PIC16C72T-04/SS - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 22 I/O, SSOP-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72T-04/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.11 | $3.11 |
| 10 | $3.11 | $31.10 |
| 100 | $3.05 | $305.00 |
| 500 | $2.85 | $1,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.65 | $2,650.00 |
PIC16C72T-04/SS Overview
The PIC16C7x family is a high-performance 8-bit RISC microcontroller family based on the Microchip PIC architecture. RISC microcontrollers use a reduced instruction set of typically 35 single-word instructions, where most instructions execute in a single instruction cycle, providing deterministic latency in real-time systems. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C72 sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded microcontroller -> semiconductor. The "C" in PIC16Cxx denotes OTP/EPROM-based program memory (rather than flash, denoted "F"), making the C-series suited for production runs where firmware is finalized. The "72" variant adds a 5-channel 8-bit ADC and capture/compare/PWM modules, distinguishing it from the simpler PIC16C71.
Key features include a Harvard-architecture CPU with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction word, an 8-level hardware stack, 22 digital I/O pins multiplexed with peripheral functions, three timer modules (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2), a 5-channel 8-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), one capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C master/slave modes, and a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator. The OTP program memory is one-time writable via the standard Microchip ICSP programming interface.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, automotive body and chassis electronics, consumer appliance controls, and embedded systems in robotics. The combination of ADC, PWM, and serial peripherals makes it well suited for sensor interfacing and motor control.
When designing with this device, ensure the brown-out reset and watchdog timer are properly configured in firmware to avoid lockups. The OTP memory cannot be erased, so code must be fully validated before programming; use the PIC16C72 JW windowed CERDIP variant for development with UV-erasable EPROM.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SSOP-28 alternatives from the same Microchip PIC16C family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72T-04/SS — 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 PIC16C72T-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-10/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72AT-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F72-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72T-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Supply Voltage | 4 V to 5.5 V |
| Clock Speed | 4 MHz (input) |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| ADC | 5 channels, 8-bit |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| CCP Modules | 1 |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI, I2C (master/slave) via SSP |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Package | SSOP-28 (0.300 inch body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull wing) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Number of Terminals | 28 |
PIC16C72T-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 3, ADC reference voltage |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O, Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 4, SSP slave select |
| Pin 5 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 6 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output or clock output |
| Pin 7 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 oscillator/counter input |
| Pin 8 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 oscillator, Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 9 | RC2/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O, Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 10 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O, SSP SPI clock or I2C clock |
| Pin 11 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O, SSP SPI data in or I2C data |
| Pin 12 | RC5/SDO — Bidirectional I/O, SSP SPI data out |
| Pin 13 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O, external interrupt |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP clock |
| Pin 24 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP data |
| Pin 25 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 1 |
| Pin 27 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, SSOP-28 layout) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72T-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Consumer Appliance Controls, Embedded Robotics Platforms, Sensor Signal Conditioning Nodes, Power Management Front-Ends.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16C72T-04/SS fits industrial automation controllers because it combines a 5-channel 8-bit ADC for sensor readout with a CCP module for PWM motor drive and an SSP for SPI/I2C communication with downstream drivers. Operating from 4.0-5.5 V, it matches the standard 5 V control-rail of PLC subsystems and relay-driver boards. With 3.5 KB OTP and 128 bytes RAM, it can host small closed-loop control loops for valves, solenoids, and conveyor indexing. The watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator prevents lockups in unattended factory-floor installations.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C72T-04/SS is widely used in automotive body-electronics modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting drivers because its commercial-grade silicon tolerates the cabin environment and its 22 I/O pins multiplex comfortably with switches and relays. With one CCP channel, the MCU can drive a small DC-motor H-bridge via PWM, while the 5-channel ADC reads potentiometers and current-sense resistors. The brown-out reset holds the controller safely through cranking voltage dips. For underhood use, the industrial-temperature PIC16C72-04I/SS variant in the same SSOP-28 footprint is preferred.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controls
The PIC16C72T-04/SS serves as the control brain in white-goods appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Its 22 I/O pins interface directly with keypads, seven-segment LED displays, and triac-driver optocouplers for AC load switching. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC monitors temperature sensors (NTC), water-level sensors, and motor current. With 3.5 KB OTP, full appliance firmware including timing cycles and fault diagnostics fits comfortably. Brown-out reset ensures clean recovery from brown-outs during power-line disturbances common in household mains.
