PIC16F722A-I/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F722A-I/SP β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.14 | $2.14 |
| 10 | $1.93 | $19.30 |
| 100 | $1.72 | $172.00 |
| 500 | $1.54 | $770.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC16F722A-I/SP Overview
What is an 8-bit flash microcontroller? An 8-bit flash microcontroller is a single-chip computer whose ALU and data bus are 8 bits wide and whose program memory is electrically erasable in-circuit (flash), enabling field updates without UV erasure. Within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers (MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> mid-range enhanced core), the PIC16F722A sits in the entry-to-mid tier optimized for cost, low power, and small pin-count designs, sitting below 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC and 32-bit PIC32MX parts and above legacy 14-bit baseline PIC16C parts.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP sleep currents as low as 20 nA typical, an integrated low-dropout voltage regulator requiring only an external VCAP capacitor, 11-channel 8-bit ADC, multiple timers, and support for mTouch capacitive touch sensing. The 28-pin SPDIP footprint is widely supported by hobbyist and industrial sockets, simplifying prototyping and field replacement.
The PIC16F722A architecture combines a RISC-like Harvard bus with on-chip debug support and a 35-instruction set, executing most instructions in one instruction cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz). On-chip peripherals include PWM modules, comparators, USART, and an internal oscillator factory calibrated to within 1% across voltage and temperature, eliminating external crystals in many designs.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered handheld instruments, LED lighting controllers, and capacitive-touch user interfaces. Designers select this part when low sleep current, simple peripheral integration, and an established toolchain (MPLAB X IDE + XC8 compiler + PICkit programmer) outweigh the need for higher MIPS or larger flash.
When designing, evaluate total power budget against XLP modes (sleep/doze/active), reserve a VCAP pin for the internal LDO stabilization capacitor, and verify ADC acquisition time against source impedance to avoid gain errors. For pin-compatible upgrades with more memory or peripherals, review the PIC16F723A (7KB flash) or PIC16F722 (original 3.5KB revision).
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same 28-SPDIP footprint, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F722A-I/SP β 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Program Memory (Flash).
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F723A-I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F721-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F882-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722-I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.22 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F722A-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range (14-bit instruction) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 0 bytes (none on this device) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (F variant) |
| I/O Pins | 25 (varies by package) |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| PWM Channels | Enhanced CCP, up to 2 PWM outputs |
| Communication | AUSART (RS-232/RS-485), I2C, SPI |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes, 16 MHz factory-calibrated (HFINTOSC) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP), 0.100 inch pitch |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| MSL Level | 1 (not moisture-sensitive for SPDIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free per Microchip product page) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
PIC16F722A-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 7 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 2 | RA6 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 6 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 3 | RA5 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 5 / VCAP (LDO output, requires 1uF cap) |
| Pin 4 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 5 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 / MCLR (Reset, weak pull-up) |
| Pin 6 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 / AN1 |
| Pin 7 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 / AN0 |
| Pin 8 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 / AN2 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 / AN4 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 / AN5 |
| Pin 12 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 / AN6 / CCP1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 / AN7 / SCL (I2C) |
| Pin 14 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 / AN8 / SDA (I2C) |
| Pin 15 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 / AN9 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 / AN10 / TX (AUSART) |
| Pin 17 | RC7 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 / AN12 / SDO (SPI) |
| Pin 18 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 / AN11 |
| Pin 21 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 22 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 / AN13 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 / AN10 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 / CCP2 |
| Pin 25 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 / INT1 |
| Pin 27 | RB0 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / INT0 |
| Pin 28 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F722A-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Capacitive Touch User Interface, LED Lighting Controller, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Industrial Control / Modbus Slave, Portable Handheld Instrument.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16F722A-I/SP suits battery-powered sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP sleep mode pulls approximately 20 nA typical current per the Microchip datasheet (DS40001417C). With a 3.5KB flash budget the part runs an 8-bit A/D acquisition loop, threshold detection, and occasional UART transmission while sleeping between events, achieving multi-year coin-cell life. The internal calibrated 16MHz HFINTOSC eliminates a 2-pin external crystal, freeing I/O for sensors, while the 1.8-5.5V range supports single-cell Li-coin (3V) and AA alkaline (3-4.5V) chemistries without boost regulators. Pair with a low-power sensor like the MCP9700 temp IC and a CC1101 sub-GHz radio, using AUSART for comms. Thermal rise is negligible since current draw in sleep is below the LDO self-heating threshold.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interface
The PIC16F722A-I/SP supports mTouch capacitive touch sensing via the on-chip comparators and CTMU module, enabling up to 11 touch channels on the 28-SPDIP footprint. The 20MHz core provides 5 MIPS, sufficient for periodic charge-time measurement cycle (CTMU) without perceptible lag. With 3.5KB flash, designers implement 8-12 button touch panels with simple gesture handling. Internal LDO regulator powers the digital core from a 3.3V or 5V rail, allowing direct LED indicator drive. Place a 100nF VCAP capacitor and route guard traces around touch pads; the SPDIP-28 through-hole package makes breadboard prototyping fast for hobby and small-batch appliance products. Consider PIC16F722A-E/ML SMD variant for production.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F722A-I/SP drives multi-channel RGBW LED lighting strings via its enhanced CCP PWM module, generating two PWM channels at 20MHz with no processor overhead. With 3.5KB flash, designers implement color-mixing algorithms, dimming curves, and DMX-style input parsing. The 1.8-5.5V supply range covers battery LED strips (3V) and mains-derived 5V rails. The 8-bit ADC (11-channel) reads photodiodes or potentiometers for ambient feedback. Internal LFINTOSC provides a low-jitter timebase for PWM, avoiding external crystal cost. For production, the PIC16F722A-I/ML SMD variant or PIC16F882-I/SP upgrade offers more PWM channels. Verify thermal budget for the SPDIP-28 package under heavy I/O switching.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F722A-I/SP fits consumer appliance control boards (rice cookers, air purifiers, fans) due to its small footprint, low cost, and -40C to +85C industrial temperature range. With 3.5KB flash and 128B RAM, it handles button scanning, triac phase control via zero-cross detect, and basic UI feedback. The internal LDO simplifies single-rail 5V designs. The 28-SPDIP package is rugged for through-hole assembly and rework, easing field service. PICkit 4 programming via ICSP pins allows production-line firmware updates. For higher-noise motor control, consider PIC16F722A-I/SP upgrade path to PIC16F882 with enhanced PWM.
