STMicroelectronics STM32F446ZCJ6

Overview

STM32F446ZCJ6 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 triple interleaved), 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 STM32F446ZCJ6 datasheet, STM32F446ZCJ6 pinout, STM32F446ZCJ6 application, or STM32F446ZCJ6 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 external memory controller supporting SDRAM and QuadSPI.

Technical Context

The STM32F446ZCJ6 implements an Arm Cortex-M4 core with integrated FPU and MPU, paired with ST's Adaptive Real-Time (ART) Accelerator for deterministic flash execution at 180 MHz. Its memory subsystem includes 512 KB of embedded flash with ECC, 128 KB SRAM, 4 KB backup SRAM, and a flexible external memory controller supporting SDRAM, NOR/NAND, and PSRAM.

Peripheral architecture features dual USB OTG controllers (one FS-only with on-chip PHY, one HS/FS with ULPI support and dedicated DMA), two SAI blocks for multi-channel I²S/TDM audio, SPDIF-RX for digital audio input, and a parallel DCMI interface capable of 54 MB/s camera data capture - all synchronized via multiple independent clock domains including PLLI2S and PLLSAI.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP144 (20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) 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 STM32F446RE, the ZCJ6 offers 2.8× more GPIOs and SDRAM support for buffer-intensive tasks; versus STM32F746ZG, it provides superior audio interface specialization (SPDIFRX, dual SAI) and lower power in active modes, making it more suitable for audio-focused or cost-sensitive industrial gateways.

Availability

STM32F446ZCJ6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, professional audio interfaces, medical diagnostic imaging, and smart building gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and full production traceability.

Supply support for STM32F446ZCJ6 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 STM32F446xC/E series belongs to ST's high-performance Cortex-M4 portfolio, engineered specifically for applications demanding real-time signal processing, rich connectivity (USB HS/FS, CAN, audio interfaces), and deterministic execution - especially in industrial automation and professional audio equipment.

FAQ

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

The STM32F446ZCJ6 achieves 180 MHz maximum CPU frequency using its Arm Cortex-M4 core with ST's Adaptive Real-Time (ART) Accelerator, which provides zero-wait-state execution from flash memory. This requires enabling the ART prefetcher and maintaining proper VDD voltage (≥2.7 V) and ambient temperature (≤85°C). The 180 MHz clock is derived from the main PLL driven by either HSE (4–26 MHz) or HSI (16 MHz).

Does the part support external SDRAM, and what interface is used?

Yes, the STM32F446ZCJ6 supports external SDRAM via its Flexible Memory Controller (FMC), which provides a 16-bit data bus, address lines, and control signals (RAS, CAS, WE, CS, CLK, CKE, BA). It supports LPDDR SDRAM (LPSDR) and standard SDRAM with configurable timing parameters, enabling frame buffers for displays or high-speed data logging applications.

How many USB interfaces does it have, and what are their capabilities?

The STM32F446ZCJ6 integrates two independent USB controllers: USB OTG FS (full-speed only, with integrated PHY) and USB OTG HS/FS (high-speed/full-speed, requiring external ULPI PHY). The FS controller supports device/host/OTG roles with built-in transceiver; the HS/FS controller supports 480 Mbps operation with dedicated DMA and on-chip full-speed PHY, enabling simultaneous high-bandwidth and low-latency USB functionality.

What low-power modes are available, and what is the lowest typical current consumption?

The STM32F446ZCJ6 supports Sleep, Stop, and Standby modes. In Standby mode with RTC and backup registers enabled, typical current consumption is 1.8 µA (at 25°C, VBAT = 3.3 V). With VBAT supply active, it retains the 4 KB backup SRAM and 20×32-bit registers, allowing rapid wake-up with full context preservation - ideal for battery-backed metering or alarm systems.