STMicroelectronics STM32L162QDH6

Overview

STM32L162QDH6 from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M3 microcontroller in UFBGA132 package, featuring 384 KB Flash with ECC, 48 KB SRAM, 12 KB true EEPROM, integrated LCD controller (8×40 segments), USB 2.0 interface, and hardware AES-128 encryption. It operates from 1.65 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to +105°C and targets battery-powered medical sensors, portable industrial meters, and smart utility endpoints requiring long runtime and secure data handling.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L162QDH6 datasheet, STM32L162QDH6 pinout, STM32L162QDH6 application, or STM32L162QDH6 equivalent, key selection criteria include standby current (305 nA), LCD driver integration, AES acceleration, 12-bit ADC (1 Msps, up to 40 channels), and 102 5V-tolerant I/Os - all validated for operation at 105°C ambient.

Technical Context

This MCU implements dynamic voltage scaling and multiple low-power modes (Stop, Standby, Low-power Run) with sub-µA retention states. Its Arm Cortex-M3 core runs up to 32 MHz with 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance and includes a memory protection unit (MPU) for secure partitioning of code and data spaces.

The integrated peripherals include a 12-bit dual-channel DAC with output buffers, three operational amplifiers, two ultra-low-power comparators with window mode and wakeup capability, and a flexible static memory controller (FSMC) supporting SRAM, PSRAM, and NOR Flash - enabling direct interface to external displays or memory expansion without external logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32L162QDH6 is housed in a 7 mm × 7 mm UFBGA132 package with 0.5 mm ball pitch, optimized for space-constrained portable designs. The package supports 116 fast I/Os (102 5V-tolerant), all mappable to 16 external interrupt vectors, and features dedicated LCD segment/common pins, USB D+/D−, and hardware debug (SWD/JTAG) interfaces.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller applications.

Compared with STM32L162QDH6, STM32L476RG trades LCD integration and EEPROM reliability for higher compute throughput and DSP features, while STM32L073RZ sacrifices security, display capability, and extended temperature rating to reduce cost and footprint - making STM32L162QDH6 uniquely balanced for secure, display-equipped, high-reliability industrial endpoints.

Availability

STM32L162QDH6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, smart utility meters, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for STM32L162QDH6 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 is engineered specifically for ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding extended battery life, integrated analog peripherals, and secure firmware execution - targeting medical, metering, and portable industrial equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for STM32L162QDH6?

The STM32L162QDH6 is rated for operation from –40°C to +105°C ambient temperature, validated per ST's DS8669 Rev 11 specification. This extended range supports deployment in sealed industrial enclosures, outdoor utility meters, and automotive cabin-edge applications where passive cooling limits thermal headroom.

Does STM32L162QDH6 support hardware-based AES encryption?

Yes - it integrates a dedicated AES-128 hardware accelerator compliant with FIPS-197, supporting ECB, CBC, CTR, and GCM modes with DMA chaining. Encryption/decryption occurs independently of the CPU, reducing latency and power consumption versus software-only implementations.

How many I/O pins are 5V-tolerant on STM32L162QDH6?

102 of the 116 general-purpose I/Os are 5V-tolerant, as confirmed in Section 3.6 (GPIOs) and Table 49 (I/O static characteristics) of DS8669 Rev 11. This allows direct interfacing with legacy 5V peripherals without level shifters, simplifying design in mixed-voltage systems.

Is there an integrated LCD controller, and what is its segment capacity?

Yes - the STM32L162QDH6 includes a built-in LCD controller supporting up to 8 commons and 40 segments (320 total segments), with on-chip step-up converter, contrast adjustment, and blinking mode. No external bias generator or timing controller is required for standard segment LCD modules.