STMicroelectronics NUCLEO-F401RE

Overview

NUCLEO-F401RE from STMicroelectronics is an STM32 Nucleo-64 development board built around the STM32F401RET6 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with 512 KB Flash, 96 KB RAM, and LQFP64 package. It integrates ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer via USB Mini-B, supports Arduino Uno V3 and ST Morpho expansion headers, and targets rapid prototyping of motor control, sensor fusion, and USB-connected embedded applications.

For engineers reviewing the NUCLEO-F401RE datasheet, NUCLEO-F401RE pinout, NUCLEO-F401RE application, or NUCLEO-F401RE equivalent, this board delivers validated hardware for STM32CubeIDE-based firmware development, real-time peripheral testing (USART, SPI, I²C, ADC), and low-risk evaluation of Cortex-M4 signal processing capabilities in cost-sensitive industrial and educational designs.

Technical Context

The NUCLEO-F401RE implements a fixed-function evaluation platform-not a configurable IC-centered on the STM32F401RET6 MCU operating at up to 84 MHz with FPU support. It provides direct access to all 50 GPIOs via ST Morpho headers and 14 digital/analog pins via Arduino Uno V3 connectors.

Power is supplied flexibly via ST-LINK USB VBUS or external 7–12 V sources, regulated internally to 3.3 V. The board includes a 32.768 kHz crystal for RTC operation and supports full-speed USB device functionality through the target MCU's integrated USB 2.0 interface.

Key Specifications

Availability

NUCLEO-F401RE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for educational labs, industrial proof-of-concept builds, and IoT edge node prototyping requiring stable component supply, consistent firmware toolchain alignment, and long-term documentation continuity.

Supply support for NUCLEO-F401RE includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and analog components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32 Nucleo series was developed to lower entry barriers for Arm Cortex-M adoption, providing standardized, open-hardware evaluation platforms with unified software ecosystems (STM32Cube) and IDE-agnostic debug infrastructure.

FAQ

Does the NUCLEO-F401RE support external high-speed crystal oscillators?

No. Unlike some NUCLEO variants (e.g., NUCLEO-F411RE), the NUCLEO-F401RE lacks a populated 24 MHz or 48 MHz HSE oscillator. It relies solely on the internal RC oscillator for system clock generation, limiting precision timing and USB host-mode readiness.

Can the NUCLEO-F401RE be used for USB device applications?

Yes. The onboard STM32F401RET6 integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 device controller. With appropriate firmware (e.g., STM32Cube USB Device Library), it supports CDC, HID, and MSC class implementations using the ST-LINK USB connection or dedicated USB device port if routed externally.

Is the ST-LINK debugger on the NUCLEO-F401RE field-upgradable?

Yes. The ST-LINK/V2-1 firmware can be updated via ST's official STSW-LINK007 utility. This enables compatibility with newer STM32 families, improved debugging features, and security patches without hardware replacement.

What are the key limitations compared to NUCLEO-F411RE?

The NUCLEO-F401RE omits the 24 MHz HSE oscillator, second user LED, and boot push-button present on the F411RE. Its MCU has no hardware crypto accelerator and lower RAM density (96 KB vs. 128 KB), restricting advanced TLS stack deployment and larger real-time buffers.