Recommended
Industrial Control / Modbus Slave
The PIC16F722A-I/SP functions as a Modbus RTU slave on RS-485 industrial buses via its AUSART peripheral and a half-duplex transceiver like MAX485. With 20MHz clock, the part meets Modbus timing requirements and 3.5KB flash holds Modbus library, register map, and basic control logic. The -40C to +85C industrial range handles factory floor conditions. Internal 16MHz HFINTOSC calibrates to 1% over voltage and temperature, sufficient for 115200 baud comms. Add isolation via ADM2483 if bus noise is high. The 28-SPDIP footprint supports socketed field replacement. For higher pin count, migrate to PIC16F882-I/SP.
Recommended
Portable Handheld Instrument
The PIC16F722A-I/SP powers portable handheld instruments (digital thermometers, multimeters, battery testers) thanks to its nanoWatt XLP technology and -40C to +85C operating range. With 11-channel 8-bit ADC, the part reads multiple sensors (thermistor, voltage dividers, current shunt) and displays via char LCD on GPIO. 3.5KB flash holds user interface and calibration tables. The internal 16MHz HFINTOSC eliminates crystal cost. Sleep current of approximately 20 nA extends coin-cell life for weeks. The 28-SPDIP package fits inside plastic enclosures with through-hole mounting for durability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F722A-I/SP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F723A-I/SP | PIC16F721-I/SP | PIC16F720-I/SP | PIC16F882-I/SP | PIC16F722-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (SP) | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) - upgrade | 7 KB (4K x 14) - upgrade | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) - same | 8 KB - upgrade | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) - same |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 256 bytes - upgrade | 256 bytes - upgrade | 128 bytes - same | 256 bytes - upgrade | 128 bytes - same |
| Data EEPROM | 0 bytes | 0 bytes - same | 0 bytes - same | 0 bytes - same | 256 bytes - upgrade | 0 bytes - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same |
| ADC Channels | 11 channels, 8-bit | 11 channels, 8-bit - same | 14 channels, 8-bit - upgrade | 11 channels, 8-bit - same | 11 channels, 10-bit - upgrade | 11 channels, 8-bit - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - same | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - same | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - close | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - same |
| Lifecycle Status | Active (In Production) | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active (legacy) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 3.5KB flash MCU with nanoWatt XLP (vs PIC16F882-I/SP)
- Same package, more flash memory (vs PIC16F723A-I/SP)
- Pin-compatible legacy silicon revision (vs PIC16F722-I/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: connect a 1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor on each VDD pin (pin 20 and pin 28 for 28-SPDIP) placed within 5mm of the package. The internal LDO requires a stabilization capacitor on the VCAP pin (RA5, pin 3) - per the Microchip PIC16F722A datasheet, this is mandatory for proper operation. Without the VCAP capacitor, the internal regulator may oscillate or fail to start, causing unpredictable resets or reduced supply headroom.
MCLR pin (RA3, pin 5) has a weak internal pull-up that is enabled by default; however, for reliable operation in noisy industrial environments, add an external 10k pull-up resistor. The ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK on pin 1, ICSPDAT on pin 2) overlap with RA6/RA7 - if your application uses these pins for I/O, ensure 4.7k resistors in series to the programmer to limit current during in-circuit programming without disturbing the user circuit.
Estimated: at 20MHz with all peripherals active, the PIC16F722A-I/SP draws approximately 8-10mA from a 5V supply, dissipating about 50mW in the SPDIP-28 package. The thermal resistance theta_JA of the 28-SPDIP is approximately 80 C/W, giving a junction temperature rise of only 4C above ambient. No heatsink is required for normal operation across the -40C to +85C industrial range.
Route the VCAP capacitor trace as short as possible to the RA5/VCAP pin (pin 3) to minimize loop area and prevent regulator instability. Place the ICSP header (5-pin standard Microchip layout) on a separate connector near pins 1 and 2. Add a ferrite bead or inductor on the VDD trace if the board shares a noisy switching converter with the MCU. Reserve pin RC3 and RC4 as dedicated I2C SCL/SDA lines with 4.7k pull-ups to VDD.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive, use PIC16F722A-E/SP extended temperature grade. Lead-free per SPDIP 'I' suffix designation.
