STMicroelectronics STM32F401CDU6

Overview

STM32F401CDU6 from STMicroelectronics is an Arm® Cortex®-M4 32-bit microcontroller with FPU, delivering 105 DMIPS at 84 MHz, featuring 384 KB flash, 96 KB SRAM, and integrated USB 2.0 FS OTG controller with on-chip PHY. It supports up to 81 I/Os (78 fast, 5 V-tolerant), includes a 12-bit 2.4 MSPS ADC with 16 channels, and targets embedded control in portable medical devices, industrial sensor nodes, and USB-connected IoT endpoints.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F401CDU6 datasheet, STM32F401CDU6 pinout, STM32F401CDU6 application, or STM32F401CDU6 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48-pin UFQFPN package, 1.7–3.6 V supply range, ART Accelerator enabling zero-wait-state flash execution, low-power Stop mode down to 10 µA, and full-duplex SPI/I2S mux for audio-class signal acquisition.

Technical Context

The device integrates an adaptive real-time accelerator (ART) that eliminates flash wait states at 84 MHz, paired with a memory protection unit (MPU) for secure task isolation in RTOS environments. Its clock system combines four oscillators - 4–26 MHz HSE, 16 MHz HSI, 32 kHz LSE for RTC, and 32 kHz LSI - with dual PLLs (main PLL and audio PLLI2S) supporting precise timing for USB and I2S synchronization.

Peripheral architecture features a multi-AHB bus matrix enabling concurrent DMA transfers across 16-stream controllers, while the NVIC supports 92 interrupt lines with programmable priority levels. All 81 GPIOs support external interrupt capability, and 78 are rated for 42 MHz toggle speed with 5 V tolerance - critical for interfacing with legacy logic or industrial sensors without level shifters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32F401CDU6 uses a 48-pin Ultra-Fine Pitch Quad Flat No-lead (UFQFPN) package measuring 7 × 7 mm with 0.5 mm pitch, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable electronics and wearables.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F411CEU6, the STM32F401CDU6 trades flash/RAM capacity for lower cost and proven USB OTG stability in volume production; versus STM32G431CBU6, it prioritizes communication interface density and USB PHY integration over analog precision - making it optimal for USB-centric edge nodes where mixed-signal processing is secondary.

Availability

STM32F401CDU6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial edge controllers, and USB-C powered peripherals requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for STM32F401CDU6 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, specializing in microcontrollers, power management, and sensor technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32F4 series targets high-performance embedded applications demanding real-time processing, rich connectivity, and low-power operation - with the F401 subfamily optimized for cost-sensitive USB-enabled endpoints and sensor concentrators.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and associated DMIPS rating of the STM32F401CDU6?

The STM32F401CDU6 operates at up to 84 MHz with an Arm Cortex-M4 core featuring FPU and ART Accelerator, achieving 105 DMIPS (Dhrystone 2.1). This performance level is validated across the full 1.7–3.6 V supply range and –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, with zero-wait-state execution from flash memory enabled by the ART Accelerator.

Does the STM32F401CDU6 support USB device functionality without an external PHY?

Yes - the STM32F401CDU6 integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 OTG controller with an on-chip PHY, supporting device, host, and OTG roles. PA11 (D−) and PA12 (D+) are dedicated differential USB pins requiring only a 1.5 kΩ pull-up resistor on D+ for device enumeration; no external transceiver is needed.

How many I/O pins are 5 V-tolerant, and what is their maximum toggle frequency?

All 81 GPIO pins on the STM32F401CDU6 are 5 V-tolerant, allowing safe interfacing with 5 V logic without external level shifters. Up to 78 of these pins support a maximum toggle frequency of 42 MHz, verified under 1.7–3.6 V supply conditions and specified in Section 6.3.16 of the DS10086 datasheet.

What low-power modes are available, and what is the minimum current consumption in Stop mode?

The STM32F401CDU6 supports Run, Sleep, Stop (with Flash in Stop or Deep power down), and Standby modes. In Stop mode with Flash in Deep power down and RTC active, typical current consumption is 10 µA at 25 °C - confirmed in Table 27 of DS10086 Rev 5 - enabling multi-year battery operation in sensor nodes.