PIC16F737-I/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F737-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.42 | $5.42 |
| 10 | $4.86 | $48.60 |
| 100 | $4.25 | $425.00 |
| 500 | $3.72 | $1,860.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.34 | $3,340.00 |
PIC16F737-I/SP Overview
What is a PIC16 microcontroller? The PIC16 is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit microcontroller family using a RISC instruction set with 35 single-word instructions. PIC16F-series parts add on-chip flash for reprogrammable firmware development, sit between the baseline PIC10/12/16 families and the higher-end PIC18/PIC24 families, and target embedded applications requiring deterministic real-time control with low power consumption via nanoWatt technology. The F-variant Flash program memory enables in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for in-field firmware updates, while peripherals such as A/D converters, timers, and serial interfaces allow direct interfacing with sensors, displays, and communication buses without external glue logic.
Key features of the PIC16F737-I/SP include 11 channels of 10-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion, 3 timers, 3 Capture/Compare/PWM modules, a Master Synchronous Serial Port configurable as SPI or I2C, an enhanced USART with support for RS-485 and LIN, dual analog comparators, and nanoWatt power management for sleep currents under 1 uA typical. The 28-SPDIP package is the most popular through-hole form factor in the PIC16 mid-range family, enabling easy breadboarding and hand-soldered prototyping. Peripherals share a 25-pin I/O budget across two ports (PORTA, PORTB, PORTC) with individual interrupt-on-change capability on PORTB.
Internally, the PIC16F737 uses a 14-bit instruction word with a Harvard architecture separating program and data buses, a hardware multiplier (8x8 in one cycle), and an 8-level deep hardware stack. The 10-bit A/D converter multiplexes across 11 input channels with selectable reference voltages, supporting ratiometric measurements directly from sensor bridges and potentiometers. The MSSP peripheral supports both I2C master/slave with 7/10-bit addressing and SPI master/slave modes, while the EUSART provides asynchronous and synchronous serial with auto-baud detection. nanoWatt technology dynamically reduces operating current through clock switching, sleep with peripheral activity monitoring, and selective peripheral disable.
Typical applications include industrial process control and sensor monitoring (using the 10-bit A/D), automotive body electronics and HVAC control (using PWM and LIN-compatible EUSART), consumer appliance user interfaces and motor control (using CCP modules), battery-powered instrumentation (using nanoWatt sleep), and educational/development platforms for embedded programming with the PIC instruction set. The combination of through-hole SPDIP packaging and ICSP programming makes the PIC16F737-I/SP particularly suitable for low-volume production, prototypes, hobbyist projects, and educational kits where hand-soldering is preferred.
When designing with the PIC16F737-I/SP, ensure the ICSP programming connector pinout (RB6/RB7 plus MCLR/VPP, VDD, VSS) is brought out to a header for in-circuit firmware updates. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pin, and provide bulk decoupling if driving multiple high-current loads from the I/O pins. For timing-critical applications, use a crystal oscillator rather than the internal RC oscillator to guarantee accurate baud rates and ADC clock periods.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes for the PIC16F737-I/SP that are not available on a single manufacturer or distributor page, enabling engineers to compare and select the part with confidence.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F737-I/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 PIC16F737-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F737-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F727-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F726-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F882-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F737-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | PIC16F7x7 mid-range 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, 11 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM Modules | 3 (ECCP + 2 CCP) |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (SPI / I2C), Enhanced USART (RS-485/LIN) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Compliant (Pb-free finish) |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) via RB6/RB7 |
PIC16F737-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / 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-/CVREF — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 / negative voltage reference / comparator reference output |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 5 / SPI slave select / High-Low Voltage Detect input |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock output / PORTA bit 6 |
| 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 / Capture/Compare/PWM channel 2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM channel 1 |
| 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 / EUSART transmit / EUSART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART receive / EUSART data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT0/AN8 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 / Analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 21 | RB1/INT1/AN9 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 / Analog input channel 9 |
| Pin 22 | RB2/INT2/AN10 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 / Analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/CCP3/AN11 — PORTB bit 3 / Capture/Compare/PWM channel 3 / Analog input channel 11 |
| Pin 24 | RB4/AN12 — PORTB bit 4 / Analog input channel 12 |
| Pin 25 | RB5/AN13 — PORTB bit 5 / Analog input channel 13 |
| 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
PIC16F737-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control and Sensor Monitoring, Automotive Body Electronics and HVAC Control, Consumer Appliance User Interface and Motor Control, Battery-Powered Instrumentation and Data Loggers, Educational Embedded Development Platforms, Hobbyist and Maker Electronics Projects.
