PIC16C72-10/SP - 8-Bit MCU, 10MHz, 3.5KB OTP, 5-CH ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72-10/SP β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.85 | $7.85 |
| 10 | $7.06 | $70.60 |
| 100 | $6.16 | $616.00 |
| 500 | $5.3 | $2,650.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.42 | $4,420.00 |
PIC16C72-10/SP Overview
What is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time Programmable) MCU uses a windowless EPROM cell array for program storage - the device is programmed once with a parallel programmer and cannot be re-programmed in-circuit. Compared to flash-based MCUs (PIC16F series), OTP parts offer lower unit cost and stronger data retention against unauthorized read-out, at the expense of in-system re-programmability. In the broader hierarchy, the PIC16C72 sits in Microchip's PIC16 mid-range family, which sits under the PIC16/18 8-bit portfolio and is commonly used where deterministic real-time response and small footprint matter more than flash flexibility.
Key features that differentiate the PIC16C72-10/SP include its 5-channel 8-bit ADC with selectable reference voltages, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM modules, an active-low MCLR reset, and a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation. Power-saving SLEEP mode and code protection bits support field-deployed embedded systems.
Architecturally, the PIC16C72 uses separate program and data buses (Harvard), allowing a 14-bit instruction to be fetched in one cycle while the previous instruction executes on the data bus. The 10 MHz oscillator input yields a 100 ns instruction cycle time, sufficient for medium-speed control loops.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, automotive body controllers (pre-CAN legacy nodes), white-goods and appliance control boards, AC line monitoring with zero-cross detection, low-cost data acquisition front-ends, and educational/development platforms. Because the SPDIP-28 footprint is shared with many PIC16F devices (PIC16F72, PIC16F73, PIC16F74, PIC16F76, PIC16F77), migration paths exist within the family.
When designing with this device, use a 1 kΞ© pull-up on MCLR to VDD, place a 0.1 Β΅F decoupling capacitor close to VDD, and tie unused I/O pins to defined logic levels to minimize Icc leakage. Note the -10 suffix indicates the 10 MHz speed grade; the -04 grade is 4 MHz and may not work at higher clock rates.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-10/SP 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72-10/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-10I/SP
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72-20/SP
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F72-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F74-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-10/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (RISC Harvard) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Instruction Set Word | 14 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 100 ns (at 10 MHz) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 0 bytes (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8 bit |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit (CCP) |
| Serial Interfaces | SSP (I2C/SPI), USART/SCI |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | 0Β°C to +70Β°C (commercial) |
| Speed Grade | -10 (10 MHz) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
PIC16C72-10/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| 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 VREF- |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| 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 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (+2.5 V to +6.0 V) |
| 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 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / In-circuit debugger clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / In-circuit debugger data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-10/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Appliance Control Board (White Goods), Automotive Body Control Module (Legacy), Low-Cost Data Acquisition Front End, HVAC Control Board, Educational Microcontroller Trainer.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C72-10/SP fits industrial sensor interface modules where 5 channels of 8-bit ADC and 22 digital I/O are needed for multi-input monitoring. Its 5-channel analog front end directly accepts 0-5 V sensor outputs (thermistors, photocells, pressure bridges) without an external mux, while 128 bytes of RAM and 3.5 KB of OTP program memory suffice for 10 Hz scan loops with local averaging. Place input RC filters of 1 kohm/100 nF on each analog pin to limit source impedance below the 10 kohm ADC acquisition spec.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board (White Goods)
White-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) use the PIC16C72-10/SP for motor relay control, keypad scanning, and LED/LCD status display. The 22 I/O pins easily accommodate 4x4 key matrices, seven-segment drivers, and triac gate control. Its 10 MHz core runs 100 ns instruction cycles - fast enough for zero-cross detection routines needed for AC load switching without in-rush surges. OTP storage locks the appliance firmware against field tampering.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module (Legacy)
Pre-CAN automotive body controllers (window lift, mirror adjust, seat memory) used the PIC16C72-10/SP for local node logic with PWM motor control via its 16-bit CCP module. The CCP generates center-aligned PWM up to the 10 MHz instruction throughput, suitable for DC motor speed loops. Designers used the USART for LIN-substitute bit-banged communication before CAN/LIN became standard. For new automotive designs, migrate to PIC16F or dsPIC parts with AEC-Q100 qualification.
