PIC16CR73T-I/SO - 7KB ROM 8-Bit MCU 20MHz 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16CR73T-I/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $6.05 | $60.50 |
| 100 | $5.45 | $545.00 |
| 500 | $4.95 | $2,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.55 | $4,550.00 |
PIC16CR73T-I/SO Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact, low-power, RISC-architecture computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, peripheral modules, and general-purpose I/O into a single silicon die. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy of embedded microcontrollers (MCU) -> microprocessor -> semiconductor device, and the PIC16 family specifically targets mid-range 8-bit applications with 14-bit instruction words, between the baseline PIC10/12/16 families and the high-performance PIC18 and dsPIC families.
Key features of the PIC16CR73T-I/SO include five 8-bit I/O ports supporting bidirectional digital I/O, a 20 MHz maximum operating frequency yielding 200 ns instruction cycle time, an integrated power-on reset and brown-out detector, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM capability, a 5-channel 8-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a universal synchronous/asynchronous receiver-transmitter (USART) for serial communications, and a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C master/slave modes. The part draws typically under 2 mA active at 5 V / 4 MHz.
The PIC16CR73 implements a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access to overlap for efficient pipelined execution. The 14-bit wide instruction word supports 35 single-word single-cycle instructions plus immediate, literal, and relative addressing modes. The integrated ADC, USART, and SSP peripherals remove the need for external interface chips in most sensing, motor-control, and human-interface designs.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, appliance controllers, automotive body electronics, low-end sensor interface nodes, simple user-interface boards with pushbuttons and LED indicators, and battery-powered measurement instruments. Because this is a ROM (mask/one-time programmable) variant, it is most appropriate for high-volume products where firmware has been finalized and a Flash-based PIC16F equivalent is not required.
When designing with this device, note that the wide-body 28-SOIC footprint requires the standard 1.27 mm pitch SO land pattern. Use a low-ESR decoupling capacitor (100 nF ceramic) within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair, and reserve the MCLR pin for in-circuit serial programming via ICSP. Industrial -40C to +85C operation is guaranteed by the "I" suffix.
This page combines distributor inventory checks, parametric cross-reference search results, and a drop-in alternatives analysis tailored to the PIC16CR73T-I/SO - information not packaged together in any single source.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16CR73T-I/SO 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, Instruction Cycle Time, Program Memory Size, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CR73-I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.7 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F73T-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876A-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-04I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16CR73T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | ROM (one-time programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | None (ROM variant) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Number of Timers | 3 (TMR0 8-bit, TMR1 16-bit, TMR2 8-bit) |
| ADC | 5 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Serial Interfaces | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 CCP modules |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, "I" suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO), wide body, 1.27 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30 C / 85% RH) |
PIC16CR73T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β Digital I/O RA0 / analog input AN0 (ADC channel 0) |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β Digital I/O RA1 / analog input AN1 (ADC channel 1) |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β Digital I/O RA2 / analog input AN2 (ADC channel 2) |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β Digital I/O RA3 / analog input AN3 / ADC positive voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β Digital I/O RA4 (open-drain) / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β Digital I/O RA5 / analog input AN4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Digital I/O RC0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Digital I/O RC1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 β Digital I/O RC2 / CCP1 module (PWM output) |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Digital I/O RC3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Digital I/O RC4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO β Digital I/O RC5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK β Digital I/O RC6 / USART asynchronous transmit / I2C clock (SPI mode) |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT β Digital I/O RC7 / USART asynchronous receive / I2C data (SPI mode) |
| Pin 18 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT β Digital I/O RB0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 21 | RB1 β Digital I/O RB1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 β Digital I/O RB2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM β Digital I/O RB3 / low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 24 | RB4 β Digital I/O RB4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 β Digital I/O RB5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC β Digital I/O RB6 / ICSP clock input |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD β Digital I/O RB7 / ICSP data I/O |
