PIC16F720-E/SS - 8-Bit 16MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F720-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.27 | $1.27 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $1.06 | $106.00 |
| 500 | $0.96 | $480.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.88 | $880.00 |
PIC16F720-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), working memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces (ADC, timers, communication controllers). The PIC16 family belongs to Microchip's mid-range 8-bit architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and an 8-level hardware stack. Within the power-management hierarchy, an MCU sits above the voltage regulator (which powers it) and below the application firmware that defines its behavior. The PIC16F720 specifically targets cost- and power-sensitive embedded applications where an 8-bit core is sufficient and a small SSOP footprint is required.
Key features include 18 general-purpose I/O pins with 25 mA source/sink capability, an internal 16 MHz oscillator that eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs, and four power-managed modes (Run, Idle, Sleep, and Deep Sleep with RTCC) for nanoWatt XLP battery operation. Brown-out Reset (BOR), Power-on Reset (POR), and a Watchdog Timer (WDT) provide system-level safety. In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debug (ICD) are supported via the standard Microchip 2-wire programming interface, enabling field firmware updates and development without package removal.
The PIC16F720 is built on an enhanced mid-range core supporting 35 instructions with single-cycle execution (excluding branches), 8 stack levels, and an interrupt controller with hardware context save. It shares a common datasheet and pinout with the PIC16F721 variant, which differs only in Flash size (7 KB vs 3.5 KB). Programming is performed in C (XC8 compiler), assembly (MPASM), or Microchip's MPLAB X IDE toolchain; an integrated development environment is available free of charge. The 20-pin SSOP footprint is shared across many PIC16F mid-range devices, simplifying PCB reuse within product families.
Typical applications include LED lighting control, small appliance controllers, remote sensors, battery-powered IoT nodes, automotive body modules (lighting, seat, mirror, HVAC actuators), and consumer electronics. The wide operating voltage range (1.8V to 5.5V) supports both 3.3V and 5V systems as well as multi-cell battery chemistries. The combination of low cost, nanoWatt XLP sleep current, and integrated analog/digital peripherals makes this part attractive for high-volume designs where BOM consolidation and long-term Microchip supply continuity matter.
When designing with the PIC16F720-E/SS, observe the SSOP-20 thermal limits and decouple VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin. For ADC accuracy, place a small RC filter on analog inputs and avoid switching digital lines adjacent to analog traces. The MCLR reset pin should be pulled up through a 10 kohm resistor to VDD per Microchip's recommended circuit; failure to do this can cause intermittent resets in noisy environments.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC16F family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F720-E/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 PIC16F720-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F720-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F721-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F721-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range (enhanced), 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 128 bytes |
| Non-volatile Data Storage | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "-E") |
| I/O Pins | 18 (with 25 mA source/sink) |
| ADC | 12 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit (TMR0/TMR2), 1x 16-bit (TMR1) |
| PWM / CCP | Enhanced CCP (ECCP) |
| Communication Interfaces | I2C, SPI (SSP), AUSART (EUSART-compatible) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz (software-selectable) |
| Power-Saving Modes | Run, Idle, Sleep, Deep Sleep with RTCC (nanoWatt XLP) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Programming / Debug | ICSP and ICD via 2-wire interface |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 8-level hardware stack |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
PIC16F720-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O RA3, analog input AN3, positive voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — Digital I/O RA4, analog input AN4, Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — Digital I/O RA5, analog input AN5, SPI slave select, HLVD input |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — Digital I/O RA6, oscillator output, clock out |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Digital I/O RA7, oscillator input, clock in |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0/AN12/INT — Digital I/O RB0, analog input AN12, external interrupt |
| Pin 9 | RB1/AN10/C1OUT — Digital I/O RB1, analog input AN10, comparator 1 output |
| Pin 10 | RB2/AN8 — Digital I/O RB2, analog input AN8 |
| Pin 11 | RB3/AN9/CCP1 — Digital I/O RB3, analog input AN9, ECCP1 output |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN11 — Digital I/O RB4, analog input AN11 |
| Pin 13 | RB5/AN13 — Digital I/O RB5, analog input AN13 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O RB6, ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O RB7, ICSP programming data |
| Pin 16 | RC0/VREF-/CVREF — Digital I/O RC0, VREF-, comparator VREF output |
| Pin 17 | RC1/AN6/C2OUT — Digital I/O RC1, analog input AN6, comparator 2 output |
| Pin 18 | RC2/AN7/P1D — Digital I/O RC2, analog input AN7, PWM1 output D |
| Pin 19 | RC3/AN14/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O RC3, analog input AN14, SPI SCK, I2C SCL |
| Pin 20 | MCLR/RA2/AN2 — Master clear reset, digital I/O RA2, analog input AN2 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F720-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: LED Lighting and Luminaire Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics Modules, Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Small Appliance and White Goods Control, Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs, Industrial Sensor Transmitters and Actuators.
LED Lighting and Luminaire Controllers
The PIC16F720-E/SS is well suited as the main controller in commercial and residential LED drivers and luminaire nodes. Its 16 MHz core executes PWM dimming algorithms and DALI or 0-10V analog control loops with deterministic latency, while the 12-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermistor feedback and ambient light sensors for closed-loop brightness regulation. The 18 GPIO with 25 mA source/sink directly drive MOSFET gates and LED strings without external buffers, reducing BOM cost. nanoWatt XLP sleep current supports battery-backed emergency luminaires where standby power must stay below 100 uA to meet regulatory standby budgets. The SSOP-20 footprint fits slim linear fixtures where board height is constrained.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Modules
The PIC16F720-E/SS -E temperature grade (-40C to +125C) targets automotive body controllers such as mirror adjusters, seat controllers, HVAC damper actuators, and lighting drivers. Its 5.5V VDD tolerance handles 12V automotive load-dump transients when paired with a TVS clamp, and the nanoWatt XLP sleep current enables CAN-LIN quiescent budgets under 100 uA for parked vehicles. AUSART supports LIN slave communication with the body control module, while ECCP generates PWM for motor speed control of seat fans and mirror actuators. AEC-Q100-style screening inherent in the -E suffix makes this part suitable for under-hood and cabin deployments specified to PPAP requirements.
