STM32F446RET6 - 180MHz Cortex-M4 MCU, 512KB Flash | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32F446RET6 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13.11 | $13.11 |
| 10 | $11.98 | $119.80 |
| 100 | $10.85 | $1,085.00 |
| 500 | $9.72 | $4,860.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.94 | $8,940.00 |
STM32F446RET6 Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a compact integrated circuit that governs a specific operation in an embedded system, combining a processor core, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals on a single chip. The STM32F446RET6 belongs to the STM32F4 series, part of the broader STM32 family of 32-bit ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. Within this hierarchy it sits in the high-performance Cortex-M4 class, whose DSP instructions and single-precision FPU make it well suited to real-time signal processing and closed-loop control.
Key features include 512 KB Flash with 128 KB system SRAM plus 4 KB backup SRAM, a rich analog subsystem with three 12-bit ADCs and two 12-bit DACs, and 14 timers (12x 16-bit and 2x 32-bit). Communication coverage is broad: SPI, I2C, USART, CAN, USB OTG FS/HS, SDIO, and an 8080/6800 LCD parallel interface. A true random number generator, camera interface (DCMI), and memory protection unit extend its security and imaging capability.
Technically, the device operates from a 1.7V to 3.6V supply and uses flexible clocking: external crystal (HSE), internal RC oscillators (HSI/LSI), and PLL multiplication to reach the full 180 MHz core clock. The Cortex-M4 NVIC and MPU support deterministic real-time behavior, while the LQFP64 package provides 51 GPIO pins, many multiplexed to alternate functions.
Typical applications include motor control (FOC exploits the FPU and fast ADCs), industrial automation, digital audio processing (the F446 media-access line was designed for audio with I2S and PLLI2S), and IoT nodes requiring USB or CAN connectivity.
Design consideration: decouple all VDD/VDDA pins with 100 nF ceramics close to the pins, and route the HSE crystal with short traces and guard ground for stable 180 MHz operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the ST datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32F446RET6 — 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 STM32F446RET6 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in SRAM, Timers, Flash Memory, Package, Communication Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32F446RET7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F446RCT6
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F405RGT6
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F401RET6
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F411RET6
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F446RET6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU (single precision) |
| Core Size | 32-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 180 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB |
| SRAM | 128 KB (plus 4 KB backup SRAM) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.7 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of ADCs | 3 x 12-bit |
| Number of DACs | 2 x 12-bit |
| Timers | 12 x 16-bit, 2 x 32-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | SPI, I2C, USART, CAN, USB OTG, SDIO |
| GPIO Count | 51 |
| Package | 64-LQFP (10 x 10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Additional Peripherals | RNG, DCMI camera interface, LCD parallel interface (8080/6800), MPU |
| MSL Level | MSL 3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
STM32F446RET6 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VBAT — Battery backup supply for RTC and backup registers |
| Pin 2 | PC13 — GPIO / RTC functions |
| Pin 3 | PC14-OSC32_IN — GPIO or 32.768 kHz crystal input |
| Pin 4 | PC15-OSC32_OUT — GPIO or 32.768 kHz crystal output |
| Pin 5 | PH0-OSC_IN — HSE crystal input / GPIO |
| Pin 6 | PH1-OSC_OUT — HSE crystal output / GPIO |
| Pin 7 | NRST — System reset (active low) |
| Pin 8 | PC0 — GPIO / ADC1_IN10 |
| Pin 9 | PC1 — GPIO / ADC1_IN11 |
| Pin 10 | PC2 — GPIO / ADC1_IN12 |
| Pin 11 | PC3 — GPIO / ADC1_IN13 |
| Pin 12 | VSSA — Analog ground |
| Pin 13 | VREF- — ADC reference negative |
| Pin 14 | VREF+ — ADC reference positive |
