STMicroelectronics STM32F446ZCT6

Overview

STM32F446ZCT6 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 CAN 2.0B interfaces - deployed in industrial motor control systems requiring real-time sensor fusion and multi-protocol connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the STM32F446ZCT6 datasheet, STM32F446ZCT6 pinout, STM32F446ZCT6 application, or STM32F446ZCT6 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 144-pin LQFP package, 114 GPIOs (112 5 V-tolerant), ART Accelerator™ enabling zero-wait-state execution from flash, and integrated SPDIF-Rx/SAI/DCMI for audio/video edge processing.

Technical Context

The STM32F446ZCT6 integrates an Adaptive Real-Time Accelerator (ART Accelerator™) that eliminates flash wait states at 180 MHz, paired with a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) and dual-bank flash architecture supporting read-while-write operations. Its clock system combines four oscillators (HSE 4–26 MHz, HSI 16 MHz ±1%, LSE 32.768 kHz, LSI) and three PLLs (main, PLLI2S, PLLSAI) for independent audio and system timing domains.

Peripheral interconnect uses a multi-AHB bus matrix with dedicated DMA channels for high-bandwidth interfaces: USB HS/FS controllers each have dedicated DMA, SAI supports I²S/TDM with internal audio PLL, and DCMI achieves 54 MB/s parallel camera capture. The bxCAN controller implements full CAN 2.0B protocol with time-triggered communication support.

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 STM32F446ZCT6, the STM32F407VGT6 offers lower cost and broader legacy toolchain support but sacrifices audio/peripheral richness and flash execution efficiency; the STM32H743ZIT6 delivers significantly higher compute throughput and security features at the expense of power budget and peripheral alignment for audio-centric use cases.

Availability

STM32F446ZCT6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, audio gateways, smart building HMIs, and portable medical data loggers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32F446ZCT6 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, specializing in microcontrollers, power management, and MEMS sensors for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32F4 series targets high-performance real-time embedded applications demanding DSP capability, rich connectivity, and robust analog integration - optimized for motor control, digital power conversion, and audio processing.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for STM32F446ZCT6?

The STM32F446ZCT6 is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +85°C. This range is validated per ST's qualification standards (AEC-Q100 not applicable; industrial grade only). Thermal derating begins above 85°C ambient, and junction temperature must remain below 125°C under all operating conditions per datasheet Section 6.3.1.

Does STM32F446ZCT6 support hardware encryption?

No, the STM32F446ZCT6 does not integrate hardware cryptographic accelerators (e.g., AES, SHA, PKA). It relies on software libraries for encryption tasks. For secure boot or data-at-rest protection, external secure elements or higher-tier STM32H7/L5 series with TRNG and cryptographic peripherals are recommended.

Can the internal 16 MHz RC oscillator be used as the system clock source?

Yes, the factory-trimmed 16 MHz HSI RC oscillator (±1% accuracy) can serve as the main system clock source, either directly or as PLL input. It enables fast startup without external crystal, though precision-sensitive applications (e.g., USB FS timing, RTC calibration) require HSE or LSE for guaranteed accuracy.

How many independent PWM outputs does STM32F446ZCT6 support?

The STM32F446ZCT6 supports up to 36 independent PWM outputs: TIM1 and TIM8 each provide 6 channels (with complementary outputs and dead-time insertion), and ten additional general-purpose timers offer 2–4 channels each. All channels support center-aligned mode, repetition counters, and break inputs for motor control safety.