Introduction

This document describes the thermal management guidelines for applications based on STM32 microcontrollers or

microprocessors, that, like any silicon-based integrated circuits, have well-defined storage and operating temperature ranges.

Only the STM32 operating temperature ranges defined in product datasheets are considered: the maximum operating

temperature range and the product operating temperature range. The maximum operating temperature range defines the

threshold temperature beyond which there is a high probability of permanent damage to the device. The operating temperature

range defines the threshold temperature beyond which the electrical parameters are not guaranteed to be within the

specification.

The STM32 maximum specified operating range is referenced to the junction temperature, whereas the operating temperature

range is referenced to the ambient temperature and possibly also to the junction temperature.

Specifying these operating temperature ranges by reference to the ambient temperature or to the junction temperature, is a

common practice in the semiconductor industry. Depending on the device and its power consumption, semiconductor vendors

use either the ambient temperature or the junction temperature for the product operating temperature range specification.

Thermal management guidelines for STM32 applications

AN5036

Application note

AN5036 - Rev 3 - April 2019

For further information contact your local STMicroelectronics sales office.