PIC16F720T-I/SO - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 20-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F720T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.78 | $0.78 |
| 10 | $0.72 | $7.20 |
| 100 | $0.65 | $65.00 |
| 500 | $0.58 | $290.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.52 | $520.00 |
PIC16F720T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, volatile and non-volatile memory, and programmable I/O peripherals onto one silicon die. The 8-bit MCU category sits in the lower-cost tier of the embedded hierarchy: PIC16 -> 8-bit PIC family -> PIC microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> semiconductor. The 'T' suffix denotes Tape and Reel packaging and '-I' indicates the industrial temperature grade of -40C to +85C, distinguishing it from the automotive 'E' grade variants.
Key features of the PIC16F720 include 35 instructions (33 single-cycle), nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power technology, integrated A/D converter, comparators, ECCP/Capture/Compare/PWM modules, mTouch capacitive touch support, and an internal oscillator. The wide 2.5V-5.5V range supports both 3.3V and 5V designs, and XLP enables sleep currents in the nanoamp range for battery-powered applications.
The 20-pin SOIC package provides easy hand-soldering and breadboard-compatible pin spacing for prototypes, while the SO package family is widely available and reflow-solderable for volume production. The PIC16F720 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program Flash and data SRAM buses, optimizing instruction fetch and data access for predictable real-time behavior.
Typical applications include home appliances, white goods, motor control, lighting controls, sensor interfacing, low-cost consumer electronics, and any battery-powered embedded system needing XLP-class sleep current. The integrated peripherals reduce external component count.
When designing with the PIC16F720, ensure decoupling capacitors (typically 100nF) are placed close to VDD/VSS pairs, and that unused I/O pins are configured as outputs with low-level output or inputs with internal pull-ups to minimize sleep current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and application notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet, enabling faster sourcing and design decisions for engineers.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F720T-I/SO — 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 PIC16F720T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F720-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F721T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash |
| SRAM | 128 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO), 7.50 mm body width |
| Package Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Capacitive Touch | mTouch support (per datasheet) |
| Low Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead Free | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes |
PIC16F720T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/clock input or external clock |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal output or clock output |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA5/AN4/C2OUT — PORTA bit 5 / analog input / comparator output |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN3/T1G — PORTA bit 4 / analog input / timer1 gate |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN2/C1IN+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input / comparator non-inverting |
| Pin 8 | RA2/AN1/C1OUT — PORTA bit 2 / analog input / comparator output |
| Pin 9 | RA1/AN0/C1IN0- — PORTA bit 1 / analog input / comparator inverting |
| Pin 10 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+ — PORTA bit 0 / analog input / comparator non-inverting |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 13 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 17 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference (second ground) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F720T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Home Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Control, Small Motor Control, Industrial Sensor Front-End, Capacitive Touch User Interface.
Home Appliance Control
The PIC16F720T-I/SO fits home appliance control boards because its 18 I/O pins, internal oscillator, and 2.5V-5.5V supply simplify designs running directly from rectified mains-derived rails. The 16 MIPS peak throughput at 20 MHz handles user input, triac/relay sequencing, and LED driver tasks, while nanoWatt XLP keeps standby current under 100 nA to meet European standby budgets. The integrated A/D and comparators enable zero-crossing detection for AC load control.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16F720T-I/SO is a strong fit for battery-powered sensor nodes thanks to nanoWatt XLP sub-1uA sleep currents and the 2.5V-5.5V supply range accepting 3V lithium coin or two-AA cells. The 128 B SRAM and 3.5 KB Flash are sufficient for periodic sensor sampling, on-chip A/D, and wireless wake-up protocols before transmitting. Industrial temp ensures robust behavior across outdoor installations.
Recommended
LED Lighting Control
The PIC16F720T-I/SO's ECCP module and mTouch support suit LED lighting where PWM dimming and capacitive touch sliders replace mechanical buttons. The 18 I/O drive multiple LED string control FETs and I2C-controlled drivers, while the wide voltage range and small SOIC-20 footprint enable designs inside GU10 or MR16 fixtures where space is constrained.
Recommended
Small Motor Control
For small DC and BLDC motor control sub-100W, the PIC16F720T-I/SO delivers ECCP for PWM generation, comparators for back-EMF sensing, and 35 single-cycle instructions for low-latency control loops. The 20 MHz clock and 16 MIPS throughput handle trapezoidal commutation for small fans, pumps, and appliance drives without needing DSP parts.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-End
The PIC16F720T-I/SO's industrial -40C to +85C temp grade, 18 I/O, and integrated A/D fit industrial sensor front-ends for 4-20 mA loops, switch input monitors, and panel meters. Its wide supply tolerance handles 24V industrial rails stepped down to 5V, while the ECCP drives HMI buzzers and LED indicators.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16F720T-I/SO's native mTouch support enables capacitive buttons, sliders, and proximity sense without external touch controllers, reducing BOM cost for consumer panels. The 18 I/O drive a small LCD or status LED array, and sleep current in the nanoamp range keeps battery-powered remotes running for years on a single coin cell.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F720T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F720-I/SO | PIC16F720-I/SS | PIC16F720-E/SO | PIC16F720-I/P | PIC16F721T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO), 7.50mm | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SSOP, 5.30mm | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin PDIP, 0.300 inch | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash |
| SRAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel format for SMT production volumes (vs PIC16F720-I/SO (tube))
- Industrial temperature grade covers -40C to +85C (vs PIC16F720-E/SO (automotive grade))
- Family compatibility with PIC16F721 for memory growth (vs PIC16F721T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair of the PIC16F720T-I/SO. For battery-powered designs targeting nanoWatt XLP, use a low-leakage ceramic capacitor (C0G/NP0 dielectric) and minimize trace length on the ground return to keep wake-up noise below the comparator threshold. Add a 10uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output if multiple peripherals switch simultaneously.
Route the MCLR/VPP pin through a separate test pad or dedicated ICSP header to avoid capacitive loading on the reset line. Keep the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring, to ensure stable oscillator start-up at 20 MHz. If using the internal oscillator, leave OSC1/OSC2 as GPIO but verify the configuration register disables the external oscillator to prevent leakage.
Do not omit the configuration bits (CONFIG1/CONFIG2) - unprogrammed defaults may enable the watchdog timer or select an unsupported oscillator mode. Initialize all unused I/O as outputs with low-level output rather than floating inputs to avoid shoot-through current. When migrating from PIC16F690 or PIC16F716 code, the SFR addresses and analog channel mapping differ - do not assume register-level compatibility across families.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade; not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F720-E/SO variant for automotive.
