PIC16C72-04E/SO - 4MHz 8-Bit CMOS MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72-04E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.25 | $4.25 |
| 10 | $3.95 | $39.50 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3.2 | $1,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.9 | $2,900.00 |
PIC16C72-04E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that contains a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces such as timers, ADCs, and communication ports. The 8-bit PIC16C72 family belongs to the mid-range PIC16C microcontrollers, which sit within Microchip's broader 8-bit MCU portfolio alongside the PIC16F (Flash) and PIC18 (high-performance 8-bit) families. OTP memory is one-time programmable and non-erasable, distinguishing it from Flash or EEPROM-based devices that allow in-circuit re-programming.
Key features include only 35 single-word instructions to learn, single-cycle instruction execution (except two-cycle branches), a 200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz maximum clock, brown-out reset (BOR) circuitry for reliable power-on behavior, and a watchdog timer for runaway code protection. The 28-SOIC footprint is 7.50 mm wide (0.295") and supports standard reflow soldering.
The PIC16C72 architecture uses a Harvard bus structure with separate program and data paths, a 14-bit instruction word, and a hardware multiplier-less ALU optimized for deterministic interrupt response. This makes the core well suited to motor control loops, sensor sampling, and simple communication bridges where predictable timing matters more than raw throughput.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, automotive body and HVAC subsystems, sensor signal conditioning front ends, simple motor-control drivers, appliance user-interface boards, and embedded data-acquisition front ends. The integrated ADC eliminates an external converter in many designs.
Designers should note the -04 speed grade (4 MHz) versus the -10 and -20 variants, which trade off maximum clock for power and EMI behavior. The OTP memory dictates a one-time-only programming cycle, so firmware must be fully verified before committing. The PIC16C72 has been superseded by the PIC16C72A and PIC16F72 in many designs, so new programs should verify long-term supply before committing.
This page synthesizes XAIPART distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16C 28-pin family, and practical design guidance not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-04E/SO — 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 PIC16C72-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins, Data EEPROM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72A-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F72-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size / Data Bus Width | 8-Bit |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (at 4 MHz) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit |
| Number of ADC Channels | 5 |
| Timers | 8-bit Timer0, 16-bit Timer1, 16-bit Timer2 (CCP) |
| Communication Interfaces | SSP (SPI / I2C master-slave) |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package / Case | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull-wing leads) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
PIC16C72-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input channel 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / parallel port read / analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / parallel port write / analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / parallel port chip select / analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive power supply (4V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture Compare PWM module 1 |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SSP serial clock (SPI / I2C) |
| Pin 19 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SSP serial data in / I2C data |
| Pin 20 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SSP serial data out |
| Pin 21 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (general I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (general I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 24 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (general I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (general I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (general I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (general I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (general I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-04E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Controller, Automotive Body Electronics Module, Appliance Control Board (White Goods), Data Acquisition Front End, HVAC Control Module, Simple Motor Controller (DC Brushed).
Industrial Sensor Interface Controller
The PIC16C72-04E/SO fits industrial sensor-interface boards because its 5-channel 8-bit ADC handles multiple analog inputs directly, eliminating an external converter and reducing BOM cost. Operating from a 4 MHz clock with a 200 ns instruction cycle, it samples thermocouples, pressure transducers, and process-variable sensors at deterministic rates required by PID loops. The integrated SSP supports I2C communication with digital sensor front ends, while the extended -40 to +125 C temperature range suits factory-floor enclosures. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against industrial supply transients and firmware runaway. Designers place 0.1 uF decoupling on VDD and route the 4 MHz crystal within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 to maintain EMI compliance.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Module
The PIC16C72-04E/SO suits automotive body-control modules because the -E extended temperature grade guarantees operation from -40 to +125 C, matching under-hood thermal stress. Its 22 I/O pins drive LEDs, relays, and H-bridge transistors for window lifters, mirror adjusters, and seat controllers. The 8-bit ADC monitors battery voltage, current sense, and switch positions without external converters. The watchdog timer and brown-out reset provide the deterministic fault recovery that automotive ECU qualification requires. The 28-SOIC package fits standard automotive PCB reflow profiles. Designers should add a series resistor on MCLR and place a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the VDD pins to ride out cranking transients typical in 12V vehicle buses.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board (White Goods)
The PIC16C72-04E/SO works well in washing-machine, dishwasher, and oven control boards because its OTP memory holds the appliance firmware at lower unit cost than Flash, important in high-volume white-goods production. Its 22 I/O lines drive seven-segment displays, keypads, buzzer drivers, and triac-fired heater loads. The Timer0/Timer1/Timer2 architecture supports precise motor-speed and dwell-time control required by appliance wash cycles. The integrated ADC reads water-level probes and thermistor inputs without external converters. The SSP port allows communication with display-driver ICs. Designers should isolate AC mains via optocouplers on triac gate drives and place the 4 MHz crystal close to OSC1/OSC2 to minimize EMI near the AC zero-cross detector.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Front End
The PIC16C72-04E/SO can be used as a low-cost data-acquisition front end, multiplexing up to 5 analog channels through its on-board 8-bit ADC and forwarding the digitized values via the SSP SPI port to a host controller or external logger. The 4 MHz clock supports sampling rates up to 20 kS/s aggregate, sufficient for vibration monitoring, HVAC sensor arrays, and laboratory instrumentation front ends. The 128-byte RAM holds intermediate sample buffers before SPI transmission. Brown-out reset prevents corrupted ADC readings during supply dips. Designers should buffer the analog inputs with a unity-gain op-amp (MCP6002) to drive the ADC sample-and-hold accurately and avoid source-impedance errors above 10 kohm.
