PIC16F723T-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 20MHz, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F723T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.62 | $1.62 |
| 10 | $1.45 | $14.50 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.12 | $560.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.98 | $980.00 |
| 2,600 | $0.85 | $2,210.00 |
PIC16F723T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM), and peripherals around an 8-bit data path. The PIC architecture uses a reduced instruction set (RISC) with Harvard bus topology, separating program and data memory for deterministic instruction timing. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, an 8-bit MCU sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in computational throughput, but excels in cost-sensitive, low-power embedded roles. The PIC16F723 specifically targets the sub-32KB Flash, sub-1KB RAM class where simplicity and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents matter more than raw MIPS.
Key differentiating features include nanoWatt XLP technology for sub-uA sleep currents, integrated PWM modules, watchdog timer, brown-out reset, and on-chip 16MHz internal oscillator that allows operation without an external crystal. The 28-QFN (ML) package with exposed thermal pad reduces footprint while providing solid thermal performance at the 20MHz speed grade.
The PIC16F723 employs a 14-bit instruction word with a two-stage pipeline, delivering approximately 5 MIPS instruction transfer to firmware. On-chip peripherals include a 10-bit ADC (referenced in family datasheets), comparators, enhanced USART, and capture/compare/PWM modules. The internal 16MHz oscillator is factory calibrated to within 1% across voltage and temperature.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, consumer appliance controls, low-cost IoT edge devices, LED lighting controllers, and small industrial control boards. The combination of low cost, low power, and a mature toolchain makes it well-suited for high-volume embedded products where BOM cost dominates MCU selection.
When designing with this device, plan decoupling carefully: place a 100nF ceramic bypass close to VDD and a bulk capacitor near the exposed pad. For sleep-mode designs, follow Microchip's nanoWatt XLP application notes to minimize quiescent current and to leverage the on-chip LFINTOSC for timer-only operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes drawn from Microchip's PIC16F72X family datasheet, complementing the manufacturer documentation with information not found in any single source.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F723T-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 PIC16F723T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F723A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F690-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F689-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F677-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F631T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F684-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F723T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| RAM Size | 192 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 25 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Peripherals | Brown-out reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART (per family datasheet) |
| Series | PIC 16F |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per distributor listings) |
PIC16F723T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3 — GPIO RA3 / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — GPIO RA4 (also T0CKI / CCP5 per family) |
| Pin 3 | RA5 — GPIO RA5 |
| Pin 4 | RA6 — GPIO RA6 (also OSC2 per family) |
| Pin 5 | RA7 — GPIO RA7 (also OSC1 per family) |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-5.5V) |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — GPIO RB0 (also INT) |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — GPIO RB1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — GPIO RB2 |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — GPIO RB3 |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — GPIO RB6 (also ICSPCLK / ICSPDAT per family) |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — GPIO RB7 |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 17 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 18 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 19 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 20 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 21 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 22 | RC6 — GPIO RC6 (also TX/CK per family) |
| Pin 23 | RC7 — GPIO RC7 (also RX/DT per family) |
| Pin 24 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 25 | RA0 — GPIO RA0 / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1 — GPIO RA1 / analog input AN1 |
| Pin 27 | RA2 — GPIO RA2 / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 28 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC16F723T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Consumer Appliance Controls, Low-Cost IoT Edge Devices, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Control Boards, Small Remote Controls and HIDs.
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F723T-I/ML is well suited to battery-powered sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP technology, 1.8V-5.5V supply window, and 192B RAM. The internal 16MHz oscillator eliminates the external crystal, reducing BOM cost and quiescent draw. With 7KB Flash, designers can implement sensor sampling, threshold detection, and a small RF or UART protocol stack. The 25 I/O pins allow multiple sensor interfaces (I2C, SPI, ADC inputs) on a single MCU. Battery life of 1-3 years on a single CR2032 is achievable when the firmware aggressively uses sleep modes. Source: Microchip PIC16F72X family datasheet, nanoWatt XLP application notes.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controls
In consumer appliance control boards, the PIC16F723T-I/ML's 7KB Flash and PWM channels handle motor control, LED indicators, and user-input debouncing. The 1.8V-5.5V supply accepts direct connection to rectified mains-derived rails. The 28-QFN footprint is small enough for compact appliance PCBs while exposing 25 I/O for switches, relays, and displays. Its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers appliance operating environments. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes are useful for standby-power compliance. Source: Microchip PIC16F72X family datasheet.
