PIC16C72-10I/SP - 8-bit OTP MCU, 3.5KB, 22 I/O, SPDIP-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72-10I/SP β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.45 | $8.45 |
| 10 | $7.59 | $75.90 |
| 100 | $6.65 | $665.00 |
| 500 | $5.85 | $2,925.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.2 | $5,200.00 |
PIC16C72-10I/SP Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time-Programmable) microcontroller embeds non-volatile program memory that can be written once, after which the bit pattern is permanent. These devices sit within the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> PIC mid-range family. They are commonly used in cost-sensitive, high-volume production where firmware is finalized and code-update is not required, replacing older masked-ROM parts in industrial control, appliance, and instrumentation applications.
Key features include a 10 MHz oscillator input (200 ns instruction cycle), three timer modules (Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2 8-bit with postscaler), a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, an 8-bit multichannel A/D converter, Brown-out Reset (BOR), and a watchdog timer. The device consumes very low power, making it suitable for mains-powered and battery-friendly designs.
The architecture is built on a Harvard-style memory map with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access in a single cycle for most instructions. The CMOS process provides low quiescent current, supporting sleep and idle modes for power-aware designs. The 28-pin SPDIP footprint is a long-standing Microchip mid-range package, fully compatible with PIC16C71, PIC16C712, PIC16C715, PIC16C716, and PIC16F72 family members per Microchip's PinPack compatibility chart.
Typical applications include industrial control and sensor conditioning nodes, small consumer appliances, security and alarm panels, HVAC controllers, motor-drive interface boards, and instrumentation front ends. The on-chip ADC is well suited to potentiometer, thermistor, and 4-20 mA loop signal acquisition where a single-chip solution is preferred.
When designing with this part, ensure the 10 MHz clock signal is applied to OSC1 (pin 9) and the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) is tied through a pull-up resistor to VDD, since OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed and a clean reset is critical during in-system programming. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, cross-reference alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-10I/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 PIC16C72-10I/SP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72-10/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72A-10I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F72-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C716-10I/P
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-10I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72-10I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C7X mid-range 8-bit MCU |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (single-cycle except branches) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 8-bit multichannel (5 channels per datasheet) |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit + 8-bit prescaler), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit + postscaler) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 x CCP module |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (independent RC oscillator) |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| Interrupt Sources | Yes (multiple sources, vectored) |
| Oscillator Modes | RC, XT, HS, LP (4 modes) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, "I" suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch, Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Lead Finish | Matte Tin (Pb-free) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| Manufacturing Process | CMOS |
| Programming Method | In-circuit serial programming (ICSP) |
PIC16C72-10I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / analog input 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 (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| 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 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 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 reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (4.0V 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/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-10I/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning Node, Small Consumer Appliance Controller, Security and Alarm Panel Controller, HVAC Temperature and Fan Controller, Motor Drive Interface Board, Instrumentation Front-End Module, Automotive Interior Accessory Controller.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning Node
The PIC16C72-10I/SP is well suited for industrial sensor conditioning nodes where a single 8-bit MCU must read analog signals and drive digital actuators. The on-chip 8-bit ADC with five input channels handles potentiometer, thermistor, or 4-20 mA loop-derived voltages without external ADC hardware, while the 22 I/O pins are ample for keypad scanning, relay drivers, and LED indicators. Its 4.0-5.5V supply range suits standard 5V industrial rails, and the brown-out reset circuit prevents undefined behaviour during brown-out events. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature grade matches typical factory-floor environments. Power dissipation in the SPDIP-28 package is easily managed with no heatsink required.
Recommended
Small Consumer Appliance Controller
The PIC16C72-10I/SP is widely used in small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, microwave oven control boards, washing-machine user interfaces, and rice cookers where a cost-optimized 8-bit MCU with on-chip ADC suffices. The 3.5KB OTP program memory holds typical appliance state machines and timing routines, while the 128 bytes of RAM track menu state and timing variables. The 200 ns instruction cycle ensures responsive control loop execution, and the CCP module drives PWM outputs for variable-speed or dimming loads. The 28-pin SPDIP through-hole package is friendly to wave-soldered production lines typical of appliance manufacturing.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panel Controller
The PIC16C72-10I/SP integrates well into security and alarm panel controller designs requiring analog sensor monitoring (PIR, smoke, gas detectors) and digital keypad/key-fob interface handling. The 8-bit multichannel ADC reads sensor voltages, while the 22 I/O pins drive sirens, relays, and indicator LEDs directly. The hardware watchdog timer (WDT) with independent RC oscillator ensures the panel recovers from firmware lockups, which is a regulatory requirement for many security-system certifications. The brown-out reset (BOR) feature prevents false alarms or missed events during power dips. The PIC's long-standing instruction set simplifies code reuse across security product families.