| Pin 28 | VSS β Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16CR73T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, Battery-Powered Measurement Instruments, LED Lighting Drivers, Simple User Interface Boards.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC16CR73T-I/SO fits industrial control panel applications because its 22 I/O pins directly drive matrix keypads, 7-segment LED displays, and relay drivers without external glue logic. The integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads potentiometer settings, 4-20 mA loop signals, and thermistor bridges for closed-loop regulation. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating temperature (the "I" suffix) handles factory-floor thermal stress, and the 20 MHz clock with 200 ns instruction cycle executes PID control loops within the millisecond timing budget of typical motor and valve actuation. The USART interfaces with HMI displays or PLC master modules, while the SSP port drives SPI peripherals such as digital potentiometers or EEPROM parameter storage.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16CR73T-I/SO is well suited for washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, and HVAC control boards where high-volume cost optimization matters more than in-field reprogrammability. Its ROM program memory locks firmware at production to prevent reverse engineering and reduces per-unit cost compared to Flash PIC16F73. The 5-channel ADC reads temperature sensors (NTC thermistors), water-level probes, and motor current shunt signals; the PWM CCP modules drive triac-fired heater elements and variable-speed motor control. The watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator ensures the controller recovers from brown-out or RF-induced glitches common in appliance electrical environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Body electronics modules such as mirror controllers, seat position memory, lighting drivers, and simple instrument clusters can use the PIC16CR73T-I/SO where 8-bit performance is sufficient and AEC-Q100 grade 0/1 is not required. The 22 I/O lines drive LED arrays, switches, and H-bridge enable signals directly; the USART links to LIN or K-Line transceivers via external interface ICs. The wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply tolerance survives automotive load-dump events when paired with a TVS diode and bulk capacitance. Note that for AEC-Q100 qualified designs, the PIC16F73 automotive variant (PIC16F73-I/SO with Q-grade marking) should be substituted because the PIC16CR73 ROM variant is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Instruments
Low-power handheld instruments such as digital calipers, multimeters, and portable gas detectors benefit from the PIC16CR73T-I/SO's low active current (typically under 2 mA at 5 V / 4 MHz) and sleep-mode-friendly design. The 5-channel ADC digitizes sensor inputs - strain gauge bridges, shunt resistors, or electrochemical gas cells - at 8-bit resolution adequate for display-grade accuracy. The CCP PWM channels generate LCD bias voltages or drive low-power buzzer/LED indicators; the USART streams logged data to a host PC over RS-232 or USB-to-UART bridges. The industrial temperature range ensures outdoor measurement accuracy, and the 28-SOIC wide-body is easy to hand-solder during one-off calibration builds.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
Architectural and signage LED lighting controllers fit the PIC16CR73T-I/SO because the 22 I/O lines multiplex many low-current LED strings, the CCP PWM modules dim LEDs via PWM at frequencies above the flicker-fusion threshold, and the 20 MHz instruction cycle handles smooth color-mixing fade algorithms. The integrated ADC reads ambient light sensors for daylight-harvesting feedback loops, while the USART interfaces to DMX-512 or DALI gateways via external transceivers. The ROM-based firmware locks in lighting sequences to prevent tampering, and the wide SOIC package simplifies through-hole repair at field-installed fixtures.
Recommended
Simple User Interface Boards
Elevator call panels, vending machine keypads, security keypads, and access-control readers commonly use the PIC16CR73T-I/SO as the main controller because of its balanced peripheral set. The 8-bit architecture handles matrix keypad scanning with up to 4x4 keys via 8 dedicated I/O pins, drives 7-segment or 14-segment LCD character displays using CCP PWM for contrast bias, and reads RFID card readers or proximity sensors via the USART or SSP SPI bus. The integrated brown-out reset prevents lockups from dirty supply rails in remote-mounted panels, and the watchdog timer recovers from electrostatic discharge glitches common in user-touch environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16CR73T-I/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F73-I/SO | PIC16CR73-I/SO | PIC16F73T-I/SO | PIC16F876A-I/SO | PIC16C73B-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (wide body, 7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC (wide body, 7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (wide body, 7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (wide body, 7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (wide body, 7.50 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (wide body, 7.50 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | ROM (OTP) | Flash | ROM (OTP) | Flash | Flash | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes | 192 x 8 bytes | 192 x 8 bytes | 192 x 8 bytes | 368 x 8 bytes | 192 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | NRND | Active | Active | Obsolete (legacy) |
Key Differentiators
- One-time-programmable ROM locks firmware at production (vs PIC16F73-I/SO)
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C operating temperature (vs PIC16F876A-I/SO)
- 20 MHz maximum clock with 200 ns instruction cycle (vs PIC16C73B-04I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF low-ESR ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair (pins 19 and 28 on this 28-SOIC variant). Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor at the board power entry to suppress motor and relay switching transients. For battery-powered designs, use the PIC16CR73's SLEEP instruction to drop current consumption to microamp-level sleep current between ADC sampling bursts; wake up via WDT timeout or external interrupt on RB0/INT.
The 28-SOIC wide-body package uses a 1.27 mm pin pitch and a 7.50 mm body width - design the land pattern per IPC-7351 SOIC-28W guidelines with 0.55 mm pad width and 0.40 mm toe length. Keep the quartz crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1 (pin 8) and OSC2 (pin 9); guard these traces with a grounded copper pour to reduce stray capacitance. Route the MCLR/VPP line (pin 1) directly to the ICSP header without series resistors in the signal path so in-circuit programming works reliably.
The PIC16CR73 is a one-time-programmable ROM part - any firmware bug discovered after mask release cannot be fixed. Always prototype with the Flash-based PIC16F73-I/SO first to validate firmware, then convert to PIC16CR73 for cost-down production once firmware is stable. The configuration bits (oscillator selection, watchdog enable, brown-out voltage) must be specified at ROM submission time - they cannot be changed in the field. Note that the "T" suffix is Tape & Reel packaging only and does not affect electrical characteristics; use PIC16CR73-I/SO in tubes for prototype builds.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page; lead-free per Microchip ordering information. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC16CR73 family does not offer an automotive-grade variant; AEC-Q100 designs must use PIC16F73 or PIC18F equivalent with explicit automotive grade suffix.
