STMicroelectronics NUCLEO-L031K6

Overview

NUCLEO-L031K6 from STMicroelectronics is an STM32 Nucleo-32 development board built around the STM32L031K6T6 32-pin ultra-low-power Arm® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller, featuring on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer, ARDUINO® Nano V3 expansion connector, and Micro-AB USB interface for programming and virtual COM port. It supports rapid prototyping for battery-powered sensor nodes and low-energy IoT edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the NUCLEO-L031K6 datasheet, NUCLEO-L031K6 pinout, NUCLEO-L031K6 application, or NUCLEO-L031K6 equivalent, key selection considerations include integrated debug interface capability, 32-pin LQFP package compatibility, 32 KB Flash / 8 KB RAM memory configuration, and support for STM32CubeIDE, IAR Embedded Workbench®, and Keil MDK-ARM toolchains.

Technical Context

The NUCLEO-L031K6 implements a complete evaluation platform for the STM32L031K6T6 MCU, which integrates a 32 MHz max CPU clock, ultra-low-power run/stop/wake-up modes (down to 195 nA in shutdown), and peripherals including one 12-bit ADC, two 16-bit timers, and I²C/SPI/USART interfaces. The board provides direct access to all MCU GPIOs via the ARDUINO Nano V3 header and dedicated SWD pins.

Power architecture supports dual sourcing: USB VBUS from the ST-LINK interface or external 5 V/3.3 V supply via VIN or E5V pins. The on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 operates as a mass storage device for drag-and-drop firmware flashing and exposes both Virtual COM port and SWD debug channels over a single Micro-AB USB connection.

Key Specifications

Availability

NUCLEO-L031K6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ultra-low-power sensor node development, wearable medical prototype validation, and industrial condition-monitoring proof-of-concept requiring stable component supply and full toolchain integration.

Supply support for NUCLEO-L031K6 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 management, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The STM32 Nucleo-32 series targets rapid prototyping of resource-constrained, energy-sensitive embedded systems using standardized form factor and open-source software support across the STM32 portfolio.

FAQ

Does NUCLEO-L031K6 support drag-and-drop firmware programming?

Yes. The on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 implements mass storage device (MSD) mode, allowing users to program the STM32L031K6T6 by copying compiled .bin files directly to the enumerated USB drive - no additional software or drivers required beyond standard OS USB stack support.

What is the maximum operating frequency of the target MCU?

The STM32L031K6T6 on the NUCLEO-L031K6 runs at up to 32 MHz using its internal 16 MHz RC oscillator with x2 PLL, or optionally from an external 24 MHz crystal (not populated on this board variant but supported by the MCU).

Can the ARDUINO Nano V3 header access all GPIOs of the STM32L031K6T6?

No. The ARDUINO Nano V3 header provides access to a subset of GPIOs (including PA0–PA7, PB0–PB1, and selected alternate functions), while remaining pins are routed to SWD, reset, user LED, and power rails - full pin mapping is documented in UM1956 section 4.2.

Is external power required to use the ST-LINK debugger?

No. The ST-LINK/V2-1 draws power from the Micro-AB USB connection (VBUS) and supplies regulated 3.3 V to the target MCU circuitry, enabling full debug functionality without any external power source.