PIC16F720-I/P - 8-bit MCU 3.5KB Flash 16MHz | Microchip | 20-PDIP
MPN: PIC16F720-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.52 | $15.20 |
| 100 | $1.34 | $134.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
PIC16F720-I/P Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact, programmable, single-chip computer that combines an 8-bit CPU core (in the PIC16 case, a RISC mid-range core with 35 instructions and an 8-level hardware stack), non-volatile Flash program memory, data SRAM, and a rich set of on-chip peripherals (timers, ADC, communication ports, PWM). PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader microcontroller taxonomy as 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor, and they are widely adopted in cost-sensitive, deterministic, low-power applications because of their compact instruction set, predictable interrupt latency, and mature MPLAB XC8 toolchain.
Key features of the PIC16F720-I/P include 18 digital I/O pins with 25 mA source/sink capability, an internal 16 MHz oscillator with PLL options, self read/write Flash, high-endurance Flash (HEF) memory cells, 128 B of non-volatile EEPROM emulation data storage, and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) plus In-Circuit Debug (ICD) interfaces. Brown-out Reset, Power-on Reset, and a Watchdog Timer provide robust field operation.
Architecturally, the device uses Harvard memory, separate program and data buses, and Microchip's enhanced mid-range core that supports hardware multiply and a single-cycle instruction fetch. nanoWatt XLP adds deep sleep modes with current in the microamp range, enabling multi-year battery life in sensor applications.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, battery-powered sensor nodes, IoT endpoints, low-cost motor control, LED lighting controllers, and industrial control modules where deterministic response and long battery life outweigh the need for higher MIPS. Designers appreciate the legacy through-hole 20-PDIP package, which simplifies breadboarding, field replacement, and hobbyist prototyping.
A key design consideration is pin allocation: the PIC16F720 shares its pinout with the PIC16F721 in 20-pin variants, allowing firmware migration with code adjustments. The 20-PDIP footprint also supports in-system programming via two ICSP pins without removing the part.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping procurement and embedded engineers evaluate the PIC16F720-I/P for new designs and legacy replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F720-I/P — 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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Communication, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F721-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F690-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 8-level hardware stack |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 128 B |
| Non-volatile Data Storage (EEPROM emulation) | 128 B (HEF) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA |
| ADC | 12 channels, 8-bit |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| CCP Module | 1 x 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, AUSART (Enhanced USART) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Low-Power Tech | nanoWatt XLP |
| Resets | POR, BOR, Watchdog Timer |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP + ICD (2-wire) |
| Package | 20-Pin PDIP (DIP-20, through-hole, 300 mil) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F720-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator input, ICSP clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C1OUT — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, comparator output |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, Master Clear (Reset), programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, SPI slave select, high/low voltage detect |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0/AN8/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, Capture/Compare/PWM output |
| Pin 9 | RB1/AN9 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 10 | RB2/AN10 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB3/AN11 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN12 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB5/AN13 — Bidirectional I/O, analog input, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | RB6/ICSPCLK/ICDCLK — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP clock, ICD clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/ICSPDAT/ICDDAT — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP data, ICD data |
| Pin 16 | RC0/T1CKI — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 17 | RC1/T1OSI — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 18 | RC2/T1OSO — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 19 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O, SPI clock, I2C clock |
| Pin 20 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O, SPI data in, I2C data |
Typical Applications
PIC16F720-I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Control Modules, Hobbyist Prototyping and Education, Automotive Interior Accessories, Low-Cost Data Acquisition Front-Ends.
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F720-I/P is well suited for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes where its nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep currents under 1 uA extend coin-cell life into the multi-year range. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost, while the 12-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, and battery voltage without an external analog MUX. AUSART or I2C links to sub-GHz transceivers or BLE modules for low-rate telemetry, and 3.5 KB Flash fits typical sensor-fusion and BLE-beacon firmware. The 18 I/O pins drive LEDs, buttons, and interrupt sources directly. Compared to larger Cortex-M0+ MCUs, the PIC16F720 wins on cost and idle current, making it ideal for thermostats, asset trackers, and remote controls.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F720-I/P fits cost-sensitive consumer appliances (coffee makers, blenders, washing machine sub-modules) where 16 MIPS, 25 mA I/O drive, and 3.5 KB Flash cover most user-interface and motor-control logic. Its single 16-bit CCP module generates PWM for triac phase control, BLDC commutation, or LED dimming, while the 12-channel ADC monitors sensor inputs such as temperature, water level, and current shunt. Through-hole PDIP-20 simplifies hand-solder rework in service shops and aligns with appliance manufacturing lines using wave soldering. nanoWatt XLP standby modes meet ENERGY STAR idle-power requirements for plug-in appliances, and ICSP allows firmware updates at end-of-line without removing the chip.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F720-I/P drives multi-channel LED lighting strips and architectural fixtures using its 16-bit CCP for high-resolution PWM dimming and 12-bit time-base options via TMR1/TMR2. nanoWatt XLP keeps driver standby consumption low for always-connected smart-lighting nodes, while I2C connects to ambient-light sensors and addressable LED drivers. The 25 mA I/O source/sink capability directly drives small MOSFET gates without external buffers. With 18 I/O pins, the MCU can control RGB+WW channels plus status indicators and push-button inputs. Through-hole PDIP-20 simplifies prototype assembly for lighting designers, and the wide 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply range works with both 3.3 V logic-level LEDs and 5 V analog dimming chains.
