STMicroelectronics STM32F401VBH3

Overview

STM32F401VBH3 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with FPU, operating up to 84 MHz, featuring 256 KB Flash, 64 KB SRAM, one 12-bit 2.4 MSPS ADC, and 11 communication interfaces including USB OTG FS, SPI, I²C, and USART. It targets embedded control in industrial sensors, portable medical devices, and smart home hubs requiring real-time signal processing and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F401VBH3 datasheet, STM32F401VBH3 pinout, STM32F401VBH3 application, or STM32F401VBH3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 84 MHz Cortex-M4+FPU core, ART Accelerator™ enabling zero-wait-state Flash execution, 105 DMIPS performance, 1.7–3.6 V supply range, and WLCSP49 package with 49-ball 0.4 mm pitch for space-constrained PCBs.

Technical Context

The device integrates an Adaptive Real-time Accelerator (ART Accelerator™) that eliminates Flash wait states at 84 MHz, enabling deterministic real-time code execution. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB of dual-bank Flash with ECC support, 64 KB SRAM, and 512 bytes of OTP for secure configuration storage.

Power architecture supports multiple low-power modes: Stop mode draws as low as 10 µA (Flash in deep power-down), Standby consumes 2.4 µA at 25 °C without RTC, and VBAT-supplied RTC maintains subsecond accuracy with hardware calendar functionality.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32F401VBH3 uses a 49-ball WLCSP (Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Package) with 0.4 mm ball pitch and 2.965 × 2.965 mm body size. The package supports 42 fast I/Os (up to 42 MHz), all 5 V tolerant, and includes dedicated VCAP pins for internal regulator stabilization.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F401VBH3, STM32F401CBU3 trades memory and package size for ease of assembly and lower unit cost, while STM32F411CEU6 offers doubled memory and speed at the expense of USB integration - making each suitable for distinct trade-offs in size, cost, and feature depth.

Availability

STM32F401VBH3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical devices, and smart home hubs requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for STM32F401VBH3 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 products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32F4 series targets high-performance embedded applications demanding real-time processing, rich connectivity, and energy efficiency - with the F401 line optimized for cost-sensitive, space-constrained designs needing balanced compute and peripheral density.

FAQ

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

The STM32F401VBH3 achieves 84 MHz maximum CPU frequency using its internal PLL driven by either the 4–26 MHz HSE crystal oscillator or the 16 MHz HSI RC oscillator. The ART Accelerator™ ensures zero-wait-state execution from Flash memory at this speed, validated across the full −40 °C to 105 °C temperature range with 1.7–3.6 V supply.

Does STM32F401VBH3 support USB device functionality without external components?

Yes - it integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 OTG controller with an on-chip PHY, enabling USB device, host, or OTG operation using only standard USB DP/DM routing and 1.5 kΩ pull-up resistor on DP. No external transceiver or level shifter is required for basic HID, CDC, or MSC class implementations.

How many I/O pins are available and what are their voltage tolerances?

The WLCSP49 package provides 42 general-purpose I/O pins (excluding power, reset, and debug pins). All GPIOs are 5 V tolerant regardless of VDD level, allowing safe interfacing with legacy 5 V logic, sensors, or displays without external level shifters - a critical advantage in mixed-voltage systems.

What low-power modes are supported and what are typical current draws?

It supports Run, Sleep, Stop (two variants), and Standby modes. At 25 °C: Run mode draws 128 µA/MHz (peripherals off); Stop mode with Flash in deep power-down draws 10 µA typ; Standby draws 2.4 µA without RTC. VBAT mode sustains RTC and backup registers at 1 µA, enabling years of battery-backed timekeeping.