STMicroelectronics STM8AL3168TAY

Overview

STM8AL3168TAY from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive-grade 8-bit ultra-low-power MCU featuring 32 Kbyte Flash, 2 Kbyte RAM, 1 Kbyte data EEPROM, 12-bit ADC (25 channels, up to 1 Mbps), 12-bit DAC with output buffer, two ultra-low-power comparators, LCD controller (4×28 segments), RTC with BCD calendar and auto-wakeup, and multiple timers including an advanced control timer for motor control. It operates from 1.65 V to 3.6 V across –40 °C to 125 °C and targets battery-powered automotive body electronics.

For engineers reviewing the STM8AL3168TAY datasheet, STM8AL3168TAY pinout, STM8AL3168TAY application, or STM8AL3168TAY equivalent, key selection considerations include its five low-power modes (down to 400 nA in Halt with PDR), SWIM-based non-intrusive debugging, ISO 7816/IR/LIN-capable USART, and dual oscillator support (1–16 MHz HSE + 32 kHz LSE) for robust timing in harsh environments.

Technical Context

The STM8AL3168TAY implements a Harvard-architecture STM8 core with 3-stage pipeline, delivering 16 CISC MIPS at 16 MHz. Its clock system integrates factory-trimmed 16 MHz RC, 38 kHz low-consumption RC, and dual crystal oscillators (HSE/LSE), all monitored by a clock security system to prevent run-time failure.

Power management includes five configurable low-power modes, programmable voltage detector (PVD), and ultra-safe BOR with five selectable thresholds. The RTC operates independently in active-halt mode (1.3 μA) with 0.95 ppm resolution and periodic wakeup capability, enabling precise timekeeping during deep sleep.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LQFP48 package (7 × 7 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, ECOPACK2 certified. Pin count and I/O mapping optimized for automotive PCB routing with up to 41 mappable GPIOs, all supporting external interrupt vectors.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STM8AL3168TAY, STM8AL3L68TAY adds LCD functionality at identical power/performance trade-offs, while RL78/F13-GB offers lower Halt current but sacrifices automotive qualification, LIN support, and analog integration-making STM8AL3168TAY optimal for cost-sensitive, AEC-Q100-compliant body electronics.

Availability

STM8AL3168TAY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, smart door lock systems, engine bay sensor nodes, and dashboard beep generators requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for STM8AL3168TAY 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-grade components since 1987.

The STM8AL3x series targets ultra-low-power automotive applications demanding AEC-Q100 compliance, extended temperature operation, and integrated analog peripherals-including RTC, LCD, and high-precision ADC/DAC-for body electronics and sensor nodes.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency and core architecture of the STM8AL3168TAY?

The STM8AL3168TAY features an 8-bit STM8 Harvard-architecture core with a 3-stage pipeline, achieving a maximum clock frequency of 16 MHz and delivering 16 CISC MIPS peak performance. It supports both Flash and RAM execution with current consumption of 195 μA/MHz (Flash) and 90 μA/MHz (RAM), optimized for deterministic real-time control in automotive environments.

Does the STM8AL3168TAY support automotive communication protocols like LIN or CAN?

The STM8AL3168TAY integrates a USART peripheral compliant with LIN 1.3 and LIN 2.0 physical layer specifications, enabling direct connection to LIN bus networks without external transceivers. It does not include native CAN controller or transceiver; CAN functionality requires external PHY or companion IC such as ST's TJA1042.

What low-power modes are available, and what is the lowest achievable current draw?

The STM8AL3168TAY offers five low-power modes: Wait, low-power Run (5.1 μA), low-power Wait (3 μA), active-Halt with full RTC (1.3 μA), and Halt with PDR (400 nA). The 400 nA Halt mode retains RAM content and supports fast wakeup (4.7 µs), making it ideal for battery-backed automotive sensors requiring multi-year operation.

Is the STM8AL3168TAY pin-compatible with other devices in the STM8AL3x family?

The STM8AL3168TAY uses the LQFP48 package and shares identical pinout with other STM8AL3x devices in the same package variant (e.g., STM8AL3166TAY, STM8AL3L68TAY), including matching power, reset, oscillator, and peripheral signal assignments. However, LCD-related pins are unused in non-LCD variants and must be left unconnected or configured as GPIOs.