STMicroelectronics STM32L162ZCT6

Overview

STM32L162ZCT6 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 accelerator. It operates from 1.65 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to +105°C and achieves 11 µA low-power run mode and 0.475 µA stop mode - enabling battery-powered medical sensors and portable industrial HMI displays.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L162ZCT6 datasheet, STM32L162ZCT6 pinout, STM32L162ZCT6 application, or STM32L162ZCT6 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 144-pin LQFP package, dual 12-bit DACs with output buffers, 12-bit ADC (1 Msps, up to 40 channels), ultra-low-power comparators with wakeup capability, and full USB 2.0 support with internal 48 MHz PLL.

Technical Context

The STM32L162ZCT6 implements a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 core running at up to 32 MHz with MPU, dynamic voltage scaling, and five low-power modes (Run, Sleep, Low-power Run/Sleep, Stop, Standby). Its clock system integrates multiple oscillators: 1–24 MHz HSE, 32 kHz LSE for RTC, 16 MHz HSI (±1%), 37 kHz LSI, and 65 kHz–4.2 MHz MSI - all configurable via RCC registers and supported by a programmable PLL for USB and CPU clocks.

Analog subsystem includes two rail-to-rail operational amplifiers, two ultra-low-power comparators (with window mode and wakeup), a 12-bit ADC with 40-channel multiplexer and internal temperature sensor/VREFINT, and two buffered 12-bit DACs. The LCD controller supports up to 8×40 segments with contrast adjustment, blinking, and integrated step-up converter.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP144 (20 × 20 mm) package with 116 fast I/Os (102 5V-tolerant), all mappable to 16 external interrupt vectors. Pin functions include VDD/VSS power rails, BOOT0/BOOT1 mode selection, NRST reset, SWDIO/SWCLK debug, USB DP/DM, LCD segment/common outputs, ADC/DAC/OPAMP analog I/Os, and multiple alternate-function peripherals (USART, SPI, I²C, I²S).

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 STM32L476RG and STM32L073RZ, the STM32L162ZCT6 uniquely balances ultra-low-power analog integration (LCD, dual DAC, OPAMP), cryptographic acceleration, and extended temperature range - making it optimal for battery-powered HMI and secure sensor endpoints where feature density and power efficiency are co-prioritized.

Availability

STM32L162ZCT6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial HMI displays, secure IoT endpoints, and battery-powered data loggers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for STM32L162ZCT6 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 STM32L162xC series belongs to ST's ultra-low-power MCU product line, engineered specifically for energy-constrained applications demanding rich analog integration, secure firmware execution, and extended operating temperature - including wearable health devices and industrial edge nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the STM32L162ZCT6?

The STM32L162ZCT6 features an Arm Cortex-M3 32-bit core rated for up to 32 MHz operation, delivering 1.25 DMIPS/MHz (Dhrystone 2.1). It includes a Memory Protection Unit (MPU) and supports dynamic voltage scaling to optimize performance versus power consumption across operating modes.

Does the STM32L162ZCT6 support USB functionality without an external crystal?

Yes. The STM32L162ZCT6 integrates a 48 MHz PLL fed by its internal high-speed RC oscillator (HSI) or external crystal, enabling full-speed USB 2.0 device operation without requiring an external 48 MHz crystal - PA11 (DP) and PA12 (DM) provide direct USB physical layer connectivity.

How many analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channels does the STM32L162ZCT6 support, and what is its sampling rate?

The STM32L162ZCT6 integrates a single 12-bit ADC supporting up to 40 input channels with a maximum sampling rate of 1 Msps. It includes internal temperature sensor and VREFINT references, and supports hardware oversampling and analog watchdog functions for robust sensor interfacing.

What LCD capabilities does the STM32L162ZCT6 offer, and how is contrast controlled?

The STM32L162ZCT6 includes a dedicated LCD controller supporting up to 8 commons and 40 segments (320 segments total), with programmable contrast adjustment via internal resistor ladder, blinking mode, and integrated step-up converter - eliminating need for external voltage boost circuitry in segmented display applications.