LQFP64 package is suitable for compact PCB designs, and the wide supply voltage range (1.7V-3.6V) accommodates battery chemistries. Compared to simpler MCUs, the STM32F446RET6 provides the performance headroom for over-the-air updates and complex edge analytics.
Recommended
Audio Processing
The STM32F446RET6 excels in audio processing applications such as audio effects pedals, voice recognition, and active noise cancellation. Its 180 MHz Cortex-M4 with FPU can execute DSP algorithms like FIR/IIR filters, FFT, and audio codecs in real-time. The device includes multiple I2S interfaces for interfacing with audio codecs and digital microphones. The 512 KB Flash can store audio samples or code, while the 128 KB SRAM provides buffer space for streaming audio. The high-speed ADC can sample analog audio signals at high rates, and the DAC can output audio directly. The STM32F446RET6's DMA controller offloads data transfer, reducing CPU load. In a typical audio application, the MCU reads audio data from an I2S microphone, processes it (e.g., equalization), and outputs via I2S to a DAC or amplifier. The FPU accelerates floating-point operations, improving audio quality. The device's low latency ensures minimal audio delay, critical for real-time effects. Compared to dedicated DSPs, the STM32F446RET6 offers a cost-effective solution with integrated peripherals and flexibility.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics
In consumer electronics, the STM32F446RET6 powers smart home devices, wearables, and gaming peripherals. Its high performance enables rich user interfaces with graphical displays (via SPI or parallel interfaces) and touch sensing. The device's multiple timers and PWM channels control LEDs, buzzers, and haptic motors. The USB OTG interface allows connection to PCs for charging and data transfer. The STM32F446RET6's low-power modes extend battery life in portable devices. With 512 KB Flash, it can store firmware for multiple features, and the 128 KB SRAM supports complex applications. The device's security features protect user data. In a smart home hub, the STM32F446RET6 can manage Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth modules via UART/SPI, process sensor data, and control actuators. Its compact LQFP64 package fits into small form factors. Compared to application processors, the STM32F446RET6 offers real-time performance and lower power consumption, making it ideal for always-on devices.
Recommended
Medical Devices
The STM32F446RET6 is used in medical devices such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, and diagnostic equipment. Its high reliability and wide operating temperature range ensure consistent performance. The device's multiple ADCs can acquire biosignals (ECG, EEG) with high precision, while the FPU processes signal filtering and analysis. The 512 KB Flash stores complex algorithms, and the 128 KB SRAM handles real-time data buffering. The STM32F446RET6 supports safety-critical applications with its memory protection unit and fault detection features. Communication interfaces like UART and USB enable data logging and connectivity to hospital networks. In a patient monitor, the MCU reads vital signs from sensors, processes them, and displays results on a screen. The device's low power consumption is beneficial for portable medical devices. Compared to general-purpose MCUs, the STM32F446RET6 offers the performance and reliability required for medical certification (e.g., IEC 60601). Its long-term availability and ST's commitment to longevity make it a safe choice for medical product lifecycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32F446RET6 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32F446RCT6 | STM32F446RET7 | STM32F446RCT7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | LQFP64 | LQFP64 - same | LQFP64 - same | LQFP64 - same |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 256 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB |
| Max Clock Speed | 180 MHz | 180 MHz | 180 MHz | 180 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +105C |
| GPIO Pins | 51 | 51 | 51 | 51 |
| ADC Channels | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Price (1pc) | $12.50 | $10.80 | $13.20 | $11.50 |
Key Differentiators
- Higher clock speed (180 MHz) vs STM32F407VET6 (168 MHz) (vs STM32F407VET6)
- Integrated camera interface (DCMI) and true random number generator (RNG) (vs STM32F407VET6)
- More Flash (512 KB) vs STM32F446RCT6 (256 KB) (vs STM32F446RCT6)
Design Notes
Ensure all VDD pins are connected to a clean 3.3V supply and decoupled with 100nF capacitors placed as close to the pins as possible. Additionally, add a 4.7uF bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail. The VDDA pin should be connected to a separate analog supply with a ferrite bead and 1uF capacitor to reduce noise for ADC accuracy. The VBAT pin can be connected to a backup battery or tied to VDD if not used.
For the HSE crystal oscillator, place the crystal and load capacitors (typically 20pF) close to the OSC_IN and OSC_OUT pins, with a ground plane underneath to minimize parasitic capacitance. Keep the trace lengths short and avoid routing high-speed signals near the oscillator. For the LSE crystal (32.768 kHz), similar precautions apply. Use the STM32CubeMX tool to configure the clock tree and verify the crystal parameters.
Do not forget to configure the BOOT0 and BOOT1 pins correctly for the desired boot mode. BOOT0 is typically pulled low to boot from Flash. Also, ensure the NRST pin has a 100nF capacitor to ground for reliable reset. When using the SWD interface, connect SWDIO and SWCLK with pull-up/pull-down resistors as recommended in the datasheet. Avoid driving GPIO pins above VDD to prevent latch-up.
Compliance Information
STM32F446RET6 is RoHS compliant and lead-free. It is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive-grade, consider the STM32F446RET7 with extended temperature range.
