PIC16F723-E/SS - 8-bit XLP MCU 7KB Flash 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F723-E/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.58 | $2.58 |
| 10 | $2.35 | $23.50 |
| 100 | $2.12 | $212.00 |
| 500 | $1.94 | $970.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.78 | $1,780.00 |
PIC16F723-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path CPU, ROM/Flash program memory, RAM, and integrated peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces. PIC microcontrollers use a modified Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit wide instruction word optimized for deterministic execution and ultra-low power consumption, sitting in the MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor product hierarchy. The XLP designation indicates this part is engineered for battery-powered applications where sleep-mode current directly determines battery life.
Key features include 20MHz max CPU clock, 1.8V to 5.5V wide operating voltage range, 11-channel 10-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers, one 16-bit timer, enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM, MSSP for SPI/I2C, enhanced USART, 25mA source/sink per I/O, and 11 nA typical sleep current with WDT disabled. The 28-SSOP package offers an industry-standard 0.65mm pitch footprint compatible with hand-soldering and automated assembly, while internal 16MHz and 32kHz oscillators eliminate external clock components.
The PIC16F723 uses Microchip's enhanced mid-range core with a 14-bit instruction set, single-cycle instruction execution except branches, hardware multiplier (8x8) and 16-level hardware stack. Five oscillator modes (XT, HS, LP, RC, INTOSC) provide design flexibility, and the device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) plus in-circuit debugging via ICD. The "-E" suffix indicates the extended (-40C to +125C) industrial operating temperature grade suited for harsh-environment and automotive under-hood applications.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, IoT edge devices, HVAC thermostats, smoke detectors, remote controls, and low-power wireless sensor hubs. The wide voltage range and ultra-low sleep current also make it a fit for energy-harvesting devices, smart metering, and wearable health monitors operating from small lithium coin cells.
When designing with this device, verify the ADC acquisition time setting matches the source impedance per datasheet recommendations to avoid conversion errors. The MCLR reset pin must be tied to VDD through a 10k resistor for reliable operation, and unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs low to minimize sleep current leakage. A blocking capacitor of 0.1uF placed within 5mm of the VDD pin is required for noise immunity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical engineering design notes that extend the information gain beyond what is published on the Microchip datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F723-E/SS 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 PIC16F723-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Timers, Capture/Compare/PWM.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F723A-E/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.13 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F723-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F723T-E/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F723A-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F724-E/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F723-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Enhanced Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | 1 x EUSART, 1 x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | Enhanced CCP |
| I/O Pins | 25 (with 25 mA source/sink) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz (HF) / 32 kHz (LF), software selectable |
| Sleep Current (typical) | 11 nA (WDT disabled, per datasheet) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended "-E" grade) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP, ICD via 2-wire interface |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F723-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β Port A bit 3; analog input 3; positive voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT β Port A bit 4; Timer0 clock input; comparator 1 output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT β Port A bit 5; analog input 4; SPI slave select; HLVD input; comparator 2 output |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO β Port A bit 6; oscillator output; clock output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI β Port A bit 7; oscillator input; clock input |
| Pin 6 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0/AN12/INT β Port B bit 0; analog input 12; external interrupt |
| Pin 9 | RB1/AN10/P1C β Port B bit 1; analog input 10; PWM output C |
| Pin 10 | RB2/AN8/P1B β Port B bit 2; analog input 8; PWM output B |
| Pin 11 | RB3/AN9/PGM/CPP1 β Port B bit 3; analog input 9; LVP program; charge pump |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN11 β Port B bit 4; analog input 11 |
| Pin 13 | RB5/AN13 β Port B bit 5; analog input 13 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/PGC/ICSPDAT β Port B bit 6; ICSP clock; debug data |
| Pin 15 | RB7/PGD/ICSPCLK β Port B bit 7; ICSP data; debug clock |
| Pin 16 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Port C bit 0; Timer1 oscillator output; Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 17 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Port C bit 1; Timer1 oscillator input; CCP2 module |
| Pin 18 | RC2/P1A/CCP1 β Port C bit 2; PWM output A; CCP1 module |
| Pin 19 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Port C bit 3; SPI clock; I2C clock |
| Pin 20 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Port C bit 4; SPI data in; I2C data |
| Pin 21 | RC5/SDO β Port C bit 5; SPI data out |
| Pin 22 | RC6/TX/CK β Port C bit 6; EUSART TX; clock output |
| Pin 23 | RC7/RX/DT β Port C bit 7; EUSART RX; data input |
| Pin 24 | RD0 β Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 25 | RD1 β Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 26 | RD2 β Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 27 | RD3 β Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 28 | RE3/MCLR/VPP β Port E bit 3; master clear reset; programming voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16F723-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, HVAC Thermostat Controller, Smoke Detector / Fire Alarm Sensor, Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Smart Utility Meter / Energy Monitor, Wearable Health Monitor.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16F723-E/SS suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its 11 nA typical sleep current (WDS disabled) and 1.8V to 5.5V wide operating voltage per Microchip datasheet DS41391E. Placed on a sensor board running from a CR2032 coin cell, the part spends most of its life in sleep mode, taking periodic sensor readings via the 11-channel 10-bit ADC and transmitting through an external radio module connected over SPI/I2C via the MSSP. Compared to a 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 alternative, the PIC16F723's deterministic execution and tiny code footprint minimize active-mode power consumption, enabling multi-year battery life. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystal cost and saves board space in compact wireless sensor designs.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controller
The PIC16F723-E/SS works well in HVAC thermostat controllers because of its 11-channel 28-bit ADC for reading multiple temperature sensors and potentiometers, plus the enhanced CCP module for PWM control of fan motors and damper actuators. Operating from a 24VAC-derived DC bus at 3.3V or 5V, the device handles user interface scanning, setpoint management, and relay control within its 7KB Flash budget. The extended -40C to +125C temperature rating ensures reliability in unconditioned equipment rooms or outdoor installations. The MSSP allows I2C communication with OLED displays, while the EUSART supports communication with HVAC equipment over RS-485 or Modbus protocols.