Recommended
Low-Cost Data Acquisition Front End
Data loggers under $50 BOM use the PIC16C72-10/SP as an 8-bit ADC front end, buffering 5 channels at up to 50 ksps aggregate into external I2C EEPROM (24LC256) via the SSP module. With 3.5 KB OTP and 128 bytes RAM, designers implement averaging filters and SD card FAT16 writers in assembly to fit. OTP storage protects calibration coefficients against accidental user overwrite.
Recommended
HVAC Control Board
HVAC thermostat and damper actuator boards integrate the PIC16C72-10/SP to read NTC thermistors (5 ADC channels cover supply, return, outdoor, coil, and ambient sensors), drive triac outputs for blower speed (CCP PWM), and interface to a wall display via USART. Operating from 5 V with OTP firmware locked at production, the part handles 0 to 70 C indoor environments and ships in through-hole SPDIP for ease of field service.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer
University embedded systems courses use the PIC16C72-10/SP on through-hole trainer boards because the 28-pin DIP is easy to breadboard and the 5-channel ADC allows multiple lab exercises (photocell, potentiometer, thermistor). The 35-instruction RISC set gives students a tractable assembly-language curriculum without the complexity of ARM Cortex. Modern curricula increasingly use the PIC16F877A trainer instead for re-programmability, but the OTP version teaches good code-review discipline.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-10/SP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72-10/SO | PIC16C72-10I/SP | PIC16F72-I/SP | PIC16F73-I/SP | PIC16F74-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch) | 28-SOIC (SMD) | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 28-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM - same | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM - same | 2 KB Flash (-43%) | 4 KB Flash (+14%) | 4 KB Flash (+14%) |
| Max Clock Speed | 10 MHz | 10 MHz - same | 10 MHz - same | 20 MHz (+100%) | 20 MHz (+100%) | 20 MHz (+100%) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP - same | OTP - same | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| ADC Channels x Resolution | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit - same | 5 x 8-bit - same | 5 x 8-bit - same | 5 x 8-bit - same | 8 x 8-bit (+60%) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C - same | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- OTP EPROM with code protection for locked firmware (vs PIC16F72-I/SP)
- Industrial temp grade available in identical package (vs PIC16C72-10/SO)
- Higher 10 MHz speed than the PIC16C72-04 grade (vs PIC16C72-04/SP)
- 5-channel ADC matches PIC16F73 footprint exactly (vs PIC16F74-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible between VDD (pin 20) and VSS (pins 8 and 19) to suppress supply noise during ADC conversions. For applications with ADC sampling above 5 ksps, add a 10 uF tantalum bulk capacitor at the VDD pin to handle switching transients from CCP PWM outputs. According to Microchip datasheet DS30244E, the PIC16C72's ADC requires source impedance below 10 kohm to maintain acquisition accuracy within 1 LSB.
Keep analog input traces (RA0-RA5) short and routed away from digital switching lines (RC0-RC7, oscillator). Use a ground star connection at the VSS pin rather than a daisy-chain pattern to avoid digital return currents coupling into the ADC reference. If using an external VREF, place a 10 uF + 0.1 uF filter on the VREF pin to prevent reference bounce during ADC conversions.
Estimated: configuring the wrong oscillator mode is the most common PIC16C72 issue. Below 4 MHz use LP mode (low-power crystal), 4-10 MHz use HS mode (high-speed crystal), and above 10 MHz you must use the PIC16C72-20 part - the -10 grade will not oscillate reliably above 10 MHz. Always include a 1 kohm pull-up resistor on MCLR (pin 1) tied to VDD, and add a 100 nF cap from MCLR to VSS to filter ESD events.
The PIC16C72-10/SP is rated for 0 C to +70 C commercial operation. For outdoor enclosures or industrial cabinets, use the PIC16C72-10I/SP industrial variant (-40 C to +85 C). Power dissipation is below 50 mW typical at 10 MHz with VDD = 5 V, so thermal concerns are minimal. The PCB thermal pad is not required on the SPDIP package - the through-hole lead frame dissipates heat adequately.
Compliance Information
PIC16C72-10/SP is a legacy through-hole DIP part released before RoHS; lead-free / RoHS-compliant equivalents are not available in the original SPDIP package. For RoHS requirements, use PIC16F72-I/SP or PIC16F73-I/SP instead. The part is not AEC-Q100 qualified - do not use in new automotive designs without an automotive-grade substitute.
