PIC16F726-I/SP - 14KB Flash, 20MHz 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F726-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.67 | $267.00 |
| 500 | $2.35 | $1,175.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.1 | $2,100.00 |
PIC16F726-I/SP Overview
What is a PIC16 mid-range 8-bit MCU? PIC16 microcontrollers are Microchip's mid-range 8-bit RISC architecture, positioned between the baseline PIC10/PIC14 and the enhanced PIC18 families. They use a 14-bit instruction word, Harvard architecture, and combine Flash program memory with nanoWatt XLP sleep modes. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16 -> PIC family -> 8-bit microcontroller -> MCU -> semiconductor. The 'F' in PIC16F726 indicates Flash program memory (vs. one-time-programmable 'C' or ROM 'B' variants).
Key features include 14KB Flash / 8K x 14 words program memory, 368 bytes RAM, 256 bytes EEPROM, 8-bit ADC with up to 18 channels (8-bit resolution), an enhanced USART (AUSART), MSSP supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), two Capture/Compare/PWM modules, and four 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer. The nanoWatt XLP technology provides sub-uA sleep currents suited to battery applications. The 'I' suffix denotes the industrial operating temperature range (-40C to +85C).
Technical depth: the PIC16F726 employs an internal 16MHz precision oscillator (8MHz default with 2x PLL) selectable via configuration bits, eliminating external crystals in many designs. Its ADC is 8-bit successive approximation with acquisition time configurable in TOSC counts; conversion throughput and channel count make it appropriate for sensor multiplexing. The integrated AUSART with auto-baud detect simplifies RS-232/485 links without external transceivers' configuration effort.
Typical applications include consumer-electronics control panels, industrial sensor nodes (the 8-bit ADC at 18 channels supports thermocouple or thermistor bridges), low-power remote controls leveraging XLP nanoWatt sleep modes, and white-goods user-interface boards. The wide VDD range lets one design serve 3.3V or 5V rails without re-firmware or re-layout.
When designing with this part, use the free MPLAB X IDE + XC8 compiler for firmware development. Configure the CONFIG register to select internal oscillator and disable unused peripherals to reach nanoWatt sleep currents. Keep ADC acquisition time above minimum TAD spec (typically 1.6us at 2.5V) for accurate conversions.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing across DigiKey/Mouser/Octopart, drop-in compatible variants within the same PIC16F72x family, and practical design notes not aggregated in any single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F726-I/SP — 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 PIC16F726-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, I/O Pins, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F726-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F726-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF726-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F723A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F1847-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F726-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F72x (PIC16F726) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (14-bit instruction word) |
| CPU Clock Speed | 20 MHz maximum (16 MHz internal oscillator) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 18 channels |
| Timers | 4x 8-bit + 1x 16-bit |
| Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) | 2 modules |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (SPI/I2C), Enhanced USART (AUSART) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I' grade) |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300"/7.62mm, through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Lead-free) |
PIC16F726-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V-5.5V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/AN4/C2OUT — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN3/C1OUT — Port A bit 4 / Analog input 3 / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP/RA3 — Master clear (reset) / Programming voltage / Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 6 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 7 | RC3/SCL/SCK — Port C bit 3 / I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 13 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 14 | RB5/PGM — Port B bit 5 / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / Port A bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | OSC2/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / Port A bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT/AN12 — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt / Analog input 12 |
| Pin 21 | RB1/AN10 — Port B bit 1 / Analog input 10 |
| Pin 22 | RB2/AN8 — Port B bit 2 / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/AN9 — Port B bit 3 / Analog input 9 |
| Pin 24 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / AUSART transmit / clock |
| Pin 25 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / AUSART receive / data |
| Pin 26 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 28 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC negative reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F726-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control, White Goods Control Board, Battery Charger Management, Educational Microcontroller Platform, HVAC Sensor and Actuator Interface.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC16F726-I/SP is well-suited for industrial sensor hubs that monitor multiple analog signals and forward them over RS-485 networks. Its 18-channel 8-bit ADC supports a wide input multiplexer, allowing engineers to scan thermocouple, thermistor, or 4-20mA current-sense bridges from a single IC. With 14KB of Flash and 368 bytes RAM, the device runs a polling loop plus a Modbus RTU stack on the AUSART port. The nanoWatt XLP sleep mode (sub-uA typical) enables battery-backed installations where the MCU spends most of its life asleep between samples, waking every second to capture and transmit data. Unlike larger ARM Cortex MCUs, the PIC16F726 keeps the BOM small (single IC + RS-485 transceiver) and the firmware maintainable by 8-bit-trained technicians.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
Battery-powered remote controls benefit directly from the PIC16F726-I/SP's nanoWatt XLP technology, which delivers sleep currents under 100 nA when the device is idle. The integrated 16 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the external crystal typically required for IR carrier generation, shrinking the BOM to a few passive components and an IR LED driver. The AUSART or MSSP peripheral handles protocol encoding for NEC, RC5, or proprietary IR codes without CPU-heavy bit-banging. The 28-SPDIP package supports hand-soldered prototypes and through-hole mounting for low-volume consumer products. With 14KB Flash and 368 bytes RAM, firmware can store multiple device profiles and run capacitive touch via the mTouch peripheral. This is one of the clearest fits for the part in the consumer space.