Recommended
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
Battery-powered wireless sensor nodes benefit from the PIC16F720-E/SS's nanoWatt XLP technology, internal 16 MHz oscillator, and low-pin-count SSOP footprint. The integrated 8-bit ADC samples temperature, humidity, and battery voltage periodically while the part spends most of its life in Deep Sleep, drawing sub-microampere current to deliver multi-year coin-cell operation. SPI directly interfaces with sub-GHz radio transceivers, while I2C supports digital environmental sensors without external glue logic. The 1.8V to 5.5V supply range accommodates single-cell LiSOCl2 primary batteries and 2xAA alkaline packs. The 20-pin SSOP is small enough for coin-cell-sized sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Small Appliance and White Goods Control
Coffee makers, blenders, microwave ovens, washing machines, and air purifiers use the PIC16F720-E/SS as a cost-optimized main controller. The ECCP module drives TRIAC phase-angle control for heating elements and universal motors, while the 12-channel ADC reads NTC temperature probes, weight sensors, and water level switches. The AUSART enables user-interface board communication, and I2C supports character LCD or segment-display drivers. The 1.8V to 5.5V supply handles rectified mains via a small switching supply, and the SSOP-20 fits densely populated control boards with adjacent power-stage components.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs
TV, set-top box, and AV-system remote controls use the PIC16F720-E/SS as a low-power IR transmitter controller. nanoWatt XLP sleep current enables multi-year battery life on a coin cell, and the internal 16 MHz oscillator drives accurate 38 kHz / 56 kHz IR carrier generation via the ECCP module without external components. The 18 GPIO keys can be expanded through a matrix scan or external I/O expander, and the AUSART supports two-way RF remote or Bluetooth-HID bridge designs. The SSOP-20 footprint accommodates the slim, lightweight PCB constraints of handheld remote enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters and Actuators
Industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, RTD conditioners, and small actuator drives use the PIC16F720-E/SS for signal conditioning and digital communication. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC multiplexes multiple sensor inputs (pressure, temperature, flow) into a single MCU, and the AUSART produces a digital output bus or modulates the 4-20 mA loop via a DAC driver. nanoWatt XLP supports Energy Harvesting or battery-backed designs where sleep current must remain in the microampere range. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range and SSOP-20 industrial footprint fit dense DIN-rail-mounted transmitter enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F720-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F720-I/SS | PIC16F721-I/SS | PIC16F721-E/SS | PIC16F720-E/P | PIC16F720T-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin PDIP (different footprint) | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Data SRAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit |
| Peripherals (Comm/PWM) | I2C/SPI/AUSART + ECCP | I2C/SPI/AUSART + ECCP | I2C/SPI/AUSART + ECCP | I2C/SPI/AUSART + ECCP | I2C/SPI/AUSART + ECCP | I2C/SPI/AUSART + ECCP |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive temperature grade in a small SSOP-20 footprint (vs PIC16F720-I/SS)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to 7 KB Flash via the PIC16F721 family (vs PIC16F720 (same die, less Flash))
- nanoWatt XLP sleep current for battery and energy-harvesting designs (vs PIC16F716-E/P)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 6) with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board supply entry. The PIC16F720-E/SS VDD range is 1.8V to 5.5V per the Microchip datasheet; Brown-out Reset thresholds are software-configurable. For battery designs, use the nanoWatt XLP Deep Sleep mode with RTCC and keep unused GPIO configured as outputs low to minimize sleep current. Estimated: a typical 3.3V coin-cell sensor node spending 99% of its time in Deep Sleep can achieve average current draw below 1 uA when the ADC and timers wake the part periodically.
Route the MCLR/RA2 pin (pin 20) with a 10 kohm pull-up resistor to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity. Per Microchip's recommended circuit, omitting the MCLR pull-up can cause intermittent resets in electrically noisy environments such as motor-control or relay-driven loads. Place the ICSP programming header footprint (PGC on RB6, PGD on RB7) on the PCB edge for factory programming access. Keep analog traces (AN3-AN14) short and routed away from switching digital lines like PWM outputs and clock signals to preserve 8-bit ADC accuracy.
Three common pitfalls when designing with the PIC16F720-E/SS: (1) Configuring RA6/RA7 as GPIO when using an external crystal disables the oscillator - leave OSC1/OSC2 in their default peripheral mode if a crystal is fitted. (2) Forgetting to disable the analog function on shared analog/digital pins (ANx) before using them as digital GPIO - this can cause inputs to read stuck-low. (3) Driving I/O pins beyond the 25 mA source/sink rating, especially on multiple pins simultaneously, can cause permanent damage and latch-up; total package dissipation must stay below the SSOP-20 thermal limit of approximately 800 mW at 25C ambient.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The -E temperature suffix indicates extended automotive screening aligned with AEC-Q100 expectations for body and cabin modules; the -I industrial grade does not carry AEC-Q100 qualification. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations.
