PIC16F726T-I/SO - 20MHz 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, nanoWatt XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F726T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.71 | $271.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16F726T-I/SO Overview
What is an 8-bit flash microcontroller? It is a single-chip processor integrating CPU, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces) into one IC. Inside the broader taxonomy it belongs to microcontroller -> MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The Flash memory stores user firmware, RAM holds scratch data, and peripherals interface the digital core to real-world analog and digital signals. The PIC architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word and a Harvard bus, allowing most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle.
Key features include a 14KB Flash program memory (8K x 14 words), 368 bytes of RAM, up to 36 digital I/O pins shared with peripheral functions, an integrated ADC, capture/compare/PWM modules, and a nanoWatt XLP idle/sleep mode that drops core current into the microamp range. The device also provides an internal oscillator, multiple timers, and serial peripherals such as I2C/SPI, eliminating the need for many external components in cost-sensitive designs.
The PIC16F726T-I/SO uses a 14-bit RISC core with a two-stage pipeline, optimized for deterministic interrupt response and easy assembly or C development under MPLAB X IDE. Built-in debug and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) reduce prototyping time and field updates while nanoWatt XLP technology extends battery life in energy-harvesting or sleep-dominated applications like remote sensors and metering.
Typical applications include home appliances, white goods, motor control for small BLDC or stepper drivers, LED lighting controllers, battery-powered sensor nodes, automotive body electronics (non-safety), and industrial control panels. The combination of 36 I/O pins, internal oscillator, and ADC makes it well suited as a system-on-chip replacement for discrete logic plus analog front ends.
When designing with this device, allow 2.0V to 5.5V at VDD with a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the pin, place the ICSP clock and data lines with short, parallel traces, and keep the analog AVSS/AVDD pair isolated from noisy digital rails by a ferrite bead if high ADC accuracy is required. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F726T-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 PIC16F726T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F726-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F726T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F726T-I/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F724T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F727T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F723T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F726T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F72X |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 368 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Peripherals | ADC, Timers, CCP, I2C/SPI/EUSART |
PIC16F726T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2 — PORTA bit 6 / crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1 — PORTA bit 7 / crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | RB0/AN12 — PORTB bit 0 / analog / external interrupt |
| Pin 10 | RB1/AN10 — PORTB bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB2/AN8 — PORTB bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 12 | RB3/AN9/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / analog / ICSP programming |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN11 — PORTB bit 4 / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RB5/AN13 — PORTB bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | RD2/VDD — PORTD bit 2 / VDD (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | RD3/VSS — PORTD bit 3 / VSS (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F726T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Home Appliance Control Board, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, LED Lighting Controller, Small Motor Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Control Panel / HMI.
Home Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F726T-I/SO is well suited to home appliance control boards in washing machines, refrigerators, and microwaves where 36 I/O pins map cleanly to keypads, LED or seven-segment displays, relays, and triac-driven AC loads. Its industrial -40 C to +85 C range covers appliance behind-the-panel environments, while the 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply supports 3.3 V and 5 V power rails common in white goods. nanoWatt XLP idle mode reduces standby power below 1 uA, helping appliances meet ENERGY STAR standby budgets without external MOSFET load switches. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates a crystal in cost-sensitive designs, and the integrated ADC reads NTC temperature sensors for closed-loop regulation of compressor or heater circuits.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
In battery-powered sensor nodes for HVAC, environmental monitoring, or remote metering, the PIC16F726T-I/SO consumes only microamps during XLP sleep, so a 2xAA alkaline stack can power the node for years without service. A 14KB Flash holds BLE/Zigbee protocol stacks or sensor compensation libraries, while 368 bytes of RAM suffice for time-stamped sensor data buffers before wake-and-transmit. The 20 MHz CPU wakes in a few microseconds and executes ADC reads, threshold checks, and packet framing before returning to sleep. The wide 2.0-5.5 V supply allows direct operation from unregulated battery chemistries, and the 36 I/O interface with low-power peripherals supports I2C sensors plus a wake-up interrupt on RB0 for button-press energy metering.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
For commercial and architectural LED luminaires, the PIC16F726T-I/SO drives multiple PWM channels to dim RGBW strips or downlights with smooth logarithmic dimming curves, while XLP sleep minimizes standby current. Its 36 I/O pins map to multiple MOSFET gate drivers, 0-10 V analog dim inputs, and DMX-style or DALI serial interfaces. The 14KB Flash fits color-mixing lookup tables and wireless commissioning code, while the ADC reads thermistor sensors for thermal foldback. Operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V supports both 3.3 V logic and 5 V systems, and the industrial temperature range ensures reliability in ceiling-fixture environments.
