STM32F446ZCT6 - 180MHz Cortex-M4 MCU | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32F446ZCT6 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.0237 | $1.02 |
| 10 | $1.0237 | $10.24 |
| 100 | $1.0237 | $102.37 |
| 500 | $1.0237 | $511.85 |
| 1,000 | $1.0237 | $1,023.70 |
STM32F446ZCT6 Overview
A microcontroller is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, peripherals, and I/O in one device. The STM32F446 belongs to the STM32F4 high-performance family: STM32F4 microcontroller -> Arm Cortex-M4 MCU -> 32-bit RISC microcontroller -> embedded semiconductor. This hierarchy explains why the part can execute control logic and digital signal-processing workloads without requiring a separate processor for many embedded applications.
The verified product listing identifies a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 core, a maximum operating frequency of 180 MHz, and 256 KB of Flash memory. The STM32 family documentation additionally identifies DSP and FPU support and a broad peripheral ecosystem, including dual Quad SPI, SDRAM, and audio interfaces for the STM32F446 family. These features make the MCU suitable for applications requiring real-time control combined with higher-volume data movement or signal processing.
The STM32F446ZCT6 is packaged in a 144-LQFP package measuring 20 x 20 mm. The large leaded package exposes substantially more signal connections than smaller 48-pin or 64-pin MCUs, supporting parallel LCD, external memory, communications, and multiple peripheral functions. Exact pin names, voltage limits, memory details, and electrical timing values must be confirmed against the manufacturer datasheet before layout or firmware deployment.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, networked embedded gateways, audio processing systems, motor and motion control, communications equipment, and human-machine-interface controllers. The 180 MHz Cortex-M4 core and DSP/FPU capability are useful when the firmware must process control loops, communication buffers, or sampled data in real time.
Designers should confirm the complete package pinout, power requirements, clock configuration, decoupling network, and peripheral multiplexing in the STM32F446 datasheet. A 144-LQFP footprint requires careful fanout and routing planning; unused pins, supply pins, ground returns, and high-speed signals should be handled according to the manufacturer recommendations.
This product record combines verified distributor and manufacturer information with package classification, procurement context, and design-oriented guidance. It distinguishes confirmed facts from specifications requiring datasheet confirmation and provides a practical framework for comparing the MCU with alternatives.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32F446ZCT6 — 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 STM32F446ZCT6 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core, SRAM, Operating Temperature, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32F446ZCT6TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F405VGT6TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F407ZGT6TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F429VGT6
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F407VGT6TR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$7.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32F446ZCT6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller |
| Core | Arm Cortex-M4 |
| Maximum Frequency | 180 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB |
| Flash Organization | 256K x 8 |
| Architecture | 32-bit RISC |
| DSP Support | Supported |
| FPU Support | Supported |
| Package | 144-LQFP |
| Package Dimensions | 20 x 20 mm |
| Pin Count | 144 pins |
| Manufacturer Product Family | STM32F4 high-performance family |
| Quad SPI | Dual Quad SPI interfaces |
| SDRAM Interface | Supported |
| Audio Interface | Supported |
| Development Ecosystem | STM32 development tools and embedded software support |
STM32F446ZCT6 20 x 20 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for STM32F446ZCT6 (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 STM32F446ZCT6.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
STM32F446ZCT6 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, Industrial Communication Gateway, Digital Audio Processing, Motor and Motion Control, Human-Machine Interface and Display Controller, Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning.
Industrial Automation Controller
The STM32F446ZCT6 fits industrial automation controllers that combine real-time I/O handling with higher-level signal processing. Its 180 MHz Arm Cortex-M4 core provides computational headroom for state machines, communication protocols, and control loops, while the 144-LQFP package exposes a broad pin count for sensors, actuators, encoders, and field-bus transceivers. DSP and FPU support can accelerate filtering or control calculations without requiring a separate processor. The exact peripheral mix, voltage levels, isolation requirements, and environmental qualification should be verified against the device datasheet and system standards.
Recommended
Industrial Communication Gateway
Use the STM32F446ZCT6 in a gateway that translates between local sensors, actuators, and higher-level serial or network links. The 180 MHz Cortex-M4 core can service protocol stacks and buffering tasks, while the large 144-LQFP package offers more signal access than a small microcontroller package. The family’s documented SDRAM and dual Quad SPI support can benefit designs requiring external data storage or high-speed peripheral expansion. Validate pin multiplexing, transceiver levels, clocking, and timing margins in the official documentation.
