PIC16F720-I/SS - 8-bit 16MHz MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F720-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.27 | $12.70 |
| 100 | $1.04 | $104.00 |
| 500 | $0.91 | $455.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
PIC16F720-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash for program, SRAM for data, and EEPROM or high-endurance Flash for non-volatile data), peripherals (ADC, timers, communication blocks), and I/O pins into one package. MCUs sit in the system hierarchy below microprocessors and are used to embed deterministic control logic in appliances, sensors, and industrial nodes; the PIC16 mid-range family is one of the most widely deployed 8-bit architectures because of its compact instruction set, low cost, and nanoWatt XLP power-management extensions that enable deep-sleep currents in the microamp range.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16F720 include High Endurance Flash (HEF) cells rated for ≥100k erase/write cycles on the data EEPROM region, 25mA source/sink current per I/O pin allowing direct drive of LEDs and small relays without external buffers, nanoWatt XLP technology for battery-friendly sleep modes, and an internal 16MHz oscillator that eliminates the external crystal in many designs and reduces BOM cost.
Architecturally, the PIC16F720 uses a 14-bit instruction word RISC core with an 8-level deep hardware stack, an 8-bit data path, and a single accumulator (W register) with file-register-based data memory; the C compiler-friendly instruction set and the MPLAB X IDE ecosystem (with XC8 compiler and MPLAB Code Configurator) make this part suitable for both hobbyist and production firmware teams.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, battery-powered sensor nodes, white-goods and HVAC control boards, LED lighting controllers, and small industrial control modules that benefit from a 5V-tolerant 8-bit MCU with on-chip ADC and serial peripherals. Designers choose this part when cost, on-chip Flash endurance, and MPLAB toolchain familiarity outweigh the need for higher MIPS or larger RAM.
A key design trade-off is that the 20-pin SSOP variant shares its pinout with the PIC16F721 (7KB Flash sibling) and PIC16LF720 (low-voltage variant); using the same PCB footprint across the family gives engineering teams an easy migration path for cost-down or feature-up moves without board rework.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, comparison data and design notes not always visible in the manufacturer datasheet, giving sourcing and engineering teams a single reference for the PIC16F720-I/SS.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F720-I/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-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Communication Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F721-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F690-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Word | 14-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 128 B |
| Non-volatile Data Storage (HEF) | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 16 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 instructions |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 8 levels |
| ADC | 12 channels x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| CCP Module | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication Peripherals | I²C, SPI, AUSART |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Resets | POR, BOR (Brown-Out Reset) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F720-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O, analog input channel 3, or positive voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O, analog input channel 4, or Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O, Master Clear (reset), or ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Positive power supply (2.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O or analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 7 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O or analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 8 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O or analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O or Capture/Compare/PWM output |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 18 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output or clock output |
| Pin 19 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 20 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F720-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting Controllers, HVAC and Thermostat Modules, Industrial Control Modules (24V Logic), Low-Cost Educational / Hobby Projects.
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16F720-I/SS is a strong fit for cost-sensitive white-goods control boards such as coffee makers, rice cookers, microwave ovens, washing-machine user interfaces and small kitchen appliances. Its 3.5 KB Flash comfortably hosts typical state-machine firmware for relay control, timer sequencing, sensor polling, and simple UI feedback (LEDs/buzzers), while the 12-channel 8-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors and potentiometers for user input. The 25 mA source/sink per I/O directly drives triac-gate optocouplers, small relays, and LED indicators without external transistors, cutting BOM cost. The 2.0-5.5 V operating range lets the same design run from rectified 3.3 V or 5 V rails, simplifying the power tree in cost-engineered appliance platforms.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
For battery-powered wireless sensor nodes, the PIC16F720-I/SS brings nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep currents in the microamp range that extend coin-cell or 2xAA battery life into multi-year territory. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates the external crystal BOM, leaving only the MCU, a sensor (such as an SHT humidity or LIS3DH accelerometer), and a low-power 2.4 GHz radio module on the board. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC handles multiple analog sensors (light, temperature, gas) and the I²C/SPI peripheral block talks to the sensor and the radio. Wake-up is handled via interrupt-on-change or watchdog timer, then the MCU performs a brief measurement, transmits over the radio, and re-enters sleep - a typical sub-100 µA average current profile.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
In LED lighting drivers and controllers, the PIC16F720-I/SS provides the CCP PWM plus enough Flash for color-mixing, dimming curves, and DMX-style receive logic in architectural and decorative fixtures. The 25 mA I/O current directly drives low-current indicator LEDs and digital logic-level MOSFET gates for strip control, while the AUSART peripheral receives DMX-512 or proprietary serial lighting protocols. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors and potentiometer dimmers. The 2.0-5.5 V range lets the same firmware boot from a 3.3 V or 5 V supply, easing integration with both constant-current LED drivers and wireless lighting modules on the same PCB.