Recommended
HVAC Control Module
The PIC16C72-04E/SO suits HVAC control modules where it reads temperature and humidity sensors via its 5-channel 8-bit ADC, drives relay outputs for compressor and fan control through its 22 I/O pins, and runs a closed-loop PID in firmware. The 4 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle support deterministic 100 ms control-loop periods. The brown-out reset handles supply transients from compressor inrush currents. The extended -40 to +125 C temperature grade matches rooftop and basement HVAC enclosure environments. Designers should add TVS diodes on relay outputs and place the MCLR pull-up resistor within 10 mm of pin 1 to guarantee proper reset behavior during brown-out events.
Recommended
Simple Motor Controller (DC Brushed)
The PIC16C72-04E/SO can drive brushed DC motors via its 16-bit Timer2 CCP module, which generates a 10-bit PWM signal at frequencies up to 4 kHz - sufficient for low-EMI fan and pump speed control. The 22 I/O pins handle direction control, current sense input to the 8-bit ADC, and tachometer feedback through Timer1. Brown-out reset protects the MCU during motor inrush events that dip the supply below 4V. The 28-SOIC package fits compact motor-driver PCBs. Designers should route the ADC current-sense trace away from the PWM gate-drive traces and place a 1 uF ceramic bypass on the AVdd pin to keep switching noise out of the analog measurement path.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72A-04E/SO | PIC16C72-04/SO | PIC16C72A-04I/SO | PIC16F72-04I/SO | PIC16C72-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Core / Data Bus | 8-bit PIC | 8-bit PIC | 8-bit PIC | 8-bit PIC | 8-bit PIC | 8-bit PIC |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB Flash | 3.5KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| ADC | 5-ch 8-bit | 5-ch 8-bit | 5-ch 8-bit | 5-ch 8-bit | 5-ch 8-bit | 5-ch 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +125 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive temperature grade -40 to +125 C (vs PIC16C72-04/SO)
- Latest silicon revision with improved electrical characteristics (vs PIC16C72A-04E/SO)
- Re-programmable Flash memory option for firmware iteration (vs PIC16F72-04I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 11 and 28) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board supply input. The PIC16C72-04E/SO operates from 4V to 5.5V; using a low-dropout regulator such as MCP1700 (250 mV dropout at 250 mA) ensures stable operation during cranking transients in 12V automotive buses. A series ferrite bead on VDD reduces high-frequency noise from switch-mode supplies. Keep analog VDD traces separate from digital VDD if AVDD is used; otherwise tie all VDD pins together with a star-ground connection.
OTP memory can be programmed only once. Verify the firmware image with a windowed (UV-erasable) PIC16C72-JW variant or a PIC16F72 Flash equivalent during development before committing to the OTP PIC16C72-04E/SO for production. A single bit error in the OTP code requires scrapping the part. Always reserve the MCLR pin (pin 1) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD - leaving MCLR floating can cause spurious resets in noisy industrial environments. Brown-out reset must be enabled in the configuration word; otherwise supply dips below 4V can corrupt program execution without warning.
Estimated: at 4 MHz clock and 5V supply, the PIC16C72-04E/SO draws approximately 2 mA active and 1 uA standby. With the 28-SOIC package thermal resistance of approximately 80 C/W, full-load dissipation is 10 mW and junction temperature rise is below 1 C above ambient. No heatsink is required. In the extended -40 to +125 C operating range, ensure that ambient temperature does not exceed 125 C; derate supply current above 85 C if the design drives many I/O lines simultaneously, as CMOS output stages contribute most of the dynamic supply current.
Keep the 4 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 13) and OSC2 (pin 14). Use short traces and a ground guard ring around the crystal to reduce EMI pickup. Route ADC analog traces (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching lines and clock traces. If the analog inputs source more than 10 kohm impedance, add an op-amp buffer (MCP6002) at each input to keep ADC acquisition errors below 1 LSB. Place a 100 ohm resistor in series with the MCLR trace if the pin is exposed to ESD-prone user-accessible points.
Compliance Information
Compliance fields were not present in the verified web data snippet. Consult Microchip product page or the PIC16C72 family material declaration (MDDS) for definitive RoHS/REACH/lead-free status. The PIC16C72-04E/SO carries an automotive 'E' temperature grade but explicit AEC-Q100 qualification status is not documented in the provided data.
