STMicroelectronics STM32L486QGI6TR

Overview

STM32L486QGI6TR 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, and hardware AES encryption. It targets battery-powered industrial sensors, portable medical devices, and smart metering systems requiring extended runtime and secure firmware execution.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L486QGI6TR datasheet, STM32L486QGI6TR pinout, STM32L486QGI6TR application, or STM32L486QGI6TR equivalent, key selection criteria include sub-µA low-power modes (30 nA Shutdown), SMPS-compatible 39 µA/MHz run efficiency, dual 12-bit DACs with sample-and-hold, and 114 I/Os with independent supply down to 1.08 V.

Technical Context

This MCU integrates an Adaptive Real-time Accelerator (ART™) enabling zero-wait-state execution from flash, a 32-bit Cortex-M4 core with DSP extensions and MPU, and three PLLs supporting system, USB, and audio clock domains. Its interconnect matrix enables concurrent peripheral access without bus contention.

The device supports multiple low-power modes with precise wakeup control: Stop 2 mode draws 1.1 µA with 45 µs wakeup latency, Standby with RTC consumes 420 nA, and VBAT mode sustains RTC + 32×32-bit backup registers at 300 nA. External SMPS integration reduces active current to 39 µA/MHz at 3.3 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STM32L486QGI6TR is housed in a 132-ball UFBGA package (7 × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with 114 user I/Os - most 5 V-tolerant, up to 14 configurable for independent supply down to 1.08 V. Ball pitch and thermal pad design support high-density PCB layouts and efficient heat 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 STM32L476RG, the STM32L486QGI6TR adds USB OTG FS and LCD controller at identical power efficiency; versus STM32U575ZIT6, it trades raw performance and security depth for proven ultra-low-power operation in cost-sensitive, long-life applications.

Availability

STM32L486QGI6TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility meters, portable medical monitors, industrial wireless sensor nodes, and low-power HVAC controllers requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for STM32L486QGI6TR 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 ICs, sensors, and automotive semiconductors since 1987.

The STM32L4 series targets ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding extended battery life, robust security, and rich analog/mixed-signal integration - optimized for IoT edge nodes and portable industrial equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for STM32L486QGI6TR?

The STM32L486QGI6TR is qualified for industrial operation from –40 °C to +85 °C, with extended variants supporting up to +105 °C and +125 °C. The UFBGA132 package's thermal resistance (θ_JA = 30 °C/W) ensures reliable performance under continuous 80 MHz operation within this range when PCB layout follows ST's recommended copper pour guidelines.

Does STM32L486QGI6TR support external memory expansion?

Yes, it integrates a Flexible Static Memory Controller (FSMC) supporting SRAM, PSRAM, NOR, and NAND memories, plus a Quad SPI interface for high-speed serial flash. The FSMC provides address/data multiplexing and configurable timing parameters, enabling direct connection to external displays, FPGA configuration memory, or data loggers without additional glue logic.

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

BAM allows the CPU to remain in low-power mode while peripherals (ADC, DAC, DFSDM) autonomously acquire and process data using DMA. For example, in a gas sensor node, BAM triggers 100 ADC conversions at 10 kSPS, stores results to SRAM, and wakes the CPU only upon buffer full - cutting average current by >90% compared to polling-based acquisition.

Can the internal SMPS controller drive external DC-DC converters other than ST's LDOs?

The STM32L486QGI6TR's SMPS interface provides dedicated control signals (VDD12_EN, VDD12_OK) and feedback monitoring (VDD12_FB) compatible with third-party buck regulators meeting ST's voltage accuracy (±2%) and transient response specs. Reference designs confirm interoperability with TI TPS62840 and Analog Devices ADP5360 when configured per AN5026 guidelines.