PIC16F720-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 16MHz, 3.5KB Flash, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F720-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.4 | $1.40 |
| 10 | $1.26 | $12.60 |
| 100 | $1.12 | $112.00 |
| 500 | $0.99 | $495.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.87 | $870.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.78 | $2,340.00 |
PIC16F720-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals into one package. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, an MCU belongs to the broader family of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> digital logic ICs -> integrated circuits. The PIC mid-range core occupies the entry-to-mid tier of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, designed for cost-sensitive embedded control where deterministic interrupt response, low power, and small footprint outweigh raw computational throughput.
Key features of the PIC16F720-I/ML include 18 general-purpose I/O pins with 25 mA source/sink capability for direct LED or transistor drive, a 12-channel 8-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2), one 16-bit timer (TMR1), a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, AUSART, I²C and SPI serial interfaces, and nanoWatt XLP ultra-low-power technology. The integrated 16 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in most designs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
The mid-range architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word with single-cycle execution except for branches, providing deterministic timing critical for motor control and power-conversion feedback loops. HEF (High Endurance Flash) memory blocks allow up to 100k write/erase cycles for data EEPROM emulation, surpassing conventional EEPROM endurance. The AUSART module supports RS-232/RS-485 links, while the MSSP block handles both I²C and SPI master/slave transactions.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, low-end remote sensors, battery chargers, LED lighting controllers, small motor drivers, IoT edge nodes, and white-goods user interfaces. The combination of nanoWatt XLP sleep currents (<1 µA typical) and an integrated ADC makes it especially attractive for battery-powered measurement products that must operate for years on a single cell.
When designing with this part, allocate enough decoupling (100 nF plus 1 µF bulk) close to VDD and place the ICSP/ICD pins on accessible test points to retain in-circuit debug capability throughout the product lifecycle. Always verify the chosen variant's voltage range: the 'L' (low-voltage) variants such as PIC16LF720 operate down to 1.8 V, while the standard PIC16F720 typically begins at 2.0 V or higher.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16F720/721 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for selection, replacement, and sourcing decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F720-I/ML — 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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Package, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F721-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC Mid-Range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 14-bit word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 128 B |
| Non-volatile Data Storage (HEF) | 128 B |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz (4 MIPS) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz, ±1% factory calibrated |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA per pin |
| ADC | 12-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | Two 8-bit (TMR0/TMR2), one 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module |
| Serial Interfaces | AUSART, I²C (MSSP), SPI (MSSP) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Resets | POR, BOR |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP / ICD support |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lifecycle Stage | ACTIVE |
PIC16F720-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/T0CKI/C1OUT — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, VREF+, TMR0 clock, comparator output |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T1G/HCOUT/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, TMR1 gate, comparator out, CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP/SS/HCOUT — Bidirectional I/O, Master Clear Reset (active low), ICSP programming voltage, SPI slave select |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU/C12IN0- — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, ultra-low-power wake-up, comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1/C12IN1- — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/T0CKI/CPS3 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, VREF-, TMR0 clock, capacitive sense |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN/CLKR — Bidirectional I/O, oscillator input, external clock in, clock output |
| Pin 9 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT/VCAP — Bidirectional I/O, oscillator output, clock out, core voltage bypass cap |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI/P2B — Bidirectional I/O, TMR1 oscillator output, TMR1 clock, PWM output |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2/P2A — Bidirectional I/O, TMR1 oscillator input, CCP2 output, PWM output |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1/P1A/AN10 — Bidirectional I/O, CCP1 PWM output, analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC3/AN7/SS/CPS7 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI slave select, capacitive sense |
| Pin 14 | RC4/AN8/CPS8/SDA/SDI — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, I²C data, SPI data in |
| Pin 15 | RC5/AN9/CPS9/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI clock, I²C clock |
| Pin 16 | RC6/AN11/SS/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, AUSART TX/CK |
| Pin 17 | RC7/AN12/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, AUSART RX/DT |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 19 | RB4/AN12/CPS4 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, capacitive sense |
| Pin 20 | RB5/AN13/CPS5 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, capacitive sense |
Typical Applications
PIC16F720-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Control (White Goods), LED Lighting Controller / Driver, Low-End Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Small BLDC or Brushed-DC Motor Driver, Smart Meter / Utility Sub-Metering.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F720-I/ML fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 1 µA typical, integrated 16 MHz factory-calibrated oscillator that eliminates an external crystal, and 12-channel 8-bit ADC for direct sensor readout. With 3.5 KB Flash and 128 B SRAM it can run a sleeping duty-cycled sensor stack reporting temperature, humidity, or contact closures every few seconds for years on a CR2032. Place a 100 nF decoupling cap within 2 mm of VDD, route the ADC input through a small RC filter (10 kΩ + 100 nF), and use the AUSART to wake the host MCU on threshold crossings.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control (White Goods)
In washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens, the PIC16F720-I/ML drives 7-segment or LED displays, scans keypads, and controls relays or TRIACs via its 18 GPIO pins rated at 25 mA source/sink. The CCP module generates the PWM for variable-speed motor drivers, while the AUSART links the user-interface board to the power board. Industrial temperature grade and 5 V tolerance make it robust against the electrical noise of brushed motors. Add a TVS diode on MCLR and an RC snubber on each relay contact to pass IEC 61000-4-2/4-4 surge tests.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller / Driver
The PIC16F720-I/ML acts as the digital brain of an RGB or warm-dimmable LED fixture, using the CCP module to generate PWM dimming signals at frequencies up to several kHz while the 8-bit ADC reads a potentiometer or 0–10 V analog dimming input. The 16 MHz core provides plenty of cycles for smooth 16-bit dithered PWM, and the HEF data Flash stores calibration constants. NanoWatt XLP keeps standby power below 0.1 W to comply with energy regulations. Use N-channel MOSFETs driven from GPIO through a gate resistor (100 Ω) for high-side PWM switching.