Recommended
HVAC Temperature and Fan Controller
The PIC16C72-10I/SP serves as the central controller in HVAC temperature and fan-speed control modules. The on-chip ADC scans temperature sensors (NTC thermistors or IC sensors with analog output), the 16-bit Timer1 captures precise timing for triac-fired AC zero-crossing detection, and the CCP module generates PWM for variable-speed DC fans. The 35-instruction RISC core is small enough to learn quickly and large enough to implement PID loops for temperature regulation. Industrial temperature range ensures reliable operation in attic, basement, or outdoor-equipment enclosures. Brown-out reset protects the controller from compressor inrush-induced supply transients.
Recommended
Motor Drive Interface Board
The PIC16C72-10I/SP functions as a low-cost motor drive interface board controller for brushed DC and stepper motors below 1A. The 22 I/O pins drive H-bridge enable lines, direction inputs, encoder feedback, and limit-switch inputs; the CCP module produces PWM speed control up to 10 kHz. Hardware interrupts on RB port change detect encoder index pulses, while the watchdog timer recovers the system from motor-induced EMI events. The 28-pin SPDIP form factor allows hand-solderable prototype boards and rework-friendly production. Power handling is delegated to external MOSFET drivers such as the TC4427.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-End Module
The PIC16C72-10I/SP is a strong fit for low-cost instrumentation front-end modules such as panel meters, digital thermometers, and data-acquisition peripherals. The 8-bit ADC with five input channels digitises sensor outputs at up to ~50 kS/s aggregate, suitable for temperature, humidity, and 4-20 mA loop readouts. The 22 I/O pins drive seven-segment displays, button matrices, or UART/SPI interfaces to upstream controllers. The 10 MHz maximum clock input delivers deterministic timing for UART baud-rate generation at standard rates (9600, 19200, 115200 bps). The OTP memory prevents firmware tampering in calibrated instruments. Brown-out reset ensures the display and serial link restart cleanly after power interruptions.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Controller
The PIC16C72-10I/SP is sometimes used in automotive interior accessory controllers (non-safety, non-POWertrain roles such as ambient lighting, mirror adjusters, and climate control keypads). The on-chip ADC monitors potentiometer wipers for mirror position, while the 22 I/O pins drive LED strings, motors, and switch-matrix inputs. The industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade handles cabin-temperature extremes. Note that this OTP part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical or under-hood applications the PIC16F72 family in automotive grade (PIC16F72-I/SP and Q-version) is recommended. The 4.0-5.5V supply matches post-regulator 5V rails common in body-electronics modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-10I/SP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72-10/SP | PIC16C72A-10I/SP | PIC16F72-I/SP | PIC16C716-10I/P | PIC16C72-10I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SPDIP-28 | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SOIC-28 (surface-mount variant) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (3.5KB) | OTP EPROM (3.5KB) | Enhanced OTP EPROM (3.5KB) | Flash (3.5KB) | OTP EPROM (2K x 14) | OTP EPROM (3.5KB) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels | 8-bit / 4 channels | 8-bit / 5 channels |
| In-Circuit Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash, ICSP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty-1, USD) | $8.45 | $8.20 | $8.90 | $4.95 | $7.85 | $7.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-to-pin compatible with Flash-based PIC16F72-I/SP (vs PIC16F72-I/SP)
- Brown-out reset and watchdog timer integrated (vs PIC16C711-04/P (earlier mid-range family))
- Captures, Compares, and 10-bit PWM in CCP1 module (vs PIC16C71 (no CCP module))
Design Notes
The PIC16C72-10I/SP operates from a single 4.0V to 5.5V VDD rail. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to pins 8/19 (VSS) and pin 20 (VDD), plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply pins if the VDD source is more than 50 mm away. Estimated: under typical 5V/5 mA active conditions, power dissipation is ~25 mW - well within the SPDIP-28 thermal envelope of approximately 700 mW absolute maximum.
Because the PIC16C72-10I/SP is OTP EPROM, the program memory cannot be erased after programming - any code bug becomes a permanent defect. Always program one or more sample units with final firmware and run full validation tests before committing the production lot. Also, ensure MCLR/VPP (pin 1) has a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; leaving it floating can cause erratic resets. For ICSP, this pin doubles as the VPP programming voltage input and must be driven to ~13V during programming.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 9 and 10) with short, symmetric lengths, surrounded by a ground guard ring, and keep them away from high-current switching traces. For HS oscillator mode with a 10 MHz crystal, use load capacitors per the crystal datasheet (typically 15-33 pF). For RC oscillator mode, place the timing resistor and capacitor as close to pins 9 and 10 as practical. The ICSP pins (RB6/PGC on pin 27 and RB7/PGD on pin 28) should be accessible via a 5-pin header for in-system programming without removing the MCU.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs, use the PIC16F72 family or Q-graded variants. Lead-free matte-tin finish. Halogen-free status not explicitly confirmed in available data.
