PIC16C72T-20E/SO - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72T-20E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.55 | $65.50 |
| 100 | $5.8 | $580.00 |
| 500 | $5.15 | $2,575.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.65 | $4,650.00 |
PIC16C72T-20E/SO Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, and peripherals. The 'OTP' suffix means the program memory can be written only once - it is mask-ROM-equivalent in cost but flash-free for low-to-mid volume production. Mid-range PIC MCUs sit in Microchip's product hierarchy below enhanced mid-range (PIC16F1xxx) and above baseline (PIC10/14/16x) families. OTP PIC16C parts target cost-optimised, high-volume automotive and industrial designs where code is finalised before production.
The device features five 8-bit ADC channels, one 8-bit PWM/CCP channel, hardware I2C and SPI peripherals, a 22-strong I/O pinout, brown-out reset, power-on reset (POR), and a watchdog timer. With 35 single-word instructions (most single-cycle, branches two-cycle) and 8 hardware stack levels, the PIC16C72 line is intended for fast control loops in cost-sensitive products where deterministic execution is valued over raw MIPS.
Operating from 4.0 V to 5.5 V across the -40°C to +125°C automotive range, the part dissipates typical 5 mA active / <1 µA standby. Integrated analog and digital peripherals allow direct interfacing of sensors, EEPROMs, and H-bridges without external glue logic, while CMOS static design yields near-zero standby power for always-on applications.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers (window lifters, mirror controllers), HVAC damper actuators, security-system keypads, and small industrial sensor nodes. Choose this part when BOM cost dominates and code is stable - migrate to PIC16F72 or PIC16F882 for in-circuit reprogrammability.
For layout, place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD/SS, keep the MCLR trace short to the ICSP header, and reserve a 4-pin header for programming.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and engineering design notes that are not present in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72T-20E/SO — 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-20E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72T-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72AT-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F72-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C717-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72T-20E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit mid-range |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions (RISC), mostly single-cycle |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| PWM / CCP | 1 x 8-bit |
| Serial Peripherals | I2C (MSSP), SPI (MSSP) |
| Timers | TMR0, TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Brown-out Reset / POR | Yes |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 8 levels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Automotive) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape and Reel) |
PIC16C72T-20E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / VREF- |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Port A bit 5 / Slave Select / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 5 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Port E bit 0 / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 6 | RE1/WR/CCP2 — Port E bit 1 / Write control / CCP2 output |
| Pin 7 | RE2/CS — Port E bit 2 / Chip Select control |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock out |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock in |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 21 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 22 | RC0/T1OSO — Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output |
| Pin 23 | RC1/T1OSI — Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input |
| Pin 24 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 25 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 26 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 27 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 28 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / Programming voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72T-20E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, HVAC Damper Actuator, Security Keypad Controller, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery-Operated Remote Control, Small Appliance Control Board.
Automotive Body Control Module
The PIC16C72T-20E/SO is well-suited to automotive body controllers such as window lifters, mirror position controllers, and seat adjusters because of its automotive -40 C to +125 C rating and OTP memory that locks in certified code. The 20 MHz core provides 5 MIPS, sufficient for closed-loop position control with sub-millisecond sampling. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads potentiometer feedback for mirror and seat positions, while the PWM channel drives the motor H-bridge. AEC-Q100 grade via the PIC16C72AT-20E/SO sibling makes this family standard across automotive subsystems.
Recommended
HVAC Damper Actuator
The PIC16C72T-20E/SO suits HVAC damper actuators because it integrates a 5-channel ADC for temperature and position feedback, plus an 8-bit PWM channel for servo control of the damper motor. The OTP memory locks calibration data, ensuring field-replaceable units perform identically. Low standby current (<1 µA typical) keeps battery drain low in thermostats that are always powered. Hardware I2C lets the actuator communicate with the central HVAC controller without external glue logic.
