STMicroelectronics STM32F401CEU6

Overview

STM32F401CEU6 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with FPU, delivering 105 DMIPS at 84 MHz, featuring 512 KB Flash, 96 KB SRAM, and integrated USB OTG FS 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 industrial HMI, portable medical sensors, and USB-connected IoT edge nodes.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F401CEU6 datasheet, STM32F401CEU6 pinout, STM32F401CEU6 application, or STM32F401CEU6 equivalent, key selection considerations include its ART Accelerator enabling zero-wait-state execution from Flash, low-power Stop mode down to 10 µA, 32-bit timer resolution for motor control, and full-speed USB device/host/OTG capability without external PHY.

Technical Context

The STM32F401CEU6 implements an Arm Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU and Memory Protection Unit (MPU), paired with ST's Adaptive Real-Time (ART) Accelerator that eliminates Flash wait states at 84 MHz. Its clock system integrates four oscillators: 4–26 MHz HSE, 32 kHz LSE for RTC, 16 MHz factory-trimmed HSI, and 32 kHz LSI - all supporting dynamic voltage scaling and multiple low-power modes.

Peripheral architecture features a multi-AHB bus matrix connecting CPU, DMA, and peripherals including three I²C, three USART (two at 10.5 Mbit/s), four SPI (up to 42 Mbit/s), SDIO, and USB OTG FS. The 16-stream DMA controller supports burst transfers and FIFO buffering, while the NVIC handles 92 interrupt lines with programmable priority levels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32F401CEU6 uses the UFQFPN48 (7 × 7 mm) package with 48 pins, optimized for space-constrained applications requiring USB connectivity and analog sensing. Pin functions are validated per ST's DS10086 Rev 5, Table 8 (STM32F401xD/xE pin definitions).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F401CEU6, STM32F411CEU6 offers higher clock headroom and CCM RAM for demanding USB/audio workloads, while STM32G431CBU6 trades USB for superior analog integration and PWM timing - making the CEU6 optimal for balanced USB-connected sensor and HMI applications.

Availability

STM32F401CEU6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMI panels, portable medical sensors, and USB-powered sensor hubs requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for STM32F401CEU6 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, MEMS, and automotive electronics with emphasis on energy efficiency and industrial reliability.

The STM32F4 series targets high-performance embedded applications requiring DSP capability, rich connectivity, and deterministic real-time response - especially where USB, analog sensing, and low-power operation intersect.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and how is it achieved?

The STM32F401CEU6 achieves 84 MHz maximum CPU frequency using its main PLL driven by the 4–26 MHz HSE crystal oscillator or 16 MHz HSI RC source. The ART Accelerator enables zero-wait-state execution from Flash at this speed, confirmed in DS10086 Section 3.2 and electrical characteristics Table 25. No external clock multiplier or external memory is required.

Does STM32F401CEU6 support USB device-only operation without external components?

Yes - the integrated USB OTG FS controller includes a full-speed transceiver with internal pull-ups and termination resistors. Only a single 1.5 kΩ pull-up resistor on PA11 (DP) is required for device enumeration; no external PHY, level shifter, or ESD protection diode is mandatory for basic CDC or HID functionality per Section 3.26 and Figure 42 of DS10086.

How many I/O pins are 5 V-tolerant and what does that mean for system design?

All 78 fast I/O pins (PA0–PA15, PB0–PB15, PC0–PC15, PD0–PD2, PF0–PF1) are 5 V-tolerant regardless of VDD voltage (1.7–3.6 V). This means they safely accept 5 V logic inputs without damage or clamping diode conduction - eliminating level shifters when interfacing with 5 V sensors, displays, or legacy microcontrollers, as specified in Section 3.27 and Table 54 of DS10086.

What low-power modes are available and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The STM32F401CEU6 supports Run, Sleep, Stop (Flash in Stop or Deep power down), and Standby modes. The lowest current is 10 µA typical at 25 °C in Stop mode with Flash in Deep power down (Section 3.17, Table 27), retaining SRAM and register contents while allowing wake-up via EXTI, RTC alarm, or USB wakeup event - verified in electrical characteristics Table 27 and Section 6.3.7.