STM32F401RCT6 ST Mainstream Arm Cortex-M4 Dynamic Efficiency 32-bit MCU 256KB Flash 84MHz FPU USB OTG SDIO LQFP-64

STM32F401RCT6 Product Overview

The STM32F401RCT6 is a Cortex-M4 dynamic efficiency MCU from STMicroelectronics in an LQFP-64 package. It runs at 84 MHz with FPU and ART Accelerator. It integrates 256 KB Flash, 64 KB SRAM, USB 2.0 OTG (FS/HS), SDIO, 4 SPIs, 3 USARTs, 3 I2Cs, up to 11 timers (incl. 1 motor control PWM/deadtime), and a 12-bit ADC (10ch, 2.4MSPS). 50 I/Os, all 5 V-tolerant. Supply 1.7–3.6 V, -40–85 °C. Compared to the STM32F401RBT6 (128 KB Flash/64 KB SRAM), Flash is upgraded to 256 KB to meet larger firmware demands. Compared to the STM32F103RCT6 (Cortex-M3, 72 MHz, 256 KB Flash, 48 KB SRAM), this model upgrades to a Cortex-M4 core with FPU, offers higher frequency, more SRAM, and adds USB OTG HS/FS and SDIO. Compared to the STM32F401CCU6 (UFQFPN-48, 36 I/Os), this model upgrades to an LQFP-64 package with more I/Os, suitable for applications requiring additional connectivity.

STM32F401RCT6 Core Features

Core: Arm Cortex-M4 84 MHz + FPU + ART Accelerator Memory: 256 KB Flash, 64 KB SRAM USB 2.0 OTG: FS + HS, FS on-chip PHY, HS requires external ULPI SDIO: SD/MMC card interface support 12-bit ADC: 10 channels, 2.4 MSPS (7.2 MSPS interleaved) Timers: 1× motor control PWM (deadtime/emergency stop), 6× 16-bit GP (incl. 2 quadrature encoders), 2× watchdogs, SysTick Communication Interfaces: 3×USART (ISO7816/LIN/IrDA), 4×SPI/I2S, 3×I2C (SMBus), USB OTG, SDIO I/Os: 50, all 5 V-tolerant Low Power: Sleep/Stop/Standby, VBAT backup RTC Package: LQFP-64 (10×10×1.4 mm)

STM32F401RCT6 Applications

Industrial: Sensor transmitters, data acquisition nodes, PLCs Motor Control: BLDC/PMSM FOC, fans, pumps Consumer: Game controllers, remote controls, drone flight controllers IoT Nodes USB OTG/SDIO Storage Applications High-Performance Upgrades from Legacy 8/16-bit MCUs

STM32F401RCT6 Key Advantages

Cortex-M4 + FPU + ART Accelerator: 84 MHz high performance with DSP and floating-point support 256 KB Flash + 64 KB SRAM: Ample memory for complex applications USB OTG HS/FS + SDIO: High-speed USB and SD card storage LQFP-64 Package: 50 I/Os, rich resources 12-bit ADC 2.4 MSPS Fast Conversion Mature STM32 Ecosystem: CubeIDE/CubeMX/HAL/LL

Why Choose QIXINWEI

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:

1. What is the STM32F401RCT6 and how does it differ from the STM32F401RET6?
   The STM32F401RCT6 is an 84 MHz Arm Cortex‑M4F microcontroller with 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM in an LQFP‑64 package. It includes a USB OTG FS controller with integrated PHY, plus standard serial interfaces (SPI, I2C, USART). The only difference from the RET6 is memory size: the RCT6 has 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM, while the RET6 offers 512 KB Flash and 96 KB SRAM. All other features—CPU speed, peripherals, and pin‑out—are identical. Choose the RCT6 when your firmware fits within 256 KB and you want the most cost‑effective entry into the STM32F4 family.

