PIC16C72T-04I/SS - 4MHz 8-Bit MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72T-04I/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.48 | $64.80 |
| 100 | $5.76 | $576.00 |
| 500 | $5.18 | $2,590.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.61 | $4,610.00 |
PIC16C72T-04I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals. Microcontrollers belong to the broader integrated circuit (IC) hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16C72 family occupies Microchip's classic mid-range PIC architecture, which uses a 14-bit instruction word and a Harvard bus to keep program and data memories separate, enabling deterministic single-cycle instruction execution on most opcodes.
Key features of the PIC16C72T-04I/SS include a 4 MHz maximum clock, 22 general-purpose digital I/O pins, a 5-channel 8-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a USART module for asynchronous serial communication, an SSP module supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and an industrial operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. The on-chip ADC removes the need for an external converter in low-resolution sensor designs.
The part uses Microchip's RISC core with only 35 single-word instructions, all single-cycle except program branches (which take two cycles). The OTP program memory makes it well suited for volume production where firmware is finalized, while the SSOP-28 footprint allows compact board placement with the T-suffix indicating tape-and-reel delivery for high-volume SMT assembly lines.
Typical applications include industrial control subsystems, sensor-interface front ends, low-speed motor control, appliance control boards, simple protocol bridges, and battery-powered instrumentation where the 4 MHz clock, 8-bit ADC, and integrated I2C/SPI peripherals cover the entire design without external glue logic.
Design tip: because this is an OTP device, firmware must be fully validated on a windowed or FLASH equivalent (such as PIC16F72) before committing to PIC16C72T-04I/SS in production. A 100 nF decoupling capacitor should be placed within 5 mm of VDD, and the MCLR pin must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from Microchip's PIC16C7x family, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72T-04I/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-04I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Program Memory Type, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72T-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72AT-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F72-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72T-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C mid-range RISC |
| Instruction Word Width | 14 bits |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit (CCP) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI / I2C master-slave) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (independent on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 6.0 V (industrial) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, "I" grade) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, Tape & Reel (T-suffix) |
PIC16C72T-04I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 / ADC reference voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 6 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / ADC input 4 |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 13 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 14 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 15 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 16 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 17 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 18 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART synchronous clock |
| Pin 19 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART synchronous data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72T-04I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Front End, Appliance Control Board (Washing Machine, Dishwasher), Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Low-Speed Motor Control (Fan, Pump, Valve), Simple Protocol Bridge / Gateway, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Industrial Sensor Interface Front End
The PIC16C72T-04I/SS is well suited to industrial sensor interface front ends thanks to its integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC, 22 GPIO pins, and industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature. The 4 MHz RISC core delivers 4 MIPS of throughput, sufficient to sample multiple analog inputs, run a digital filtering loop, and push results over the on-chip USART or SSP (SPI/I2C) to a host controller. The 3.5 KB OTP program memory accommodates mid-sized sensor protocols (e.g., simple Modbus RTU framing) without external storage. In a typical thermocouple board the MCU scans five RTD or thermistor channels, linearizes the readings, and reports via RS-485 - one chip replaces a discrete ADC plus logic.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board (Washing Machine, Dishwasher)
In appliance control boards the PIC16C72T-04I/SS runs keypad scanning, LED/LCD multiplexing, motor-control PWM, and safety timeout logic on a single chip. The 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM provides accurate control signals for triac-fired universal motors or solenoid valves, while the 8-bit timers service keypad debounce and buzzer tones. Industrial temperature rating plus the 4.0-6.0 V supply range tolerates rectified mains rails commonly found in white goods. The 22 GPIO pins drive 7-segment displays, keypads, relay banks, and status LEDs without needing an I/O expander, and the 3.5 KB OTP budget covers typical appliance state machines comfortably.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Battery-powered instruments such as handheld multimeters, portable gas detectors, and field data loggers benefit from the PIC16C72T-04I/SS's low-power 8-bit core, on-chip ADC, and SSP peripheral for I2C sensor interfacing. The 4 MHz clock can be gated down between measurements using the watchdog timer as a low-power wakeup source, stretching battery life. OTP memory ensures the firmware cannot be reverse-engineered through the program bus - important for calibrated instruments. The industrial temperature grade supports outdoor and automotive service environments, while the SSOP-28 footprint fits slim handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Low-Speed Motor Control (Fan, Pump, Valve)
The PIC16C72T-04I/SS integrates a 16-bit CCP module capable of generating PWM at up to the 4 MHz instruction rate, making it ideal for low-speed brushed DC motor, fan, pump, or proportional valve control. The 8-bit ADC reads back tachogenerator or current-sense signals for closed-loop PID, while GPIO pins drive H-bridge enable lines and direction logic. The 35-instruction RISC core executes a small PID loop in well under 100 microseconds, leaving headroom for keypad input and fault detection. The SSOP-28 package is small enough for embedded motor housings, and the 22 I/O lines drive end-stop, encoder, and indicator functions.