Recommended
Digital Audio Processing
The STM32F446ZCT6 is suitable for audio-oriented embedded products because its Cortex-M4 core includes DSP and FPU capability and operates up to 180 MHz. These resources can support real-time filtering, mixing, decoding, and control tasks. STMicroelectronics identifies audio interfaces in the STM32F446 family, while the 144-LQFP package provides access to multiple external codec, memory, and control signals. The design must still confirm supported audio interfaces, sample-rate limits, DMA behavior, clock sources, and pin assignments.
Recommended
Motor and Motion Control
The STM32F446ZCT6 can serve as the control processor in a motor-control or motion-control subsystem where real-time computation and numerous I/O signals are required. The 180 MHz Cortex-M4 core, DSP support, and FPU support are useful for current-loop calculations, transformations, filtering, and fault handling. Its 144-LQFP package allows connection to encoder inputs, gate drivers, current sensing, protection signals, and communications. Power-stage design, isolation, timing, and safety functions must be independently engineered and verified.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface and Display Controller
The STM32F446ZCT6 is appropriate for human-machine interface controllers that combine display updates, keypad input, status control, and communications. The 144-LQFP package provides more available pins for parallel display interfaces, touch or button inputs, and external memory. Its 180 MHz core can manage display refresh, UI state, and protocol handling while DSP and FPU support assist with graphical or signal-related operations. Display timing, pin multiplexing, memory requirements, and electrical interface standards must be confirmed from the official STM32F446 documentation.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning
The STM32F446ZCT6 can coordinate data-acquisition systems that sample sensors and perform digital filtering or analysis. Its 180 MHz Cortex-M4 core and DSP/FPU support help handle fixed-point and floating-point workloads, while the large package exposes ADC, timer, communication, and control pins. The STM32F446 family documentation identifies SDRAM support, which can help when local buffering is needed, although the supplied data does not confirm exact RAM, ADC, or DMA specifications for this exact orderable device. Verify those parameters before architecture sign-off.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32F446ZCT6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32F446ZCT6TR | STM32F405VGT6TR | STM32F407ZGT6TR | STM32F429VGT6 | STM32F407VGT6TR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
Key Differentiators
- High-performance Cortex-M4 processing with confirmed 180 MHz operation (vs STM32F405VGT6TR)
- Large 144-LQFP interface package (vs STM32F407VGT6TR)
- DSP and FPU capability for embedded signal processing (vs STM32F407ZGT6TR)
- Documented high-speed expansion interfaces (vs STM32F429VGT6)
Design Notes
Treat the 144-LQFP footprint as a fanout-intensive layout. Confirm pin 1 orientation, exposed supply and ground assignments, and alternate-function multiplexing from the official package drawing before routing. Keep decoupling close to the device power pins, preserve uninterrupted ground-return paths, and reserve test points for programming and debug. The verified data confirms the package and dimensions but does not provide a complete pin table, so pin-level decisions must be checked against the current STMicroelectronics documentation.
Establish the complete power tree before placing external signal-conditioning or communication circuitry. Verify the STM32F446ZCT6 supply voltage, regulator tolerance, startup current, and current limits in the datasheet; these values are not present in the supplied verified data. Estimate local regulator dissipation from the actual input-output difference and load, then check junction temperature against the package thermal limits. Do not infer a regulator or capacitor value from the 180 MHz CPU frequency alone.
Route clocks and high-speed memory or serial interfaces with controlled return paths and avoid routing them adjacent to noisy switching nodes. If the design uses SDRAM, dual Quad SPI, or audio peripherals, follow the exact STMicroelectronics recommended topology and impedance guidance. The verified family-level material confirms those capabilities but does not provide the complete electrical timing or layout constraints, so simulation and datasheet review are required before release.
A distributor listing confirms the core, frequency, Flash organization, and package, but it does not confirm the complete pinout, RAM size, peripheral mapping, or exact variant suffix behavior. Avoid selecting a replacement solely by the STM32F446 family name or by an LQFP label. Confirm the exact orderable MPN, package dimensions, pin compatibility, memory map, clock tree, and lifecycle commitment before releasing a PCB or production BOM.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified results do not provide compliance declarations. Do not infer RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status from the distributor listings.
