STMicroelectronics STM32L152ZCT6

Overview

STM32L152ZCT6 from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M3 microcontroller featuring 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, 8 KB EEPROM with ECC, integrated LCD controller (8×40 segments), and USB 2.0 interface. It operates from 1.65 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to +105°C and delivers 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance. It targets battery-powered industrial sensors, portable medical devices, and smart metering systems requiring long runtime and on-chip analog integration.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L152ZCT6 datasheet, STM32L152ZCT6 pinout, STM32L152ZCT6 application, or STM32L152ZCT6 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 116 fast I/Os (102 5V-tolerant), dual 12-bit ADC (1 Msps, up to 40 channels), dual 12-bit DAC with buffers, two operational amplifiers, and ultra-low-power stop mode (0.475 µA) with 16 wakeup lines - critical for energy-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The STM32L152ZCT6 implements dynamic voltage scaling and multiple low-power modes (Run, Sleep, Low-power Run, Stop, Standby) with sub-µA current draw in Stop and Standby. Its clock system integrates HSE (1–24 MHz), LSE (32.768 kHz RTC), HSI (16 MHz ±1%), LSI (37 kHz), and MSI (65 kHz–4.2 MHz), plus a PLL supporting USB 48 MHz generation.

Analog subsystem includes two rail-to-rail op-amps, two ultra-low-power comparators with window mode and wake-up capability, 12-bit ADC with temperature sensor and VREFINT, and 12-bit DAC with output buffers - all functional down to 1.8 V supply. The LCD controller supports contrast adjustment, blinking, and step-up converter for segment bias.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP144 package with 20 × 20 mm footprint, 0.5 mm pitch, and exposed thermal pad (per ST's DS10262 Rev 8, Section 7.5). Pinout validated per Table 8 ("STM32L151xC/C-A and STM32L152xC/C-A pin definitions") and Figure 12 (LQFP144 pin layout) in official datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power MCU applications.

Compared with STM32L152ZCT6, the STM32L432KCU6 trades EEPROM and LCD integration for enhanced compute and lower Stop-mode current, while the EFM32PG12B500F1024GL125 offers greater memory and robustness but omits USB and display support - making STM32L152ZCT6 optimal for compact, display-equipped, battery-powered systems needing reliable nonvolatile parameter storage.

Availability

STM32L152ZCT6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility meters, portable medical monitors, industrial wireless sensor nodes, and low-power HVAC controllers requiring stable component supply throughout product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32L152ZCT6 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 semiconductors since 1987.

The STM32L1 series targets ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding extended battery life, integrated analog peripherals, and industrial-grade reliability - with the STM32L152ZCT6 optimized for display-enabled, sensor-rich edge devices operating across wide temperature ranges.

FAQ

Does STM32L152ZCT6 support USB device mode without external components?

Yes. The STM32L152ZCT6 integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver with internal 1.5 kΩ pull-up resistor on D+, enabling USB device functionality (e.g., CDC virtual COM port) directly from the MCU without external PHY or pull-up resistors. USB clock is generated by the internal 48 MHz PLL fed from HSE or HSI48 source.

What is the maximum number of capacitive sensing channels supported?

The STM32L152ZCT6 supports up to 23 capacitive sensing channels using its built-in touch sensing controller (TSC). These channels can be configured as touch keys, linear sliders, or rotary wheels, with hardware-accelerated acquisition and noise immunity features - eliminating need for external touch ICs in user-interface applications.

How does the 8 KB EEPROM with ECC differ from standard Flash-based emulated EEPROM?

This 8 KB EEPROM is a dedicated, hardware-managed memory block with built-in ECC logic, rated for 400k write/erase cycles and 40-year data retention at 85°C. Unlike Flash-emulated EEPROM, it requires no software wear-leveling, supports byte-level writes, and guarantees atomicity - critical for storing calibration coefficients or security keys in field-deployed equipment.

Can the LCD controller drive segment-type displays without external bias circuitry?

Yes. The integrated LCD controller supports up to 8 commons and 40 segments with programmable contrast, blinking, and an internal step-up converter that generates required bias voltages (VLCD) from VDD. This eliminates external charge pumps or bias generators, reducing BOM count and board space in display-integrated products.