Recommended
HVAC and Thermostat Modules
The PIC16F720-I/SS is well suited to residential HVAC thermostats, fan controllers, and zone-valve actuators where its 12-channel 8-bit ADC handles multiple NTC temperature sensors, humidity probes, and user potentiometers. The 3.5 KB Flash hosts proportional-integral control loops, hysteresis scheduling, and weekly programming tables. The 25 mA I/O drives triac-gated optocouplers for compressor/valve control and small relays for fan speed tap selection, while the AUSART peripheral reports status to a downstream Wi-Fi or Sub-GHz wireless module. Industrial -40 C to +85 C operation (I grade) covers unconditioned equipment rooms and outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Control Modules (24V Logic)
For small industrial modules such as I/O expanders, indicator towers, push-button interfaces, and simple PLC I/O cards, the PIC16F720-I/SS provides the necessary 5V tolerance, watchdog timer, and BOR to ride through 24V-bus transients when paired with external TVS protection. Its AUSART acts as a Modbus RTU slave or proprietary fieldbus endpoint, while the 12-channel 8-bit ADC monitors 4-20 mA or 0-10 V analog inputs via external resistor networks. The ICSP pins allow firmware updates on the production line and field re-flashing through a 5-pin header. The 25 mA I/O sinks industrial relay coils directly when paired with flyback diodes, eliminating driver transistors on each output.
Recommended
Low-Cost Educational / Hobby Projects
Educators, students, and hobbyists building Arduino-replacement projects, retro-style controllers, simple robotics, and learning tools favor the PIC16F720-I/SS for its sub-$1 unit cost, the free MPLAB X IDE + XC8 toolchain, and the PICkit programmer ecosystem. The PIC16 mid-range 14-bit instruction set is easier to teach than 32-bit ARM cores and teaches register-level programming without an abstraction tax. The 20-SSOP footprint is breadboard-compatible with TSSOP-to-DIP adapter boards, and the internal 16 MHz oscillator gets projects running with no external components. The PIC16F720 family has decades of community code examples, application notes, and reference designs available from Microchip and the hobbyist community.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F720-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F721-I/SS | PIC16LF720-I/SS | PIC16F690-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Flash | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 7 KB (+100%) |
| Data SRAM | 128 B | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) | 256 B (+100%) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 16 MHz | 16 MHz (same) | 16 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (+25%) |
| ADC Channels x Resolution | 12 x 8-bit | 12 x 8-bit (same) | 12 x 8-bit (same) | 12 x 10-bit (better resolution) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 - 5.5 V | 2.0 - 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 - 3.6 V (lower) | 2.0 - 5.5 V (same) |
| Internal Comparator | No | No (same) | No (same) | Yes (advantage) |
| Approx Unit Price @ 100 | $1.04 | $1.30 (approx) | $1.10 (approx) | $1.60 (approx) |
Key Differentiators
- Direct same-footprint Flash upgrade path to PIC16F721-I/SS (vs PIC16F721-I/SS)
- NanoWatt XLP deep-sleep current under 1 µA (vs PIC16F690-I/SS)
- 25 mA I/O source/sink eliminates external transistors (vs PIC16F882-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible between VDD (pin 4) and VSS (pin 5) on the PIC16F720-I/SS, with the trace loop area kept under 5 mm squared to suppress switching noise on the digital supply. Add a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the MCU if the design uses the ADC, and place the optional VCAP capacitor (on LF variants) at the dedicated VCAP pin to stabilize the internal core voltage regulator. Keep the MCLR/VPP trace short and surrounded by ground pour to prevent false resets from injected noise on long factory-floor cable harnesses.
A common pitfall when bringing up the PIC16F720-I/SS is leaving the MCLR pin (pin 3) floating. MCLR is active-low reset and must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor (or to the PICkit programmer's VPP line) for normal operation; otherwise the device stays in reset. Another pitfall is configuring the CONFIG register for an external crystal without populating OSC1/OSC2 - the MCU will not start. Always review the configuration bits in MPLAB X (CONFIG1, CONFIG2) and verify the oscillator selection (INTOSCIO vs HS vs XT) before first power-up.
When using the AUSART peripheral for UART communication at standard baud rates up to 115.2 kbps, the factory-calibrated internal 16 MHz oscillator on the PIC16F720-I/SS provides adequate accuracy (±1% typical, ±2% over temperature). For higher baud rates (250 kbps+) or for LIN bus timing where ±1.5% accuracy is required, calibrate OSCTUNE at room temperature and consider using the 31 kHz internal LFINTOSC for low-power wake timing. Place 33 ohm series resistors on AUSART TX/RX lines when driving cables longer than 10 cm to dampen ringing on the bus edges.
Estimated: At 5 V VDD, 16 MHz CPU clock, all peripherals active and I/O driving minimal loads, the PIC16F720-I/SS draws approximately 2-3 mA. In nanoWatt XLP sleep mode (CPU off, peripherals off, WDT off), the data sheet indicates current can drop to under 1 µA, enabling coin-cell designs that last 5+ years on a 220 mAh CR2032. To achieve the lowest sleep current, disable all peripherals in firmware (clear each peripheral's enable bit), configure all unused I/O as outputs driving low, and switch the oscillator to LFINTOSC or disable it entirely before issuing the SLEEP instruction.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data - mark as unknown. PIC16F720 is not AEC-Q100 qualified; the PIC16F720-I/SS is industrial-grade (-40 C to +85 C).
