PIC16F73-E/SS - 8-bit 20MHz 7KB FLASH MCU, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F73-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.1 | $7.10 |
| 10 | $6.45 | $64.50 |
| 100 | $5.65 | $565.00 |
| 500 | $5.1 | $2,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.55 | $4,550.00 |
PIC16F73-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that contains a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (typically FLASH), working RAM, and a rich set of on-chip peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and GPIO. The PIC16 mid-range family uses a RISC architecture with 35 single-word instructions and is upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX and PIC16C7X device families, simplifying migration of legacy designs. PIC MCUs sit within the broader hierarchy of: PIC16 -> PIC mid-range -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device.
Key differentiating features include a wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, 100,000 erase/write cycle FLASH endurance typical, ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) support via the standard two-wire interface, and the -E extended temperature grade of -40 C to +125 C. The 28-SSOP footprint is industry-standard and pin-compatible with related PIC16F7x family members, simplifying board layout reuse across the product line.
The PIC16F73-E/SS uses a Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path, giving a favourable code density for embedded control loops. Its 8-level hardware stack and 8 x 8 hardware multiply block support compact math, while the SSP module handles both SPI master/slave and I2C master/slave protocols in firmware.
Typical applications include industrial sensor conditioning, motor control loops (BLDC, stepper, brushed DC), battery-powered instrumentation, automotive body and lighting subsystems (within the -E temperature grade), home appliances, and simple human-machine interfaces such as LED/LCD control panels. The combination of USART, ADC and CCP peripherals covers most mid-range embedded needs.
When designing with the PIC16F73-E/SS, note the wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range allows single-cell Li-ion or two-AA battery operation. The CONFIG register must be set in source to enable the Watchdog Timer, brown-out reset, low-voltage programming, and code protection as required by the application.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives within the PIC16F7x family, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F73-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, ADC, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F76-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) FLASH |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | SSP (SPI / I2C) + USART |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E grade) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F73-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / clock in |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply 2.0-5.5 V |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16F73-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Brushed DC Motor Speed Control, Home Appliance Control Boards, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Automotive Body and Lighting Modules, Human-Machine Interface Panels.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F73-E/SS is well suited to industrial sensor signal conditioning hubs where multiple analog inputs must be digitised and forwarded over a serial link. Its 5-channel 8-bit ADC (8-bit resolution, ~20 us conversion) gives adequate dynamic range for 4-20 mA loop, thermocouple, and bridge-amplified sensors, while the -E temperature grade of -40 C to +125 C supports harsh factory environments. The USART plus SSP (SPI/I2C) enable forwarding to a host PLC or HMIs. Power dissipation at 5 V, 20 MHz is roughly 25 mW, manageable in a 28-SSOP footprint without active cooling.
Recommended
Brushed DC Motor Speed Control
The PIC16F73-E/SS handles closed-loop brushed DC motor speed control using its two CCP modules (one for PWM generation, one for tachometer capture). At 20 MHz / 200 ns instruction cycle, the PWM frequency can be set to 20 kHz or higher with fine duty resolution, while the 16-bit timer measures tach pulses precisely. Drive commands can be communicated over USART to a centralised motion controller. The -E temp grade also makes it viable for under-hood and machinery applications where ambient exceeds 85 C.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16F73-E/SS is widely deployed in white-goods control boards for washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and HVAC thermostats. Its small 28-SSOP footprint, 22 GPIO, 5-channel ADC (for temperature/humidity/level sensing), and USART (for UI panel interfacing) cover the I/O mix required. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade lets the same firmware ship into refrigerated compartments and oven-cabinet environments. Power consumption at 5 V and idle clocks is low enough that the MCU can run continuously in standby.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC16F73-E/SS can be clocked down to 32 kHz via its LFINTOSC internal oscillator, dropping supply current to tens of microamps and making it suitable for battery-powered portable instruments such as digital multimeters, hand-held scanners, and field data loggers. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range covers two-AA alkaline, single-cell Li-ion, and 3.3 V coin-cell stacks. The ADC can monitor battery voltage directly, while the USART wakes periodically to dump data to a host.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Lighting Modules
