STM32L151VCT6 - 256KB Flash Cortex-M3 MCU | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32L151VCT6 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.85 | $6.85 |
| 10 | $6.12 | $61.20 |
| 100 | $5.42 | $542.00 |
| 500 | $4.85 | $2,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.32 | $4,320.00 |
STM32L151VCT6 Overview
What is an ultra-low-power MCU? An ultra-low-power microcontroller is a class of embedded processor specifically designed to minimize active and standby current consumption so that battery-powered products can operate for months or years on a single cell. The technology hierarchy is: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The STM32L1 family extends ST's mainstream STM32 architecture into energy-harvesting, metering, medical, and IoT segments where quiescent current in the microampere range and flexible low-power modes are critical.
Key features highlighted in the datasheet include seven low-power modes (including Stop and Standby with RTC), a wide 1.65-3.6 V supply range, up to 83 general-purpose I/Os, a 12-bit 1 Msps ADC, two 12-bit DACs, USB 2.0 Full-Speed device, three op-amps, two comparators, and a real-time clock with calendar. The integrated voltage regulator and power-on reset simplify external circuitry, while the Cortex-M3 core supports Thumb-2 instruction set for high code density.
The STM32L151VCT6 uses a 32 kHz and an internal 16 MHz high-speed RC oscillator with PLL, eliminating external crystals in many designs. JTAG and SWD debug interfaces support standard toolchains including Keil MDK, IAR EWARM, and STM32CubeIDE. AES 128-bit hardware encryption is included in this density variant of the STM32L1 line for secure connectivity use cases.
Typical applications include battery-operated sensor nodes, USB peripherals (HID, CDC), portable medical devices, smart-home IoT endpoints, energy-harvesting designs, and industrial metering. The combination of USB, op-amps, and low-power modes is particularly attractive for compact measurement instruments that must communicate with a host PC.
When designing with the STM32L151VCT6, select decoupling capacitors of 100 nF near each VDD pin plus a 4.7 uF bulk capacitor. Verify unused pins are tied to a defined logic level to avoid parasitic current paths. The LQFP-100 footprint has 0.5 mm pitch - use 4-layer PCB with controlled impedance for USB D+/D- traces.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32L151VCT6 — 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 STM32L151VCT6 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Flash Memory, SRAM, DAC, Package, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STM32L152VCT6
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32L151VCT6A
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →STM32L151VCT6TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32L151VCT6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | ARM Cortex-M3 32-bit |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 Kbytes |
| SRAM | 32 Kbytes |
| Package | 100-pin LQFP (14x14 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.65 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 1 Msps |
| DAC | 2x 12-bit |
| Operational Amplifiers | 3x rail-to-rail |
| Comparators | 2x ultra-low-power |
| Low-Power Modes | 7 modes including Stop and Standby |
| GPIO Count | Up to 83 |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, SPI, I2C, USB |
| Hardware Encryption | AES 128-bit |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 3 (JEDEC J-STD-020) |
STM32L151VCT6 100-pin lqfp (14x14 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for STM32L151VCT6 (100-pin lqfp (14x14 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 STM32L151VCT6.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
STM32L151VCT6 is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Operated Sensor Nodes, USB Human Interface Devices, Portable Medical Devices, Smart Home IoT Endpoints, Energy-Harvesting Designs, Industrial Metering Instruments.
Battery-Operated Sensor Nodes
The STM32L151VCT6's 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, and seven low-power modes (Stop current approximately 1.4 uA with RTC) make it well suited to wireless or wired sensor nodes powered by a single CR2032 coin cell. According to the ST datasheet, the integrated 12-bit ADC and three rail-to-rail op-amps allow direct interface with bridge sensors, thermocouples, or 4-20 mA loops without external signal conditioning. The Cortex-M3 32 MHz core executes sensor fusion algorithms within tight active-mode duty cycles, while AES 128-bit hardware encryption secures wireless uplink packets. Designers benefit from the 1.65-3.6 V wide supply range, which avoids boost converters in two-cell alkaline or single-cell Li-Ion packs.
Recommended
USB Human Interface Devices
The STM32L151VCT6's USB 2.0 Full-Speed device peripheral with on-chip PHY enables compact HID peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and custom input devices. According to the ST datasheet, the integrated USB suspend/resume logic combined with Stop-mode current under 2 uA allows HID devices that meet USB suspend current budgets without external switches. The 256 KB Flash accommodates USB HID, CDC, and vendor-class stacks from the STM32Cube firmware library, while the LQFP-100 0.5 mm pitch package keeps PCBs under 30 mm square. Real-world USB dongles based on this part can run for years on a small Li-Ion cell with proper sleep-state handling.