Recommended
Simple Protocol Bridge / Gateway
The PIC16C72T-04I/SS bridges between I2C sensor buses and UART host controllers, or between SPI peripherals and RS-232 links, all without external glue logic. The USART handles asynchronous serial framing, while the SSP module independently services SPI or I2C master-slave transactions, allowing concurrent protocol translation on two physical ports. The 3.5 KB OTP program memory holds protocol state machines and small translation tables, and the 128-byte RAM supports the working buffers needed for full-duplex bridging. Industrial temperature grade and the SSOP-28 footprint suit DIN-rail mounted industrial gateway products.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, seat controllers, and accessory timers, the PIC16C72T-04I/SS provides a cost-optimized 8-bit solution with industrial temperature rating and on-chip ADC for current sensing. Note that AEC-Q100 qualification is not available on this OTP part - it is appropriate for body electronics on a 12 V bus that is post-regulated and protected, but safety-critical ECUs require a different part. The PWM, USART, and SSP peripherals cover typical body-comfort functions, and the SSOP-28 footprint eases layout on space-constrained body modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72T-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72-04I/SS | PIC16C72T-04E/SS | PIC16C72AT-04E/SS | PIC16F72-I/SS | PIC16C712T-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB FLASH | 1.75 KB OTP |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 8 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 13 |
| ADC | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | FLASH | OTP |
| Delivery Form | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Compact 28-SSOP industrial-temperature OTP MCU with 4 MIPS throughput (vs PIC16C711T-20I/SS)
- 5-channel 8-bit on-chip ADC eliminates external converter (vs PIC16C711-04E/SS)
- Built-in USART plus SSP (SPI/I2C) for dual-protocol bridging (vs PIC16C56T-04I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 10) and a bulk capacitor (e.g., 10 uF tantalum or 4.7 uF ceramic) at the board entry point. The PIC16C72T-04I/SS operates from 4.0 V to 6.0 V; do not connect it directly to a 12 V automotive bus without a post-regulator. Hold MCLR high through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation, and add a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to VSS for noise immunity in industrial environments with long wiring harnesses.
Because PIC16C72T-04I/SS is an OTP device, firmware must be fully validated on a windowed (JW) part or on the FLASH-compatible PIC16F72-I/SS before committing to production programming. Engineering prototypes should never use the OTP variant because every firmware change requires a new part. Also note that this part is classified NRD (Not Recommended for New Designs) per Microchip lifecycle policy - new designs should evaluate PIC16F72-I/SS or a modern PIC16F1xxx successor that shares the same SSOP-28 footprint.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1, OSC2) short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring if possible, to minimize EMI pickup on the 4 MHz clock. Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the OSC pins. Keep the ICSP clock (PGC, pin 27) and data (PGD, pin 28) traces accessible for production programming - they double as PORTB[6:7] and should not be wired permanently low or high. The SSOP-28 footprint is shared with PIC16F72 and other PIC16C7x variants, enabling single-board support for OTP and FLASH variants.
Estimated: at VDD = 5 V and a 4 MHz clock, the PIC16C72T-04I/SS draws approximately 2 mA to 5 mA active and a few hundred microamps in sleep mode, for worst-case dissipation well under 25 mW. The SSOP-28 package's theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W means a junction rise of only ~2 C above ambient - no heatsinking is required. Designers can ignore thermal management for this part, but should still follow standard decoupling practices to keep digital switching noise off the analog ADC rails.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 not available on this OTP part. RoHS/REACH status not explicitly stated in the verified data - check with Microchip or distributor before committing to a lead-free assembly process.
