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Associate
Jul 30, 2026 8:50 AM UTC
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
Jul 30, 2026 9:01 AM UTC

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
Jul 30, 2026 9:01 AM UTC
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
Jul 30, 2026 4:22 PM UTC

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

MasterT
Lead II
Jul 30, 2026 2:29 PM UTC

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
Jul 30, 2026 4:22 PM UTC

Thank you very much!