PIC16CR73T-I/ML - 7KB ROM 8-Bit MCU 28-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16CR73T-I/ML β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.52 | $4.52 |
| 10 | $4.07 | $40.70 |
| 100 | $3.61 | $361.00 |
| 500 | $3.25 | $1,625.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.89 | $2,890.00 |
PIC16CR73T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computing device integrating a CPU, RAM, ROM/Flash, timers, ADC, and digital I/O on a single silicon die. The PIC16C7x family uses Microchip's enhanced RISC architecture with a modified Harvard memory layout, executing one instruction per clock cycle (except branches) for predictable deterministic timing. The PIC16CR73 specifically targets cost-sensitive ROM-based high-volume designs, where the program image is mask-programmed at the factory and cannot be field-updated. The 'R' suffix distinguishes ROM parts from the flash-based PIC16F73, while 'C' indicates the CMOS process family.
Key features include 22 digital I/O pins, three timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2), a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, USART with 9-bit address detection, I2C/SPI master-slave synchronous port, and a 200ns instruction cycle at 20MHz. Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module provides 10-bit PWM output for motor and lighting control, while the watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator enhances system reliability without external components.
The architecture is built on Microchip's mature CMOS process with low-power nanopower variants. The Harvard split-bus design allows simultaneous instruction fetch and data access, and the 14-bit instruction word provides rich addressing with 35 single-word instructions. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for factory ROM variants and offers robust EMI/ESD performance typical of PIC mid-range devices.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, HVAC blower controllers, appliance user-interface boards, automotive body controllers, battery chargers, and sensor-conditioning front ends. The wide 2.5V to 5.5V operating range suits both 3.3V and 5V system rails, and the ROM-based architecture fits high-volume products where the firmware is stable and unit cost is critical.
When designing with the PIC16CR73T-I/ML, ensure the exposed pad of the 28-VQFN package is soldered to a sufficient copper thermal pour (at least 1 sq inch) to maintain junction temperature within the -40C to +85C industrial range. Because this is a ROM part, firmware changes require a new mask spin, so use the flash-based PIC16F73T-I/ML for prototype development and switch to the CR73 only after firmware is locked.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16CR73T-I/ML 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 PIC16CR73T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Architecture, Maximum Clock Speed, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73T-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CR73-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-04I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73A-10I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-04I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16CR73T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit CMOS RISC (PIC16 mid-range) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB ROM (mask-programmed) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 5 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module, 10-bit PWM |
| Communication Peripherals | USART (SCI), I2C/SPI (SSP) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Package | 28-pin VQFN (ML) with exposed thermal pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (factory ROM variant) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16CR73T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR β Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC reference plus |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / clock in |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply 2.5V to 5.5V |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16CR73T-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Panels, HVAC Blower and Fan Controllers, Appliance User-Interface Boards, Automotive Body Controllers, Battery Chargers and Power Conditioning, Sensor Conditioning Front Ends, Smart Home Sensor Hubs.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC16CR73T-I/ML's 22 I/O pins and 5-channel ADC make it a strong fit for industrial control panels driving LED indicators, scanning keypads, and reading analog sensor inputs. The 8-bit core at 20 MHz provides ample throughput for scan-loop timing, while the wide 2.5V to 5.5V supply range supports both 5V and 3.3V panel designs. The CCP module generates 10-bit PWM outputs for backlight dimming, and the watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator maintains system integrity in electrically noisy factory environments.
Recommended
HVAC Blower and Fan Controllers
The PIC16CR73T-I/ML is well-suited to HVAC blower and fan controllers that require closed-loop RPM control via PWM and analog tachometer feedback. The 8-bit ADC reads air-temperature sensors while the CCP module drives a TRIAC or MOSFET gate through an opto-isolated driver. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating handles attic and outdoor installations, and the ROM-based architecture is ideal for stable firmware shipping in tens of thousands of units per HVAC season.