Recommended
Security Keypad Controller
The PIC16C72T-20E/SO is a good fit for security-system keypads where its 22 I/O pins directly drive a 4x4 key matrix without external scan logic, while its 3.5 KB OTP memory stores the PIN verification and encryption code. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against code runaway and supply glitches, both required for UL-listed security equipment. The OTP lock prevents firmware reverse-engineering, an important security attribute. Hardware SPI connects to an external EEPROM for tamper-event logging.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C72T-20E/SO handles industrial 4-20 mA sensor interface modules because its 5-channel 8-bit ADC digitises multiple analog sensor outputs and its hardware I2C manages an external DAC and EEPROM. The -40 C to +125 C operating range covers factory-floor temperature swings. The PIC16C72AT-20E/SO upgrade path provides AEC-Q100 reliability data for harsh industrial installations. The PWM channel drives a status LED for visual indication of sensor health and alarm conditions.
Recommended
Battery-Operated Remote Control
The PIC16C72T-20E/SO suits battery-operated remote controls because of its sub-microamp sleep current and its hardware PWM channel that drives an LED or buzzer with precise timing. The 20 MHz clock supports RC5/RC6 or SIRC IR protocol encoding for TV and set-top box remote control applications. The OTP memory locks the manufacturer-specific key code, preventing unauthorised cloning. Brown-out reset prevents undefined behaviour on weak batteries.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C72T-20E/SO is ideal for small appliance control boards (coffee makers, blenders, washing-machine sub-controllers) where BOM cost dominates and the OTP memory locks the final code after qualification. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature, water level, and motor current; the PWM channel drives a TRIAC for heater control. Hardware I2C interfaces to an LED driver for user feedback. According to the Microchip mid-range family guide, the PIC16C72 is the standard reference design in this segment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72T-20E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72T-20/SO | PIC16C72AT-20E/SO | PIC16F72-I/SO | PIC16C72-20/SO | PIC16C717-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3.5 KB / 2K x 14) | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) | Flash (3.5 KB) - reprogrammable | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 8 x 10-bit |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Automotive) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (Automotive) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Serial Peripherals | I2C (MSSP), SPI (MSSP) | I2C, SPI | I2C, SPI | I2C, SPI, AUSART | I2C, SPI | I2C, SPI, AUSART |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C) standard, not industrial (vs PIC16F72-I/SO)
- OTP memory locks certified firmware at production (vs PIC16F72-I/SO)
- Higher ADC resolution and channel count compared to siblings (vs PIC16C717-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor (X7R ceramic) within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 11) and another between VDD and VSS (pin 10). For ADC accuracy, add a 10 uF tantalum bulk capacitor at the board supply. The PIC16C72T-20E/SO has 4.0-5.5 V supply range; operation below 4 V is not guaranteed and can cause ADC non-linearity, brown-out resets, and EEPROM write failures. Estimated supply current: 5 mA typical at 20 MHz active, <1 uA standby.
Keep the MCLR/VPP trace (pin 28) short to the ICSP header for reliable programming. Place the 4-pin ICSP connector (MCLR/VPP, VDD, VSS, PGD, PGC) at the board edge to allow factory programming. According to the Microchip PIC16C7X family datasheet, the MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if hardware reset is desired; otherwise connect directly to VDD for permanent non-reset operation. Keep analog traces (AN0-AN4) away from PWM and oscillator traces to minimise ADC noise coupling.
Do not confuse the PIC16C72T-20E/SO (OTP) with the PIC16F72-I/SO (flash) - they share the same 28-SOIC footprint but OTP memory cannot be erased. Brown-out reset (BOR) must be enabled in the configuration word for reliable automotive operation; default-disabled BOR may cause code runaway in noisy supply environments. Watchdog timer should be enabled in long-loop applications to recover from code lock-up. According to the Microchip datasheet, configuration bits can only be set once on OTP parts - verify all settings before production programming.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 qualification available on the PIC16C72AT-20E/SO sibling. RoHS/REACH compliance status not confirmed in provided data - [DATA_NEEDED]. Automotive temperature grade -40 C to +125 C per verified web sources.