Recommended
Low-Cost IoT Edge Devices
The PIC16F723T-I/ML targets low-cost IoT edge devices where BOM is the primary constraint. Its 8-bit core and 7KB Flash can run small MQTT-SN or proprietary RF protocols, while nanoWatt XLP sleep currents keep average draw in the single-digit uA. The 25 I/O provide GPIO for buttons, LEDs, and relay drivers. The internal 16MHz oscillator avoids external crystals, further reducing cost. The 28-QFN footprint allows dense PCB layouts typical of IoT modules. Source: Microchip PIC16F72X family datasheet.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F723T-I/ML's PWM modules and 20MHz clock enable multi-channel LED dimming and color-mixing control. Its 1.8V-5.5V supply allows direct operation from a buck-derived LED driver rail. The 25 I/O pins support several PWM channels plus UART for DMX or DALI control. The 28-QFN footprint with exposed pad dissipates heat efficiently when driving high-current LED strings via external FETs. nanoWatt XLP enables always-on standby for connected lighting. Source: Microchip PIC16F72X family datasheet.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards
In industrial control boards, the PIC16F723T-I/ML's -40C to +85C industrial temperature range and 1.8V-5.5V supply handle 24V-bus-derived rails with simple LDO regulation. Its 7KB Flash and 192B RAM implement PID loops, encoder counters, and Modbus RTU slaves. The 25 I/O drive optocouplers, relays, and 4-20mA loops. The 28-QFN footprint survives high-vibration environments when correctly soldered to a robust PCB pad pattern. Source: Microchip PIC16F72X family datasheet.
Recommended
Small Remote Controls and HIDs
The PIC16F723T-I/ML suits small remote controls and human-interface products where battery life and unit cost dominate. Its 1.8V-5.5V supply runs from two AAA cells, while nanoWatt XLP keeps standby current sub-uA for shelf-life. The 25 I/O scan a matrix keypad plus drive IR LEDs or RF modules via UART/PWM. The 7KB Flash stores command tables, debounce logic, and optional pairing state. The 28-QFN keeps the PCB small enough to fit inside a slim handheld enclosure. Source: Microchip PIC16F72X family datasheet.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F723T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F723A-I/ML | PIC16F722T-I/ML | PIC16F690-I/ML | PIC16F689-I/ML | PIC16F677-I/ML | PIC16F631T-I/ML | PIC16F684-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML) | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same | 28-QFN (ML) - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 7 KB | 4 KB (-43%) | 2 KB (-71%) | 1 KB (-86%) | 2 KB (-71%) |
| RAM Size | 192 B | 256 B (+33%) | 128 B (-33%) | 256 B (+33%) | 256 B (+33%) | 128 B (-33%) | 64 B (-67%) | 128 B (-33%) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Number of I/O | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 18 | 18 | 12 |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt | nanoWatt | nanoWatt | nanoWatt | nanoWatt |
| Param Match % | 100 | 95 | 80 | 90 | 80 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
Key Differentiators
- Best price-per-KB in the PIC16F72X QFN family (vs PIC16F722T-I/ML)
- Larger RAM than PIC16F722T-I/ML (vs PIC16F722T-I/ML)
- Wider supply range than PIC16F690 family (vs PIC16F690-I/ML)
- More I/O than smaller PIC16F6XX alternatives (vs PIC16F677-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD=3.3V, 16MHz internal oscillator, and 50% active duty, the PIC16F723T-I/ML draws roughly 2-3 mA active and <1 uA in nanoWatt XLP sleep. Place a 100nF X7R ceramic bypass within 3mm of the VDD pin (pin 7) and a 4.7uF bulk capacitor near the exposed pad (pin 28) to handle inrush during PWM transitions. For battery designs, follow Microchip AN1267 nanoWatt XLP tips to keep sleep current at the documented minimum.
The 28-QFN (ML) package's exposed thermal pad (pin 28) MUST be soldered to a PCB pad connected to VSS. Per IPC-7351 nominal-land-pattern guidelines, the EP pad should be a continuous copper pour with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3mm drill, 0.5mm pitch) to the inner ground plane. Skipping the EP soldering causes the junction temperature to rise 20-30C above ambient, potentially derating reliability in industrial -40C to +85C environments.
Do not pull MCLR (pin 24) directly to VDD without a series resistor - use the typical 10k pull-up. The internal 16MHz oscillator is factory-calibrated to 1% but drifts with VDD; for UART or USB timing, add an external crystal or resonator on RA6/RA7. Configuration-word settings (WDTE, LVP, etc.) must match the firmware linker script - a wrong CONFIG can lock the part or disable the ICSP programming pins RB6/RB7.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) per "I" suffix; AEC-Q100 automotive grade not applicable for the standard part - check PIC16F723-I/ML automotive variants if needed. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data.