Recommended
Small Motor Control
Small brushless DC, brushed DC, or stepper motor controllers in fans, pumps, and robotics benefit from the PIC16F726T-I/SO's CCP and PWM peripherals, which generate complementary or center-aligned PWM at up to 20 MHz instruction throughput for sensorless trapezoidal commutation. The 36 I/O directly drive half-bridge gate drivers such as the MCP14A0157, and the ADC samples back-EMF zero-crossing or current-sense shunts for closed-loop regulation. nanoWatt XLP reduces standby draw on mains-powered but always-connected appliances, while the industrial -40 C to +85 C range covers motor under-hood and motor-room conditions typical in industrial fans and pumps.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
In non-safety automotive body electronics - mirror controllers, seat adjusters, interior lighting, or window modules - the PIC16F726T-I/SO operates across 2.0 V to 5.5 V with the industrial -40 C to +85 C range matching cabin and trunk environments. Its 36 I/O drive LED arrays, Hall sensors, and H-bridge direction logic, while ICSP and Flash allow firmware updates over CAN or LIN gateways. The integrated ADC reads potentiometers for mirror position, and nanoWatt XLP keeps quiescent current low in parked vehicles. AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F726 variants are recommended for under-hood and safety-critical loads.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel / HMI
Factory-automation control panels and human-machine interfaces benefit from the PIC16F726T-I/SO's 36 I/O pins, which connect to matrix keypads, character or graphic LCD displays, status LEDs, and opto-isolated 24 V inputs. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply and industrial temperature range support 24 V bus-powered panels with simple linear regulation. 14KB Flash stores application logic and safety diagnostics, while the ADC reads analog panel signals and the on-board timers implement debounced key scanning and PWM buzzer control. nanoWatt XLP plus USB-suspend-friendly modes reduce panel standby power in modern energy-conscious factories.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F726T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F726-I/SO | PIC16F726T-I/ML | PIC16F727T-I/SO | PIC16F722T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-QFN - smaller footprint | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 25 |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash in the PIC16F72X 28-pin SOIC family (vs PIC16F722T-I/SO)
- Highest I/O count in the PIC16F72X family (vs PIC16F722T-I/SO)
- nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power technology (vs PIC16F716T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pin 27/VDD and any peripheral VDD) and a bulk 10 uF aluminum-polymer or tantalum capacitor on the same rail. For a clean ADC reference, add a dedicated 10 uH ferrite bead between digital VDD and analog AVDD when available, plus a 0.1 uF + 10 uF cap pair on AVDD. Estimated: a 0.1 uF X7R at 5 V power-up peak currents (typically 100 mA) sees negligible dV/dt - use X5R minimum for low-cost designs.
Route ICSP lines (RB6/ICSPCLK, RB7/ICSPDAT) as short parallel traces with a ground trace or guard between them to minimize crosstalk during in-circuit programming. Keep the MCLR/RA5/RCV trace shorter than 50 mm and avoid routing near high-frequency switching nodes (gate drivers, RF traces). Use a 10 kohm MCLR pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for clean in-circuit reset; do not share the MCLR pull-up with high-impedance analog inputs.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD or apply reverse polarity; the PIC16F726T-I/SO lacks internal protection diodes. Always program configuration bits (CONFIG1, CONFIG2) explicitly before first Flash write - brown-out, watchdog, and oscillator selection should match your application environment. Watchdog timer must be cleared periodically (CLRWDT) or reset sources will trigger spurious resets. Estimated: with VDD=3.3 V and 20 MHz clock, a typical core IDD is 4 mA; sleep current is <1 uA in XLP mode.
When using the internal ADC, drive the analog input with an op-amp output impedance below 1 kohm and add a 100 ohm series resistor with a 100 nF cap to AVSS to form a 1.6 kHz anti-alias filter. Sample-and-hold acquisition time (TACQ) must be respected at high impedances - at 20 MHz ADC clock, TACQ is approximately 3.2 us. Use the lowest practical ADC clock divider (FOSC/16 or /32) to minimize ADC current, and avoid toggling digital I/O on the same PORT during ADC conversion to limit digital-coupling noise.
Compliance Information
Industrial temperature grade; AEC-Q100 variants available under PIC16F726T-E/SO ordering code. RoHS compliant per Microchip product page.
