STMicroelectronics STM32L486ZGT6

Overview

STM32L486ZGT6 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 at up to 80 MHz (100 DMIPS), supports external SMPS for 39 µA/MHz run efficiency, and delivers 294 ULPMark™ CP energy score. Used in battery-powered industrial HMI and portable medical devices requiring secure, low-power real-time control.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L486ZGT6 datasheet, STM32L486ZGT6 pinout, STM32L486ZGT6 application, or STM32L486ZGT6 equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-voltage I/O capability (1.08–3.6 V), 114 fast I/Os (most 5 V-tolerant), integrated LCD driver (8×40), and support for Stop 2 mode wake-up via LPUART-critical for always-on sensor gateways and energy-harvesting endpoints.

Technical Context

The STM32L486ZGT6 integrates an Adaptive Real-Time Accelerator (ART™) enabling zero-wait-state execution from flash at 80 MHz, alongside a 32-bit Cortex-M4 core with FPU and MPU. Its FlexPowerControl architecture enables multiple low-power modes-including 30 nA Shutdown and 420 nA Standby with RTC-managed by a dedicated power control block with BOR and voltage scaling.

It features three independent PLLs (system, USB, audio), four digital filters for sigma-delta modulators (DFSDM), and a rich analog subsystem: three 12-bit ADCs (5 Msps), two 12-bit DACs, two op-amps with PGA, and two ultra-low-power comparators-all with independent supply domains for noise isolation and mixed-signal integrity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP144 (20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with 114 user I/Os - supports high peripheral density while maintaining manufacturability in industrial PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM32L476RG, the STM32L486ZGT6 adds essential HMI peripherals (LCD, USB OTG) without sacrificing ultra-low-power performance; versus STM32L552ZE, it trades advanced security for lower static power and broader analog integration-making it optimal for battery-constrained industrial UIs.

Availability

STM32L486ZGT6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart utility meters, portable medical monitors, industrial HMI panels, and energy-harvesting sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle deployments.

Supply support for STM32L486ZGT6 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 high performance per µA, with the L486 variant specifically engineered for secure, display-enabled edge devices operating on constrained energy budgets.

FAQ

Does STM32L486ZGT6 support external SDRAM via FSMC?

No. The Flexible Static Memory Controller (FSMC) supports only SRAM, PSRAM, NOR, and NAND memories-not SDRAM. SDRAM requires dynamic refresh control unavailable in FSMC; designers must use external SDRAM controllers or switch to MCUs with FMC (e.g., STM32H7 series) for SDRAM interfacing.

What is the maximum allowed VDD voltage for I/O pins when VDD = 1.8 V?

When VDD is 1.8 V, all I/O pins except those marked "5 V tolerant" must remain ≤1.8 V. The STM32L486ZGT6 datasheet specifies that 5 V-tolerant pins (e.g., PA0–PA15, PB0–PB15, PC0–PC15, PD0–PD2, PE0–PE15, PF0–PF15, PG0–PG15) tolerate up to 5.5 V regardless of VDD, enabling safe interfacing with 3.3 V or 5 V peripherals.

Can the internal 32 kHz RC oscillator be used for RTC calibration?

No. The internal 32 kHz RC oscillator has ±5% accuracy and is not suitable for RTC timekeeping. Only the external 32.768 kHz crystal (LSE) or the calibrated internal 16 MHz RC (trimmed to ±1%) with auto-calibration against LSE may serve RTC timing; the 32 kHz RC is reserved for low-power wake-up timers, not calendar functions.

Is the LCD controller capable of driving a 4-bit grayscale display?

Yes. The integrated LCD controller supports 8×40 or 4×44 segment driving with programmable contrast and internal step-up converter. It implements static, 2/3/4-mux modes and supports software-controlled grayscale via PWM-based frame-rate control-enabling 4-bit (16-level) grayscale on compatible passive matrix LCDs without external bias ICs.