STMicroelectronics STM32F378RCT6

Overview

STM32F378RCT6 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit ARM® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with FPU and MPU, operating up to 72 MHz, featuring 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM with hardware parity, dual ADC architectures (12-bit SAR + 16-bit Sigma-Delta), three 12-bit DACs, two rail-to-rail comparators, and integrated CAN 2.0B interface - deployed in industrial sensor signal conditioning and precision analog front-end control systems.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F378RCT6 datasheet, STM32F378RCT6 pinout, STM32F378RCT6 application, or STM32F378RCT6 equivalent, key selection criteria include mixed-signal timing accuracy (1.0 µs SAR ADC conversion), dual-supply analog domain support (VDDA 1.65–3.6 V, VREFSD+ 2.2–3.6 V), 5 V-tolerant I/O count (up to 45 pins), and embedded capacitive sensing channel count (24 channels).

Technical Context

The STM32F378RCT6 integrates a tightly coupled Cortex-M4 core with single-cycle MAC and hardware division, enabling real-time DSP operations for sensor fusion and motor control loops. Its memory subsystem includes error-detecting SRAM and CRC calculation unit for firmware integrity verification during runtime.

Analog subsystem architecture separates high-speed 12-bit SAR ADC (16-channel, 1.0 µs conversion) from high-resolution 16-bit Sigma-Delta ADC (up to 21 single-ended channels), each with independent analog supply domains and dedicated reference inputs (VREF+ and VREFSD+), supporting simultaneous multi-domain signal acquisition without cross-talk.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP64 (10 × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F334R8T6, the STM32F378RCT6 provides essential 16-bit SDADC resolution for metrology-grade DC measurements; versus STM32G474RET6, it retains unique sigma-delta capability critical for energy metering and precision instrumentation where noise floor dominates design constraints.

Availability

STM32F378RCT6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, motor control front-end systems, smart energy metering, and human-machine interface designs requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for STM32F378RCT6 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, MEMS, and automotive semiconductors since 1987.

The STM32F3-series targets cost-sensitive, analog-intensive embedded applications - combining high-precision mixed-signal peripherals with Cortex-M4 performance for industrial automation, medical devices, and smart sensing endpoints.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and supported voltage range for the STM32F378RCT6?

The STM32F378RCT6 operates at up to 72 MHz with a digital supply (VDD) of 1.8 V ±8% and an analog supply (VDDA) ranging from 1.65 V to 3.6 V. The device supports external clock sources from 4–32 MHz and internal RC oscillators (8 MHz HSI, 40 kHz LSI), with PLL configuration enabling full-speed operation from multiple base clocks.

Does the STM32F378RCT6 support hardware-based capacitive touch sensing?

Yes - it integrates a dedicated Touch Sensing Controller (TSC) supporting up to 24 capacitive sensing channels with spread-spectrum modulation, shield electrode support, and automatic recalibration. This enables robust touch button, slider, and wheel implementation without external components or firmware-based polling overhead.

How many independent analog-to-digital converter architectures does this MCU provide?

The STM32F378RCT6 provides two distinct ADC architectures: one 12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) ADC with 16 input channels and 1.0 µs conversion time, plus up to three 16-bit sigma-delta ADCs supporting up to 21 single-ended or 11 differential channels - each with separate analog supply domains and reference inputs.

Is the STM32F378RCT6 pin-compatible with other STM32F3-series MCUs in LQFP64 package?

No - while sharing the LQFP64 footprint, pin functions differ significantly across STM32F3 variants due to varying peripheral sets (e.g., SDADC presence, TSC channel mapping, CAN placement). Direct replacement requires schematic and firmware validation; ST provides migration guides but no guaranteed pin-for-pin compatibility within the F3 family.