STMicroelectronics STM32F101R4T6A

Overview

STM32F101R4T6A from STMicroelectronics is a low-density ARM® Cortex®-M3 32-bit microcontroller with 16 KB Flash, 4 KB SRAM, 36 MHz max CPU frequency, 12-bit ADC (1 µs conversion), and 4 communication interfaces (I²C, 2×USART, SPI). It operates from 2.0–3.6 V, supports Sleep/Stop/Standby low-power modes, and integrates a temperature sensor and CRC unit for embedded control in space-constrained industrial sensors and motor drive monitors.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F101R4T6A datasheet, STM32F101R4T6A pinout, STM32F101R4T6A application, or STM32F101R4T6A equivalent, key selection criteria include Flash/SRAM size trade-offs, LQFP48 package compatibility, 36 MHz real-time performance ceiling, and support for ISO 7816/LIN/IrDA on USART peripherals.

Technical Context

The device implements a single-core ARM Cortex-M3 with Harvard architecture, 3-stage pipeline, and hardware integer division-enabling deterministic 1.25 DMIPS/MHz execution. Its clock system includes dual oscillators (8 MHz HSI ±1%, 32 kHz LSE) plus PLL for flexible CPU/peripheral clock derivation.

Peripheral integration follows ST's standardized APB1/APB2 bus matrix: ADC, timers, and I²C reside on APB1 (max 36 MHz); GPIO, USART1, and SPI are on APB2 (max 72 MHz). NVIC supports 64 interrupts with 16 priority levels, and EXTI maps all GPIO pins to 16 external interrupt vectors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP48 package: 48-pin, 7 × 7 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed pad optional. RoHS-compliant ECOPACK®.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with STM32F101R4T6A, the F030F4P6 reduces BOM cost but sacrifices analog feature set and safety peripherals, while the F103C8T6 increases design flexibility at higher unit cost and power consumption-making the R4T6A optimal for fixed-function, resource-constrained industrial nodes.

Availability

STM32F101R4T6A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, smart HVAC actuators, portable medical devices, and energy meter front-ends requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for STM32F101R4T6A 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 automotive chips since 1987.

This part belongs to the STM32F1 Access Line-a cost-optimized Cortex-M3 series targeting entry-level industrial control, appliance management, and simple IoT edge nodes where Flash/SRAM efficiency and peripheral integration outweigh raw performance.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the STM32F101R4T6A?

The STM32F101R4T6A achieves a maximum CPU clock frequency of 36 MHz using its internal PLL, derived from either the 8 MHz HSI RC oscillator or an external 4–16 MHz crystal. This frequency is validated across the full 2.0–3.6 V supply range and -40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, enabling deterministic real-time execution without wait states.

Does the STM32F101R4T6A support USB or CAN interfaces?

No, the STM32F101R4T6A does not integrate USB or CAN peripherals. It provides I²C, two USARTs (with LIN/IrDA/ISO 7816 support), and one SPI interface. USB and CAN are available only in higher-density STM32F103 variants (e.g., STM32F103C8T6), which share the same LQFP48 package but require PCB redesign for signal routing and power delivery.

How many I/O pins are available in the LQFP48 package of this MCU?

The STM32F101R4T6A in LQFP48 provides 37 user-accessible I/O pins: 26 on Port A and Port B, plus 11 on Port C (PC0–PC15 excluding PC13–PC15 reserved for RTC). All are 5 V-tolerant except analog inputs (PA0–PA7, PB0–PB1), and each can be configured as interrupt sources mapped to 16 NVIC lines.

Is the STM32F101R4T6A pin-compatible with other STM32F101 variants?

Yes, it is fully pin-compatible within the STM32F101x4/x6 LQFP48 family (e.g., STM32F101C4T6, STM32F101T4T6). Differences are limited to Flash (16 KB vs 32 KB) and SRAM (4 KB vs 6 KB) sizes-no pin function changes. Firmware binary compatibility is maintained across x4/x6 parts, allowing field-upgradable memory scaling without hardware modification.