Inside the cabin or body-control modules (mirror adjusters, seat controllers, ambient lighting), the PIC16F73-E/SS handles PWM dimming, button matrix scanning, and LIN-bus communication. Its -40 C to +125 C extended temperature grade, 5 V supply tolerance, and CCP-based PWM channels support multi-channel LED dimming up to 20 kHz without audible noise. The 8-bit ADC reads potentiometers for dimming levels and current-sense amplifiers for fault detection.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface Panels
The PIC16F73-E/SS is used in HMI panels for industrial equipment, fitness gear, and small appliances where 4-8 buttons and a 2x16 character LCD or LED bar graph are driven. The SSP peripheral supports SPI/I2C LCD expansion, while the USART connects to a master controller. With 22 GPIO and 5 ADC channels, the MCU can handle capacitive touch via the CTMU peripheral (available in similar PIC16F1x family members) or directly digitise resistive touch panels. The 28-SSOP slim package fits behind narrow bezel openings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F73-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F73-I/SS | PIC16F73T-E/SS | PIC16F73-E/SP | PIC16F76-E/SS | PIC16F73T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SPDIP (through-hole variant) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Core Processor | PIC16 8-bit | PIC16 8-bit (same) | PIC16 8-bit (same) | PIC16 8-bit (same) | PIC16 8-bit (same) | PIC16 8-bit (same) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Count | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (-E) | -40 C to +85 C (-I) | -40 C to +125 C (-E) | -40 C to +125 C (-E) | -40 C to +125 C (-E) | -40 C to +85 C (-I) |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade in 28-SSOP (vs PIC16F73-I/SS)
- Higher FLASH density than 28-pin PIC16F73 baseline without changing footprint (vs PIC16F76-E/SS)
- Surface-mount 28-SSOP for slim profile vs through-hole SPDIP (vs PIC16F73-E/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16F73-E/SS operates from 2.0 V to 5.5 V; however, full 20 MHz operation requires VDD >= 4.0 V per Microchip DS30325B. Below 4.0 V, derate the clock to 10 MHz or lower. Add a 100 nF decoupling cap within 5 mm of VDD (pin 20) plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the same rail to suppress switching transients when CCP-driven loads switch. Connect both VSS pins (8 and 19) to a low-impedance ground plane for return-path integrity.
Always configure CONFIG1 (0x2007) and CONFIG2 (0x2008) in your source code using the __CONFIG directives or MPLAB X MCC settings; otherwise the MCLR pin may behave unpredictably, the watchdog may be left enabled, or low-voltage programming may be disabled. Per the Microchip datasheet, unprogrammed configuration memory reads as all-1s, which can put the device in an unusable state (e.g., XT oscillator mode with no crystal). Verify with a debugger on first prototype build.
The 28-SSOP pin pitch is 0.65 mm with a thermal pad on the package underside; ensure the PCB footprint matches Microchip recommended land pattern (IPC-SM-782). Place the ICSP header (PGC pin 27, PGD pin 28, MCLR pin 1, VDD, VSS) on the board edge or accessible test point array to allow programming without needing a socket. Keep the MCLR trace short (<20 mm) and decouple MCLR with a 10 kohm pullup to VDD for clean reset behaviour.
When using the ADC for measurements below 1 LSB accuracy, place the analog and digital ground returns on a split ground plane joined at a single point under the MCU. Use AVss (pin 19) as the analog reference; connect VREF+ to a quiet 5 V rail if used (or to VDD for low-precision reads). Acquisition time for the 8-bit ADC is approximately 19.7 us per conversion at 20 MHz; use TACQ >= 2 us plus ample settling before sampling high-impedance sources.
If you migrate from the PIC16F73-E/SS to the PIC16F76-E/SS (14 KB FLASH) you can reuse the same 28-SSOP PCB footprint; no layout changes are required. When migrating to 40-pin PIC16F74/77 family members, however, expect additional GND/VDD pins and trace routes must be re-laid. Validate firmware on the actual device before committing to PCB revisions, as some interrupt vectors and SFR addresses differ between PIC16F7x sub-family members.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F73T-E/SO or PIC16F76-E/SS only with explicit automotive-grade validation for production. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in web data.