Recommended
White Goods Control Board
The PIC16F726-I/SP's wide VDD range (2.5V to 5.5V), industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C), and robust peripheral set make it ideal for washing-machine, dishwasher, or microwave control boards. The 18-channel 8-bit ADC reads water-level sensors, temperature NTCs, motor currents, and door switches from a single IC. Two CCP modules generate PWM signals for triac-based heater control and variable-frequency drives. The enhanced USART (AUSART) connects to user-interface displays or main controllers. The nanoWatt XLP sleep mode lets the appliance standby below 1 W per EU ecodesign rules while maintaining real-time clock and timer functions. The 28-SPDIP package is a workhorse for through-hole production in appliance electronics.
Recommended
Battery Charger Management
For lead-acid or NiMH battery chargers, the PIC16F726-I/SP provides the necessary ADC resolution to monitor charge voltage and current across multiple cells. The MSSP peripheral drives I2C battery gas gauges and EEPROMs for cycle counting, while the AUSART links to PC-side diagnostics or display modules. The internal oscillator eliminates external crystal cost; the nanoWatt XLP mode drops quiescent current to sub-uA when the charger sits idle. The 8-bit ADC is sufficient for charging-state CV/CC threshold detection within typical +/-50 mV accuracy. The 28-SPDIP package suits through-hole industrial charger boards.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Platform
The PIC16F726-I/SP is a strong teaching vehicle because it balances capability with simplicity: the mid-range PIC16 14-bit instruction set is approachable for students, while the 14KB Flash and 18-channel ADC support real-world projects. The free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler remove licensing barriers, and the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface allows re-flashing without removing the chip from the breadboard. The 28-SPDIP package drops into standard 0.1" pitch breadboards. Students learn timer-based PWM, ADC acquisition, UART communication, and I2C sensor reading all from one part. The industrial temperature grade also lets projects graduate from classroom to lab without redesign.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor and Actuator Interface
HVAC indoor units require sensor interfacing (temperature, humidity, occupancy) and low-speed actuator control (fan relays, valve drives). The PIC16F726-I/SP's 18-channel 8-bit ADC supports multiple thermistor inputs and 0-10V feedback signals from variable air-volume boxes. The MSSP I2C peripheral connects to humidity and CO2 sensors, while the AUSART links to wall-mounted user-interface panels. The nanoWatt XLP technology keeps standby power below the EU standby regulation threshold (<0.5 W). The 2.5-5.5V VDD range accommodates 24VAC-derived DC rails through simple rectifiers. This part is well-proven in HVAC peripheral subsystems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F726-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F726-I/SS | PIC16F726-I/SO | PIC16LF726-I/SP | PIC16F722A-I/SP | PIC16F723A-I/SP | PIC16F1847-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SSOP (surface-mount) | 28-SOIC (surface-mount) | 28-SPDIP (same as this) | 28-SPDIP (same as this) | 28-SPDIP (same as this) | 28-SPDIP (same as this) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB (same) | 14 KB (same) | 14 KB (same) | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB (same) |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes (same) | 368 bytes (same) | 368 bytes (same) | 128 bytes | 192 bytes | 1 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (same) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (same) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (same) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| CPU Clock (max) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 8-bit, 18 channels | 8-bit, 18 channels (same) | 8-bit, 18 channels (same) | 8-bit, 18 channels (same) | 8-bit, 18 channels (same) | 8-bit, 18 channels (same) | 12-bit, 14 channels |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP (same) | nanoWatt XLP (same) | nanoWatt XLP (same) | nanoWatt XLP (same) | nanoWatt XLP (same) | XLP enhanced |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) |
| Peripherals (CCP/MSSP/AUSART) | 2 CCP, MSSP, AUSART | Same | Same | Same | 1 CCP, MSSP, AUSART | 2 CCP, MSSP, AUSART | 3 CCP, MSSP, AUSART |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in PIC16F72x 28-pin family (vs PIC16F722A-I/SP)
- Industrial temperature grade with nanoWatt XLP (vs PIC16F726-E/SP (extended grade))
- 18-channel 8-bit ADC (vs PIC16F88)
- True low-power design with nanoWatt XLP (vs PIC16F877A (legacy 8-bit MCU))
Design Notes
Configure unused peripherals to OFF state in firmware and disable the ADC via ADCON0 register when not in use to reach nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 100 nA typical. Estimated: with ADC off, MSSP off, AUSART off, and CPU asleep, the part draws roughly 50-100 nA at 3.0V VDD per the datasheet. Verify by measuring VDD current on the production board before finalizing battery-life calculations.
Place 0.1uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD pins 1 and 28, with the trace length below 5 mm. Add a 10uF bulk capacitor near the MCLR pull-up (typically 10kOhm to VDD). For applications with noisy analog sensing, add a separate analog AVCC pin decoupling network (if available on package variant) and use a ferrite bead to isolate analog and digital VDD rails.
Do not exceed 5.5V on any VDD pin or you will damage the part. Always pull MCLR high via 10kOhm to VDD (or use internal weak pull-up via WPUEN) and add a low-ESR cap for ICSP programming stability. Do not configure oscillator switch mid-execution without firmware handshaking; the OSCCON change can stall peripherals if not synchronized. Avoid reading ADC immediately after channel change - allow TAD (1.6 us typical) acquisition time before conversion start.
Long analog traces on the 18 ADC input channels can pick up digital switching noise from nearby CCP or MSSP lines. Estimated: keep analog traces shorter than 50mm and avoid running them parallel to high-frequency PWM signals. Place a small RC filter (10kOhm + 100pF) on high-impedance analog sources to suppress RF coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Standard industrial grade; AEC-Q100 not applicable. Lead-free SPDIP package per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL 1 classification.
