STMicroelectronics STM32L486QGI6

Overview

STM32L486QGI6 from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power Arm® Cortex®-M4 32-bit MCU with FPU, delivering 100 DMIPS at 80 MHz, featuring 1 MB flash, 128 KB SRAM, USB OTG FS, integrated LCD controller (8×40), and hardware AES-128/256 encryption - deployed in battery-powered medical wearables requiring secure, long-life operation with real-time sensor fusion.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L486QGI6 datasheet, STM32L486QGI6 pinout, STM32L486QGI6 application, or STM32L486QGI6 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 39 µA/MHz SMPS-enabled run mode, dual 12-bit DACs with sample-and-hold, 3× 12-bit ADCs (5 Msps), 24-channel capacitive touch sensing, and -40 °C to 105 °C extended temperature grade in UFBGA132 package.

Technical Context

The STM32L486QGI6 integrates an Adaptive Real-time Accelerator (ART™) enabling zero-wait-state execution from flash at 80 MHz, alongside three independent PLLs for system, USB, and audio clock domains. Its FlexPowerControl architecture supports seven low-power modes, including Stop 2 (1.4 µA with RTC) and Shutdown (30 nA), with 45 µs wake-up latency.

Analog subsystem includes two operational amplifiers with programmable gain, two ultra-low-power comparators, and a dedicated digital filter for sigma-delta modulators (DFSDM). The interconnect matrix decouples bus arbitration across CPU, DMA, and peripherals to sustain deterministic real-time performance under mixed workloads.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32L486QGI6 is housed in a 132-ball Ultra-Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array (UFBGA132) package with 0.5 mm ball pitch and 7 mm × 7 mm body size, compliant with ECOPACK2 environmental standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power Cortex-M4 MCU applications.

Compared with STM32L476RG, the STM32L486QGI6 adds USB OTG FS and LCD support at higher memory density, while the STM32L552ZE replaces analog richness with TrustZone isolation - making the QGI6 optimal for resource-constrained, display-equipped medical edge devices where power efficiency and peripheral integration outweigh pure security certification needs.

Availability

STM32L486QGI6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical monitors, smart energy meters, industrial HMI panels, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for STM32L486QGI6 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 STM32L4 series targets ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding high performance-per-milliwatt, with the L486 variant specifically engineered for battery-operated human-interface and clinical monitoring systems requiring integrated LCD, crypto, and analog signal chain.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for STM32L486QGI6?

The STM32L486QGI6 is qualified for industrial operation from -40 °C to +105 °C ambient temperature, verified per JEDEC JESD47 stress testing. This extended range supports deployment in uncontrolled environments such as outdoor utility meters and vehicle-mounted diagnostic tools, where thermal cycling exceeds standard commercial limits.

Does STM32L486QGI6 support external memory expansion?

Yes - it integrates a Flexible Static Memory Controller (FSMC) supporting SRAM, PSRAM, NOR, and NAND memories up to 64 MB address space, plus a Quad SPI interface for high-speed serial flash. These interfaces enable external code execution, firmware OTA storage, and high-resolution waveform buffering without compromising internal flash endurance.

How does the Batch Acquisition Mode (BAM) reduce power in sensor applications?

BAM disables the CPU and most peripherals while allowing selected analog blocks (ADC, DAC, op-amps) and DMA to operate autonomously - achieving sub-µA background acquisition. For example, in a pulse oximeter, BAM samples photodiode signals at 100 Hz while the core remains off, reducing average current to 2.1 µA versus 120 µA in active polling.

Can STM32L486QGI6 drive a graphic LCD or only segment displays?

The integrated LCD controller supports only static or multiplexed segment-type displays (up to 8×40 or 4×44), not pixel-addressable graphic LCDs. It lacks an RGB interface, TFT timing engine, or frame buffer - so driving a 240×320 TFT requires an external display controller or a higher-tier STM32H7/F7 MCU with LTDC peripheral.