PIC16F737-E/SS - 8-bit MCU 7KB Flash 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F737-E/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.42 | $5.42 |
| 10 | $4.88 | $48.80 |
| 100 | $4.35 | $435.00 |
| 500 | $3.92 | $1,960.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.51 | $3,510.00 |
PIC16F737-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile working memory (RAM), and a set of programmable peripherals such as timers, ADCs, and communication interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F737 belongs to the PIC16 family of mid-range microcontrollers, which itself sits under the 8-bit MCU category and the wider semiconductor hierarchy of embedded processors. MCUs are distinguished from microprocessors by integrating memory and peripherals on-die, eliminating the need for external bus and storage components.
Key features of this variant include 11 channels of 10-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion, three timers, three Capture/Compare/PWM modules, a synchronous serial port configurable as either 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C, and a USART for asynchronous serial communication. The device also integrates two analog comparators and nanoWatt Technology for dynamic power reduction during idle states. These peripherals collectively support mixed-signal embedded designs without requiring external components.
Technically, the PIC16F737 implements a Harvard-architecture RISC core with 35 single-word instructions and a 14-bit instruction width, providing deterministic execution at up to 200 ns per instruction. The Flash program memory supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), allowing firmware updates on assembled boards. The 28-SSOP package offers a compact 0.65 mm pitch footprint suitable for high-density PCB layouts while remaining hand-solderable for prototyping.
Typical applications include industrial control and instrumentation, automotive body and chassis subsystems, consumer appliance controls, sensor conditioning nodes, and battery-powered remote monitoring. The wide operating temperature range and integrated analog peripherals make it especially well-suited for closed-loop control loops that require on-chip ADC and PWM in a single IC.
When designing with this part, evaluate whether the 7 KB Flash and 368-byte RAM budget is sufficient for the target firmware; code that exceeds 7 KB requires migration to the PIC16F767 (14 KB) or PIC16F777 family. The 28-SSOP package is pin-compatible with several PIC16F72x and PIC16F87x family members, simplifying last-minute silicon changes.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. All data was last verified against current distributor inventories and the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F737-E/SS β 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 PIC16F737-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F737-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F767-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F727-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722A-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722T-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F737-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC 8-bit |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| Operating Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V nominal |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, E suffix) |
| Package | 28-SSOP |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 11 channels x 10-bit |
| Timers | 3 |
| CCP Modules | 3 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | 1x SPI/I2C (SSP), 1x USART |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 14-bit width |
| ICSP | Yes (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Tube/Tape | Tube (per distributor listing) |
PIC16F737-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- β PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 / negative voltage reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS β PORTA bit 5 / ADC input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO β PORTA bit 6 / oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI β PORTA bit 7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD β Positive supply (5 V nominal) |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply (5 V nominal) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/CCP2 β PORTB bit 3 / CCP2 alternate |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM β PORTB bit 5 / ICSP programming |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16F737-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Automotive Body and Chassis Modules, Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes, Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring, HVAC and Building Automation.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16F737-E/SS suits industrial process control loops where the integrated 10-bit ADC and three CCP/PWM channels can directly sense and actuate closed-loop valves or motor drives. With 11 ADC inputs, multiple temperature or pressure sensors can be scanned without external multiplexing. The -40 C to +125 C extended temperature grade lets the same board operate in unheated enclosures and near motor housings. Designers place the MCU between sensor signal-conditioning networks and the H-bridge driver; the 20 MHz core executes the PID loop in well under 1 ms, leaving headroom for communication and safety checks. NanoWatt Technology reduces standby current to microamp levels during idle sampling.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Modules
The PIC16F737-E/SS is well-matched to automotive body controllers (window lift, HVAC flap, lighting, seat control) where the -40 C to +125 C range handles cabin and under-hood thermal stress. Three CCP/PWM channels drive LED dimmers, brush DC motors, or solenoids, while the USART links to a body control network. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the extended temp grade plus the synchronous SSP for SPI communication lets designers interface with CAN or LIN transceivers. The 28-SSOP package fits the compact PCB outlines typical of body modules, and the 7 KB Flash holds calibration tables and fault diagnostics without external memory.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F737-E/SS targets white-goods control boards such as washing machines, dishwashers, and induction cooktops, where cost-sensitive designs need an 8-bit core with adequate on-chip peripherals. The 11-channel ADC reads keypad inputs, temperature probes (NTC), and current-sense shunts, while three PWM channels control motor triacs or buzzer tones. The I2C/SPI SSP connects to EEPROM for user settings and to character LCDs for the user interface. At 5 V supply and 20 MHz, the MCU executes main-loop tasks within microseconds, supporting tight control periods required by IEC 60730 household safety routines.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes
The PIC16F737-E/SS is appropriate for remote sensor endpoints where nanoWatt Technology's idle modes drop quiescent current into the microamp range between measurement bursts. The 10-bit ADC samples thermistors, photodiodes, or soil-moisture probes, and the USART outputs results via a low-power radio. Designers using the extended temperature grade also gain reliable operation across outdoor seasonal extremes. The 7 KB Flash holds proprietary calibration curves for sensor linearization without external components, lowering BOM cost. The 28-SSOP fits in compact sensor housings and remains hand-solderable during prototyping.