Recommended
Industrial Control Modules
The PIC16F720-I/P supports industrial control sub-modules such as analog front-end signal conditioning, sensor hubs, and actuator drivers. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA loop inputs, potentiometers, and bridge sensors, while AUSART bridges to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU nodes. Brown-out Reset and Watchdog Timer deliver the fault-recovery robustness required in factory environments. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range covers most cabinet interiors, and the extended-temperature PIC16F720-E/P variant handles harsher locations. nanoWatt XLP lets the MCU sleep between polling intervals, reducing panel power dissipation. Through-hole PDIP-20 is preferred for field-serviceable industrial modules where hand replacement matters.
Recommended
Hobbyist Prototyping and Education
The PIC16F720-I/P is a favorite for hobbyists and embedded-systems educators because the 20-PDIP through-hole package fits standard breadboards and 0.1 inch perfboards, eliminating SMD soldering challenges. MPLAB X IDE with the free XC8 compiler supports full C development, and the PICkit 3 or PICkit 4 programmer provides ICSP and ICD via two pins for in-circuit debugging. The 16 MHz internal oscillator means no external crystal is required for first prototypes, and the 35-instruction RISC core is approachable for assembly-language teaching. With 3.5 KB Flash, students can build digital thermometers, PWM motor drivers, I2C scanners, and serial data loggers while learning interrupts, timers, and ADC sampling on real silicon.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories
The PIC16F720-I/P powers non-safety automotive interior accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, USB charging port logic, and seat-heater keypads. Its 16-bit CCP module generates the PWM signals needed for smooth LED brightness transitions, and the 12-channel ADC reads potentiometer inputs and NTC thermistor networks. AUSART talks to body-control modules over LIN bus via an external LIN transceiver. nanoWatt XLP keeps quiescent draw below the typical 100 uA automotive key-off budget. While this -I/P variant targets industrial -40 C to +85 C, the AEC-Q100 automotive PIC16F720 variants in SMD packages serve cabin modules. The PDIP-20 package suits low-volume aftermarket and prototype automotive builds.
Recommended
Low-Cost Data Acquisition Front-Ends
The PIC16F720-I/P serves as a low-cost analog front-end for distributed data acquisition systems, where its 12-channel 8-bit ADC and AUSART enable daisy-chained sensor networks. Each node digitizes local analog signals (pressure, strain, level) and streams samples over RS-485 to a central logger. The 3.5 KB Flash holds calibration coefficients and linearization routines, while the 128 B SRAM provides scratch buffer for sample averaging. ICSP allows in-system recalibration at deployment sites, and the through-hole PDIP-20 simplifies field installation in conduit-mounted enclosures. nanoWat XLP sleep current supports battery- or solar-powered remote DAQ nodes with monthly maintenance cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F720-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F721-I/P | PIC16F720-E/P | PIC16F690-I/P | PIC16F716-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-20 (300 mil) | PDIP-20 (same) | PDIP-20 (same) | PDIP-20 (same) | PDIP-20 (same) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Data SRAM | 128 B | 256 B | 128 B | 256 B | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 12 x 8-bit | 12 x 8-bit | 12 x 8-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 8 x 8-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | AUSART + I2C + SPI | AUSART + I2C + SPI | AUSART + I2C + SPI | AUSART + I2C + SPI | AUSART + I2C + SPI |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt | None |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Approximate Unit Price (qty 1, USD, as of 2026-09-21) | 1.65 | 1.85 | 1.95 | 1.78 | 1.62 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest cost modern PIC16 with nanoWatt XLP and AUSART in 20-PDIP (vs PIC16F688-I/P)
- More peripherals than entry-level 20-pin PICs at similar price (vs PIC16F716-I/P)
- Higher ADC channel count than the larger PIC16F690 (vs PIC16F690-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16F720-I/P operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V on VDD; decoupling requires a 100 nF ceramic cap placed within 5 mm of VDD pin 1 and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum cap at the regulator output. For battery applications, leverage nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (typical sleep current under 1 uA with Watchdog Timer disabled) and use the BOR/POR features to ensure clean startup from deeply discharged batteries. Do not power VDD through long inductive traces - add a ferrite bead in series if the MCU shares a rail with motors or relays.
Place the 20-PDIP footprint on a 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) grid with through-hole pads sized for 0.6 mm drill and 1.0 mm annular ring to support wave soldering and hand rework. Keep ICSP pins (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT) on accessible header pads with 100 mil spacing for PICkit 3/4 programming clips; this avoids the need for ICSP header sockets. Route MCLR/VPP pin 4 to a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD with a 100 nF cap to ground for clean reset behavior, and place the cap close to the pin.
A common mistake is configuring the internal 16 MHz oscillator for low-power applications without checking the HFINTOSC stability across the full VDD range; for designs using I2C or SPI above 400 kHz, add software calibration or use an external crystal via the OSC1/OSC2 pins. Another pitfall is exceeding the 25 mA source/sink per-pin limit when driving multiple LEDs in parallel; use a transistor or MOSFET driver for higher-current loads. Finally, when migrating code from PIC16F688 to PIC16F720, the ADC channel mapping changes (12 channels vs 8) - re-validate analog channel assignments in firmware.
Keep analog input traces (AN0-AN12) short and away from digital switching traces (PWM, SPI clock) to minimize ADC crosstalk; guard the analog ground with a dedicated AGND island if your design provides separate analog/digital ground planes. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor and capacitor close to pin 4, and route VDD/VSS traces at least 0.3 mm wide. For mixed-signal designs, consider adding a 100 ohm ferrite bead between digital and analog VDD to filter switching noise from digital logic reaching the ADC reference.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range; AEC-Q100 automotive variants exist in different package codes (e.g. PIC16F720-I/PT SMD automotive qualified). Lead-free PDIP package is Pb-free matte tin plating.
