PIC16F721T-I/ML - 8-bit 16MHz 7KB Flash MCU 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F721T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.47 | $147.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16F721T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path. The PIC16F721 uses Microchip's mid-range PIC (RISC) architecture with 35 single-word instructions and 8 hardware stack levels, executing most instructions in one instruction cycle. PIC MCUs sit in the hierarchy: 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. They are favored for deterministic timing, low power consumption, and easy in-circuit programmability, making them well suited for cost-sensitive embedded control.
Key differentiators include the integrated 16MHz internal oscillator that eliminates an external crystal, the nanoWatt XLP technology for ultra-low standby current, and the High Endurance Flash memory region that allows up to 100K writes for data logging. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC enables direct sensing of multiple analog signals, while the dedicated PWM/CCP module drives motors, LEDs, or power converters. A Brown-Out Reset (BOR) and Power-On Reset (POR) ensure reliable startup, and the Watchdog Timer (WDT) recovers the device from code lockups.
Communication peripherals include I2C, SPI, and AUSART (asynchronous/synchronous UART) for master-slave or point-to-point links with sensors, memories, or other MCUs. The 2.5V to 5.5V supply range allows operation from a single Li-ion cell or a regulated 5V bus. The 20-QFN (4x4) package offers a small PCB footprint suitable for space-constrained designs such as wearable sensors, sensor nodes, and IoT edge devices.
Typical applications include consumer appliance controls, LED lighting drivers, sensor hubs, and portable industrial monitoring. The device supports ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) so firmware can be updated via two pins in production or in-field. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range (suffix 'I') qualifies it for outdoor and factory-floor installations. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and design notes that extend beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers select and source this MCU efficiently.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F721T-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 PIC16F721T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, ADC, Program Memory (Flash), Data SRAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F721-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F721T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Mid-Range) 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word instructions |
| Stack Levels | 8 hardware levels |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Non-volatile Data Storage (HEF) | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 16 MHz (internal) / 20 MHz (external) |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| I/O Drive Strength | 25 mA source / 25 mA sink |
| ADC | 12 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | Two 8-bit (TMR0/TMR2), One 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) | 1 module |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, SPI (MSSP), AUSART |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Brown-Out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes (2-pin) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 20-pin QFN (4x4 mm) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F721T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC reference plus |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / Oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / Oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/AN12 — PORTB bit 0 / Analog input channel 12 / INT |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN10 — PORTB bit 1 / Analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN8 — PORTB bit 2 / Analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN9 — PORTB bit 3 / Analog input channel 9 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F721T-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, LED Lighting Drivers, Battery-Powered Sensor Hubs, Industrial Monitoring Modules, Automotive Interior Accessories, IoT Edge Sensor Nodes, Hobbyist and Educational Projects.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F721T-I/ML fits consumer appliance controls with its 7 KB Flash, 25 mA source/sink I/O to drive relays and triacs directly, and 2.5V-5.5V operation that matches rectified mains drops. Its 12-channel 8-bit ADC monitors temperature, current, and water level sensors, while the AUSART links to a human-machine interface module. NanoWatt XLP delivers sub-1uA standby current that helps meet energy-star standby budgets for white goods. Pin count (18 I/O) is sufficient for keypad scanning and triac firing without external logic.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
For LED lighting drivers the PIC16F721T-I/ML's CCP PWM module drives MOSFETs at audio-band rates to avoid flicker, and 12 ADC channels measure multiple LED-string currents for closed-loop brightness control. The 256-byte SRAM is ample for color-mixing computations in architectural RGBW fixtures. Operating voltage 2.5V-5.5V simplifies design for 24V constant-voltage LED strips with a small LDO front-end. Industrial -40C to +85C range is suitable for outdoor luminaires and ceiling-mounted installations.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Hubs
Sensor-hub designs benefit from the PIC16F721T-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology drawing sub-1uA in sleep, waking on watchdog or interrupt to take ADC readings and transmit via AUSART or SPI. The 7 KB Flash handles stack-friendly Zigbee/LoRa node firmware, and 256-byte SRAM is sufficient for runtime state plus short packet buffers. 2.5V-5.5V operation runs directly from 2xAA or single Li-ion cells, eliminating boost converters for portable instrumentation. The 20-QFN (4x4) package suits miniaturized wearable devices.