| Pin 15 | VDDA — Analog power supply |
| Pin 16 | PA0-WKUP — GPIO / ADC / Wakeup |
| Pin 17 | PA1 — GPIO / ADC / Timer |
| Pin 18 | PA2 — GPIO / USART2_TX / ADC |
| Pin 19 | PA3 — GPIO / USART2_RX / ADC |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Digital power supply |
| Pin 22 | PA4 — GPIO / DAC_OUT1 / SPI1_NSS |
| Pin 23 | PA5 — GPIO / DAC_OUT2 / SPI1_SCK |
| Pin 24 | PA6 — GPIO / SPI1_MISO / ADC |
| Pin 25 | PA7 — GPIO / SPI1_MOSI / ADC |
| Pin 26 | PC4 — GPIO / ADC1_IN14 |
| Pin 27 | PC5 — GPIO / ADC1_IN15 |
| Pin 28 | PB0 — GPIO / ADC / Timer |
| Pin 29 | PB1 — GPIO / ADC / Timer |
| Pin 30 | PB2 — GPIO / BOOT1 |
| Pin 31 | PB10 — GPIO / I2C2_SCL / USART3_TX |
| Pin 32 | VCAP_1 — Core regulator capacitor 1 (2.2 uF to VSS) |
| Pin 33 | VCAP_2 — Core regulator capacitor 2 (2.2 uF to VSS) |
| Pin 34 | PB12 — GPIO / SPI2_NSS / CAN2 related |
| Pin 35 | PB13 — GPIO / SPI2_SCK |
| Pin 36 | PB14 — GPIO / SPI2_MISO |
| Pin 37 | PB15 — GPIO / SPI2_MOSI |
| Pin 38 | PC6 — GPIO / USART6_TX / SDIO |
| Pin 39 | PC7 — GPIO / USART6_RX / SDIO |
| Pin 40 | PC8 — GPIO / SDIO_D0 |
| Pin 41 | PC9 — GPIO / SDIO_D1 / I2C3_SDA |
| Pin 42 | PA8 — GPIO / MCO1 / I2C3_SCL / USB_OTG_SOF |
| Pin 43 | PA9 — GPIO / USART1_TX / USB_VBUS |
| Pin 44 | PA10 — GPIO / USART1_RX / USB_OTG_ID |
| Pin 45 | PA11 — GPIO / USB_OTG_FS_DM / CAN1_RX |
| Pin 46 | PA12 — GPIO / USB_OTG_FS_DP / CAN1_TX |
| Pin 47 | PA13 — GPIO / SWDIO (debug) |
| Pin 48 | VSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 49 | VDD — Digital power supply |
| Pin 50 | PA14 — GPIO / SWCLK (debug) |
| Pin 51 | PA15 — GPIO / SPI1_NSS / JTDI |
| Pin 52 | PC10 — GPIO / SDIO_D2 / USART3 related |
| Pin 53 | PC11 — GPIO / SDIO_D3 / USART3 related |
| Pin 54 | PC12 — GPIO / SDIO_CK / USART3_CK |
| Pin 55 | PD2 — GPIO / SDIO_CMD / USART3_RX |
| Pin 56 | PB3 — GPIO / SPI1_SCK / JTDO |
| Pin 57 | PB4 — GPIO / SPI1_MISO / NJTRST |
| Pin 58 | PB5 — GPIO / SPI1_MOSI / CAN2 related |
| Pin 59 | PB6 — GPIO / I2C1_SCL / USART1_TX |
| Pin 60 | PB7 — GPIO / I2C1_SDA / USART1_RX |
| Pin 61 | BOOT0 — Boot mode select (tie via resistor to VSS for flash boot) |
| Pin 62 | PB8 — GPIO / I2C1_SCL / CAN1 related |
| Pin 63 | PB9 — GPIO / I2C1_SDA / CAN2 related |
| Pin 64 | VSS — Digital ground |
Typical Applications
STM32F446RET6 is suitable for 6 applications: Motor Control (FOC), Digital Audio Processing, Industrial Automation Nodes, IoT and Connected Devices, Consumer Electronics and HMI, Test and Measurement Instruments.
Motor Control (FOC)
The STM32F446RET6 fits field-oriented motor control because its 180 MHz Cortex-M4 with hardware FPU executes Clarke/Park transforms and PI current loops in single-cycle floating-point math. Three 12-bit ADCs sample two or three phase currents simultaneously, while advanced timers generate complementary PWM with hardware dead-time insertion. In a typical servo drive the MCU runs a 10-20 kHz current loop with margins to spare, and the CAN interface links to the plant network. Trade-off: for designs needing only 256 KB flash, the pin-compatible STM32F446RCT6 cuts cost without layout change.
Recommended
Digital Audio Processing
The STM32F446 belongs to ST's media-access line and is explicitly optimized for audio: the PLLI2S generates precise audio clocks, two I2S peripherals handle multi-protocol serial audio, and the 180 MHz FPU executes EQ, FIR/IIR filtering, and effects in real time. A typical USB audio class device uses USB OTG FS at 12 Mbps with the DAC channels or external codecs for output, achieving 24-bit/192 kHz pipelines. The dual 12-bit DACs cover monitor outputs directly. Trade-off: switching noise from USB demands careful VDDA filtering to keep the audio noise floor low.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Nodes
In factory automation, the STM32F446RET6 serves as a smart sensor or actuator node combining CAN 2.0B for fieldbus communication, multiple USARTs for legacy RS-485 links, and 12-bit ADCs for local measurement. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and MSL 3 moisture rating suit panel-mounted electronics, and the MPU plus RNG support secure firmware update schemes. With 512 KB Flash there is headroom for protocol stacks plus OTA updaters. Trade-off: for functional-safety rated drives, ST's SPC5 automotive line offers certified alternatives instead.