Recommended
Low-End Remote Control / IR Transmitter
For TV, set-top, or appliance remote controls, the PIC16F720-I/ML's tiny 4x4 mm QFN footprint, sub-µA sleep current, and integrated 16 MHz oscillator allow a complete two-AAA-cell design lasting several years. The AUSART or MSSP drives an IR LED through a single BJT, while the ADC scans resistive key matrices. Self-read/write Flash enables inexpensive in-field code updates via ICSP. Use a watchdog timer to recover from battery brown-outs and add a 47 µF bulk cap to handle the IR LED pulse current peaks.
Recommended
Small BLDC or Brushed-DC Motor Driver
The PIC16F720-I/ML's CCP module and 16-bit TMR1 are well suited to sensorless or Hall-sensor BLDC commutation in small fans, pumps, and toys. The fast PWM frequency and 25 mA I/O directly drive gate-driver inputs or low-side N-FETs. The integrated 8-bit ADC samples back-EMF or current-sense for closed-loop speed control. Note that the MCU itself dissipates under 100 mW; the dominant thermal load is the power stage. Add a flyback diode across each motor terminal and use a 1 kΩ pull-up on MCLR for reliable ICSP programming.
Recommended
Smart Meter / Utility Sub-Metering
Utility sub-meters for water, gas, or heat use the PIC16F720-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP modes to achieve <10 µA average current while periodically waking to count pulses from a flow or rotation sensor through an external interrupt. The 128 B of HEF Flash stores tamper flags, meter ID, and rolling consumption logs. AUSART or I²C links the meter to a concentrator over a wired M-Bus or wireless sub-GHz radio. Place an ESD protection array (such as PESD5V0L1BA) on the pulse input to survive 8 kV contact discharge.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F720-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F721-I/ML | PIC16LF720-I/ML | PIC16F720-E/ML | PIC16F720T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) |
| SRAM | 128 B | 256 B (+100%) | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) |
| Max CPU Speed | 16 MHz / 4 MIPS | 16 MHz / 4 MIPS | 16 MHz / 4 MIPS | 16 MHz / 4 MIPS | 16 MHz / 4 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Lifecycle Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE | ACTIVE | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
Key Differentiators
- Double the Flash and SRAM in the same footprint (vs PIC16F721-I/ML)
- Lower voltage operation for 2 x AAA direct drive (vs PIC16LF720-I/ML)
- Extended temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16F720-E/ML)
- True drop-in upgrade path within the same silicon family (vs Cross-brand alternatives (e.g. ATmega, STM8))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 2 mm of VDD (pin 18) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail to suppress digital switching transients. For battery applications, leverage the nanoWatt XLP Sleep mode with peripherals disabled to achieve sub-1 µA quiescent current; use the RTC or watchdog timer to wake the part periodically. Estimated: a typical wake-measure-transmit cycle every 10 s with a 20 ms active phase draws an average of roughly 25 µA from a 3 V coin cell.
The 20-QFN (4x4 mm) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that must be soldered to a PCB land of at least the same size, connected to the ground plane through multiple thermal vias. This pad doubles as the primary electrical ground return. Failing to solder it properly will cause overheating and unreliable operation. Keep analog traces (ADC inputs, VREF) away from digital switching lines and the CCP PWM output to avoid coupling noise into the 8-bit ADC readings.
Route the ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK lines (shared with RB4/RB5 on some PICs, or specific PGC/PGD pins on the PIC16F720) directly to a 6-pin header with no series resistors in the signal path; Microchip programmers like PICkit 3 require clean access. Place a 4.7 kΩ pull-up on MCLR (pin 3) for normal operation. If using the internal oscillator, leave OSC1/OSC2 (RA7/RA6) configured as GPIO or as the clock output, and do not place an external crystal on the board.
Do not confuse the PIC16F720 (standard 2.0–5.5 V) with the PIC16LF720 (1.8–3.6 V low-voltage variant) - mixing them up will cause brown-out resets or Flash read errors. The ADC reference voltage (VREF+/VREF-) must be sourced from a low-impedance buffer; using VDD as VREF without a 10 µF cap close to the VREF pin can corrupt ADC readings by 1–2 LSB. Finally, ensure BOR is enabled in the configuration words to guarantee a clean restart after power brown-outs.
Compliance Information
Lead-free 20-QFN package per Microchip product page; RoHS and REACH compliant; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade PIC16F720-E/ML or PIC16F720-I/ML with PPAP documentation if required.
