PIC16C72-10/SO - 8-Bit 10MHz OTP MCU, 22 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72-10/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.95 | $8.95 |
| 10 | $8.05 | $80.50 |
| 100 | $7.16 | $716.00 |
| 500 | $6.45 | $3,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.73 | $5,730.00 |
PIC16C72-10/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer that processes data in 8-bit chunks using a Harvard-architecture RISC CPU; it sits in the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> semiconductors. The PIC16C72 belongs to the PIC16C mid-range family, characterized by a 14-bit instruction word, 8-level hardware stack, and integrated peripherals optimized for closed-loop control and sensor-interface applications.
Key features include a 10MHz maximum operating frequency (4MHz oscillator input with 4x PLL internal clock multiplication equivalent), 2K x 14 OTP program memory, 128 bytes of data RAM, and a hardware USART/SCI for asynchronous serial communication. The integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC supports direct connection to analog sensors, eliminating external signal conditioning. Brown-out Reset (BOR), Power-On Reset (POR), and Watchdog Timer (WDT) ensure reliable operation in noisy industrial environments.
The PIC16C72 architecture is built on Microchip's enhanced mid-range RISC core with 35 single-cycle instructions, providing predictable interrupt latency and deterministic execution suitable for motor control and real-time sensing loops. The CCP module generates PWM outputs for motor-drive, LED-dimming, or power-conversion feedback loops. The wide 2.5V-5.5V VDD range enables battery-backed and industrial 24V-derived-rail operation with simple regulators.
Typical applications include HVAC damper/valve control, appliance user-interface controllers, automotive body-electronics (non-safety), industrial sensor signal conditioning, and low-cost motor-driver front-ends. The 22 I/O pins and five ADC channels cover typical 4-20mA loop, thermistor, and switch-input scenarios without external multiplexing.
When designing with the PIC16C72-10/SO, note that the OTP variant requires mask-programmed or windowed-erasable equivalents for firmware iteration; consider PIC16C72A or PIC16F72 for flash-based reprogrammability in field-upgradable designs. Ensure decoupling capacitor placement follows the 0.1uF ceramic-per-Vdd-pin rule and that the MCLR pin is pulled high through 10kohm for normal operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing practical sourcing and engineering reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-10/SO β 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 PIC16C72-10/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, RoHS Status, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72-10I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72-10E/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-04/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72-04I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.71 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72A-10/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F72-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-10/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC16C mid-range RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-cycle instructions, 14-bit word |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP only) |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| PWM / CCP Modules | 1 CCP (10-bit PWM) |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Communication | USART/SCI (asynchronous) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (wide-body, 7.50 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Reset / Brown-out | POR, BOR, WDT |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (SnPb lead finish on legacy OTPs) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| Replacement Recommendation | PIC16C72A or PIC16F72 (per Microchip product page) |
PIC16C72-10/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR β Master Clear (Reset) input, active low; tie to VDD through 10kohm resistor |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF β PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/CCP2 β PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD β PORTE bit 0 / Parallel slave port read control |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output (4 x Fosc) |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (PWM/Capture/Compare) I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 β PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 β PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 β PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 β PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 β PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6 β PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RB7 β PORTB bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-10/SO is suitable for 7 applications: HVAC Damper and Valve Control, Appliance User-Interface Controllers, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Cost Motor Driver Front-Ends, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes, Smart Home Sensor Hubs.
HVAC Damper and Valve Control
The PIC16C72-10/SO fits HVAC damper and valve control with its 22 I/O pins driving actuator relays and triac interfaces, and its 5-channel 8-bit ADC reading thermistor temperature sensors. The 10MHz core provides 10 MIPS throughput, enough to run PID control loops at 100Hz update rate for stable temperature regulation. The integrated CCP module generates PWM outputs for proportional valve actuators, while the hardware USART connects to building-automation master controllers over RS-485. The 2.5V-5.5V VDD range simplifies power supply design from 24VAC-derived rails with simple linear regulators. The 28-pin SOIC package supports compact PCB layouts inside actuator housings.
