STMicroelectronics STM32L486ZGT3

Overview

STM32L486ZGT3 from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power Arm® Cortex®-M4 32-bit MCU with FPU, 1 MB flash, 128 KB SRAM, USB OTG FS, LCD controller, and hardware AES encryption. It operates up to 80 MHz (100 DMIPS), supports external SMPS for 39 µA/MHz run efficiency, and delivers 294 ULPMark™ CP score - deployed in battery-powered medical sensors and portable industrial HMI displays.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L486ZGT3 datasheet, STM32L486ZGT3 pinout, STM32L486ZGT3 application, or STM32L486ZGT3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-voltage I/O capability (1.08 V–3.6 V), 114 fast 5 V-tolerant GPIOs, Stop mode wakeup in 45 µs, and integrated LCD driver supporting 8×40 segments - critical for energy-constrained embedded UI and secure edge node designs.

Technical Context

This MCU 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 interconnect matrix decouples bus arbitration between CPU, DMA, and peripherals, reducing latency for concurrent ADC sampling and LCD refresh.

The device features a dual-supply analog domain with 3× 12-bit ADCs (5 Msps total), 2× 12-bit DACs, 2× op-amps with PGA, and 2× ultra-low-power comparators - all powered from a dedicated VDDA rail. Its FlexPowerControl architecture enables dynamic voltage scaling across six low-power modes, including Stop 2 with LPUART wake-up and 30 nA Shutdown.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP144 (20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with 114 user I/Os - supports high-density PCB layouts while maintaining thermal performance up to 125 °C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32L476RG, STM32L486ZGT3 adds 512 KB flash, USB OTG FS, and LCD controller - essential for display-rich, USB-connected edge devices; versus STM32L552ZE, it trades TrustZone and PKA for lower power and integrated display support, better fitting cost-sensitive medical and industrial UIs.

Availability

STM32L486ZGT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, smart building sensor nodes, industrial HMI panels, and portable diagnostic instruments requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32L486ZGT3 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, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and analog chips for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32L4 series targets ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding high performance per µA, integrating advanced power gating, flexible clocking, and rich analog/mixed-signal peripherals for battery-operated and energy-harvesting systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for STM32L486ZGT3?

The STM32L486ZGT3 is qualified for industrial operation from –40 °C to +105 °C ambient temperature, with extended variants supporting up to +125 °C. This rating applies to the LQFP144 package under specified voltage and derating conditions per DS10199 Rev 8 Section 6.3.1.

Does STM32L486ZGT3 support external memory interfaces?

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. These interfaces operate independently of the main AXI bus, enabling concurrent code execution and data streaming.

How many I/O pins are 5 V-tolerant on STM32L486ZGT3?

Up to 114 I/O pins are 5 V-tolerant when configured in input, output, or alternate function modes, provided VDD is ≥ 2.0 V. This tolerance is inherent to the I/O structure and does not require external clamping diodes or level shifters for interfacing with 5 V logic.

Can STM32L486ZGT3 generate its own USB SOF signal without external crystal?

No - USB OTG FS requires a 48 MHz clock derived from the PLL, which must be fed by either a 4–48 MHz external crystal or the internal 16 MHz RC oscillator trimmed by LSE. The internal RC alone lacks sufficient accuracy (<±1%) for USB SOF timing compliance.