Recommended
Portable Medical Devices
The STM32L151VCT6 supports portable medical instruments such as pulse oximeters, glucose meters, and electronic thermometers that demand long battery life and integrated analog. The three on-chip rail-to-rail op-amps drive photodiode transimpedance stages for SpO2 sensors, while the 12-bit ADC at 1 Msps samples thermistor or IR-detector outputs. AES hardware encryption protects patient data stored in Flash. The 100-pin LQFP footprint and -40C to +85C range support both handheld and bedside designs. ST's IEC 60730 Class B software library is qualified for this MCU family, easing compliance for home healthcare products.
Recommended
Smart Home IoT Endpoints
Battery-powered smart-home nodes - door/window sensors, leak detectors, and remote control buttons - rely on the STM32L151VCT6's Stop-mode current under 2 uA and RTC wake capability. The integrated op-amps interface directly with piezo buzzer drivers and analog environmental sensors, while AES-128 secures ZigBee/LoRa/Matter uplink frames. The Cortex-M3 core runs at 32 MHz with Thumb-2 code density, leaving ample Flash headroom for OTA bootloader and Matter application stack. The LQFP-100 also supports designs that need both USB for commissioning and a low-power radio interface.
Recommended
Energy-Harvesting Designs
Energy-harvesting wireless switches and self-powered sensor tags benefit from the STM32L151VCT6's 1.65 V minimum supply and sub-microamp Standby mode. The on-chip comparator can wake the MCU from energy-harvesting events without CPU intervention, while the integrated op-amps condition small piezoelectric or photovoltaic transducer outputs. The 256 KB Flash stores application logic and energy-management firmware, and AES hardware secures the transmitted packet. Designers target years of operation from a single coin cell or thin-film battery.
Recommended
Industrial Metering Instruments
Industrial water, gas, and electricity meters leverage the STM32L151VCT6's three integrated op-amps (signal conditioning for current transformers or shunt resistors), 12-bit ADC at 1 Msps (energy calculation), AES hardware (anti-tamper), and LQFP-100 industrial-grade temperature range. The 32 KB SRAM supports AMR/Modbus communication stacks, while the 256 KB Flash fits application plus secure bootloader. Real-time clock with calendar and tamper-detect inputs simplify metering certifications. The STM32 platform's ecosystem and long-term ST supply guarantee suit 10+ year metering product lifecycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32L151VCT6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32L152VCT6 | STM32L151VCT6A | STM32L151VCT6TR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | LQFP-100 (14x14 mm) | LQFP-100 (14x14 mm) - same | LQFP-100 (14x14 mm) - same | LQFP-100 (14x14 mm) - same |
| Core | Cortex-M3 32 MHz | Cortex-M3 32 MHz | Cortex-M3 32 MHz | Cortex-M3 32 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| SRAM | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB |
| EEPROM | None | 16 KB on-chip EEPROM | None | None |
| AES Hardware | AES-128 | AES-128 | AES-128 | AES-128 |
| USB | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device | USB 2.0 FS Device |
| Integrated Op-Amps | 3x rail-to-rail | 3x rail-to-rail | 3x rail-to-rail | 3x rail-to-rail |
| Operating Voltage | 1.65 V to 3.6 V | 1.65 V to 3.6 V | 1.65 V to 3.6 V | 1.65 V to 3.6 V |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated analog subsystem with three op-amps and two comparators (vs STM32L152VCT6)
- Same LQFP-100 pinout across the L151/L152 family (vs STM32L151RCT6)
- AES-128 hardware encryption included at no extra cost (vs STM32F103VCT6)
Design Notes
Decouple each VDD/VDDA pair with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus a shared 4.7 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. Use separate analog and digital ground planes joined at a single point under the MCU's VSS pin to minimize switching noise coupling into the ADC and op-amp analog inputs. The integrated voltage regulator requires a 1 uF capacitor on the VCAP pin.
The LQFP-100 14x14 mm package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of approximately 40-45 C/W on a standard 2-layer JEDEC test board. At 32 MHz active current of approximately 10 mA from 3.3 V, self-heating is negligible. For industrial enclosures above 60C ambient, ensure 1 square inch of copper pour is connected to the exposed thermal pad region (LQFP-100 has no exposed pad; use internal ground pour instead).
The 100-pin LQFP uses 0.5 mm pitch - route signals on outer layers with 0.2 mm trace/space using a 4-layer stackup. Place the 32.768 kHz crystal within 5 mm of the OSC32_IN/OSC32_OUT pins, guard-trace the load capacitors, and avoid routing signal traces under the crystal. USB DP/DM traces must be 90 ohm differential with length matching under 2 mm.
Avoid leaving unused GPIO floating - tie them to VDD or VSS through a 10 kohm resistor or configure them as analog inputs to prevent parasitic current paths. Do not exceed 3.6 V on any pin; the L1 family is NOT 5 V tolerant on I/O. The BOOT0 pin must be held low for Flash boot; tie to GND through 10 kohm with optional 100 nF to GND for noise immunity.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per ST product page. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose STM32L1A series for automotive. IEC 60730 Class B software library available from ST for home appliance safety compliance.