Industrial Process Control and Sensor Monitoring
The PIC16F737-I/SP is well-suited for industrial process control applications leveraging its 11-channel 10-bit ADC with selectable voltage reference, enabling direct ratiometric measurement from sensor bridges, RTDs, and 4-20 mA current loops. The 25 I/O pins drive indicator LEDs, relay coils, and alarm outputs without external mux logic, while the 7 KB flash holds PID control loops and calibration tables. The Enhanced USART with RS-485 mode enables multi-drop Modbus RTU networks to PLCs and SCADA masters, and nanoWatt technology reduces sleep current under 1 uA typical, supporting battery-backed sensor nodes. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation tolerates factory floor thermal stress without derating.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics and HVAC Control
Body electronics modules (mirror controls, seat position, HVAC blend doors, lighting) fit naturally on the PIC16F737-I/SP's peripheral set. Three CCP/ECCP modules generate PWM signals for DC motor speed control and LED dimming at frequencies up to 20 kHz, while the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor inputs from cabin and duct sensors with adequate resolution for closed-loop temperature control. The EUSART supports LIN bus protocol commonly used in body and HVAC networks, allowing seamless integration with automotive body control modules. The 28-SPDIP package is favored in low-volume specialty vehicles and aftermarket accessories where hand-soldering and through-hole mechanical robustness are priorities. For OEM automotive deployment the PIC16F737-E/SP extended temperature variant is preferred.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface and Motor Control
Washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances commonly use the PIC16F737-I/SP for user interface control and low-power motor driving. The 11-channel ADC reads keypad matrices and potentiometer inputs for knob position detection, while three CCP/PWM channels drive triac-controlled AC loads, DC motor H-bridges, or buzzer tones. The 256 bytes of EEPROM retain user settings (favorite channels, calibration, last state) across power cycles without external NVRAM. nanoWatt sleep modes drop quiescent current under 1 uA, supporting Energy Star standby targets for appliances. Through-hole SPDIP is preferred in cost-sensitive high-volume consumer products for assembly reliability on wave-soldered boards.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation and Data Loggers
Portable data loggers, handheld multimeters, environmental monitors, and field measurement instruments benefit from the PIC16F737-I/SP's nanoWatt technology and 256-byte EEPROM. Sleep current under 1 uA typical with peripheral activity monitoring (interrupt on ADC ready, timer overflow, MSSP buffer) enables multi-year battery life on two AA cells. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC multiplexes across sensor inputs including temperature, humidity, voltage, and current shunt measurement, with 7 KB flash holding linearization tables and statistical logging firmware. The EUSART interfaces with Bluetooth or USB-to-UART bridges for tethered data download, while the 28-SPDIP package is ideal for hand-assembled prototypes and small production runs of test instrumentation.