Recommended
IoT and Connected Devices
For IoT endpoints, the STM32F446RET6 provides USB OTG for direct PC connectivity, SDIO for local logging to microSD cards, and enough 180 MHz throughput to run TLS stacks and JSON parsing alongside application logic. Low-power modes (Sleep, Stop, Standby) with the 4 KB backup SRAM preserve state across duty-cycled sleep periods, extending battery life in gateway-class nodes. A common architecture pairs the MCU with a Wi-Fi or BLE module over UART. Trade-off: for coin-cell-only designs, ST's STM32L4 ultra-low-power line is more appropriate than the F4 performance line.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics and HMI
The STM32F446RET6 drives human-machine interfaces using its 8080/6800 LCD parallel interface for TFT panels and the DCMI camera interface for barcode or face-detection front ends. The 180 MHz core renders UI graphics and runs lightweight vision pre-processing, while the 51 GPIOs of the LQFP64 package handle touch, backlight PWM, and peripheral buses. USB OTG supports firmware update and PC commissioning in the field. Trade-off: for large displays with layered graphics, an STM32F7 or H7 with Chrom-ART accelerator offloads rendering more efficiently.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instruments
In bench instruments and data loggers, the STM32F446RET6 coordinates acquisition front ends using its three 12-bit ADCs at up to 2.4 Msps for triggered captures, while USB or UART streams results to a host. The 512 KB Flash stores calibration tables, and hardware timers generate precise stimulus signals or gate external counters. The FPU accelerates on-device FFT and averaging, reducing host round-trips. Trade-off: for RF-grade spectrum work, the ADC resolution and analog front end of the F446 are the limiting factor; pair it with a dedicated ADC for high-precision measurement chains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32F446RET6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32F446RET7 | STM32F446RCT6 | STM32F405RGT6 | STM32F401RET6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-LQFP (10x10) | 64-LQFP (10x10) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10) - same | 64-LQFP (10x10) - same |
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Core / Max Frequency | Cortex-M4F, 180 MHz | Cortex-M4F, 180 MHz | Cortex-M4F, 180 MHz | Cortex-M4F, 168 MHz | Cortex-M4F, 84 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB | 512 KB | 256 KB | 1 MB | 256 KB (datasheet variant dependent) |
| SRAM | 128 KB + 4 KB backup | 128 KB + 4 KB backup | 128 KB + 4 KB backup | 128 KB + 4 KB backup (datasheet variant dependent) | 64 KB (datasheet variant dependent) |
| 12-bit DAC Channels | 2 (dual DAC) | 2 | 2 | 2 | None |
| CAN Interface | Yes (2x bxCAN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +105C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Media-optimized peripheral set (vs STM32F401RET6)
- Wider temperature drop-in option (vs STM32F446RET7)
- Flash density trade-off within same footprint (vs STM32F405RGT6)
Design Notes
Decouple every VDD pair (pins 20/21, 48/49) with 100 nF X7R ceramics placed within 2 mm of the pins, plus one 4.7 uF bulk capacitor per supply rail. VDDA (pin 15) should be filtered from VDD via a ferrite bead with its own 1 uF + 10 nF network, and VREF+ driven from a low-noise reference or filtered VDDA for best ADC accuracy. VCAP_1 and VCAP_2 (pins 32/33) each require 2.2 uF low-ESR ceramic to VSS placed directly adjacent - these stabilize the internal core regulator.
Keep the HSE crystal (pins 5/6) traces under 10 mm with guard ground on both sides and no other signals crossing underneath; at the full 180 MHz clock derived from the crystal, layout parasitics directly affect startup margin. BOOT0 (pin 61) must not float - use a 10 kOhm pulldown to VSS so the device boots from flash. Route SWDIO (pin 47) and SWCLK (pin 50) to a standard ARM 10-pin header for debug access even in production boards.
USB OTG FS operation requires VBUS sensing on PA9 per the USB spec - designs that hard-tie VBUS can fail enumeration with some hosts. When using the ADC at high sample rates, remember that VREF- (pin 13) must be tied to a clean analog ground, not digital ground beneath switching loads. MSL 3 rating means opened reels must be soldered within 168 hours or baked per J-STD-033 handling - a common cause of popcorn cracking in reflow.
Estimated: at 3.3 V and 180 MHz full-speed execution from flash with all peripherals active, core current is on the order of 50-60 mA (per ST datasheet typical consumption tables), giving roughly 200 mW dissipation - well within LQFP64 thermal limits without copper pours. For battery designs, Stop mode drops consumption to the microamp range; budget the 4 KB backup SRAM and RTC domain on VBAT if state retention across Standby is required.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per PartGenie compliance data. MSL 3 moisture sensitivity. Industrial-grade device - for automotive (AEC-Q100) applications use the SPC5 line instead.