Recommended
Smart Metering and Energy Monitoring
The PIC16F737-E/SS fits single-phase smart-meter designs where the integrated 10-bit ADC reads current shunts or CTs while three PWM/timers drive metrology timing. The USART connects to a PLC or RF modem for AMR reporting, and the synchronous SSP interfaces to EEPROM for tariff storage. The extended temperature grade ensures reliable operation in outdoor meter enclosures exposed to sunlight. Designers typically pair the MCU with a dedicated AFE such as the MCP39F511 for revenue-grade metrology, offloading metering math and keeping the PIC16F737 available for display, button handling, and communications.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation
The PIC16F737-E/SS serves HVAC damper actuators, thermostat endpoints, and room-control panels where multiple analog inputs (temperature, humidity, CO2 sensor) and PWM outputs (fan speed, valve drive) are required. The 28-SSOP package fits behind wall-mounted displays, and the -40 C to +125 C temperature range covers plenum and rooftop units. The I2C/SPI SSP can connect to a CO2 or VOC sensor module, while the USART interfaces with BACnet or Modbus transceivers. The 7 KB Flash is sufficient for the user interface state machine plus onboard scheduling logic in residential thermostats.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F737-E/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F737-I/SS | PIC16F767-I/SS | PIC16F727-I/SS | PIC16F722A-I/SS | PIC16F720-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB (+100%) | 14 KB (+100%) | 28 KB (+300%) | 4 KB (-43%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| ADC Channels | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 14 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit | 12 x 10-bit |
| Supply Voltage Range | 5 V nominal | 5 V nominal | 5 V nominal | 1.8 V - 5.5 V (XLP) | 1.8 V - 5.5 V | 1.8 V - 5.5 V (XLP) |
| Pin Compatibility | n/a (baseline) | Yes - identical footprint | Yes - identical footprint | Yes - identical footprint | Yes - identical footprint | Yes - identical footprint |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 (enhanced) | 3 (enhanced) | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade (vs PIC16F737-I/SS)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to 14 KB Flash (vs PIC16F767-I/SS)
- Compact 28-SSOP form factor vs QFP variants (vs PIC16F747/777 (40-pin QFP))
- On-board 10-bit ADC eliminates external converter (vs PIC16F72 (no ADC variant))
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz from a 5 V supply with all peripherals active, the PIC16F737-E/SS draws approximately 11 mA typical (per PIC16F737 datasheet electrical characteristics). Adding a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the main rail suppresses switching noise. For battery-powered designs, leverage nanoWatt Technology's Sleep mode (typically < 1 uA) by gating peripheral clocks and using the WDT or external interrupt as the wake source.
Route the ICSP signals (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) with a dedicated header footprint so production firmware can be loaded without removing the MCU. Keep the 28-SSOP pin-1 dot orientation consistent with the schematic symbol; the SSOP-28 land pattern per JEDEC MO-137 uses 0.65 mm pitch pads with 0.4 mm width. Place the quartz crystal or resonator within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 8 and 7) and guard the traces with a ground pour to minimize EMI coupling into the analog ADC inputs.
The PIC16F737-E/SS is currently marked Obsolete by Microchip Technology - do not specify it for new production designs. For prototypes and legacy field replacements, verify that the firmware fits within the 7 KB Flash window before committing to this silicon. PIC16F767-I/SS or PIC16F727-I/SS provide pin-compatible Active alternatives with 14 KB Flash and identical peripherals, and they fit the same 28-SSOP PCB footprint with no rework.
Separate analog and digital ground regions on a split ground plane, joining them only at the VSS pin (pin 9 and pin 19) to prevent digital switching noise from corrupting ADC readings. Place the VREF+ capacitor (typically 0.1 uF) directly on the RA3/AN3/VREF+ pin if used as a reference. Keep ADC traces away from PWM outputs and the USART lines, and use guard rings around high-impedance analog inputs to reduce leakage-induced offset errors.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page; AEC-Q100 status not listed for this part. For AEC-Q100-qualified equivalents, see the PIC16F1936-I/SS family.
