PIC16F73-E/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB FLASH MCU, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F73-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.42 | $642.00 |
| 500 | $5.5 | $2,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.85 | $4,850.00 |
PIC16F73-E/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that processes data 8 bits at a time, combining a CPU, non-volatile program memory (FLASH or ROM), volatile data memory (RAM), and configurable peripherals. The PIC16F73 belongs to the broader mid-range PIC16 family (PIC16 -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor), designed for cost-sensitive embedded control with the industry-standard PIC instruction set (35 single-word instructions).
Key features include 5 channels of 8-bit ADC with 10 ms conversion time, dual Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules for motor and lighting control, a synchronous serial port (SSP) configurable as 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C, plus an enhanced USART/SCI for asynchronous and synchronous serial communications. The device operates across an industrial temperature range of -40C to +125C, supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, and is supported by Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler toolchain.
The PIC16F73 uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses. Its FLASH program memory is erasable and reprogrammable in-circuit, allowing field firmware updates and iterative development. The 192-byte RAM supports single-cycle access at 20 MHz, and the 22 I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA for direct LED drive without external transistors.
Typical applications include industrial motor control (BLDC, stepper, fan drives), consumer appliance control (washing machines, microwaves, HVAC), uninterruptible power supply (UPS) battery monitoring, automotive body and accessory modules, security and fire-alarm sensor nodes, and general-purpose embedded control in cost-sensitive products. The PIC16F73's low component count and proven toolchain make it a strong fit for high-volume production designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure adequate decoupling (100 nF ceramic plus 10 uF bulk within 25 mm of VDD) and reserve the MCLR pin for an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) header if field firmware updates are anticipated. The 28-SPDIP through-hole package is preferred for hand-prototyping and high-voltage isolation in industrial designs, but the same die is offered in surface-mount variants (SOIC, SSOP) for volume manufacturing.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with all data verified against Microchip's official PIC16F73 datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F73-E/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 PIC16F73-E/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Timers, ADC, Data RAM.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F737-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16, 8-bit RISC, Harvard |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels, 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 (Timer0, Timer1) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) | 2 modules |
| Serial Interfaces | 1x SSP (SPI/I2C), 1x USART/SCI |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (industrial, -E suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm row spacing) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP via 2-wire interface |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (not moisture-sensitive for through-hole) |
PIC16F73-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / ICSP programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output (PWM) |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock (programming/debug) |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data (programming/debug) |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F73-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper / Fan), Consumer Appliance Control (Washing / Microwave / HVAC), UPS Battery Monitoring & Charger Control, Automotive Body & Accessory Modules, Security & Fire-Alarm Sensor Nodes, General-Purpose Embedded Control & Hobbyist Development.
Industrial Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper / Fan)
The PIC16F73-E/SP is well suited for industrial motor control where its 20 MHz / 5 MIPS throughput and dual Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules directly drive MOSFET bridges for BLDC, stepper, and single-phase fan motors. Its 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads back EMF, current, and temperature for closed-loop torque control at refresh rates up to 50 kHz, while the USART serves as the Modbus RTU interface for SCADA integration. The 22 I/O pins source/sink up to 25 mA for direct opto-isolator drive to the gate-driver stage, and the -40C to +125C extended industrial grade survives under-hood and factory-floor environments where 85C-only parts derate prematurely.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control (Washing / Microwave / HVAC)
The PIC16F73-E/SP is widely used in consumer white-goods appliances where cost-sensitive MCU selection is critical. Its 7 KB FLASH holds full state machines for wash-cycle, defrost, or thermostat control, and the 192-byte RAM is sufficient for sensor debounce, encoder tracking, and runtime counters. The 22 I/O pins interface directly to seven-segment displays, keypads, buzzer drivers, and triac optocouplers without external logic. In microwave ovens the 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads humidity and weight sensors, while the SSP in I2C mode talks to an EEPROM for user-preset storage. The 5V single-supply operation matches legacy appliance power rails without additional LDO cost.
Recommended
UPS Battery Monitoring & Charger Control
Line-interactive and online UPS systems use the PIC16F73-E/SP as the battery monitor and charger controller, taking advantage of its 5-channel 8-bit ADC to sense per-cell voltage, pack current, and temperature across the battery string. At 20 MHz / 5 MIPS the MCU runs the Coulomb-counting algorithm for state-of-charge estimation and the CC/CV charging state machine in real time without missing interrupt deadlines. The USART streams battery telemetry to the main inverter MCU, while the SSP in SPI mode drives a 4-digit LED or LCD for local SOC display. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade handles the enclosed battery-cabinet thermal envelope.
