PIC16C72-10/SS - 8-Bit CMOS MCU, 3.5KB EPROM, 22 I/O, SSOP-28
MPN: PIC16C72-10/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.92 | $89.20 |
| 100 | $7.74 | $774.00 |
| 500 | $6.55 | $3,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.62 | $5,620.00 |
PIC16C72-10/SS Overview
What is a PIC16C72 microcontroller? The PIC16C72 belongs to Microchip's PIC16CXX mid-range architecture family, which sits within the broader PIC microcontroller hierarchy (PIC10/12/14/16/18/24/32) and the 8-bit MCU category. Mid-range PICs implement a RISC instruction set (35 single-word instructions), Harvard memory architecture (separate program and data buses), and integrated peripherals such as A/D converters, timers, and synchronous/asynchronous serial ports - making them suitable for embedded control applications where deterministic instruction timing and low BOM cost are priorities. The "C" in PIC16C72 indicates the EPROM program memory technology (as opposed to "F" for Flash or "LF" for low-voltage Flash).
Key features include three I/O ports (PORTA, PORTB, PORTC), two 8-bit timer/counters (Timer0, Timer2) plus one 16-bit timer (Timer1), a Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C, 22 general-purpose digital I/O lines with individual direction control, an analog comparator, and a 5-channel 8-bit A/D converter with selectable reference. The Harvard bus architecture and 14-bit instruction word allow most instructions to execute in a single 200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz, or 400 ns at 10 MHz (the -10 grade), supporting predictable interrupt latency in real-time control loops.
Typical applications include motor control (low-side PWM driving via Timer2), sensor interfacing with on-chip A/D conversion, simple SMPS control loops, automotive body electronics in pre-CAN architectures, white goods user-interface controllers, and industrial instrumentation. The 22 I/O pins provide ample headroom for keypad scanning, LED matrix driving, and LCD segment control. The integrated A/D converter eliminates the need for an external ADC in cost-sensitive designs.
When designing with the PIC16C72-10/SS, note that this is a One-Time-Programmable EPROM part - firmware is committed during production programming and cannot be field-updated. For prototyping or field-updateable designs, prefer the PIC16F72 (Flash) drop-in. Always place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and connect the MCLR pin through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for reliable reset behavior.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-10/SS 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Timers, Mounting Type, Core Architecture, Instruction Cycle Time, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F72-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-10I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-10E/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72-10/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F716-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-10/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXX mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 400 ns at 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| A/D Converter | 5-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Serial Interfaces | SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Package | SSOP-28 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin/Package Code | SS / GULL WING, 28 terminals |
| Tube Packaging | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SS suffix) |
PIC16C72-10/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| 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 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 β PORTA bit 5 / SPI Slave Select / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal 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 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 β PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 β PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground (digital) |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| 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 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-10/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Consumer Appliance User Interface, Low-Side DC Motor Control, Battery-Powered Remote Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Pre-CAN), Simple Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C72-10/SS fits industrial 4-20 mA sensor conditioning boards because its 5-channel 8-bit A/D converter maps directly onto thermocouple, pressure, and flow sensor inputs through a multi-channel analog mux. The 22 I/O pins drive isolated relay outputs, status LEDs, and an SPI-connected LCD controller, while the 128-byte RAM is sufficient for averaging filters and linearization tables. At 10 MHz the 400 ns instruction cycle allows ADC sampling at 5 kHz with simple digital filtering. The part is recommended for cost-sensitive, non-field-upgradeable sensor hubs running stable production firmware.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
The PIC16C72-10/SS is well matched to washing machine, dishwasher, and microwave oven keypads and display controllers where 22 I/O pins are required for a 4x4 matrix keypad plus 7-segment LED drivers. The integrated SSP peripheral supports I2C communication with a separate temperature sensor IC, while Timer2 generates the multiplex refresh for the LED digits. The 2.0-6.0 V supply range tolerates unregulated 5 V rails common in white goods. With its 3.5 KB OTP EPROM, production firmware is committed at the manufacturing line - ideal for high-volume appliance designs with locked bill-of-materials.
