Item specifics
Description
STM32F446RET6 is a Cortex-M4 MCU at 180 MHz, LQFP-64. 512 KB Flash, 128 KB SRAM, USB OTG HS/FS, Quad SPI, 2×SAI, SDIO, dual CAN, 3×12-bit ADCs (16 ch), 2×12-bit DACs, 17 timers (2× advanced motor control). 50 x 5 V-tolerant I/Os. 1.7–3.6 V, -40–85 °C. Compared to STM32F446RCT6 (256 KB Flash), doubles the Flash for more complex code and data processing.
Core: Cortex-M4 180 MHz, FPU + ART Memory: 512 KB Flash, 128 KB SRAM Connectivity: USB OTG HS/FS, SDIO, Quad SPI, 2×SAI, Dual CAN 2.0B, 4×USART, 2×UART, 3×SPI/I2S, 3×I2C Analog: 3×12-bit ADCs (16 ch), 2×12-bit DACs Timers: 17 (2× motor control PWM/deadtime, 8× GP, 2× basic, 2× WDT) I/Os: 50 (5 V-tolerant) Package: LQFP-64
Motor control, industrial automation, audio devices, IoT nodes, embedded systems needing larger storage
180 MHz FPU + 512 KB Flash: Strong performance with large code space Quad SPI + SAI: Fast memory expansion and high-quality audio USB HS/FS + SDIO: Flexible data interfaces Compact 64-pin with 50 I/Os
Years of experience in the electronics industry. Trusted by global customers.
Massive In-Stock Inventory – Ready to ship promptly.
BOM Matching Service – One-stop solution, save time.
PCBA Customization – Professional engineering team creates tailor-made solutions based on your needs.
Cost-Effective & Efficient – Better channel, better cost.
A dedicated team makes your procurement smoother.
Contact us for BOM quotes or PCBA inquiries.
FAQ:
What is the STM32F446RET6 and how does it differ from the STM32F446VET6?
The STM32F446RET6 is a 180 MHz Cortex‑M4 microcontroller with 512 KB Flash and 128 KB SRAM, housed in a compact LQFP‑64 package. The main difference from the VET6 is the pin count: RET6 offers up to 50 I/Os while VET6 provides up to 81 I/Os in an LQFP‑100 body. All other core features—CPU speed, memory size, peripherals—are identical. Choose the RET6 when board space is tight and 50 I/Os are enough for your design.
Can 512 KB of Flash and 128 KB of SRAM handle a real‑time control application plus communication stacks?
Absolutely. The 512‑KB Flash easily stores a real‑time OS, motor‑control libraries, a CANopen or TCP/IP stack, and your application code. The 128‑KB SRAM provides ample room for runtime variables, communication buffers, and moderate data logging. For larger data sets, the flexible memory controller (FMC) on the LQFP‑64 package can still interface with external SRAM or NOR Flash using a multiplexed address/data bus, though SDRAM is not supported due to the reduced pin count.
How does the FMC on the LQFP‑64 package differ from the LQFP‑100 version? Can I still add external memory?
In the LQFP‑64 package, the FMC is limited to a multiplexed 8‑ or 16‑bit data bus with a reduced number of address lines. It supports external SRAM, PSRAM, and NOR Flash, but not SDRAM. This is still sufficient for extending data memory or adding a small external code storage. If your design needs full SDRAM support, you should consider the LQFP‑100 VET6 or a different MCU with a larger package.
Is the STM32F446RET6 a good upgrade from the STM32F103 or STM32F405 in a space‑constrained design?
Yes. Compared to the STM32F103 (72 MHz, Cortex‑M3) or STM32F405 (168 MHz, Cortex‑M4), the F446RET6 offers a substantial clock speed increase, double the SRAM (128 KB vs 64 KB), and a more modern peripheral set. It fits in the same LQFP‑64 footprint as many F103 and F405 designs, often with minimal PCB changes, giving a significant performance boost without increasing board size.
Can I use USB high‑speed on the STM32F446RET6, and is an external PHY required?
The chip integrates a full‑speed USB PHY, so you can implement USB FS directly. For high‑speed (480 Mbps), an external ULPI PHY (e.g., USB3300) is needed and connects to the dedicated ULPI pins. The ULPI interface is fully available on the LQFP‑64 package, so you can start with FS and add HS later without changing the MCU.
What communication peripherals can be active simultaneously in the LQFP‑64 package without pin conflicts?
With careful planning, you can run one CAN 2.0B, two USART/UART, one SPI, and one I2C concurrently, plus a few GPIOs. The pin count is limited, so you must prioritise which peripherals are essential. The STM32CubeMX tool is invaluable for checking pin‑mux options and avoiding conflicts before you finalise the schematic.
How does the 180‑MHz Cortex‑M4 with FPU improve digital signal processing and motor control?
The single‑precision hardware FPU and DSP instructions accelerate matrix operations, filters, PID controllers, and FOC algorithms. Compared to a 168‑MHz F405, the extra 12 MHz plus the efficient M4 pipeline give about 10–15% more control‑loop throughput. The three fast ADCs (up to 7.2 Msps interleaved) provide precise current sensing for high‑performance drives, all within the small LQFP‑64 package.
Can I perform over‑the‑air firmware updates with the 512‑KB single‑bank Flash on the RET6?
Yes. Partition the 512‑KB Flash into a bootloader and an application area, or two application slots for an A/B update scheme. The 128‑KB SRAM can temporarily hold the new firmware image received via USB, CAN, or an external wireless module. After verification, the image is written to Flash, providing a safe update mechanism without dual‑bank Flash.
What development tools and libraries support the STM32F446RET6? Is the LQFP‑64 package well supported by STM32CubeMX?
All mainstream IDEs—free STM32CubeIDE, Keil MDK, and IAR EWARM—fully support the F446RET6. STM32CubeMX provides accurate pin‑assignment and clock‑tree configuration for the LQFP‑64 package, automatically showing which peripherals can be routed given the pin limitations. The STM32CubeF4 package includes HAL/LL drivers and examples for USB, CAN, motor control, and more.
What are the ideal applications for the STM32F446RET6, given its small size and high performance?
It is perfect for space‑constrained industrial nodes, compact motor controllers, drone flight controllers, portable medical devices, and any embedded system where a tiny PCB is essential but you still need M4‑class DSP power and connectivity. The LQFP‑64 package is also easy to hand‑solder, making it popular for prototypes and low‑volume production.