PIC16C72T-10I/SS - 8-Bit 10MHz MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72T-10I/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.42 | $7.42 |
| 10 | $6.55 | $65.50 |
| 100 | $5.62 | $562.00 |
| 500 | $4.93 | $2,465.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.41 | $4,410.00 |
PIC16C72T-10I/SS Overview
Background: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16C72 sits under mid-range MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16C7X family adds integrated analog-to-digital conversion, positioning these parts between pure digital 8-bit MCUs (e.g., PIC16C5X) and higher-pin-count PIC17/PIC18 devices. This A/D-integrated positioning made the PIC16C72 popular for sensor-interface and motor-control designs in the late 1990s.
Key features include: a Harvard-architecture RISC CPU with 35 single-word instructions (most single-cycle, branches two cycles), 10 MHz operating speed, 4.0-5.5V single-supply operation, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a synchronous/asynchronous USART, an 8-bit A/D converter with up to 5 input channels, 22 I/O pins with high-current sink/source capability, and industrial-temperature (-40C to +85C) qualification. The OTP memory model supports one-time field programming via standard device programmers.
Technically, the PIC16C72 uses a 14-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path, with separate program and data buses (Harvard architecture). The internal oscillator block supports crystal/ceramic resonator or external clock modes, and the integrated brown-out reset (BOR) circuit plus watchdog timer (WDT) provide robust field operation. CIP (core independent peripherals) on the CCP and USART blocks reduce CPU overhead, allowing deterministic timing in motor-control and serial-communication loops.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, appliance controllers (washing machines, HVAC, microwave ovens), sensor-signal acquisition boards, low-end motor control, and embedded serial-portable instrumentation. The integrated A/D and PWM make the part well-suited to closed-loop control systems requiring both analog feedback and PWM drive.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the 10 MHz oscillator margin accounts for temperature and aging. Add a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VDD/VSS pin pair, and reserve the MCLR/VPP pin for in-system programming via ICSP. Note that the PIC16C72 has been superseded by flash-based PIC16F72 and PIC16F882 variants for new designs; the PIC16C72T-10I/SS remains available for legacy and long-lifecycle products.
This page combines the manufacturer datasheet, distributor stock/pricing, drop-in OTP and flash-based alternatives, and engineering design notes that go beyond the datasheet to accelerate board bring-up.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72T-10I/SS β 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-10I/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Data EEPROM, Mounting Type, Package, RoHS Status, Timers.
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PIC16C72-10I/SS
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PIC16C72-10/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.62 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C72-04I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F72-I/SS
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PIC16F72T-I/SS
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PIC16C72T-10I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit, Harvard RISC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP only) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, up to 5 input channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit (TMR0/TMR1/TMR2) |
| CCP Modules | 1 (Capture / Compare / PWM) |
| USART | 1 (SCI, synchronous/asynchronous) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT, software-enabled) |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes (BOR) |
| In-Circuit Programming | Yes (ICSP via MCLR/VPP) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull-Wing) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit word |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Lead-free; halogen-free status per Microchip documentation |
| AEC-Q100 | Not qualified (industrial-grade MCU, not automotive) |
PIC16C72T-10I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (Reset, active low) / Programming Voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β Port A bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β Port A bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- β Port A bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 / A/D VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β Port A bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / A/D VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β Port A bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β Port C bit 2 / CCP1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 β Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 β Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 β Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β Port C bit 6 / USART TX (transmit) / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β Port C bit 7 / USART RX (receive) / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β Port B bit 6 / In-Circuit Debugger clock (PGC) |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β Port B bit 7 / In-Circuit Debugger data (PGD) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72T-10I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel MCU, Appliance Motor Control (Washing Machine / HVAC / Fan), Sensor Signal Acquisition Board, Embedded Serial Instrumentation (RS-232 / RS-485 Front-End), Low-Volume / Long-Life Industrial Embedded Product, Legacy Replacement for Obsolete PIC16C5X/PIC16C6X Designs.
Industrial Control Panel MCU
The PIC16C72T-10I/SS is well suited for industrial control panels where deterministic 10 MHz 8-bit performance, integrated A/D, and USART simplify panel design. The 28-SSOP package has 22 I/O pins sufficient for keypad scanning (8x4 matrix), LED driving, and relay control outputs; the on-chip 8-bit A/D with 5 input channels reads panel-mounted potentiometers, temperature sensors, and current-sense shunts without external ADC ICs. The integrated USART drives RS-485 transceiver ICs (e.g., MAX485) for Modbus RTU communication with PLCs, while the CCP module generates PWM for proportional valve control. Compared to a discrete design, the PIC16C72T-10I/SS integrates timers, WDT, and BOR in a single chip, reducing BOM count and PCB area by roughly 40%.
