PIC16C72/JW - 8-Bit 20MHz EPROM MCU, 3.5KB, 28-CDIP Window | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72/JW ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $25.2 | $252.00 |
| 100 | $22 | $2,200.00 |
| 500 | $19.5 | $9,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.8 | $17,800.00 |
PIC16C72/JW Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (ROM/RAM), and peripherals such as ADC, timers, and I/O. Within the embedded hierarchy, the PIC16C72 belongs to the 8-bit microcontrollers family, which sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in processing capability but excels in deterministic real-time control and low system cost. The PIC16C series uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction word optimized for compiled C and assembly code efficiency.
Key specifications include 13 digital I/O pins, three timers (Timer0 8-bit with 8-bit prescaler, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2 8-bit), a USART serial port, an I2C/SPI synchronous serial port, and brown-out reset (BOR) circuitry. The device operates from 4.0 V to 5.5 V across a 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range, with a maximum power dissipation of 1000 mW.
Architecturally, the PIC16C72 uses a RISC core with only 35 single-word instructions, a hardware stack, and interrupt handling for the ADC, USART, timers, and external interrupts. The integrated 8-bit ADC supports up to 5 analog input channels with configurable reference voltages, making the part well suited to mixed-signal embedded designs that combine analog sensing with digital control logic.
Typical applications include industrial process control, consumer appliance control, HVAC sensor interfaces, motor drive supervisory logic, security and alarm panels, and instrumentation front-ends. The UV-erasable windowed package also makes PIC16C72/JW a favored development part for code iteration on the bench before committing to OTP (-04/-20) or Flash (PIC16F72) production versions.
When designing in this part, note that Microchip recommends PIC16C72A or PIC16F72 as the active production migration path for new designs. For production runs, choose PIC16C72-04/P (OTP PDIP) or PIC16F72-I/SP) (Flash). The JW windowed variant is reserved for prototyping because windowed ceramic packages are not designed for high-volume assembly.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in replacement alternatives, and migration recommendations not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone - including the explicit Microchip recommendation to migrate to PIC16C72A or PIC16F72.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72/JW — 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/JW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, I/O Pins, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72A/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-04/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-20/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72T-20/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C71/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16C (8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM, UV-erasable (windowed) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit w/ prescaler), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Serial Interfaces | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Package | 28-pin CDIP windowed (R-CDIP-T28), 0.300 inch, through-hole |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Power Dissipation | 1000 mW max |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
PIC16C72/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / analog input channel 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SSP clock (SPI/I2C) |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SSP data in (SPI) / I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SSP data out (SPI) |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 16 | Vss — Ground |
| Pin 17 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Consumer Appliance Control, HVAC Sensor Interface, Motor Drive Supervisory Logic, Security and Alarm Panels, Instrumentation Front-Ends.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C72/JW fits industrial process controllers because its 5-channel 8-bit ADC, 13 digital I/O, and USART cover most sensor-acquisition and supervisory-control loops. The 20 MHz instruction rate delivers roughly 5 MIPS - ample for PID loops, debouncing switch inputs, and driving LED/HMI front panels. Operating from 4.0-5.5 V aligns with 5 V industrial backplanes. The windowed EPROM permits on-bench firmware tuning when process recipes change, a major advantage during commissioning. The 0-70 C commercial temperature range covers indoor control cabinets and machine-internal enclosures. Engineers should budget for brown-out reset configuration to handle industrial supply transients.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
In consumer appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and HVAC thermostats, the PIC16C72/JW's PIC16C 8-bit core, integrated ADC, and PWM-friendly timers provide a compact control solution that fits inside appliance front-panel enclosures. The 3.5 KB EPROM easily stores user-interface state machines and sensor-fusion routines. USART enables communications with display modules or smart-meter interfaces. The 28-CDIP package is straightforward to assemble on appliance control boards using wave or selective soldering. For volume production, designers migrate to PIC16F72-I/SP, but JW remains useful for prototype and pre-compliance EMC/EMI testing where firmware churn is frequent.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor Interface
The PIC16C72/JW serves HVAC sensor-interface boards by reading temperature, humidity, pressure, and air-quality sensors through its 5-channel ADC and transmitting the processed data via USART to a central controller. The 14-bit instruction word and Harvard architecture deliver deterministic interrupt latency suitable for safety-critical shutdown logic. The windowed package lets HVAC engineers iterate on calibration coefficients during field trials. With 4.0-5.5 V operation, the part pairs cleanly with 5 V sensor signal-conditioning chains. Designers can later migrate the firmware to PIC16C72A/JW or PIC16F72-I/SP without PCB changes thanks to the shared 28-pin pinout documented in the Microchip pin compatibility chart.