Recommended
Smoke Detector / Fire Alarm Sensor
The PIC16F723-E/SS is ideal for smoke detector and fire alarm sensor applications thanks to its 11 nA sleep current that extends battery life across multi-year replacement cycles. The microcontroller periodically wakes to drive an IR photoelectric smoke chamber via PWM, reads the scattered light through its ADC, and analyzes the signal for smoke patterns. The extended -40C to +125C operating temperature range ensures reliable operation in ceiling-mounted environments where temperatures can swing widely. Built-in EEPROM stores calibration data and last-test timestamps, while the internal low-frequency oscillator enables low-power timekeeping without external 32 kHz crystals, reducing total BOM cost for safety-critical mass-market detectors.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transmitter
Consumer remote controls and IR transmitters benefit from the PIC16F723-E/SS's low sleep current, internal oscillator, and tiny 28-SSOP footprint. The microcontroller wakes on a GPIO interrupt from a key press, scans the keypad matrix, encodes the button command in firmware, and drives an IR LED through the PWM module using a 38 kHz modulation frequency typical of NEC/RC5 protocols. Its 7 KB Flash accommodates multi-protocol code, learning remotes, and pairing sequences, while the EUSART provides a path for firmware updates or factory programming. The 25 mA source/sink I/O drives IR LEDs directly without external transistors, simplifying the BOM for ultra-low-cost mass-market remote controls.
Recommended
Smart Utility Meter / Energy Monitor
The PIC16F723-E/SS supports smart utility meter and energy monitoring applications through its 11-channel ADC for voltage/current sensing, EUSART for communication with metering ICs or modems, and 7 KB Flash for tariff logic. Operating from a 3.6V lithium battery backup or harvested solar input at 1.8V minimum, the part logs consumption events, manages display driving, and wakes periodically for meter reading transmission. The 256-byte EEPROM stores consumption history and configuration, surviving battery replacement cycles. Hardware CCP enables precise pulse counting from electromechanical meter sensors, while the extended temperature range ensures operation in outdoor meter enclosures across climates ranging from arctic to desert conditions.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitor
Wearable health monitor devices benefit from the PIC16F723-E/SS's 11 nA sleep current and 1.8V minimum supply voltage, allowing operation directly from small Li-ion or coin-cell batteries without boost converters. The microcontroller interfaces with optical heart-rate sensors, accelerometers, and temperature sensors over I2C through its MSSP module, processing data with deterministic mid-range core instructions and storing intermediate results in 192 bytes of RAM. The 11-channel ADC supports direct measurement of battery voltage and skin-contact electrodes for ECG or bioimpedance applications. The 28-SSOP package is small enough for wristband or patch-style wearables, and the extended temperature range ensures stable operation during exercise or cold-weather wear.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F723-E/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F723A-E/SS | PIC16F723-I/SS | PIC16F723T-E/SS | PIC16F723A-I/SS | PIC16F724-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Sleep Current (typ) | 11 nA | 11 nA | 11 nA | 11 nA | 11 nA | 11 nA |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade as standard offering (vs PIC16F723-I/SS)
- Silicon revision with improved errata (vs PIC16F723A-E/SS)
- Double program memory in same package (vs PIC16F724-E/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: with VDD = 5V, CPU active at 20 MHz, typical I/O load, the PIC16F723-E/SS draws approximately 4 mA active current per Microchip datasheet DS41391E. Sleep current with WDT disabled is 11 nA typical at 25C, rising to ~20 nA at 85C and ~100 nA at 125C. For battery-life calculations, integrate the active-mode current over wake duration plus the sleep current over sleep duration, divided by total time. A typical sensor node waking for 1 ms every 5 seconds averages under 5 uA, supporting 5+ year operation from a 220 mAh CR2032 cell.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 6), with the trace to the capacitor being wide and short to minimize inductance. A bulk capacitor of 1-10 uF on VDD helps during ADC conversions and brown-out events. The 28-SSOP footprint has 0.65 mm pin pitch requiring solder paste stencil apertures of approximately 0.4 mm width for reliable reflow. MCLR pin (pin 28) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; do not leave floating.
When using the ADC, ensure acquisition time is configured for the source impedance per datasheet recommendations. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC requires a minimum acquisition time dependent on source impedance: 1.5 us for <1 kohm, 3.5 us for 1-5 kohm, and 8 us for 5-10 kohm. Add a 0.1 uF bypass capacitor on analog input pins used as ADC channels to filter switching noise. For high-accuracy measurements, average 16-64 samples in firmware to reduce noise-induced LSB variation.
Do not exceed 5.5V on any pin, or 8.5V on MCLR pin, or you risk latch-up. Unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs and driven low to minimize sleep current leakage; do not leave them as inputs floating. When using the internal oscillator, allow the OST (oscillator start-up timer) to complete before code execution by enabling the appropriate configuration bits. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) require careful isolation from external circuitry during in-circuit programming to avoid contention.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The -E (extended) temperature grade is suitable for industrial and certain automotive under-hood applications, but the part is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified.
