PIC16C72-04/SS - 8-Bit CMOS MCU, 4MHz, 3.5KB OTP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72-04/SS ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $5.95 | $2,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.1 | $5,100.00 |
PIC16C72-04/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (RAM and program storage), and peripherals such as ADC, timers, and communication interfaces into one IC. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU sits under microcontroller -> embedded processor -> digital IC -> semiconductor. The PIC16C72 belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16C family, a CISC-RISC hybrid architecture optimized for low cost and deterministic real-time control, widely used in industrial and consumer embedded designs from the mid-1990s onward.
Key features of the PIC16C72-04/SS include: 35 single-word instructions (all single-cycle except program branches, which are two-cycle), a wide operating voltage range suitable for 5V systems, an integrated 8-bit ADC with 5 input channels, three timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2), a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C, and a universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver-transmitter (USART). The commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) targets indoor industrial and consumer electronics.
The PIC16C72 architecture uses a Harvard-style memory bus with separate program and data paths, enabling instruction fetch and operand read to overlap in a single cycle. Its RISC instruction set simplifies compiler and assembler work, and the OTP program memory allows one-time factory or field programming using standard device programmers.
Typical applications for the PIC16C72-04/SS include: motor control subsystems (using PWM and ADC for closed-loop feedback), small appliance controllers (microwave ovens, washing machines, coffee makers), battery chargers, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip ADC, and simple human-machine interface (HMI) panels with keypads and LED indicators.
When designing with this part, note that the OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed, so firmware must be fully validated before committing. For new designs, Microchip recommends the PIC16F72 or PIC16C72A successors, which offer flash memory and enhanced peripherals. The 28-SSOP package requires standard surface-mount reflow profiles; care should be taken with thermal pad design during PCB layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in 28-SSOP alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet, helping engineers evaluate sourcing options for legacy and ongoing production designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-04/SS — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16C72-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F72-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (single cycle) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 instructions |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Interfaces | SSP (SPI/I2C), USART |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial grade) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C72-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC reference voltage positive |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture Compare PWM 2 |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP programming data |
| Pin 26 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Small Appliance Control, Motor Control Subsystems, Battery Charging Systems, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, LED Display and Keypad Interfaces, Simple Industrial Automation Modules.
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16C72-04/SS is well-suited for small appliance controllers (microwave ovens, coffee makers, washing machines) thanks to its integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC for sensor inputs and 22 digital I/O pins for keypad scanning, LED indicators, and relay drivers. The 3.5KB OTP program memory is sufficient for typical state-machine appliance firmware, and the commercial temperature range (0C to +70C) covers indoor environments. The 28-SSOP package enables compact PCB designs behind control panels, and the 4MHz clock provides responsive real-time control. For designs requiring field firmware updates, consider the flash-based PIC16F72 in the same package.
Recommended
Motor Control Subsystems
The PIC16C72-04/SS supports small motor control applications (fans, pumps, small DC motors) using its Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module for PWM generation and the integrated ADC for closed-loop feedback from current or speed sensors. The 22 I/O pins handle direction control, brake signals, and tachometer inputs, while the 3 timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) provide the time bases for PWM and tachometer measurement. The 28-SSOP package is suitable for surface-mount motor driver boards. For higher PWM resolution or three-phase motor control, consider PIC18 family devices.
Recommended
Battery Charging Systems
The PIC16C72-04/SS fits battery charger controllers for lead-acid, NiMH, or Li-ion packs in the 1-10A range. Its 8-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and charge current through 5 input channels, while the USART enables status reporting to a host system. The 35-instruction RISC set simplifies charger-state firmware (CC-CV profiles, temperature foldback, end-of-charge detection), and 3.5KB OTP memory holds calibration tables. The 28-SSOP package is compact for charger PCB designs. For designs needing in-field firmware tuning for new battery chemistries, the PIC16F72 flash variant is preferred.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
The PIC16C72-04/SS serves as a multi-sensor data acquisition front-end, leveraging its 5-channel 8-bit ADC to digitize temperature, pressure, humidity, or light-level sensors in HVAC, environmental monitoring, or simple IoT gateway applications. The SSP (SPI/I2C) interface connects to external digital sensors or EEPROM, and the USART links to a host MCU or wireless module. With 22 I/O pins, the part can drive status LEDs and accept user inputs alongside analog readings. The 28-SSOP package supports compact sensor hub PCBs. For higher ADC resolution (10 or 12 bits), consider PIC16F1xxx family successors.
Recommended
LED Display and Keypad Interfaces
The PIC16C72-04/SS handles human-machine interface tasks such as 7-segment LED driving, matrix keypad scanning, and character LCD control in industrial control panels and consumer electronics. Its 22 I/O pins easily multiplex 4-digit displays and 4x4 keypads, while the SSP peripheral drives HD44780-compatible LCD modules via SPI bit-banging or direct I/O. The 3.5KB OTP memory stores display fonts and menu logic, and 128 bytes of RAM holds menu state. The commercial temperature grade suits indoor panel use. The 28-SSOP package fits behind display panels with minimal footprint.
Recommended
Simple Industrial Automation Modules
The PIC16C72-04/SS fits small industrial automation modules (sensor interfaces, simple PLC slices, relay controllers) where deterministic RISC execution, on-chip ADC, and OTP security are valued. The 35 single-word instructions enable fast deterministic response to interrupts, critical for real-time control loops. The 28-SSOP package supports DIN-rail module PCBs, and the commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) covers indoor control cabinets. For outdoor or factory-floor industrial environments, the industrial-grade PIC16F72-I/SS (-40C to +85C) in the same package is the recommended choice.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72A-04/SS | PIC16F72-I/SS | PIC16C711-04/SS | PIC16C712-20E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash | 1.75 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 68 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | Flash | OTP | OTP |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +125C (extended) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy | Active | Last Time Buy | Last Time Buy |
Key Differentiators
- Active flash-based successor available in same package (vs PIC16F72-I/SS)
- Enhanced ADC and peripheral improvements in same pinout (vs PIC16C72A-04/SS)
- Reduced memory variant for cost-sensitive designs (vs PIC16C711-04/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C72-04/SS uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory, meaning firmware cannot be erased or rewritten after programming. All firmware testing, calibration values, and configuration fuses must be fully validated before committing to production programming. Use a windowed ceramic package variant (PIC16C72/JW) for engineering development and reuse; switch to OTP SSOP only for production.
Place decoupling capacitors (typically 100nF ceramic) as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 17) and VSS pins (pins 5 and 16). For designs with switching peripherals or sensitive analog measurements, add a 10uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric, and route the MCLR line away from high-frequency signals to avoid spurious resets.
The PIC16C72-04/SS requires a stable 5V supply for reliable ADC operation. Brown-out detection and power-on reset (POR) are integrated, but for battery-powered designs add an external voltage supervisor or use the BOD configuration fuse. The ADC's reference voltage (VREF) accuracy directly impacts conversion precision - use a low-noise reference source tied to the RA3/AN3/VREF+ pin when measuring low-level analog signals.
The 28-SSOP package has moderate thermal resistance suitable for commercial temperature range (0C to +70C) operation. For continuous full-clock (4MHz) operation in enclosed housings without airflow, verify junction temperature stays within limits. Estimated: at 5V supply and 4MHz active, the PIC16C72-04/SS draws approximately 2-5 mA, dissipating 10-25 mW - well within SSOP thermal limits for commercial environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data for this last-time-buy part. Microchip parts are generally RoHS compliant, but the PIC16C72-04/SS (28-SSOP) may be a legacy non-RoHS variant depending on date code. Verify with manufacturer documentation for production compliance requirements.