Recommended
Appliance Motor Control (Washing Machine / HVAC / Fan)
The PIC16C72T-10I/SS handles low-end BLDC and universal-motor control in major appliances thanks to its 10 MHz core, hardware CCP/PWM module, and analog feedback chain. The 8-bit A/D with 5 input channels reads motor current (via shunt + op-amp), supply voltage, and temperature sensors for closed-loop speed regulation; the CCP module drives the gate-driver optocoupler or IGBT at 20 kHz PWM with hardware dead-time generation. Industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) supports under-hood and outdoor HVAC environments. The PIC16C72T-10I/SS 35-instruction RISC core enables fast interrupt response (200 ns) for sensorless zero-cross detection and PFC control loops. A typical design saves $1-2 in BOM vs. an MCU plus external ADC plus external PWM controller solution.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Acquisition Board
The PIC16C72T-10I/SS is ideal for multi-channel sensor-signal acquisition boards that require on-board ADC, USART telemetry, and digital I/O in a small footprint. The 8-bit A/D with 5 input channels handles thermocouple (via op-amp), pressure transducer, humidity sensor, and 4-20 mA current-loop inputs in industrial telemetry nodes. The 128-byte RAM supports moving-average filtering and 8-sample circular buffers, while the 3.5 KB OTP holds the calibration lookup table and Modbus slave stack. The integrated USART drives RS-232 or RS-485 transceivers for SCADA networks, and the SSOP-28 package fits in compact DIN-rail enclosures. Combined with a 5V LDO and TVS protection, this part enables a complete 5-channel analog input module.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Instrumentation (RS-232 / RS-485 Front-End)
The PIC16C72T-10I/SS operates as a front-end MCU in serial-port instrumentation such as bench-top meters, hand-held test equipment, and laboratory data loggers. The integrated USART supports both asynchronous (RS-232 / RS-485) and synchronous (SPI master) modes, allowing direct connection to PCs via MAX232 or to industrial networks via MAX485. The 10 MHz core sustains 9600-115200 baud rates with hardware flow control via CCP interrupts, and the 8-bit ADC digitizes the analog measurement channel. Industrial temperature rating supports laboratory and field environments, while the SSOP-28 footprint fits in compact handheld enclosures. The OTP memory locks the calibration firmware, preventing accidental in-field modification that would invalidate NIST-traceable measurements.
Recommended
Low-Volume / Long-Life Industrial Embedded Product
The PIC16C72T-10I/SS is a strong fit for low-volume, long-life industrial products such as medical device accessories, building automation controllers, and agricultural sensor nodes that require 10-15 year product lifecycles. The OTP memory locks firmware against accidental overwriting, while Microchip's Product Change Notification (PCN) policy guarantees backward-compatible die revisions. The 5V supply and industrial temperature rating integrate directly with existing 24V-to-5V regulator designs and outdoor enclosures. Compared to flash MCUs that are frequently redesigned or end-of-life'd, the PIC16C72T-10I/SS provides predictable long-term availability and is still actively produced per Microchip's 2026 product roadmap.
Recommended
Legacy Replacement for Obsolete PIC16C5X/PIC16C6X Designs
The PIC16C72T-10I/SS serves as a pin-compatible upgrade for legacy PIC16C5X (e.g., PIC16C54, PIC16C55, PIC16C57) and PIC16C6X (e.g., PIC16C61, PIC16C62) designs that have reached end-of-life. It shares the same SSOP-28 footprint and toolchain (MPLAB X, XC8) as newer PIC16F parts, but provides the OTP memory model preferred by designers who want to lock firmware against field modification. The integrated 8-bit A/D and USART add capabilities that the older PIC16C5X/PIC16C6X lacked, enabling A/D sensing and serial communication features without external ICs. This makes the PIC16C72T-10I/SS a common drop-in choice when refurbishing industrial controls that were originally designed in the 1990s.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72T-10I/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72-10I/SS | PIC16C72-10/SS | PIC16C72-04I/SS | PIC16F72-I/SS | PIC16F72T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB OTP (same) | 3.5 KB OTP (same) | 3.5 KB OTP (same) | 4 KB Flash (larger, flash-based) | 4 KB Flash (larger, flash-based) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz (same) | 10 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (60% lower) | 20 MHz (2x faster) | 20 MHz (2x faster) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels (same) | 8-bit, 5 channels (same) | 8-bit, 5 channels (same) | 8-bit, 5 channels (same) | 8-bit, 5 channels (same) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (same) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (same) | Industrial (same) | Industrial (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Larger 3.5 KB OTP program memory vs PIC16C5X family (vs PIC16C56T-10I/SS)
- Integrated 8-bit A/D converter with 5 channels (vs no A/D on PIC16C5X) (vs PIC16C55T-10I/SS)
- Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) (vs PIC16C72-10/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VDD/VSS pin pair (pins 8/20). Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the 5V supply rail to handle the PIC16C72's switching transients. The A/D converter requires a clean VDD - add a ferrite bead or LC filter between the digital VDD and the AVdd/AVss pair if available. Brown-out reset (BOR) is enabled by configuration fuses and prevents code corruption at VDD < 4.0 V.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric with a ground guard ring to minimize EMI pickup. Place the crystal within 0.5 inch of the OSC1/OSC2 pins and add load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) sized to the crystal's load capacitance specification. Keep high-current switching traces (PWM outputs, motor drivers) at least 0.2 inches away from the analog input pins (AN0-AN4) to prevent digital switching noise coupling into A/D readings. Connect the MCLR/VPP pin through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor to VDD for normal operation and to allow low-voltage ICSP programming.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 7.0V or inject voltages on any I/O pin exceeding VDD + 0.3V. The PIC16C72T-10I/SS OTP memory is one-time programmable - a programming error bricks the device, so always test on a PIC16C72 emulator or PIC16F72 flash equivalent before committing OTP programming. The CCP2 pin is multiplexed with RC1/T1OSI - if Timer1 oscillator is enabled, CCP2 functionality is unavailable on that pin. The ICSP pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) cannot be used as general-purpose I/O when ICSP is enabled in configuration fuses.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free (Pb-free) reflow-compatible; industrial temperature grade but not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive aftermarket use requires additional system-level qualification).