Recommended
Automotive Body & Accessory Modules
Body controllers (door modules, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, HVAC blower controls) and aftermarket accessory ECUs commonly use the PIC16F73-E/SP because its -40C to +125C extended industrial range survives under-dash and door-cavity thermal stress. The 22 I/O pins drive H-bridge relays, stepper motors for headlamp leveling, and LIN/analog climate sensors via the 5-channel 8-bit ADC. The CCP modules generate PWM for variable-blower speed control, while the USART serves as a K-Line or LIN-bus slave interface for diagnostic communication. ICSP allows dealership firmware flashes for bug fixes and feature unlocks over the service connector.
Recommended
Security & Fire-Alarm Sensor Nodes
Wired PIR motion sensors, smoke/heat detectors, and glass-break sensors use the PIC16F73-E/SP as the local decision-making MCU, reading the analog front-end through its 5-channel 8-bit ADC and driving the alarm loop or RF transmitter through its GPIO. The low power consumption of the PIC16 architecture extends battery life in wireless sensor nodes, and the SSP in SPI mode drives RF transceivers like the CC1101 for sub-GHz alarm reporting. The extended temperature range and robust FLASH (1,000+ erase cycles for field-recalibration) make it ideal for long-life safety-critical installations where field service is expensive.
Recommended
General-Purpose Embedded Control & Hobbyist Development
The PIC16F73-E/SP remains a workhorse in university curricula, hobbyist projects, and small-batch embedded products thanks to its mature toolchain support (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, PICKit programmer) and the low-cost ICSP programming via two pins. The 28-SPDIP through-hole package is breadboard-friendly for hand-prototyping, and the 7 KB FLASH / 192-byte RAM is more than sufficient for sensor-fusion demos, robotic controllers, and custom keypad scanners. The dual CCP modules provide hobbyist PWM needs for servo drive, while the USART is used for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module bridging via HC-05 or ESP-01 add-ons.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F73-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F73-I/SP | PIC16F876A-I/SP | PIC16F737-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16 | 8-bit PIC16 | 8-bit PIC16 | 8-bit PIC16 |
| FLASH Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, 5 ch | 8-bit, 5 ch | 10-bit, 5 ch | 10-bit, 5 ch |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| CCP Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 100) | $6.42 | $5.80 | $7.20 | $6.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature range (-40C to +125C) in the same 28-SPDIP package as the -I grade (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
- Industry-standard 28-SPDIP footprint for breadboard-friendly through-hole prototyping (vs PIC16F73T-I/SO (28-SOIC))
- Mature, well-documented PIC16 architecture with 35-instruction RISC core (vs Cross-brand ATmega8-16PU (Atmel))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 19) and a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic within 25 mm. For battery-powered designs, the PIC16F73 supports the 'sleep' mode where the CPU halts and current drops to microampere range while preserving RAM. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; do not leave it floating. Add a 100 nF between MCLR and VDD if the pin is exposed to ESD-sensitive environments to prevent spurious resets.
Configuration fuses must be set before the MCU can execute user code. Common pitfalls include failing to disable the Watchdog Timer in development (causing surprise resets every ~18 ms), selecting the wrong oscillator mode (HS vs XT vs LP affects capacitance requirements and EMI), and leaving the LVP (low-voltage programming) fuse enabled, which makes the RB4 pin unusable as GPIO. Always verify oscillator startup with an oscilloscope on the OSC2 pin before debugging firmware issues — a missing crystal or wrong fuse is the #1 cause of 'dead' PIC boards. Also note that the analog inputs (AN0-AN4) must be configured as digital inputs via ADCON1/PCFG bits to be used as GPIO.
Keep the 20 MHz crystal (or resonator) within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins, with short traces to minimize stray capacitance. Route analog signals (PORTA pins) away from digital switching lines (PORTB/RC oscillator pins) to avoid ADC noise coupling — place a ground guard ring around the analog traces if PCB space allows. The 28-SPDIP through-hole footprint is forgiving for hand-wired prototypes but requires plated through-holes for production; allocate at least 2.5 mm clearance around the part for cut-and-jumper rework.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free finishes. Not AEC-Q100 qualified — for automotive safety-critical applications, choose a PIC16Fxxx automotive-grade variant marked with the -VAO suffix or contact Microchip factory for AEC-Q100 screening.
