STMicroelectronics STM32L162VCT6A

Overview

STM32L162VCT6A from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M3 microcontroller featuring 256 KB Flash, 32 KB SRAM, 8 KB true EEPROM with ECC, integrated LCD controller (8×40 segments), 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-used in battery-powered medical sensors, portable industrial meters, and smart utility endpoints requiring long runtime and secure firmware updates.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L162VCT6A datasheet, STM32L162VCT6A pinout, STM32L162VCT6A application, or STM32L162VCT6A equivalent, key selection criteria include standby current (305 nA), 12-bit dual-channel DAC with buffers, 12-bit 1 Msps ADC (up to 40 channels), USB 2.0 full-speed interface with internal 48 MHz PLL, and capacitive touch sensing support for up to 23 channels.

Technical Context

This MCU implements dynamic voltage scaling and multiple low-power modes-including Stop mode (0.475 µA) and Standby mode (305 nA with 3 wakeup pins)-to optimize energy efficiency in intermittent-sensing applications. Its memory subsystem integrates ECC-protected Flash and EEPROM, while the analog front-end includes two operational amplifiers, two ultra-low-power comparators with window mode, and a temperature sensor calibrated at factory.

The clock system combines five independent sources: 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 programmable PLL supporting CPU and USB clocks. Peripheral routing uses a flexible alternate function mapping system across 116 I/Os (102 5V-tolerant), all mappable to 16 external interrupt vectors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP100 (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with 100 leads; RoHS-compliant, ECOPACK2 certified.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32L162VCT6A, the STM32L432KCU6 trades LCD/EPPROM integration for FPU and enhanced analog capability, while the STM32L072CZT6 reduces feature set and cost for minimalistic sensing-making the VCT6A optimal for LCD-equipped, secure, long-life metering designs.

Availability

STM32L162VCT6A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, smart utility meters, industrial panel displays, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply and extended lifecycle support.

Supply support for STM32L162VCT6A 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 rich analog integration-optimized for metering, wearables, and industrial IoT edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and corresponding power consumption in Run mode?

The STM32L162VCT6A runs at up to 32 MHz with 230 µA/MHz typical current draw in Run mode from Flash. At 32 MHz, total active current is approximately 7.36 mA (230 µA × 32), verified per DS10287 Rev 6 Table 17. Dynamic voltage scaling allows lower frequencies (e.g., 16 MHz) to reduce power proportionally while maintaining real-time responsiveness.

Does this MCU support hardware encryption for secure boot and firmware updates?

Yes-it integrates a dedicated AES-128 hardware accelerator compliant with FIPS-197, enabling full-block encryption/decryption without CPU intervention. Combined with the 96-bit unique ID and ECC-protected Flash, it supports authenticated secure boot and encrypted OTA firmware updates, as documented in Section 3.16 and RM0038 reference manual.

Can the integrated LCD controller drive custom segment-based displays without external components?

Yes-the LCD controller supports up to 8 commons and 40 segments with programmable contrast, blinking, and an internal step-up converter. It operates down to 1.8 V and requires only a single external capacitor for charge-pump operation, eliminating external bias generators for standard segmented LCDs used in utility meters and handheld instruments.

How many I/O pins are 5V-tolerant, and what is their voltage rating?

102 of the 116 I/O pins are 5V-tolerant, meaning they safely accept input voltages up to 5.5 V regardless of VDD level (1.65–3.6 V). This is confirmed in Section 3.6 and Table 42 of DS10287 Rev 6, enabling direct interfacing with legacy 5V peripherals like RS-485 transceivers or industrial sensors without level shifters.