STMicroelectronics STM32F446ZCH6

Overview

STM32F446ZCH6 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with FPU, operating up to 180 MHz (225 DMIPS), featuring 512 KB flash, 128+4 KB RAM, dual USB OTG (FS/HS), three 12-bit ADCs (7.2 MSPS in triple interleaved mode), and two 12-bit DACs. It targets high-performance industrial control, audio processing, and USB-connected embedded systems requiring real-time signal handling and rich peripheral integration.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F446ZCH6 datasheet, STM32F446ZCH6 pinout, STM32F446ZCH6 application, or STM32F446ZCH6 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 144-pin LQFP package, 180 MHz CPU clock with ART Accelerator enabling zero-wait-state flash execution, dual CAN 2.0B interfaces, SAI/SPDIFRX for professional audio, and flexible memory controller supporting SDRAM/NOR/NAND.

Technical Context

The STM32F446ZCH6 integrates an Arm Cortex-M4 core with hardware FPU and Adaptive Real-Time (ART) Accelerator, enabling deterministic 180 MHz operation from internal flash without wait states. Its memory subsystem includes 512 KB of embedded flash, 128 KB SRAM plus 4 KB backup SRAM, and a Flexible Memory Controller (FMC) supporting external SDRAM, PSRAM, and NOR/NAND devices.

Peripheral architecture features dual USB OTG controllers (one FS-only with on-chip PHY, one HS/FS with ULPI support and dedicated DMA), two Serial Audio Interfaces (SAI), SPDIF-RX, four I²C, four USART, two UART, four SPI (three with I²S mux), two CAN 2.0B, SDIO, CEC, and an 8–14-bit parallel camera interface capable of 54 MB/s throughput.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP144 (20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F407VGT6, the STM32F446ZCH6 adds SPDIFRX, dual SAI, HS USB, and QuadSPI for audio/data-intensive designs; versus STM32H743ZIT6, it offers better audio peripheral integration and pin compatibility within the F4 family, at lower power and cost.

Availability

STM32F446ZCH6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, USB audio interfaces, medical data loggers, and smart home hubs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and qualified industrial-grade reliability.

Supply support for STM32F446ZCH6 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 analog components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32F4 series targets high-performance embedded applications demanding real-time processing, rich connectivity, and analog integration-optimized for motor control, audio, and USB-centric IoT edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for STM32F446ZCH6?

The STM32F446ZCH6 is specified for industrial temperature range: –40°C to +85°C ambient. This is validated per datasheet Section 6.3.1 and applies to all LQFP144 variants. Thermal derating begins above 85°C ambient; junction temperature must remain below 125°C under continuous load.

Does STM32F446ZCH6 support external SDRAM, and what is the maximum bus width?

Yes, the Flexible Memory Controller (FMC) supports external SDRAM with up to 16-bit data bus width and 256 MB address space. It implements standard SDR/DDR timing and supports self-refresh, auto-refresh, and burst modes per JEDEC JESD21-C specification.

How many independent 12-bit DAC channels does STM32F446ZCH6 provide?

The STM32F446ZCH6 integrates two independent 12-bit buffered DAC channels (DAC1 and DAC2), each with configurable trigger sources (timers, software, external event), output buffer enable/disable, and noise suppression modes per Section 3.39 of the datasheet.

Is the USB HS interface on STM32F446ZCH6 implemented with an on-chip PHY?

No-the USB HS interface uses a ULPI (UTMI+ Low Pin Count) parallel interface (8-bit data + clock) and requires an external HS PHY (e.g., USB334x). The on-chip PHY is only present for the USB FS OTG controller (PA11/PA12 pins).