STMicroelectronics STM32L496RET6TR

Overview

STM32L496RET6TR from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power Arm® Cortex®-M4 32-bit MCU with FPU, delivering 100 DMIPS at 80 MHz, featuring 512 KB flash (dual-bank RWW), 320 KB SRAM (64 KB with hardware parity), USB OTG FS, SHA-256 hardware accelerator, and integrated SMPS support. It operates from 1.71–3.6 V across –40 °C to 85 °C and targets battery-powered industrial sensors, portable medical devices, and smart metering endpoints requiring secure, low-power real-time processing.

For engineers reviewing the STM32L496RET6TR datasheet, STM32L496RET6TR pinout, STM32L496RET6TR application, or STM32L496RET6TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.57 µA Stop 2 mode current, 37 µA/MHz SMPS-run efficiency, dual-bank flash for seamless firmware updates, hardware crypto acceleration (HASH), and 136 GPIOs with 5 V tolerance - all validated for long-life embedded deployments with stringent power budgets.

Technical Context

This MCU integrates an Adaptive Real-Time Accelerator (ART) enabling zero-wait-state execution from flash, a multi-layer AHB bus matrix for concurrent peripheral access, and FlexPowerControl architecture supporting seven low-power modes - including Shutdown (25 nA), Standby with RTC (426 nA), and Stop 2 (2.57 µA). Its clock system includes three PLLs (system/USB/audio), internal 48 MHz RC with clock recovery, and external crystal support up to 48 MHz.

Analog subsystem includes three 12-bit ADCs (5 Msps, hardware oversampling to 16-bit), two 12-bit DACs, two op-amps with PGA, two ultra-low-power comparators, and a dedicated Chrom-ART Accelerator (DMA2D) for GUI rendering. Communication peripherals cover dual CAN 2.0B, USB OTG FS, two SAIs, six USART/LPUART, four I²C, three SPI (one QUADSPI), SDMMC, SWPMI, and IRTIM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP100 (14 × 14 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad; 100-pin configuration optimized for balanced analog/digital I/O density and PCB routing simplicity in compact industrial modules.

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 STM32L496RET6TR provides superior power efficiency in SMPS mode and essential peripherals like QUADSPI and USB OTG; versus STM32U575ZIT6, it retains legacy-compatible USB and camera support at lower security assurance - making it optimal for established low-power industrial platforms needing proven peripheral compatibility.

Availability

STM32L496RET6TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart energy meters, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM32L496RET6TR 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 analog products for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32L4 series targets ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding high performance-per-milliwatt, combining Cortex-M4 processing with advanced power gating, hardware accelerators, and robust peripheral integration for battery-constrained edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and corresponding power supply configuration for STM32L496RET6TR?

The STM32L496RET6TR achieves 80 MHz maximum CPU frequency using the internal 48 MHz RC oscillator with PLL multiplication or an external 4–48 MHz crystal. For lowest active power, it must be powered via external SMPS (VDD12 = 1.10 V) with VDD = 3.3 V, achieving 37 µA/MHz. LDO mode yields 91 µA/MHz at same voltage.

Does STM32L496RET6TR support true hardware AES encryption?

No - the STM32L496RET6TR includes only a hardware SHA-256 accelerator (HASH peripheral) and a true random number generator (RNG). AES encryption must be implemented in software or via external secure element; this distinguishes it from later STM32U5 or STM32H7 series with dedicated AES engines.

Which low-power mode retains RTC operation while minimizing current draw?

Standby mode with RTC enabled draws 426 nA and preserves RTC calendar, alarms, and 32 × 32-bit backup registers. This mode powers down the CPU, flash, and most peripherals while keeping the LSE oscillator and RTC domain active - ideal for time-stamped wake-up events in battery-powered loggers.

Can STM32L496RET6TR drive a color camera interface, and what is the maximum supported pixel clock?

Yes - the DCMI interface supports color cameras at up to 10 MHz pixel clock (YUV422 or RGB565), limited by internal timing constraints and external sensor capability. Black-and-white operation supports up to 32 MHz. The interface includes hardware synchronization (VSYNC/HSYNC), 8-/10-/12-bit data bus, and DMA integration for zero-CPU-frame capture.