STMicroelectronics NUCLEO-L452RE

Overview

NUCLEO-L452RE from STMicroelectronics is an STM32 Nucleo-64 development board built around the STM32L452RET6 ultra-low-power Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with 512 KB Flash, 160 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 battery-powered IoT edge nodes.

For engineers reviewing the NUCLEO-L452RE datasheet, NUCLEO-L452RE pinout, NUCLEO-L452RE application, or NUCLEO-L452RE equivalent, this board delivers validated low-power runtime performance (down to 90 µA/MHz in Run mode), hardware crypto acceleration (AES-128/256, SHA-256), and seamless integration with STM32CubeIDE and FreeRTOS-based firmware stacks.

Technical Context

The NUCLEO-L452RE implements the STM32L4+ series architecture with a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4F core running up to 80 MHz, featuring single-precision FPU, ART Accelerator™ for zero-wait-state Flash execution, and SMPS-ready power management. It supports multiple low-power modes including Stop 2 (2.2 µA) and Standby with RTC + backup registers.

Board-level features include a 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator for precise RTC timing, dual user push-buttons (User and Reset), one shared user LED with Arduino header, and flexible power routing via ST-LINK VBUS or external 5 V/3.3 V sources - enabling direct evaluation of voltage scaling and dynamic power control strategies.

Key Specifications

Availability

NUCLEO-L452RE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, wearable medical monitors, smart metering gateways, and portable HMI interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term toolchain continuity.

Supply support for NUCLEO-L452RE 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 ICs, sensors, and analog components for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The STM32 Nucleo-64 platform - including NUCLEO-L452RE - was developed to accelerate prototyping of ultra-low-power embedded systems using the STM32L4+ series, emphasizing energy efficiency, security primitives, and Arduino-compatible ecosystem accessibility.

FAQ

Does NUCLEO-L452RE support external SMPS for ultra-low-power operation?

No. The NUCLEO-L452RE variant uses only the internal LDO regulator and does not include the external SMPS circuitry found on the NUCLEO-L452RE-P (MB1319) board. Its power architecture is optimized for simplicity and compatibility testing rather than sub-µA deep-sleep optimization with external DC-DC conversion.

What USB connector type is used for ST-LINK programming and debugging?

The NUCLEO-L452RE uses a USB Mini-B connector for its integrated ST-LINK/V2-1 interface, providing full debug, virtual COM port, and mass storage functionality without requiring additional probes or adapters.

Can the onboard STM32L452RET6 be replaced with another MCU?

No - the STM32L452RET6 is soldered directly onto the PCB and not socketed. The board is designed as a fixed-target evaluation platform; replacement requires rework and voids warranty. For custom MCU integration, users should refer to ST's reference schematics and layout guidelines for STM32L452.

Is the 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator functional out-of-the-box for RTC applications?

Yes. The 32.768 kHz crystal is fully populated and connected to the LSE pins of the STM32L452RET6, enabling immediate use of the real-time clock, calendar, and tamper-detection features without hardware modification or external component addition.