PIC16C72A-04I/SP - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 22 I/O 5xADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72A-04I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.5 | $7.50 |
| 10 | $6.75 | $67.50 |
| 100 | $5.95 | $595.00 |
| 500 | $5.2 | $2,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.65 | $4,650.00 |
PIC16C72A-04I/SP Overview
What is a PIC 16C microcontroller? The PIC 16C family is Microchip's classic mid-range 8-bit OTP (one-time-programmable) microcontroller line built on a Harvard architecture CMOS process, succeeding the PIC 16C5X baseline. PIC microcontrollers are RISC-style single-cycle-instruction devices widely used in embedded control where deterministic timing, low cost, and ease of programming in assembly or C are priorities, sitting in the broader taxonomy of microcontroller -> embedded controller -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor.
The PIC16C72A integrates 22 digital I/O pins with individual direction control, a 5-channel 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), an 8-bit Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler, a 16-bit Timer1 with prescaler (increments during sleep via external crystal), a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, and a Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) configurable as either 3-wire SPI™ or 2-wire I²C™. Brown-Out Reset (BOR) circuitry protects against supply-voltage dips below the 4.0 V minimum operating threshold, ensuring defined power-on behavior.
From an architectural standpoint, the device uses a 14-bit instruction word with only 35 single-word instructions, providing upwards code compatibility with PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX baselines and a compact, deterministic programming model. Power supply is 4.0–5.5 V (extended commercial range), with low-power sleep and watchdog-termination primitives that extend battery and standby operation.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, motor control via the CCP/PWM peripheral, analog signal acquisition through the 5-channel 8-bit ADC, SPI/I²C slave peripherals for sensor hubs, and Brown-Out-Reset-protected consumer appliances. Industrial control and instrumentation is the dominant vertical because of the wide temperature grade and 5 ADC channels. Selection between PIC16C72A and the flash-based PIC16F72A is governed by whether OTP one-time programming fits the production model; many designs migrate to PIC16F72A for in-field re-programmability.
When designing with this device, ensure the 28-SPDIP socket or PCB footprint matches Microchip's recommended land pattern; pin 1 is marked by the notch/dot convention of the SPDIP family. Because OTP memory cannot be erased, plan for code-finalization before programming or select the PIC16F72A flash equivalent for iterative development. Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD/AVDD/VSS and follow Microchip ANs for SSP/SPI and I²C bus pull-ups.
This page synthesizes verified DigiKey/Mouser distributor pricing, Microchip PIC16C72A datasheet parameters, drop-in alternative cross-references, and practical design notes not assembled in any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72A-04I/SP — 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 PIC16C72A-04I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Capture/Compare/PWM, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72A-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72A-10I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F72A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72A-04I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit) + Timer1 (16-bit) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 x CCP module |
| Serial Interface | SSP - SPI or I²C |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Brown-Out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP, 0.300 inch) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Instruction Execution | 200 ns per instruction |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions (14-bit) |
PIC16C72A-04I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0 to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72A-04I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Board, Motor Control via CCP/PWM, Consumer Appliance Control, SPI Sensor Hub / Display Driver, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Hobby and Educational Development Board.
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16C72A-04I/SP suits multi-channel sensor-interface PCBs where 8-bit ADC precision is acceptable and the 5 analog inputs are sufficient. Its 5-channel 8-bit ADC and 22 I/O pins allow direct connection of temperature, pressure, and digital sensors to a single chip, while the SSP module configured as I²C reads external sensor hubs. Industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) and BOR handle harsh-environment power rails. Unlike higher-end 32-bit MCUs, the 8-bit PIC core keeps BOM cost low.
Recommended
Motor Control via CCP/PWM
The PIC16C72A-04I/SP is well matched to brushed-DC and small stepper motor control where the 8-bit core and 4 MHz clock are adequate for low-frequency PWM. The on-chip Capture/Compare/PWM module generates the PWM control signals to MOSFET or BJT drivers, while the 16-bit Timer1 sets the PWM period. Industrial temperature grade supports motor-bearing-housing environments. Trade-off: at 4 MHz the 200 ns instruction execution may limit high-Kv brushless DC control loops.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C72A-04I/SP fits appliance control boards (small kitchen equipment, washing-machine sub-modules) where the OTP-programmed 8-bit PIC keeps unit cost minimal. The 22 I/O pins drive relay and triac actuators, the 5-channel ADC reads thermistor and water-level sensors, and the SSP as I²C talks to EEPROM for user settings. BOR protects against brown-out events from inductive-load switching. Industrial temperature range supports inside-cabinet mounting.
Recommended
SPI Sensor Hub / Display Driver
The PIC16C72A-04I/SP can act as a small SPI hub, polling multiple SPI slaves (sequensors, ADC chips, LED drivers) and forwarding their data over UART or I²C. The SSP module operates as 3-wire SPI master, with up to 22 GPIO for chip-select lines. 3.5 KB OTP holds the polling/scheduling code. Use the 8-bit core when a 32-bit MCU is overkill and BOM cost is the primary constraint.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC16C72A-04I/SP industrial temperature grade and BOR circuit make it a candidate for portable instrumentation where supply dips are common. The 8-bit core, modest 4 MHz clock, and OTP memory minimize active current; sleep mode with Timer1 external-crystal wake-up provides low standby drain. Trade-off: OTP precludes field firmware updates, so code must be locked-down before programming.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Development Board
The PIC16C72A-04I/SP's 28-SPDIP through-hole package, 4 MHz clock, and PIC mid-range architecture make it a common teaching and prototyping target. The 22 I/O pins are easily accessible on a breadboard via the DIP form factor, and the SSP/SPI+I²C peripheral introduces students to common serial buses. The OTP limitation encourages disciplined code-finalization before programming. Engineers who later need field updates should evaluate PIC16F72A-I/SP instead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72A-04I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72A-04I/SO | PIC16C72A-20I/SP | PIC16C72A-10I/SP | PIC16C72-04I/SP | PIC16F72A-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SPDIP (SP) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
Key Differentiators
- Mid-range 8-bit PIC core with 5 analog inputs in 28-SPDIP (vs PIC16C711-04I/P (only 4 ADC channels))
- Integrated CCP module for PWM (vs PIC16C711-04I/P)
- Brown-Out Reset (BOR) for power-supply robustness (vs PIC16C71-04I/P (older generation))
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor adjacent to the VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The PIC16C72A-04I/SP Brown-Out Reset (BOR) circuit monitors VDD; ensure that the supply droop during inrush into downstream loads does not dip below 4.0 V for more than a few µs, or the BOR will reset the device unintentionally. If the design source is a 3.3 V rail, use the PIC16F72A or PIC16LF198GA low-Voltage variants instead.
The 28-SPDIP footprint places pins on a 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) pitch. Route the analog traces (RA0-RA5) away from the digital switching lines on RC0-RC7 to minimize ADC crosstalk. Place the analog AVSS/VDD pair (when used) close to the MCU with their own decoupling. According to Microchip ANs, sharing AVSS with VSS at a single star-ground point near the MCU improves 8-bit ADC noise performance.
OTP memory cannot be erased - verify the code is finalized before programming to avoid scrapped parts. The '-I' suffix indicates industrial temperature range, NOT the part is immune to ESD - follow ESD handling practices. The '04' speed grade is 4 MHz maximum; if the oscillator exceeds this (e.g., due to a wrong crystal), the chip will fail to execute instructions reliably. Use the '20' speed variant for higher-clock headroom.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not confirmed in verified web data - marked 'unknown' pending datasheet verification. 'I' temperature range is industrial (-40 °C to +85 °C), not automotive; AEC-Q100 is not applicable.
