STMicroelectronics STM32L162RCT6A

Overview

STM32L162RCT6A from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M3 microcontroller with 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, 8 KB EEPROM, integrated LCD driver, 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 delivers 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance-designed for battery-powered medical sensors, portable industrial meters, and smart utility endpoints requiring long runtime and secure data handling.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L162RCT6A datasheet, STM32L162RCT6A pinout, STM32L162RCT6A application, or STM32L162RCT6A equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.475 µA Stop mode current, 12-bit dual-channel DAC with output buffers, 12-bit 1 Msps ADC (up to 40 channels), ultra-low-power comparators with wakeup capability, and LQFP64 package compatibility with legacy STM32L1 designs.

Technical Context

The STM32L162RCT6A implements dynamic voltage scaling and multiple low-power modes-including Stop mode at 0.475 µA and Standby mode at 305 nA-with RTC retention and 16 wakeup lines. Its Cortex-M3 core runs up to 32 MHz using internal MSI (65 kHz–4.2 MHz), HSI (16 MHz ±1%), or external crystal (1–24 MHz), supported by a dedicated PLL for USB clock generation (48 MHz).

Analog integration includes two rail-to-rail operational amplifiers, two ultra-low-power comparators (with window mode and wakeup), a temperature sensor, VREFINT reference, and LCD controller supporting up to 8×40 segments. Communication peripherals comprise 3 USARTs, up to 8 SPIs (including 2 I2S), 2 I2Cs (SMBus/PMBus), and full-speed USB 2.0 with internal transceiver and 48 MHz PLL.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP64 (10 × 10 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant, industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +105°C).

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 STM32L162RCT6A, the STM32L432KCU6 trades EEPROM and LCD integration for FPU and lower static current, while the STM32L152RCT6 reduces BOM cost by omitting AES and LCD-but both require external components to match the full feature set of the L162 for secure, display-enabled edge devices.

Availability

STM32L162RCT6A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, smart utility meters, industrial handheld testers, and low-power HMI panels requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32L162RCT6A 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 multi-year battery life, secure firmware execution, and integrated analog peripherals-optimized for medical, metering, and portable industrial equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the STM32L162RCT6A?

The STM32L162RCT6A features an Arm Cortex-M3 32-bit core with a maximum CPU frequency of 32 MHz. It achieves 1.25 DMIPS/MHz (Dhrystone 2.1) and includes a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) for secure task isolation. The core supports Thumb-2 instruction set and operates across a 1.65 V to 3.6 V supply range with dynamic voltage scaling to optimize power versus performance.

Does the STM32L162RCT6A support hardware encryption, and what type is implemented?

Yes, the STM32L162RCT6A integrates a dedicated hardware AES-128 encryption accelerator compliant with FIPS-197. It supports ECB, CBC, CTR, and GCM modes with DMA chaining, enabling secure firmware updates and encrypted sensor data transmission without CPU overhead. Key storage is protected via readout protection (RDP) and option bytes.

What LCD capabilities does the STM32L162RCT6A provide, and how many segments can it drive?

The STM32L162RCT6A includes an integrated LCD controller supporting up to 8 commons and 40 segments (320 segments total), with programmable contrast, blinking mode, and internal step-up converter. It operates down to 1.8 V and supports static, 2-mux, 3-mux, and 4-mux configurations-ideal for alphanumeric displays in battery-powered medical and industrial devices.

How many analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels and what resolution does the STM32L162RCT6A offer?

The STM32L162RCT6A integrates a 12-bit ADC with up to 40 input channels and 1 Msps sampling rate. It supports single-ended and differential modes, programmable sampling times, and hardware oversampling. The ADC operates down to 1.8 V and includes built-in temperature sensor and VREFINT reference for self-calibration and system monitoring.