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Associate
July 30, 2026
Solved

Minimum current requirement for external VREF+ on STM32G474

Hi ST Community,

I'm using an external precision voltage reference connected to the VREF+ pin of the STM32G474.

I would like to know:

  • What is the minimum output current capability required for the external VREF source?
  • Is there any specification for the average or peak current drawn from the VREF+ pin during ADC conversions?
  • Does the required current depend on the ADC sampling rate, the number of ADCs operating simultaneously, or the sampling time?
  • I couldn't find a clear specification for the VREF+ input current in the datasheet or reference manual.

Any explanation or recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Andrew Neil
Andrew NeilBest answer
Super User
July 30, 2026

Does this answer your question?

https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/stm32g474re.pdf#page=139

via: https://www.st.com/en/microcontrollers-microprocessors/stm32g474re.html

A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.

4 replies

Andrew Neil
Andrew NeilBest answer
Super User
July 30, 2026
A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked.A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work.
nbsownAuthor
Associate
July 30, 2026

Oh, it looks like I missed it. Thank you very much!

MasterT
Lead II
July 30, 2026

Q: 

  • Does the required current depend on the ADC sampling rate, the number of ADCs operating simultaneously, or the sampling time?

Since architecture is SAR, and there are no pre-charge buffers on signal inputs and on reference inputs, than rough approximation is that I-ref = I-inputs. And I-inputs = V / R, where R = 1/ 2*PI()*Freq*C, C - sampling and hold, Freq - sampling rate. Sure, multiply by N if more than 1 ADC operating.

nbsownAuthor
Associate
July 30, 2026

Thank you very much!