PIC16F722A-I/SO - 8-Bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F722A-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.61 | $2.61 |
| 10 | $2.35 | $23.50 |
| 100 | $2.08 | $208.00 |
| 500 | $1.81 | $905.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.32 | $3,960.00 |
PIC16F722A-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip containing a CPU, RAM, Flash program storage, and peripherals (UART, ADC, timers, I/O) on a single die. The PIC16F722A-I/SO belongs to the mid-range PIC16 family, which uses a RISC Harvard architecture with 35 single-word instructions and 200 ns instruction execution at 20 MHz. In a system's hierarchy, an MCU sits between simple logic ICs and full application processors, providing programmable control with on-chip peripherals.
Key features of this part include 3.5 KB Flash program memory, 128 bytes SRAM, 25 I/O pins, an internal 16 MHz oscillator, a 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, an Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), and Master I2C/SPI interfaces. The wide supply voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V and nanoWatt XLP technology allow standby currents below 100 nA typical.
The device integrates an internal low-dropout voltage regulator with a VCAP pin requiring an external stabilization capacitor. The 28-SOIC wide-body package offers 0.3-inch row spacing and a thermal profile suitable for industrial temperature operation (-40C to +85C for the -I industrial grade). This makes the PIC16F722A-I/SO well suited for cost-sensitive industrial and consumer products where compact, low-power, programmable control is needed.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, home-automation controllers, low-power IoT endpoints, white goods user-interface control, motor-control loops (small DC/stepper), and LED lighting controllers. The ADC and PWM peripherals make it well suited to closed-loop analog control.
Designers should note that the -I grade supports -40C to +85C operation; for -40C to +125C industrial or AEC-Q100 automotive applications, the -E grade or Q-grade variants are required. The internal LDO requires a decoupling capacitor on VCAP, and unused I/O should be configured as outputs to minimize quiescent current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F722A-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 PIC16F722A-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F721-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722A-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F723A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F690-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722A-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range RISC (Harvard) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| CPU Speed (max) | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| SRAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication | EUSART, SPI, I2C (Master) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, -I grade) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO), wide-body, 7.50 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F722A-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/VCAP — PORTA bit 0 / Voltage regulator output capacitor |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — PORTA bit 3 / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 8 | RA7 — PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — External clock input / crystal input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 / analog input |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 / analog input / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / ICSPDAT |
Typical Applications
PIC16F722A-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Home Automation Controllers, White-Goods User-Interface Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Small Motor Control (DC / Stepper), Industrial Sensor Transmitters, Cost-Sensitive Consumer Electronics.
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F722A-I/SO is well suited to battery-powered wireless sensor nodes thanks to its 1.8V-5.5V VDD range and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 100 nA. With a 20 MHz CPU and 10-bit ADC up to 14 channels, the part can wake periodically, sample sensors, transmit over an SPI/ UART external radio, and return to sleep, achieving multi-year coin-cell life. The 128 B SRAM is sufficient for stack and short buffers. Inter-node quantization lowers total system bill of materials.
Recommended
Home Automation Controllers
For wall switches, smart-plug controllers, and HVAC zone interfaces, the PIC16F722A-I/SO offers 25 I/O, EUSART, and Master I2C/SPI to drive triac drivers, keypads, and OLED displays. The 200 ns instruction execution provides responsive touch decoding, while the 1.8-5.5V range supports direct 3.3V and 5V peripherals. Internal LDO and 16 MHz HFINTOSC remove external BOM. Home-automation quantization is dominated by firmware complexity, well within 3.5 KB flash.