Recommended
Embedded Robotics Platforms
The PIC16C72T-04/SS is well matched to hobby and educational robotics controllers where 5 ADC channels read IR sensors and battery voltage, while the CCP module generates PWM for hobby servos. Its SSP supports SPI communication with off-the-shelf sensor breakouts (accelerometers, gyros). With 128 bytes RAM and 35 single-cycle instructions, simple line-following and obstacle-avoidance algorithms run predictably at 4 MHz. The SSOP-28 surface-mount package fits compact robot PCBs and reflow oversoldered prototypes cleanly.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Nodes
The PIC16C72T-04/SS is used as a distributed sensor-conditioning node because its 5-channel 8-bit ADC digitizes analog sensor outputs and its I2C/SPI SSP forwards them to a host controller. With 128 bytes RAM and 3.5 KB OTP, it executes linearization, calibration, and digital-filtering code locally, offloading the main CPU. The brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure field-deployed nodes survive supply transients and code faults. Operating at 4 MHz with 200 ns instruction cycle, the part samples at predictable intervals suitable for low-bandwidth process-control loops.
Recommended
Power Management Front-Ends
The PIC16C72T-04/SS functions as a supervisory MCU in small UPS, battery-balancer, and solar-charge-controller boards. It monitors battery voltage through the ADC, drives MOSFET gate drivers via PWM/CCP, and communicates status to the host via SPI/I2C. Its 22 I/O pins accommodate multiple cell-monitoring channels and status-LED indicators. The 4.0-5.5 V operating range suits 5 V logic-rail designs. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator provide fail-safe behavior in remote installations where firmware lockup is unacceptable.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72T-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72A-04/SS | PIC16C72-04/SS | PIC16C72-04I/SS | PIC16C72-10/SS | PIC16F72-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-28 | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 2 KB Flash |
| Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| CCP Modules | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel ("T") | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- 5-channel 8-bit ADC integrated (vs PIC16C71 (no ADC variant))
- SSOP-28 surface-mount with commercial temp grade (vs PIC16C72 JW (windowed CERDIP for development only))
- SSP module supports both SPI master/slave and I2C master/slave (vs PIC16F84 (no SSP, SPI-bit-bang only))
Design Notes
The PIC16C72T-04/SS operates from a single 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply on VDD (pin 20) with VSS (pin 19) as ground. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum on the same rail near the IC. Power-on rise time must be monotonic for proper POR; if VDD rise time is slow, enable the brown-out reset or use an external RC on MCLR for clean startup. Do not draw >25 mA total from any I/O bank without verifying VOH/VOL derating against total current.
The 28-pin SSOP package has 0.65 mm pitch; route traces with 0.2 mm (8 mil) minimum width and 0.1 mm clearance to satisfy the land pattern. Place the 4 MHz crystal (or ceramic resonator) within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 5/6) and ground both sides of the crystal-can with a short trace to VSS to minimize EMI pickup. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 27) needs a 10-100 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to VSS for ICSP programming and noise immunity.
Because the OTP program memory is one-time-writeable, code bugs cannot be fixed by re-programming. For development, use the PIC16C72 JW windowed CERDIP variant (not the SSOP) with UV-erasable EPROM. Also note that firmware intended for PIC16C72 may not run unchanged on PIC16C72A - check the comparator and BOR register differences in the migration guide. Finally, ensure WDT is enabled in production firmware; an unlocked WDT can hang the system if firmware enters an unintended infinite loop.
Compliance Information
Compliance information not provided in the verified web data. PIC16C-series OTP parts from this vintage were typically lead-containing; for confirmed RoHS-compliant designs use the PIC16F-series flash migration parts.