Recommended
Appliance User-Interface Controllers
The PIC16C72-10/SO drives appliance user-interface controllers such as washing-machine display panels, dishwasher cycle indicators, and microwave oven keypads. Its 22 I/O pins handle 7-segment LCD/LED multiplexing, keypad scanning, and buzzer/relay outputs. The 128-byte RAM supports menu state machines and timer counters, while 3.5KB OTP program memory accommodates cycle-algorithm firmware. Brown-out Reset and Watchdog Timer ensure reliable operation across noisy motor-drive environments. The 10MHz instruction rate scans keypads and refreshes displays without perceptible latency, and the 28-pin SOIC package fits standard appliance control board footprints.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C72-10/SO conditions industrial sensor signals through its 5-channel 8-bit ADC, digitizing inputs from 4-20mA current loops, thermistors, and pressure transducers. Its 10MHz core executes linearization and filtering routines, while hardware USART transmits scaled values to PLCs or HMI displays. The 2.5V-5.5V wide supply range accepts power directly from 24V industrial rails after simple regulation. The PIC16C72-10I/SO variant extends operation to -40C for outdoor sensor installations, and the 28-pin SOIC package simplifies integration into standard DIN-rail sensor enclosures.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Driver Front-Ends
The PIC16C72-10/SO serves as a low-cost motor driver front-end, using its CCP module to generate 10-bit PWM signals driving MOSFET gate drivers for brushed DC and small BLDC motors. The 22 I/O pins interface to Hall-effect sensors, encoder inputs, and current-sense amplifiers through the 5-channel 8-bit ADC. At 10MHz, the CPU executes commutation algorithms and PI speed-control loops at 20kHz without jitter. The integrated WDT and POR protect against motor-induced supply transients, and the 28-pin SOIC package provides adequate thermal performance for under-50mA MCU loads inside motor-control assemblies.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C72-10/SO handles non-safety automotive body-electronics functions such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memories, and accessory timers. Its 5-channel ADC reads potentiometers and switch inputs, while PWM outputs drive LED dimmers and small motor loads. Although the standard -10/SO part lacks AEC-Q100 qualification, the PIC16C72-10E/SO variant provides extended automotive-grade temperature screening (-40C to +125C). The 28-pin SOIC package handles automotive under-hood thermal environments when paired with appropriate PCB thermal management. Note that for new automotive designs, the PIC16F72 flash-based successor is the preferred path.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes
The PIC16C72-10/SO operates in battery-powered remote sensor nodes across its 2.5V-5.5V VDD range, accepting 3.3V lithium or 5V regulated supplies. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads multiple sensor inputs (temperature, humidity, light, voltage), while the USART transmits data via attached radio modules. The 128-byte RAM buffers measurement samples between transmissions, and 3.5KB OTP holds communication protocol stacks. The PIC16C72-04/SO variant suits 4MHz designs where battery life dominates, and the 28-pin SOIC package integrates cleanly into compact remote-node enclosures.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hubs
The PIC16C72-10/SO forms the brain of smart-home sensor hubs aggregating inputs from multiple IoT endpoints. Its 22 I/O pins accept digital sensor inputs (PIR motion, door/window switches) and analog signals (light sensors, gas sensors) via the 5-channel 8-bit ADC. The hardware USART interfaces to WiFi or sub-GHz radio modules, while PWM drives status-LED indicators. The 10MHz instruction rate runs aggregation and forwarding logic with sub-millisecond latency. The 2.5V-5.5V wide supply range simplifies USB or battery power, and the 28-pin SOIC package fits standard smart-hub reference designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-10/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72-10I/SO | PIC16C72-10E/SO | PIC16C72-04/SO | PIC16C72-04I/SO | PIC16C72A-10/SO | PIC16F72-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (wide) | 28-pin SOIC (wide) - same | 28-pin SOIC (wide) - same | 28-pin SOIC (wide) - same | 28-pin SOIC (wide) - same | 28-pin SOIC (wide) - same | 28-pin SOIC (wide) - same |
| Maximum Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz (-60%) | 4 MHz (-60%) | 10 MHz | 20 MHz (+100%) |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB OTP | 3.5KB Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| 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 | 5-ch 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended) | Active (recommended) |
Key Differentiators
- Active-production successor with flash reprogrammability (vs PIC16F72-I/SO)
- Higher 10MHz clock vs lower-cost 4MHz variants (vs PIC16C72-04/SO)
- Improved silicon revision with active production status (vs PIC16C72A-10/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) on the PIC16C72-10/SO, with the ground return short and direct to VSS (pin 19). For designs with switching noise from relays or motors, add a 10uF tantalum or electrolytic bulk capacitor on the same VDD node. Place MCLR pull-up resistor (10kohm typical) close to pin 1 to prevent spurious resets. Route the analog AVdd/AVss separately if using precision ADC measurements, even though the PIC16C72 shares VDD/VSS for analog and digital supplies.
Critical: The PIC16C72-10/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory which cannot be erased after programming - verify firmware in PIC16F72 (flash equivalent) before committing to OTP devices. Common pitfall: connecting analog inputs above VDD+0.3V will damage the ADC multiplexer; clamp analog signals with protection diodes or voltage followers. Note that oscillator startup time depends on crystal selection; HS mode (>4MHz) crystals may require 10-50ms startup delay before code execution begins reliably.
At maximum operating frequency (10MHz) and 5.5V Vdd, the PIC16C72-10/SO draws approximately 15-20mA active current, producing 80-110mW of internal dissipation. Estimated: at 25C ambient in still air, the 28-pin SOIC package with theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W yields a 6-9C junction temperature rise, well below the 70C commercial limit. For industrial (-40C to +85C) variants, no heatsink is required under normal conditions. Avoid sustained operation above 70C ambient with the commercial -10/SO grade.
When using the PIC16C72-10/SO ADC for precision measurements, add a 100ns acquisition time delay after switching ADC channels (per Microchip datasheet section on ADC operation) to allow the internal sample-and-hold capacitor to settle. Use RA0-RA3 for highest-accuracy measurements as they share the dedicated analog reference. Keep analog signal traces short and isolated from digital switching signals (PWM outputs, clock traces) by at least 3x trace width to minimize crosstalk into ADC readings.
Compliance Information
Legacy PIC16C OTP parts typically use SnPb lead finish and are non-RoHS; verify with specific lot/date code. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16C72-10E/SO or migrate to PIC16F72 for automotive.
