STMicroelectronics STM32F401VET6

Overview

STM32F401VET6 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with FPU, 84 MHz max clock, 512 KB Flash, 96 KB SRAM, and integrated USB OTG FS controller with on-chip PHY. It features a 12-bit 2.4 MSPS ADC (16 channels), 11 timers including two 32-bit units, and 81 GPIOs - 78 of which operate at up to 42 MHz and are 5 V-tolerant. It targets real-time embedded control in industrial HMI, sensor fusion nodes, and USB-connected edge devices.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F401VET6 datasheet, STM32F401VET6 pinout, STM32F401VET6 application, or STM32F401VET6 equivalent, key selection considerations include its ART Accelerator enabling zero-wait-state execution from Flash, low-power Stop mode down to 10 µA, 5 V-tolerant I/Os for legacy interface compatibility, and full-speed USB device/host/OTG capability without external PHY.

Technical Context

The STM32F401VET6 implements an Arm Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU and DSP instructions, coupled with ST's Adaptive Real-Time (ART) Accelerator that eliminates Flash wait states at 84 MHz. Its memory subsystem includes 512 KB of dual-bank Flash with ECC support and 96 KB of SRAM, partitioned across AHB/APB buses via a multi-AHB matrix.

Peripherals are tightly integrated: the USB OTG FS controller uses an internal PHY and supports device/host/OTG roles; the 12-bit ADC achieves 2.4 MSPS with hardware oversampling and analog watchdog; and all 81 I/Os support interrupt generation, with 78 rated for 42 MHz operation and full 5 V tolerance on input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP100 (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad (ECOPACK2 compliant). Pin functions validated per STMicroelectronics DS10086 Rev 5, Section 4 "Pinouts and pin description".

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F405RGT6, the STM32F401VET6 trades peripheral richness for lower cost and power; compared with STM32F072RBT6, it delivers significantly higher compute density and ADC speed at modest power premium - making it optimal for mid-tier real-time edge nodes.

Availability

STM32F401VET6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, USB human interface devices, and smart sensor nodes requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturing continuity.

Supply support for STM32F401VET6 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, sensors, and automotive chips since 1987.

The STM32F4 series targets high-performance embedded applications demanding DSP capability, rich connectivity, and real-time responsiveness - with the F401 subfamily optimized for cost-sensitive, USB-integrated edge devices.

FAQ

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

The STM32F401VET6 achieves 84 MHz maximum CPU frequency using its internal PLL, fed 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 at this speed, eliminating instruction fetch bottlenecks. This configuration delivers 105 DMIPS measured under Dhrystone 2.1, confirmed in ST's DS10086 Rev 5 electrical characteristics section.

Does the part support USB host functionality without external components?

Yes - the STM32F401VET6 integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 OTG controller with an on-chip PHY, enabling both device and host roles without external transceivers. It supports standard USB classes including HID, CDC, and MSC. Host capability requires appropriate firmware stack (e.g., ST's USB Host Library) and proper VBUS detection/sourcing circuitry per USB specification.

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

All 81 GPIOs on the STM32F401VET6 are 5 V-tolerant, meaning they safely accept 5 V logic inputs while powered from a 1.7–3.6 V supply. This eliminates need for external level shifters when interfacing with legacy 5 V peripherals like RS-232 transceivers, certain sensors, or industrial I/O modules - reducing BOM cost and PCB complexity while maintaining signal integrity.

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

The STM32F401VET6 supports Run, Sleep, Stop (two variants), and Standby modes. In Stop mode with Flash in Deep Power Down and fast wake-up enabled, it draws as low as 10 µA typical at 25 °C - retaining SRAM and register contents. Standby mode drops to 2.4 µA (25 °C, no RTC), and VBAT-supplied RTC consumes just 1 µA - verified in DS10086 Rev 5 Section 6.3.7 and Table 27–31.