STMicroelectronics STM32F401VCT6

Overview

STM32F401VCT6 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with FPU, operating up to 84 MHz, featuring 256 KB Flash, 64 KB SRAM, and integrated peripherals including 1×12-bit 2.4 MSPS ADC, USB 2.0 FS OTG controller, and 11 communication interfaces. It targets embedded control in industrial sensors, motor drives, and portable medical devices requiring real-time processing and low-power operation.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F401VCT6 datasheet, STM32F401VCT6 pinout, STM32F401VCT6 application, or STM32F401VCT6 equivalent, key selection criteria include Flash/SRAM size, 84 MHz CPU frequency with ART Accelerator™, 5 V-tolerant I/Os, low-power Stop/Standby modes (down to 10 µA), and LQFP100 package compatibility for board layout and thermal management.

Technical Context

The STM32F401VCT6 implements an Arm Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU and Adaptive Real-time Accelerator (ART Accelerator™) enabling zero-wait-state execution from Flash at 84 MHz. Its memory subsystem includes 256 KB of embedded Flash with ECC support, 64 KB SRAM, and 512 bytes of OTP memory.

Peripherals are organized via multi-AHB bus matrix and supported by 16-stream DMA with FIFOs. Clocking uses dual oscillators (4–26 MHz HSE + 32 kHz LSE), internal 16 MHz/32 kHz RC, and PLL for system and audio (PLLI2S) domains - enabling precise timing for USB, RTC, and I2S audio applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP100 package with exposed thermal pad (ECOPACK2-compliant), 0.5 mm pitch, 14 × 14 mm body size. Designed for reflow soldering and industrial-grade reliability across -40 °C to +105 °C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F401VCT6, the STM32F411REY6TR offers more memory and speed but sacrifices LQFP100 packaging and RTC VBAT support, while the STM32F072RBT6 reduces cost and power at the expense of computational capability and peripheral bandwidth - making the VCT6 optimal for balanced performance, package maturity, and mixed-signal integration.

Availability

STM32F401VCT6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, portable medical monitoring, smart home sensor hubs, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for STM32F401VCT6 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, sensors, and automotive semiconductors since 1987.

The STM32F4 Series targets high-performance embedded applications demanding real-time responsiveness, rich connectivity, and energy efficiency - with the F401 line optimized for cost-sensitive, power-aware designs requiring Cortex-M4 capabilities without full F4 feature set.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for STM32F401VCT6?

The STM32F401VCT6 is rated for industrial temperature range: -40 °C to +105 °C. This is confirmed in Section 3.3 of DS9716 Rev 11, where "Temperature range" is explicitly listed as "-40 °C to 85/105/125 °C" and Table 14 specifies "T_A = –40 to 105 °C" for LQFP100 packages under general operating conditions.

Does STM32F401VCT6 support external memory interfaces like FSMC or Quad-SPI?

No, the STM32F401VCT6 does not include FSMC (Flexible Static Memory Controller) or Quad-SPI peripheral. Unlike higher-tier F4 variants (e.g., F407/F429), the F401 series omits external memory bus support - its memory subsystem relies solely on internal 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM, as documented in Section 3.4 and Table 2 of DS9716.

Can the internal 16 MHz RC oscillator be used as system clock source without calibration?

Yes, the internal 16 MHz RC oscillator (HSI) is factory-trimmed to ±1% accuracy at 25 °C and can serve as system clock source without external crystal or runtime calibration. Section 3.11 and Table 39 confirm HSI's typical accuracy is ±1%, and it is fully functional upon reset - though for USB or RTC timing, an external crystal remains required.

How many independent PWM channels does STM32F401VCT6 support?

The STM32F401VCT6 supports up to 32 independent PWM output channels: six 16-bit timers (TIM2–TIM7) each offer up to 4 channels, and two 32-bit timers (TIM1/TIM8) each provide up to 6 channels - totaling 36 potential OC/PWM outputs, though physical pin mapping limits concurrent use to ≤32 due to GPIO alternate function constraints, per Section 3.19 and Table 4.