Recommended
Appliance User-Interface Boards
The PIC16CR73T-I/ML fits appliance user-interface boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) where it scans capacitive touch keys, drives 7-segment LED displays, and reads temperature sensors via the on-chip ADC. The 22 I/O pins support multiplexed display driving without external logic, and the industrial temperature rating handles under-cabinet thermal conditions. Cost-sensitive high-volume appliance production makes the ROM-based PIC16CR73 more economical than flash equivalents above 10k unit volumes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controllers
The PIC16CR73T-I/ML integrates body-controller functions such as interior lighting PWM dimming, door-switch debouncing, and rear-defogger timing. The 22 I/O source/sink 25 mA per pin to drive automotive lamps and relays directly without external buffers. The USART links to a central body-control module, and the ADC reads battery voltage for load-shedding decisions. Although the CR73 is not AEC-Q100 qualified, the wide -40C to +85C industrial range suits under-dash automotive environments.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Conditioning
The PIC16CR73T-I/ML controls sealed-lead-acid or NiMH battery chargers using its ADC to monitor charge current and battery voltage, while the CCP module drives a switching-FET gate for CC/CV regulation. The USART reports charge state to a host display, and the watchdog timer protects against firmware lock-up in unattended charger installations. ROM-based cost benefits suit OEM charger modules shipping 50k+ units per quarter in cordless tool and consumer-electronics markets.
Recommended
Sensor Conditioning Front Ends
The PIC16CR73T-I/ML acts as a sensor-conditioning front end for thermistor bridges, photodiodes, and strain gauges in instrumentation. The 8-bit ADC samples at up to 100 ksps, and the on-chip USART streams processed data to a host controller. Industrial temperature stability and low electromagnetic emissions suit medical and laboratory instruments where the ROM-based cost saving adds up across multi-channel sensor modules deployed in volume.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hubs
The PIC16CR73T-I/ML supports compact smart-home sensor hubs (PIR motion, door/window contact, leak detectors) where it scans low-power sensors and reports events via a simple SPI/I2C link to a wireless co-processor. The 5-channel ADC reads battery voltage, light level, and humidity, while the deep-sleep mode and watchdog timer minimize idle current. ROM-based cost benefits enable sub-USD 3 BOM on shipped sensor modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16CR73T-I/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F73T-I/ML | PIC16CR73-I/ML | PIC16C73B-04I/ML | PIC16C73A-10I/ML | PIC16C73B-04I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-VQFN (ML) | 28-VQFN (ML) - same | 28-VQFN (ML) - same | 28-VQFN (ML) - same | 28-VQFN (ML) - same | 28-VQFN (ML) - same |
| Program Memory Type | 7 KB ROM | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB ROM | 4 KB OTP EPROM | 4 KB OTP EPROM | 4 KB OTP EPROM |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (4 MHz OTP rated) | 20 MHz (10 MHz OTP rated) | 20 MHz (4 MHz OTP rated) |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC Channels / Resolution | 5 ch / 8-bit | 5 ch / 8-bit | 5 ch / 8-bit | 5 ch / 8-bit | 5 ch / 8-bit | 5 ch / 8-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Field Firmware Update | No (mask ROM) | Yes (ICSP flash) | No (mask ROM) | No (one-time programmable) | No (one-time programmable) | No (one-time programmable) |
Key Differentiators
- Mask-programmed ROM for lowest per-unit cost (vs PIC16F73T-I/ML)
- Direct drop-in upgrade path to flash during development (vs PIC16F73T-I/ML)
- Wider 20 MHz top frequency than earlier 73A/73B variants (vs PIC16C73A-10I/ML)
Design Notes
Solder the exposed thermal pad of the 28-VQFN (ML) package to a PCB ground-pour of at least 1 square inch to keep junction temperature within the -40C to +85C industrial range. Without adequate copper, the pad dissipates poorly and ambient temperature derating becomes severe above 60C. For higher-power designs, increase the copper pour area or add thermal vias connecting to inner ground planes.
Place the decoupling capacitor (100 nF ceramic) within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20), and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the device. Keep the crystal or resonator traces to OSC1/OSC2 short and surrounded by a ground guard ring to reduce EMI. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; add a 100 nF cap to ground for brown-out reset if needed.
Do not exceed 5.5V on any pin or 5.5V on VDD - the PIC16CR73 is not 5V-tolerant on analog pins beyond VDD. Ensure unused I/O pins are configured as outputs and tied low (not left floating) to minimize current consumption and EMI. Because this is a mask-ROM part, the firmware image must be finalized before mask submission - use PIC16F73T-I/ML for all prototype and pre-production builds.
Route the ICSP clock (PGC, RB6) and ICSP data (PGD, RB7) traces to test points or an in-line header for factory programming and field debug. Keep these traces short and avoid running them parallel to switching-power traces to prevent coupling during in-circuit programming. For 20 MHz operation, the oscillator start-up time depends on crystal Q and load capacitance - use the Microchip PICmicro Mid-Range Reference Manual to select the correct HS oscillator configuration bits.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the -I suffix confirms industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) but not automotive qualification. Conflict-mineral compliance statement available from Microchip on request.