Recommended
Motor Drive Supervisory Logic
As supervisory logic in small motor-drive boards (fan, blower, or low-power BLDC controllers), the PIC16C72/JW sequences power stages, monitors current via the ADC, and provides user I/O for buttons and indicators. The 16-bit Timer1 supports precise PWM timing references while Timer0 and Timer2 handle background housekeeping. The 13 I/O pins drive status LEDs, fault relays, and encoder inputs without external logic. With 4.0-5.5 V operation, the MCU coexists with 3.3 V gate drivers via level shifters. The windowed EPROM allows firmware tuning during motor-characterization cycles when commutation algorithms are still being refined.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
The PIC16C72/JW anchors mid-tier security and alarm panels by reading multiple zone inputs through its ADC and digital I/O, driving piezo buzzers and status LEDs, and communicating with keypads or central stations via USART. The integrated brown-out reset prevents false alarm events caused by supply sags during brown-out conditions - critical for security compliance. The 35-instruction RISC core is straightforward to audit for code review, an asset in safety-critical certification. Windowed EPROM allows security OEMs to apply field firmware updates, and the 28-CDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly for low-volume professional panels.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-Ends
The PIC16C72/JW is well suited to instrumentation front-ends (digital panel meters, hand-held multimeters, laboratory sensor readouts) where its 5-channel 8-bit ADC provides sufficient resolution for many transducer outputs, and the USART streams data to PC-based logging software. The 20 MHz instruction rate allows real-time linearization and temperature compensation of sensor data. With 4.0-5.5 V operation, the MCU pairs naturally with bipolar analog front-ends. The windowed EPROM enables design-house engineers to iterate on calibration curves and units-conversion tables quickly. For OEM volume runs, drop-in migration to PIC16F72-I/SP preserves the analog front-end design while lowering unit cost.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72/JW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72A/JW | PIC16C72-04/JW | PIC16C72-20/JW | PIC16C71/JW | PIC16F72-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-CDIP windowed | 28-CDIP windowed - same | 28-CDIP windowed - same | 28-CDIP windowed - same | 28-CDIP windowed - same | SPDIP-28 (plastic) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB EPROM (UV) | 3.5 KB EPROM (UV) | 3.5 KB EPROM (UV) | 3.5 KB EPROM (UV) | 1.75 KB EPROM (UV) | 3.5 KB Flash |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit (improved accuracy) | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit |
| USART | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Production Migration Recommended | Windowed (development only) | Windowed (development) | Windowed 4 MHz | Windowed 20 MHz | Legacy, not recommended | Yes - production target |
Key Differentiators
- Windowed UV-erasable EPROM in ceramic CDIP package (vs PIC16F72-I/SP)
- Active production migration path recommended by Microchip (vs PIC16C71/JW)
- 20 MHz peak instruction rate in mid-range 8-bit core (vs PIC16C72-04/JW)
Design Notes
PIC16C72/JW operates from a single 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to each Vdd pin (pins 17 and 26) and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic near the supply input. The brown-out reset (BOR) circuit detects supply droops and holds the device in reset - configure BOR voltage per the datasheet to match the minimum regulated rail. Estimated: with both Vdd pins tied, the part draws roughly 5-15 mA active at 20 MHz depending on peripheral usage.
The 28-CDIP package allows through-hole assembly, but keep crystal traces short and symmetric to minimize stray capacitance. If using the ADC, route analog inputs (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching lines and place the analog ground (Vss at pin 5 or 16) close to the analog reference bypass capacitor. The unused digital I/O pins should be configured as outputs or tied to defined logic levels to minimize supply current.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum voltage of 7 V on any pin. When migrating firmware from PIC16C72 to PIC16C72A, double-check the ADC configuration registers - the A revision changed the acquisition-time recommended values. When migrating to PIC16F72-I/SP, account for Flash programming registers that differ from EPROM programming. Windowed ceramic CDIP packages are not designed for high-volume assembly - plan to migrate to plastic /P, /SO, or /SP variants for production.
Compliance Information
Windowed ceramic CDIP packages typically contain lead-bearing ceramic and glass; verify RoHS status with manufacturer for the specific date code before procurement.