2. Is 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM really enough for a real‑time OS and USB application?
   Yes. A lightweight RTOS (such as FreeRTOS), a USB device stack, and a typical sensor‑control application can comfortably fit in 256 KB of Flash, often with room to spare. The 64 KB SRAM is sufficient for system stacks, DMA buffers, and moderate data processing. If your application grows beyond these limits later, the pin‑compatible STM32F401RET6 (512 KB Flash, 96 KB SRAM) provides a direct upgrade path without any hardware changes.

3. How does the STM32F401RCT6 compare to the STM32F411? When should I pay more for the F411?
   The STM32F411 runs at 100 MHz, provides 512 KB Flash and 128 KB SRAM, and adds an extra SPI. The F401RCT6, at 84 MHz with 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM, is a more cost‑sensitive option. If your code and data needs are modest, the F401RCT6 delivers the same Cortex‑M4 DSP/FPU and USB FS at a lower cost and with lower power consumption. Move to the F411 only when you need the additional speed or memory.

4. Why doesn't the STM32F401RCT6 have an FSMC? How can I add external Flash or RAM?
   The STM32F401 series omits the parallel memory controller to keep the chip small, low‑cost, and power‑efficient. If you need more storage, you can connect an SPI Flash or SPI PSRAM via one of the available SPI ports. For most designs that fit within 256 KB, no external memory is needed, and the internal Flash holds all firmware and constant data.

5. Can the STM32F401RCT6 handle USB audio or a virtual COM port? Does it support USB high‑speed?
   It supports full‑speed USB OTG (12 Mbps) with an integrated PHY. This is enough for USB Audio Class 1, virtual COM ports, HID devices, and mass‑storage applications. There is no ULPI interface for high‑speed USB. The 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM can comfortably host a USB stack and a simple audio processing pipeline, making it a popular choice for USB‑connected dongles and interfaces.

6. Is the STM32F401RCT6 a good upgrade from an STM32F103? What benefits will I see?
   Yes, it is a very common migration path. Compared to a typical STM32F103 (72 MHz Cortex‑M3, up to 128 KB Flash and 20 KB SRAM), the F401RCT6 offers an FPU, DSP instructions, a higher clock speed, twice the Flash (256 KB), more SRAM (64 KB), and a built‑in full‑speed USB OTG controller. The LQFP‑64 package is often pin‑compatible with high‑end F103 boards, so you can often upgrade with minimal PCB changes.

7. How does the STM32F401RCT6 perform in low‑power applications? Can it run from a battery?
   It is one of the most power‑efficient members of the STM32F4 family. In Stop mode with full 64 KB SRAM retention, the typical current is about 100 µA. The 84 MHz clock and efficient M4 pipeline let you finish tasks quickly and return to sleep, maximising battery life. A dedicated VBAT pin can keep the RTC running from a coin cell, making it ideal for portable sensors and battery‑powered USB devices.

8. Can I use the STM32F401RCT6 for motor control or digital signal processing?
   Yes. The Cortex‑M4F core includes a single‑precision FPU and DSP instructions. Advanced‑control timers provide complementary PWM outputs with dead‑time insertion for single‑axis motor drives. The 12‑bit ADC (up to 2.4 Msps) enables precise current sensing. While the 64 KB SRAM limits the complexity of some algorithms, it is perfectly adequate for many sensorless FOC implementations and digital power converters.

9. What development tools and boards can I use with the STM32F401RCT6?
   All major IDEs—free STM32CubeIDE, Keil MDK, and IAR EWARM—fully support the chip. You can prototype on the NUCLEO‑F401RE board, which uses a 64‑pin STM32F401RE (512 KB Flash) and is fully software‑compatible. When migrating to the RCT6, simply adjust the linker script to 256 KB Flash and 64 KB SRAM in CubeMX. The STM32CubeF4 package provides ready‑to‑run examples for USB, low‑power modes, and motor control.

10. What are the most typical applications for the STM32F401RCT6?
    It is widely used in cost‑sensitive USB peripherals (virtual COM ports, HID devices, simple audio dongles), portable data loggers, compact sensor nodes, small motor controllers, and any space‑constrained design that needs an M4 DSP engine with USB connectivity at an accessible price. Its mature ecosystem and low power consumption make it a popular first step into the STM32F4 world.