STMicroelectronics STM32L162VCH6TR

Overview

STM32L162VCH6TR from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M3 microcontroller featuring 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, 8 KB ECC-protected EEPROM, integrated LCD controller (8×40 segments), USB 2.0 interface, and hardware AES-128 encryption accelerator. It operates from 1.65 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to +105°C and targets battery-powered industrial sensors and portable medical devices requiring long runtime and secure data handling.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L162VCH6TR datasheet, STM32L162VCH6TR pinout, STM32L162VCH6TR application, or STM32L162VCH6TR equivalent, key selection criteria include standby current (0.29 µA), LCD driver capability, dual 12-bit DACs with buffers, 12-bit ADC with 25 channels, and USB/USART bootloader support - all within LQFP100 package constraints.

Technical Context

The device implements dynamic voltage scaling and multiple low-power modes (Stop, Standby, Low-power Run) with sub-µA retention states and 8 µs wakeup latency. Its Cortex-M3 core runs up to 32 MHz with 1.25 DMIPS/MHz performance and includes a memory protection unit for secure firmware partitioning.

Analog subsystem integration includes two operational amplifiers, two ultra-low-power comparators with window mode and wake-up capability, temperature sensor, and internal 1.22 V reference (VREFINT). Clock architecture supports multiple sources: HSE (1–24 MHz), LSE (32.768 kHz), HSI (16 MHz ±1%), LSI (37 kHz), and MSI (65 kHz–4.2 MHz), plus a dedicated PLL for USB clock generation (48 MHz).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP100 (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad; 100-pin quad flat layout optimized for PCB routing density and thermal dissipation in compact industrial modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32L162VCH6TR, STM32L476VGT6 trades LCD/ECC-EEPROM integration for raw compute headroom, while STM32L072VZT6 sacrifices analog richness and security acceleration to reduce BOM cost - making the L162 uniquely balanced for display-equipped, battery-constrained, and data-sensitive edge devices.

Availability

STM32L162VCH6TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility meters, portable medical monitors, industrial wireless sensor nodes, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32L162VCH6TR 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, delivering silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

The STM32L1 series targets ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding extended battery life, robust analog integration, and secure firmware execution - with the L162 variant specifically optimized for LCD-based human interface and sensor fusion endpoints.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature for STM32L162VCH6TR?

The device is rated for industrial temperature range: –40°C to +105°C ambient. Junction temperature must not exceed 125°C under continuous operation; thermal derating applies above 85°C ambient per datasheet Section 7.4. This rating supports deployment in enclosed enclosures or high-ambient environments like HVAC ducts or solar-powered field equipment.

Does STM32L162VCH6TR support USB device mode without external components?

Yes - it integrates a full-speed USB 2.0 transceiver with internal pull-up resistor on D+, enabling direct connection to USB hosts. No external PHY, level shifter, or termination resistors are required. The internal 48 MHz PLL provides precise USB clocking, and the pre-programmed bootloader supports USB DFU mode for firmware updates.

How many I/O pins are 5 V tolerant on this MCU?

70 of the 83 general-purpose I/Os are 5 V tolerant when VDD is ≥2.0 V, as confirmed in Section 6.3.13 of DS8928 Rev 12. These pins accept 5 V logic inputs safely without external level shifters - critical for interfacing with legacy industrial sensors, displays, or communication modules operating at 5 V.

Can the integrated LCD driver operate without an external booster?

Yes - the on-chip step-up converter generates the VLCD bias voltage internally, supporting contrast adjustment and blinking mode. External components are optional only for enhanced efficiency or higher segment counts; the integrated solution drives up to 8×40 segments directly, reducing bill-of-materials in portable instrumentation.