Recommended
White-Goods User-Interface Control
Washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave front-panel controllers benefit from the PIC16F722A-I/SO's 25 I/O for keypad scanning, 7-segment or LCD segment drives, and PWM buzzer/relay outputs. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range handles under-cabinet thermal rise. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature, humidity, and water-level sensors without external ADC. White-goods quantization typically fits 1-2 KB, leaving 1-2 KB headroom for diagnostics.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F722A-I/SO drives multi-channel LED strings via Timer2-derived PWM outputs at frequencies to 20 kHz above audible noise. Its 10-bit ADC reads ambient-light sensors and potentiometers for dimming curves. The 1.8V-5.5V range supports direct operation from 4-5 stage NiMH or single Li-ion cells, while nanoWatt XLP enables always-on standby for motion- or proximity-triggered wake. LED controllers quantization favors fewer-timer parts, making this MCU a strong fit.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (DC / Stepper)
Closed-loop control of small brushed DC or stepper motors fits the PIC16F722A-I/SO's 3 x timers, PWM, and ADC for current/tachometer feedback. The 20 MHz CPU executes PID loops in tens of microseconds, sufficient for sub-100 Hz mechanical loops. Industrial temperature grade and wide VDD support 12V/24V systems after external regulation. Motor-control quantization requires deterministic PWM edges, which the hardware CCP/ECCP delivers.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitters
For 4-20 mA loop-powered or 24V industrial sensor transmitters, the PIC16F722A-I/SO's -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and 5.5V absolute maximum VDD suit harsh factory environments. The 10-bit ADC up to 14 channels supports multi-sensor aggregation; EUSART handles Modbus RTU over RS-485 with external transceiver. Its nanoWatt XLP allows loop-powered designs with 3 mA budget. Industrial quantization favors 8-bit parts with proven long-term supply.
Recommended
Cost-Sensitive Consumer Electronics
Toys, remote controls, novelty devices, and small appliances benefit from the PIC16F722A-I/SO's low unit cost (~$1.55 at qty 1000) and wide distributor availability. 3.5 KB flash accommodates feature-rich consumer UI logic; 128 B SRAM holds key state. Industrial temperature grade covers indoor consumer thermal environments. Consumer quantization priorities are BOM cost and supply assurance, both met by Microchip's broad PIC16 distribution and long product lifecycle commitments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F722A-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F721-I/SO | PIC16F722A-E/ML | PIC16F722A-I/SS | PIC16F723A-I/SO | PIC16F720-I/SO | PIC16F690-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 1.75 KB | 4 KB |
| SRAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 192 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| CPU Clock (max) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 8 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 18 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-power 8-bit MCU in SOIC-28 with XLP technology (vs PIC16F690-I/SO)
- Compact wide VDD range 1.8V-5.5V (vs PIC16F690-I/SO)
- On-chip VCAP internal LDO simplifies PCB (vs PIC16F722A-I/SS (SSOP-28 variant))
- Smaller flash but lower cost than PIC16F723A (vs PIC16F723A-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD20 VDD=5.0V, fCLK20 20 MHz, the core draws approximately 6-8 mA typical per datasheet. With a 5V supply and 50% active duty cycle, average current is 3-4 mA. For sleep-mode designs using nanoWatt XLP, leakage is typically below 100 nA. Provide a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to VDD (pin 20) and a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the VDD rail to suppress switching transients.
The PIC16F722A-I/SO integrates an internal LDO that requires an external capacitor on the VCAP pin (pin 1/RA0). Per the Microchip datasheet, a 0.1 uF to 1 uF low-ESR ceramic capacitor must be placed as close as possible to the VCAP pin with traces kept short. Without this capacitor, the MCU will not operate reliably and may exhibit brown-out or programming failures. Do not use pin RA0 as a general-purpose I/O if VCAP functionality is required.
Place the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to the IC, and route the ICSPDAT (RB7/28) and ICSPCLK (RB6/27) traces away from high-current switching nodes. For noise-sensitive analog inputs, dedicate separate AVSS/AVDD pins if available, and route analog traces with ground guard rings. A 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane is recommended for ADC accuracy to within 1 LSB at 10-bit resolution.
Keep the VCAP capacitor trace shorter than 5 mm. Avoid running digital signal traces directly over the analog AVSS island. Place the crystal (if used) within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 9-10) and guard it with grounded copper pour. Use a star-ground topology for analog and digital returns tied at the IC VSS pin (pin 19). Following these layout practices preserves ADC SNR and avoids oscillator start-up failures.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose Q-grade PIC16F variants for automotive. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip packaging designation.
