STMicroelectronics STM32U073KCU6

Overview

STM32U073KCU6 from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller operating up to 56 MHz, featuring 256-Kbyte flash memory, 40-Kbyte SRAM with hardware parity, and integrated USB 2.0 full-speed crystal-less interface. It delivers 407 ULPMark™-CP and supports VBAT mode at 130 nA with RTC and 9 backup registers - deployed in battery-powered medical sensors and portable industrial monitors.

For engineers reviewing the STM32U073KCU6 datasheet, STM32U073KCU6 pinout, STM32U073KCU6 application, or STM32U073KCU6 equivalent, key selection criteria include shutdown current (16 nA), Stop 2 mode power (695 nA without RTC), 12-bit ADC conversion time (0.4 µs), LCD driver capability (8×48 segments), and 69 GPIOs with 5 V tolerance.

Technical Context

The device integrates an ART Accelerator enabling 0-wait-state execution from flash at 56 MHz, paired with a 1-Kbyte instruction cache and single-cycle multiplier for 1.13 DMIPS/MHz performance. Its power architecture uses dual regulators (MR/LPR) and supports six wake-up pins across Shutdown (16 nA), Standby (30–160 nA), and Stop 2 (695–825 nA) modes.

Peripherals include one 12-bit ADC (16-channel, 0.4 µs conversion), one 12-bit DAC with sample-and-hold, two rail-to-rail comparators, one operational amplifier with programmable gain (up to 16×), and 21 capacitive sensing channels - all supplied from independent VDDA (1.62–3.6 V) and VREF+ (2.048/2.5 V) rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

UFQFPN48 package (7 × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad; RoHS-compliant and ECOPACK2 certified.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller applications.

Compared with STM32L073RZT6 and RA2E2A20FNUX, the STM32U073KCU6 uniquely combines crystal-less USB, integrated LCD driver, and sub-1-μA Stop 2 mode - making it optimal for space-constrained, display-equipped, battery-operated devices requiring minimal external components.

Availability

STM32U073KCU6 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, smart utility meters, portable industrial sensor nodes, and low-power HMI display modules requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for STM32U073KCU6 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 components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STM32U0 series targets ultra-low-power embedded applications demanding extended battery life, integrated analog peripherals, and robust security - specifically optimized for coin-cell-powered edge devices with display or USB connectivity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and corresponding power consumption in Run mode?

The STM32U073KCU6 operates at up to 56 MHz using its internal 48 MHz oscillator with PLL. In Run mode with LDO regulator enabled, it consumes 52 μA/MHz - measured at 3.3 V and 25 °C, with all peripherals disabled except core and flash. This value scales linearly with clock frequency and increases with active peripherals such as ADC or USB.

Does the UFQFPN48 package support all 69 GPIOs listed in the datasheet?

No. The UFQFPN48 package provides 48 pins total, of which 39 are general-purpose I/Os with 6 wakeup-capable pins. The full 69 GPIO count applies only to larger packages like LQFP80 and UFBGA81. Pin count is strictly package-dependent, and the KCU6 suffix confirms the UFQFPN48 variant with 39 GPIOs.

Can the internal voltage reference buffer (VREFBUF) be used with the 12-bit ADC?

Yes. The VREFBUF generates either 2.048 V or 2.5 V output, selectable via VRS bit, and can serve as ADC reference when VDDA ≥ 2.4 V (for 2.048 V) or ≥ 2.8 V (for 2.5 V). It connects internally to VREF+ and is routed to ADC1_VREF+ when enabled - providing stable, low-noise reference independent of VDD fluctuations.

Is crystal-less USB supported in all power modes?

No. Crystal-less USB operation requires the internal 48 MHz oscillator with clock recovery, which is only available in Run, Sleep, and Stop 0 modes. It is disabled in Stop 1, Stop 2, Standby, and Shutdown modes. To maintain USB connectivity after wake-up, firmware must reinitialize the USB peripheral and recover link timing upon exit from low-power states.