Recommended
Low-Side DC Motor Control
The PIC16C72-10/SS drives small DC motors, solenoids, and stepper motor coils in 12 V systems by using Timer2 PWM output on PORTB and high-current MOSFET gate drivers on PORTC. With a 10 MHz clock, PWM resolution reaches 10 bits at modest frequencies or 8 bits at 39 kHz - suitable for brushed DC motor speed control and bipolar stepper microstepping. The A/D converter samples a current-sense resistor for closed-loop current limiting, while the analog comparator detects overcurrent faults. The OTP EPROM makes this part a good fit for high-volume motor controllers with locked production firmware.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control
The PIC16C72-10/SS fits handheld remote controls and small battery-operated devices thanks to its 2.0 V minimum VDD allowing operation from two AA cells down to 2.4 V. The mid-range core supports the SLEEP instruction with wake-on-change interrupts on PORTB, drawing less than 1 uA standby current. The integrated SSP peripheral drives an infrared LED for IR remote transmission using carrier generation via Timer0. With 22 I/O lines, the controller supports 16-button matrix keypads plus status LEDs and LCD segments, all in a compact SSOP-28 footprint.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Pre-CAN)
For pre-CAN automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting nodes, the PIC16C72-10/SS offers 22 I/O lines, a 5-channel A/D for current sensing, and an SSP for LIN or SPI communication to a master ECU. Operating from the vehicle's 12 V rail regulated to 5 V, the part's 2.0-6.0 V VDD range tolerates cranking transients when paired with appropriate TVS and bulk capacitance. While the part is commercial grade, the PIC16C72-10I/SS industrial variant extends temperature coverage to -40 C to +85 C for under-dash applications.
Recommended
Simple Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) Controller
The PIC16C72-10/SS serves as a low-cost digital SMPS controller for sub-50 W non-isolated DC/DC converters such as buck regulators for distributed POL rails. Timer2 generates the PWM drive, the A/D converter samples output voltage and current for closed-loop regulation, and the analog comparator provides hardware overcurrent protection within one instruction cycle. The 10 MHz maximum clock supports switching frequencies up to 100 kHz with proportional-integral firmware loops. The 3.5 KB OTP EPROM stores the fixed regulation profile for high-volume production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-10/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F72-I/SS | PIC16C72-10I/SS | PIC16C72-10E/SS | PIC16C72-10/SP | PIC16F716-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-28 | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | PDIP-28 - through-hole | SSOP-28 - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 3.5 KB Flash |
| Maximum Clock | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 13 |
| A/D Converter | 5 ch, 8-bit | 5 ch, 8-bit | 5 ch, 8-bit | 5 ch, 8-bit | 5 ch, 8-bit | 4 ch, 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
| Unit Price (1 qty, USD) | $9.85 | $4.30 | $10.50 | $12.00 | $9.45 | $2.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Active production alternative with same footprint (vs PIC16F72-I/SS)
- Industrial temperature upgrade in identical package (vs PIC16C72-10I/SS)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16C72-10E/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and connect both VSS pins (pins 8 and 19) directly to a low-impedance ground plane. For designs operating above 20 MHz internal bus speed or with high-current switching peripherals, add a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the MCU. Brown-out detection should be enabled (BODEN configuration bit set) for any battery-powered or loosely-regulated supply; this prevents code execution corruption below the 2.0 V VDD minimum.
Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 9-10) short - less than 10 mm - and guard them with a ground pour on both sides of the PCB. Use a four-pin crystal plus two load capacitors matched to the crystal manufacturer's CL specification (typically 15-33 pF for 10 MHz). If using an external CMOS clock, drive OSC1 with a series 10 ohm resistor close to the MCU pin to reduce overshoot. For SSOP-28, allocate at least 0.5 mm clearance between analog (PORTA) traces and switching signals like the CCP1 PWM output on RC2 to minimize ADC crosstalk.
The PIC16C72 uses One-Time-Programmable EPROM - once programmed, the firmware CANNOT be erased or rewritten. This makes the part unsuitable for prototypes requiring iterative firmware updates; choose the PIC16F72 (Flash, ICSP) for development and switch to the PIC16C72 for cost-optimized production only. Also note that configuring the MCLR pin as a digital input (instead of the default reset function) disables the device's ability to recover from code runaway - leave MCLR as a reset pin and drive it through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD.
Estimated: at 10 MHz clock the PIC16C72 generates edge rates of approximately 4 ns on output pins. Route high-speed output traces (CCP1 PWM, SPI SCK/SDO) over a continuous ground plane and keep trace lengths under 25 mm to avoid ringing. Place the analog VREF decoupling (RA3/VREF) as a 0.1 uF + 10 uF combination within 3 mm of the pin to keep ADC reference noise below 1 LSB at 8-bit resolution. Separate the analog ground island under PORTA from the digital ground island with a single-point connection at the MCU VSS pin.
Compliance Information
SS suffix indicates lead-free SSOP package per Microchip packaging conventions. RoHS and REACH compliance verified from Microchip product declarations. Part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100, choose PIC16F72-I/SS or PIC16C72-10I/SS industrial grade. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in retrieved data.
