PIC16F737-I/SO - 8-bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip | 28-SOIC
MPN: PIC16F737-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.32 | $6.32 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.12 | $512.00 |
| 500 | $4.46 | $2,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.89 | $3,890.00 |
PIC16F737-I/SO Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact programmable processor that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, RAM, and peripherals onto a single silicon die. The PIC16F family sits in Microchip's mid-range tier, between baseline (PIC10/PIC12/PIC16F5x) and high-performance (PIC18/PIC24) families, and is widely used in cost-sensitive embedded designs. Within the broader taxonomy, a PIC MCU belongs to the class of microcontrollers, which are a subset of microprocessors and ultimately of semiconductor integrated circuits. The PIC16F737 specifically targets designs needing more analog and serial peripherals than entry-level parts but without migrating to a 16-bit core.
Key differentiating specifications include 25 digital I/O pins, 10-bit ADC with 11 input channels, nanoWatt Technology for low-power operation, and an operating voltage range of 2.0V to 5.5V. The 28-pin SOIC package offers a 7.5mm body width suitable for hand-soldering and breadboard prototypes while still supporting production volume assembly.
The PIC16F737 employs Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, allowing single-cycle instruction execution except for branches. nanoWatt Technology features such as alternate oscillator modes, sleep current down to the nanoamp range, and selectable wake-up sources make this part appropriate for battery-powered and energy-harvesting applications.
Typical applications include industrial control and sensor conditioning, HVAC and home appliance interfaces, automotive body electronics, battery chargers, and consumer white goods. Its combination of abundant analog inputs and serial communication options suits motor control, lighting control, and remote sensor node designs.
When designing with this part, plan the oscillator configuration early because the internal oscillator accuracy (typically +/-1% to +/-2%) is adequate for UART but not for USB or CAN. The ICSP/ICD pins (RB6/RB7) must be reserved for in-circuit programming, even in production layouts.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Microchip PIC16F family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F737-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 PIC16F737-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Low-Power Technology, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F737-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F767-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F727-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.13 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F737-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 3 |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 3 |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI (3-wire), I2C (2-wire), USART |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt Technology |
PIC16F737-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / 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/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input channel 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — PORTA bit 7 / oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — PORTA bit 6 / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output |
| 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 asynchronous transmit / synchronous clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART asynchronous receive / synchronous data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| 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
PIC16F737-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning, HVAC Control Systems, Battery Charging and Monitoring, Consumer Appliance Interfaces, Lighting Control and Dimming, Automotive Body Electronics, Remote Sensor Nodes.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16F737-I/SO is well suited to industrial sensor conditioning because it integrates an 11-channel 10-bit ADC, three CCP modules, and a USART in a single 28-pin SOIC package. With 7 KB of Flash and 368 bytes of RAM, the device can host sensor linearization routines, Modbus RTU framing on the USART, and PWM outputs for actuator control. Its 2.0V to 5.5V supply range supports 3.3V and 5V industrial backplanes, while the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade tolerates cabinet and panel-mount environments. Compared with discrete op-amp plus ADC solutions, the PIC16F737-I/SO replaces several components with one programmable device, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
HVAC controllers benefit from the PIC16F737-I/SO's combination of multiple analog inputs and PWM outputs. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC reads thermistor temperature sensors, humidity transducers, and pressure sensors, while the three CCP peripherals generate PWM signals for fan speed control, damper actuation, and valve modulation. The USART and SPI/I2C ports connect to display modules and external EEPROM for logging. The 7 KB Flash accommodates state-machine control firmware plus lookup tables for sensor calibration. Operating from 2.0V to 5.5V with the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade, the device fits rooftop unit and air-handler electronics. Compared with pure analog control loops, the PIC16F737-I/SO enables adaptive algorithms and remote diagnostics.
Recommended
Battery Charging and Monitoring
The PIC16F737-I/SO's 10-bit ADC with 11 channels is ideal for battery management applications requiring voltage, current, and temperature monitoring on individual cells or packs. The three CCP modules drive MOSFET gate signals for buck or boost charger topologies, while the USART reports state-of-charge data to a host controller. With nanoWatt Technology, the device enters sub-microamp sleep between ADC samples, preserving battery life in portable or energy-harvested systems. The 2.0V to 5.5V supply range covers single-cell Li-ion, multi-cell NiMH, and lead-acid packs with appropriate voltage dividers. Compared with dedicated charger ASICs, the PIC16F737-I/SO offers firmware-defined charging profiles and upgradeable safety logic.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Interfaces
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens use the PIC16F737-I/SO for user-interface control, motor-driver sequencing, and sensor monitoring. The 25 I/O pins directly drive 7-segment displays, button matrices, and LED indicators, while the SPI/I2C peripheral connects to character LCDs or capacitive touch controllers. The three CCP modules generate PWM signals for variable-speed motor drives using external H-bridge drivers. The 7 KB Flash and 368 bytes of RAM support state-machine firmware for wash cycles and fault diagnostics. Operating from 2.0V to 5.5V with the industrial -40C to +85C grade, the device survives kitchen and laundry environments. Compared with discrete logic controllers, this PIC integrates timing, sensing, and serial communication in one package.