Recommended
Educational Embedded Development Platforms
The PIC16F737-I/SP is widely adopted in university embedded systems courses, microcontroller training kits, and hobbyist development boards due to its breadboard-friendly 28-SPDIP package and Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE toolchain. Students learn assembly language and C programming on a 35-instruction RISC core with predictable timing, then scale up to PIC18/PIC24 families while reusing the same toolchain. ICSP programming via RB6/RB7 allows in-circuit firmware updates without removing the chip from the target board, supporting iterative lab work. The 7 KB flash holds substantive teaching examples including PID control, FFT, and peripheral driver code, while 368 bytes RAM and 25 I/O provide enough headroom for capstone projects combining sensors, displays, and serial communication.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Maker Electronics Projects
Maker community projects including robotics controllers, retro gaming consoles, MIDI controllers, LED art installations, and home automation nodes are well-served by the PIC16F737-I/SP. The 20 MHz CPU executes instructions at 200 ns enabling real-time animation and audio synthesis, while three PWM channels drive hobby servos and RGB LED strips directly. The MSSP supports SPI-driven TFT displays and I2C sensor breakout boards from SparkFun and Adafruit ecosystems. Through-hole SPDIP is favored over QFN for hobbyists who hand-solder or use breadboards, and the PIC16's mature code base on GitHub provides ready-made peripheral libraries. 7 KB flash is sufficient for menu systems, sensor fusion, and actuator control in standalone maker projects.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F737-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F737-E/SP | PIC16F727-I/P | PIC16F726-I/SP | PIC16F722A-I/SP | PIC16F882-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SPDIP-28 | SPDIP-28 (same) | SPDIP-40 | SPDIP-28 (same) | SPDIP-28 (same) | SPDIP-28 (same) |
| Program Flash | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (same) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB | 8 KB |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes (same) | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 33 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| A/D Channels | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 14 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
Key Differentiators
- 11-channel 10-bit ADC in 28-SPDIP package (vs PIC16F727-I/P (40-pin))
- Industrial vs Extended temperature options in same 28-SPDIP (vs PIC16F737-E/SP)
- PIC16 mid-range architecture with mature toolchain (vs PIC16F882-I/SP)
- Through-hole SPDIP for prototyping and field serviceability (vs PIC16F737-I/SS (SSOP-28))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 19) and a bulk capacitor (1-10 uF) on the same node to suppress switching noise. The PIC16F737 has two VSS pins (18 and 28) - both MUST be connected to ground for proper operation and EMC performance; floating either pin can cause unstable ADC readings and reset glitches. For sleep-mode applications, place the decoupling capacitor close to VDD and verify nanoWatt sleep current with all unused inputs tied to defined logic levels to minimize floating-pin leakage.
Route the ICSP signals (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) to a 5-pin header (VPP/MCLR, VDD, VSS, PGC, PGD) with no series resistors, allowing direct connection of PICkit 3/4 programmers. If in-circuit protection resistors are required on PGC/PGD for production, install 100-ohm in series and bypass them with removable jumpers for programming. Keep analog input traces (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB3) short and away from PWM switching traces (CCP1/CCP2/CCP3) and the switching oscillator (OSC1/OSC2) to minimize ADC crosstalk. Use a ground pour under the analog section to provide shielding.
The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; do not leave it floating or the device will reset intermittently. When using the internal RC oscillator, the frequency is approximately 4 MHz with calibration but can drift over temperature and voltage - use a crystal for timing-sensitive applications like UART communication where baud-rate accuracy matters. Configuration bits (fuses) MUST be set correctly before code execution; common mistakes include enabling the watchdog timer unintentionally or selecting the wrong oscillator mode. Verify configuration words in MPLAB X before programming production parts.
When using the MSSP peripheral in SPI master mode at high clock rates (above 5 MHz at 5V VDD), keep SCK/SDO/SDI traces short (under 50 mm) and add 33 ohm series damping resistors near the source to reduce ringing. For I2C bus, use 4.7 kohm pull-ups on SCL/SDA at 100 kHz, or 2.2 kohm at 400 kHz Fast Mode. The PIC16F737's MSSP supports both SPI and I2C but not simultaneously - select the mode in firmware and ensure firmware does not toggle modes dynamically without reconfiguration. EUSART baud-rate accuracy depends on FOSC; at 20 MHz the error is 0.16% at 9600 baud, well within RS-485 specifications.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page (Pb-free finish on SPDIP-28). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive use, evaluate PIC16F737-E/SP under Microchip's automotive PPAP program. Conflict minerals compliant per Microchip supplier declarations.