Recommended
Industrial Monitoring Modules
Industrial monitoring modules use the PIC16F721T-I/ML as the local controller sampling thermocouples, 4-20mA loops, and switch contacts via its 12-channel 8-bit ADC. The 25 mA I/O source/sink directly powers relays, optocouplers, and indicator LEDs. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range handles outdoor enclosures and factory floors. I2C/SPI buses connect to EEPROM data loggers and isolated RS-485 transceivers for SCADA integration; AUSART supports legacy Modbus RTU slave protocols in PLC remote I/O.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories
Automotive interior accessories such as ambient lighting, USB chargers, and HVAC knob controllers use the PIC16F721T-I/ML for its deterministic 5-MIPS performance, sufficient for debounced switch scanning and PWM fan/LED control at 25 mA per pin. The 12-channel ADC reads ambient light sensors and thermistors directly; AUSART links to a body control module for diagnostics. Note: this part does NOT carry AEC-Q100 qualification - for AEC-Q100 grades use the PIC16F721-E/ML extended-temperature variant. Operating voltage tolerates 12V battery transients with external TVS clamping.
Recommended
IoT Edge Sensor Nodes
IoT edge sensor nodes leverage the PIC16F721T-I/ML for its nanoWatt XLP technology, which drops quiescent current below 1 uA - critical for coin-cell or energy-harvesting nodes. The on-chip 16 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystals, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in space-constrained sensor packages. Seven KB of Flash accommodates small LoRaWAN or BLE peripheral firmware stacks; the 12-channel 8-bit ADC supports simultaneous humidity, temperature, and gas-sensor readout. I2C master interfaces with low-power sensors; AUSART provides a debug console.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Projects
Educational and maker applications benefit from the PIC16F721T-I/ML's well-supported PIC architecture with a free MPLAB X IDE, free XC8 compiler, and inexpensive PICkit programmers. The 7 KB Flash holds introductory C programs and real-time control exercises; 18 GPIO plus 12 ADC channels accommodate sensor and actuator experiments on breadboards. Compatibility with hundreds of app notes and Microchip's Curiosity development boards reduces learning curves. The 20-QFN (4x4) footprint plus breakout boards ease hand-soldering.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F721T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F721-I/ML | PIC16F720T-I/ML | PIC16F722T-I/ML | PIC16F720-I/ML | PIC16F716T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4) | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN equivalent family |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 16 MHz internal | 16 MHz internal | 16 MHz internal | 16 MHz internal | 16 MHz internal | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 25 | 18 | 13 |
| ADC Channels | 12 channels, 8-bit | 12 channels, 8-bit | 12 channels, 8-bit | 11 channels, 8-bit | 12 channels, 8-bit | 4 channels, 8-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-leading nanoWatt XLP sleep current (vs PIC16F720T-I/ML)
- Double the program memory of the 720 sibling (vs PIC16F720T-I/ML)
- Pin-compatible upgrade to the higher-pin-count 722 (vs PIC16F722T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 10) and the exposed thermal pad on the underside (which must be soldered to the PCB ground plane). For designs with analog channels near the MCU, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at VDD to suppress switching transients from relay or PWM loads. Use a star-ground topology if mixing analog and digital return currents, and avoid routing high-current traces beneath the QFN footprint to minimize capacitive crosstalk.
The PIC16F721T-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology drops IPD (deep sleep) current below 1 uA when the ADC and clock are disabled, so battery designs can leave the device in sleep most of the time. Plan the firmware so the wakeup source (WDT, INT, or interrupt-on-change) triggers a short active period to take an ADC reading, transmit via AUSART, then returns to sleep. Estimated: at 0.1% duty cycle with average active current of 2 mA, the average draw is approximately 2 uA, extending a 1000 mAh Li-ion cell to ~50 years theoretical life.
The ICSP lines (ICSPCLK on pin 17 / RB6 and ICSPDAT on pin 18 / RB7) are multiplexed with PORTB and have weak pull-ups enabled in ICSP mode. When designing a production PCB, do not place strong loads (more than 5 mA) on these pins, as the ICSP programmer drives them during debug. Add 4.7k ohm series resistors in series with the ICSP header only if the pins drive external circuits during normal operation, to prevent contention during programming.
The 20-QFN (4x4) package has an exposed thermal pad on pin 11 area that must be soldered to a PCB copper pour to meet thermal specifications. For applications dissipating more than 100 mW (typical at 16 MHz full load with multiple I/O switching), use a 1 square inch copper pour on at least one PCB layer stitched with thermal vias to a back-side ground plane. The MCU itself does not dissipate significant power - the bottleneck is the PCB thermal path, not junction temperature.
Common pitfalls when migrating firmware to PIC16F721 from the PIC16F720 family: (1) interrupt vector addresses differ - confirm vector table in linker script; (2) HEF region at addresses 0x2100-0x217F must be unlocked before each write cycle; (3) on first power-up after programming, the BOR flag must be cleared or the firmware loop can stall in the reset handler. Always prototype with the MPLAB debugger's 'pause on reset' option to catch these conditions before deploying firmware.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per Microchip product declaration. The 'I' suffix denotes industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100, select the PIC16F721-E/ML extended-temperature variant or a specifically AEC-qualified part.
