STMicroelectronics STM32F446ZCH7

Overview

STM32F446ZCH7 from STMicroelectronics is a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 microcontroller with FPU, operating up to 180 MHz, 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 CAN 2.0B interfaces - deployed in industrial motor control systems requiring real-time analog acquisition and deterministic communication.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F446ZCH7 datasheet, STM32F446ZCH7 pinout, STM32F446ZCH7 application, or STM32F446ZCH7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 144-pin LQFP package, 180 MHz CPU clock with ART Accelerator enabling zero-wait-state flash execution, dual USB PHY support across full-speed and high-speed modes, and integrated SPDIF-Rx + SAI for audio-class signal processing.

Technical Context

This MCU integrates an Adaptive Real-Time Accelerator (ART) that eliminates flash wait states at 180 MHz, paired with a multi-AHB bus matrix supporting concurrent access to flash, SRAM, and peripherals. Its memory subsystem includes flexible external memory controller (FMC) for NOR/NAND/SDRAM and dual-mode QuadSPI for XIP-capable serial flash.

The timing architecture features three independent PLLs: main PLL for CPU/system clocks, PLLI2S for audio sampling, and PLLSAI for SAI synchronization - enabling simultaneous high-fidelity audio streaming and real-time control loop execution without clock contention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP144 (20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3. Package supports standard reflow profiles and mechanical stability in industrial temperature ranges (–40°C to +85°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32F446ZCH7, STM32F407VGT6 offers more memory but lacks audio and dual-USB capabilities critical for multimedia edge nodes, while STM32H743ZIT6 delivers significantly higher compute density and security at increased complexity and power consumption - making STM32F446ZCH7 optimal for balanced audio+control integration in space-constrained industrial designs.

Availability

STM32F446ZCH7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor drives, audio gateway nodes, factory automation gateways, and portable medical diagnostic interfaces requiring stable component supply throughout product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32F446ZCH7 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-grade components since 1987.

The STM32F4 series targets high-performance embedded applications demanding real-time processing, rich analog integration, and multiple communication protocols - optimized for industrial control, audio processing, and IoT edge nodes.

FAQ

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

The STM32F446ZCH7 achieves 180 MHz CPU frequency using its internal main PLL with input from either the 4–26 MHz HSE crystal or 16 MHz HSI RC oscillator. The Adaptive Real-Time Accelerator (ART) eliminates flash wait states at this speed, enabling deterministic zero-latency instruction fetches directly from 512 KB embedded flash memory.

Does this MCU support external SDRAM, and what interface is used?

Yes, the STM32F446ZCH7 supports external SDRAM through its Flexible Memory Controller (FMC), which provides a 16-bit data bus and dedicated control signals (RAS/CAS/WE/CLK). It supports LPDDR SDRAM and standard SDRAM chips, enabling expansion of frame buffers for HMI or audio sample storage beyond internal SRAM limits.

How many independent clock domains does the USB subsystem use?

The USB subsystem uses two independent clock domains: the full-speed (FS) controller relies on the 48 MHz USB clock derived from the main PLL, while the high-speed (HS) controller requires a separate 125 MHz clock generated by the dedicated USB HS PLL - ensuring jitter-free operation for both speed grades without mutual interference.

What is the purpose of the VCAP_1 and VCAP_2 pins, and what capacitor values are required?

VCAP_1 and VCAP_2 connect to 2.2 µF ceramic capacitors that stabilize the internal voltage regulator's output, essential for reliable operation of the CPU and analog peripherals. These capacitors must be placed close to the pins per ST's layout guidelines; omission or undersizing causes instability, especially during high-frequency ADC sampling or USB HS activity.