STMicroelectronics NUCLEO-F446RE

Overview

NUCLEO-F446RE from STMicroelectronics is an STM32 Nucleo-64 development board built around the STM32F446RET6 microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M4F, 180 MHz, 512 KB Flash, 128 KB RAM, LQFP64), featuring integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer, Arduino Uno V3 and ST Morpho expansion headers, and flexible USB-powered operation. It targets rapid prototyping of motor control, industrial I/O, and USB device applications.

For engineers reviewing the NUCLEO-F446RE datasheet, NUCLEO-F446RE pinout, NUCLEO-F446RE application, or NUCLEO-F446RE equivalent, this board delivers validated hardware access to all STM32F446RE peripherals-including USB FS device, SPI/I2C/UART interfaces, ADC/DAC, timers with advanced PWM, and crypto acceleration-enabling immediate firmware validation and shield-based system expansion.

Technical Context

The NUCLEO-F446RE implements a full-featured evaluation platform for the STM32F446RET6 MCU, which integrates a 180 MHz Arm Cortex-M4F core with FPU, 512 KB dual-bank Flash supporting read-while-write, and 128 KB SRAM. Its on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 provides mass storage, virtual COM port, and SWD debugging over USB Mini-B without external tools.

Hardware resources include a 32.768 kHz crystal for RTC, user LED (LD2) shared with Arduino D13, user/reset push-buttons, and dual expansion interfaces: Arduino Uno V3 (digital/analog pins + power) and ST Morpho (full I/O access including JTAG/SWD, USB, CAN, and high-speed timers). Power is supplied via ST-LINK USB VBUS or external 7–12 V source.

Key Specifications

Availability

NUCLEO-F446RE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation prototyping, motor control algorithm validation, USB peripheral development, and educational embedded systems instruction requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain support.

Supply support for NUCLEO-F446RE 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, analog ICs, power devices, and sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The STM32 Nucleo series was developed to lower the barrier to entry for STM32 MCU adoption, providing standardized, open-hardware development platforms with consistent debug infrastructure, expansion compatibility, and full STM32Cube software ecosystem integration.

FAQ

Does the NUCLEO-F446RE support USB Host functionality?

No. The NUCLEO-F446RE board exposes only USB Device Full Speed (FS) capability via the STM32F446RE's integrated USB peripheral. It lacks the external PHY, VBUS sensing circuitry, and OTG switch required for USB Host or OTG operation. The USB connector is wired solely for device-mode enumeration and debug communication through ST-LINK.

Can the NUCLEO-F446RE be powered from an external 3.3 V source?

No. The board's power architecture accepts only 5 V USB VBUS (via ST-LINK) or 7–12 V DC input to the VIN pin. There is no direct 3.3 V input pad or regulator bypass. Applying 3.3 V externally risks damaging the onboard voltage regulators and is not supported by the schematic or user manual.

Is the STM32F446RET6 on this board equipped with hardware cryptography accelerators?

No. The STM32F446RET6 MCU does not integrate cryptographic accelerators (e.g., AES, HASH, PKA). Cryptography features such as AES-128/256, SHA-1/SHA-256, or RSA are present only in later series (e.g., STM32H5, STM32U5, STM32L5). This part relies on software libraries (e.g., Mbed TLS) for cryptographic operations.

What is the purpose of the "ST Morpho" headers on the NUCLEO-F446RE?

The ST Morpho headers provide 2×32-pin male pinouts exposing all 64 pins of the STM32F446RET6 LQFP package - including JTAG/SWD, USB D+/D−, CAN_H/CAN_L, advanced timer channels (TIM1/TIM8), and all GPIOs with alternate functions. They enable direct probing, custom carrier board interfacing, and full peripheral validation beyond Arduino-compatible signals.