PIC16C72A-20I/ML - 8-bit OTP MCU 3.5KB Flash 28-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72A-20I/ML β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.1 | $5.10 |
| 10 | $4.85 | $48.50 |
| 100 | $4.2 | $420.00 |
| 500 | $3.65 | $1,825.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.1 | $3,100.00 |
PIC16C72A-20I/ML Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path with non-erasable program memory; it sits within the broader taxonomy of MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. PIC16C72A devices target cost-sensitive, low-to-mid volume applications where field reprogrammability is not required, and they remain upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX baselines, preserving legacy code investment.
Key features include two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, a synchronous serial port configurable as either 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C, and a 20 MHz external oscillator interface. The '20I' suffix denotes the 20 MHz speed grade and the industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature range, while '/ML' specifies the 28-VQFN (6x6 mm) exposed-pad surface-mount package.
The PIC16C72A uses a Harvard RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions, supporting easy assembly or C programming. Its wide operating voltage range (2.5 V to 6.0 V) and low-power CMOS design make it well-suited to battery-powered or industrial sensor applications. The integrated ADC and CCP peripherals reduce BOM count in motor-control, lighting, and analog monitoring designs.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, HVAC sensor interfaces, simple motor-control and PWM-driven loads, low-end consumer electronics, and industrial control modules. The combination of OTP memory, A/D, and serial peripherals also suits it for sensor-hub prototyping.
When designing with this device, remember that OTP memory is one-time-programmable - firmware must be fully validated before wafer programming. The exposed thermal pad on the VQFN-28 must be soldered to a ground copper pour for mechanical and thermal performance. Decoupling VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin is recommended.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72A-20I/ML β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F72-I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72A-20I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C73B-20I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72A-20I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Module | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interface | SSP - SPI or I2C |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Speed Grade | 20 MHz |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited at <=30C/85%RH) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C72A-20I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 β Port A bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS β Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 6 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 7 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 8 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 9 | RC2/CCP1 β Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 11 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 12 | RC5/SDO β Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 13 | RC6 β Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 14 | RC7 β Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 15 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 16 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 21 | RB6 β Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 22 | RB7 β Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 23 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 24 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 25 | RA0/AN0 β Port A bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1/AN1 β Port A bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 27 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72A-20I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Board, HVAC Sensor Interface Module, Low-End PWM Motor Driver, Industrial Control I/O Module, LED Lighting Controller, Simple Consumer Electronics.
Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C72A-20I/ML fits appliance control boards where its 3.5 KB OTP memory holds fixed control firmware for washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave user interfaces. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature sensors, water level, and door-switch states directly without external multiplexer. Its 28-VQFN package saves board space inside compact control enclosures, while the 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range accepts rectified 5 V or 3.3 V rails typical in appliance power supplies. The CCP module drives TRIAC phase-control outputs for heater or motor PWM at 50/60 Hz line frequency, replacing discrete timer circuitry.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C72A-20I/ML is well matched to HVAC sensor interface modules that aggregate temperature, humidity, and pressure readings for downstream controllers. Its 5-channel ADC scans multiple analog sensors with hardware sample-and-hold, while the SSP peripheral streams converted data over SPI or I2C to a host processor. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports unheated rooftop or basement installations. The wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V operating range accommodates 3.3 V sensor rails and 5 V industrial buses, eliminating the need for level shifters in mixed-voltage HVAC backplanes.
Recommended
Low-End PWM Motor Driver
The PIC16C72A-20I/ML drives low-power brushed DC and small BLDC motors via its CCP module, generating PWM up to 20 MHz instruction rate with 10-bit resolution. The 22 I/O pins handle direction, brake, tachometer feedback, and fault inputs without external logic. The 28-VQFN exposed pad dissipates up to ~1 W at full industrial operating temperature when soldered to a 1 square inch copper pour, adequate for enclosed motor housings. OTP memory locks the motor-control firmware to prevent field tampering, while the wide supply range survives motor back-EMF events clamped by the supply rail.