Recommended
Lighting Control and Dimming
Architectural and stage lighting controllers benefit from the PIC16F737-I/SO's three CCP modules generating high-resolution PWM dimming signals and its 10-bit ADC reading analog control inputs such as sliders and potentiometers. The USART receives DMX-512 or proprietary lighting-protocol commands from upstream controllers. With 7 KB of Flash, the device stores lookup tables for gamma correction and color-temperature curves. The 28-pin SOIC package is easy to hand-solder for prototype fixture builds while still supporting reflow production. Compared with dedicated LED-driver ICs, the PIC16F737-I/SO allows firmware updates to add new lighting effects without hardware rework.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Within automotive body electronics, the PIC16F737-I/SO (and its -E/SO extended temperature counterpart) controls lighting drivers, mirror-position actuators, wiper timing, and accessory multiplexing. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC reads switch-position inputs, battery voltage, and ambient-light sensors; the three CCP modules drive relays and PWM-controlled LEDs. The USART or SPI port connects to body-control modules for diagnostic reporting. With nanoWatt Technology and sleep currents in the nanoamp range, the device preserves battery life during vehicle storage. For under-hood or direct-sunlight applications, the PIC16F737-E/SO with -40C to +125C range is required. Compared with relay-only body controllers, this MCU adds intelligent timing and fault detection.
Recommended
Remote Sensor Nodes
Battery-powered remote sensor nodes for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and industrial IoT gateways benefit from the PIC16F737-I/SO's nanoWatt Technology and integrated peripherals. The 10-bit ADC samples soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and gas-sensor outputs; the USART reports over low-power radios such as LoRa or proprietary sub-GHz transceivers. The 7 KB Flash accommodates sensor-fusion and over-the-air firmware-update logic. With sleep currents in the microamp range, multi-year battery life is achievable on two AA cells. Compared with bare 8-bit microcontrollers lacking CCP and analog peripherals, the PIC16F737-I/SO reduces external component count and extends operating time between battery replacements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F737-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F737-E/SO | PIC16F767-I/SO | PIC16F73-I/SO | PIC16F727-I/ML | PIC16F716-I/SO | PIC16F722AT-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin QFN (ML) | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP | 14 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 14 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 11 x 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Program Memory Type | Flash | Flash | Flash | OTP | Flash | Flash | Flash |
Key Differentiators
- Largest Flash memory in the 28-pin SOIC PIC16F7xx base-tier lineup (vs PIC16F73-I/SO)
- 11-channel 10-bit ADC vs 5-channel 8-bit on the legacy PIC16F73 (vs PIC16F73-I/SO)
- Better price/performance for designs that do not need the larger 14KB Flash (vs PIC16F767-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor near the supply entry point. Both VSS pins (pin 8 and pin 19) must be connected to the ground plane with low-inductance vias. A 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR/VPP is required for normal operation, even in production layouts. The ICSP pins RB6/PGC (pin 27) and RB7/PGD (pin 28) should be reserved for programming access; do not place them under BGA or no-test vias that block probe access.
The PIC16F737 has two VSS pins and only one VDD pin. Failing to connect pin 19 (VSS) results in erratic operation, intermittent resets, and ADC noise because the internal ground return path becomes unbalanced. Configuration fuse bits must be set explicitly; unprogrammed PIC16F737 parts default to RC oscillator mode and may not start if the application expects HS or XT mode. The ADC requires configuration of the TRISA bits for analog pins (ADCON1 register), and reading an unconfigured pin returns garbage values that look like legitimate conversions.
The PIC16F737 supports sleep current down to the nanoamp range when using nanoWatt Technology features, but only if analog peripherals are disabled and the ADC is in shutdown before entering sleep. Brown-out Reset (BOR) must be configured in the configuration fuses for battery-powered designs; an unconfigured BOR allows the MCU to operate below the 2.0V minimum with undefined register states. Watchdog Timer should be enabled with a timeout appropriate to the application loop time; PIC16F737 WDT postscaler values are software-selectable from 1:1 to 1:128.
Route the analog inputs RA0-RA5 separately from digital switching signals to minimize ADC coupling noise. A ground-star topology with the analog ground reference at the VSS pins improves ADC result stability; if a single ground plane is used, place a ferrite bead between analog and digital ground regions. The oscillator pins RA6/OSC2 and RA7/OSC1 should be routed with short, symmetric traces to the crystal or resonator; keep these traces away from PWM and digital switching lines to avoid injected clock jitter.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; use PIC16F737-E/SO for extended temperature and check AEC-Q100 status separately for automotive designs. Pb-free matte-tin finish on /SO package.