Recommended
Industrial Control I/O Module
The PIC16C72A-20I/ML anchors industrial control I/O modules that digitize 4-20 mA loops, opto-isolated digital inputs, and relay outputs. Its industrial -40C to +85C rating and 5-channel ADC enable multi-channel monitoring in factory automation enclosures. The SSP port links to a backplane master over I2C for distributed I/O architectures. OTP memory ensures the module firmware cannot be accidentally rewritten in the field, important in safety-critical industrial installations. The 28-VQFN footprint supports high-density DIN-rail-mounted modules where PCB area is at a premium.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16C72A-20I/ML controls LED drivers and color-mixing circuits via its CCP PWM output and 8-bit ADC for light-level feedback. The 35-instruction RISC core executes 200 ns per instruction, sufficient for high-frequency PWM dimming without flicker artifacts. The 22 I/O pins drive multiple LED strings with individual enable lines, while the SPI port chains addressable LED drivers for architectural lighting. Industrial temperature rating suits outdoor luminaires, and OTP memory secures the dimming curve against field modification. The 28-VQFN package fits compact LED driver enclosures.
Recommended
Simple Consumer Electronics
The PIC16C72A-20I/ML powers simple consumer electronics such as remote controls, toys, kitchen timers, and small appliances where 3.5 KB OTP is sufficient for user-interface logic. Its 35-instruction RISC core is easy to program in assembly or C, lowering firmware development cost for high-volume products. The 5-channel ADC reads battery voltage, button voltage dividers, and simple analog sensors. Wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range accepts 2x AA alkaline or Li-ion packs directly. OTP memory prevents end-user firmware theft - a security advantage in cost-sensitive consumer products.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72A-20I/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F72-I/ML | PIC16C72A-20I/SP | PIC16C73B-20I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (same) | 28-SPDIP (NOT same SMD) | 28-SPDIP (NOT same SMD) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (same) | Microchip Technology (same) | Microchip Technology (same) |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB OTP (same) | 7 KB OTP (+100%) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 192 bytes (+50%) |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit (same) | 5 x 8-bit (same) | 8 x 8-bit (+3) |
| Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time-program) | Flash (in-circuit reprogrammable) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory secures firmware against field tampering (vs PIC16F72-I/ML)
- Industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature (vs Consumer-grade PIC16C72 variants)
- Smallest SMD footprint in the PIC16C72A family (vs PIC16C72A-20I/SP (28-SPDIP))
Design Notes
The 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (EP) must be soldered to a ground copper pour for both mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. A minimum 1 square inch copper area on a 2-layer FR4 board keeps junction temperature within industrial -40C to +85C limits at full operating power. Vias-in-pad beneath the EP improve thermal conductivity to inner layers but require filled-via plating to prevent solder wicking during assembly. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 23) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic within 10 mm.
OTP (One-Time-Programmable) memory is non-erasable - firmware must be fully validated before wafer programming. Schedule a final firmware validation cycle with code review, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and EMC pre-compliance scans before committing to the production mask. Using the flash-based sibling PIC16F72-I/ML during development and migrating to PIC16C72A-20I/ML for cost-down production avoids re-spin costs if firmware changes are needed.
Estimated: At 20 MHz clock, 5.0 V VDD, and all 22 I/O pins toggling at full CMOS load, the PIC16C72A-20I/ML draws approximately 15-20 mA, dissipating 75-100 mW. With the EP properly soldered to a 1 square inch copper pour, theta_JA is approximately 35 C/W, yielding a junction temperature rise of 3.5 C above ambient - well within industrial limits. Without the EP soldered, theta_JA exceeds 80 C/W and ambient temperature must stay below 60C for reliable operation.
The SSP peripheral operates as either SPI master/slave or I2C master/slave, but not both simultaneously. For designs requiring both buses, use software bit-banging on general-purpose I/O pins - performance is sufficient for sub-100 kHz peripherals. Keep SPI clock traces under 50 mm and add 22-33 ohm series resistors near the driver to dampen reflections on multi-slave buses. Pull-up resistors of 4.7 kohm are mandatory on I2C SDA/SCL lines even when the PIC is the only master.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this is an industrial-grade part not intended for automotive safety-critical applications. For automotive designs, use PIC16F72-I/ML or PIC16F873A equivalents.
