PIC16F737T-I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 7KB Flash 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F737T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.48 | $2.48 |
| 10 | $2.36 | $23.60 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.78 | $1,780.00 |
PIC16F737T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and programmable peripheral blocks on a single silicon die. PIC16F-series MCUs sit at the mid-range of Microchip's 8-bit PIC architecture portfolio, sitting above baseline PIC10/12/16 and below enhanced PIC18 in code density and peripheral complexity. The 'F' suffix indicates FLASH program memory, which is in-circuit reprogrammable via ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), enabling firmware updates without UV erasure.
Key features of the PIC16F737 include a hardware USART for asynchronous serial communication, MSSP (Master Synchronous Serial Port) supporting both SPI and I2C master/slave modes, nanoWatt technology for low-power sleep modes down to sub-microamp currents, and a programmable brown-out reset (BOR) with selectable trip voltages. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 11 input channels with selectable reference voltages, while the three CCP modules can each operate in Capture, Compare, or PWM mode for motor control, signal timing, or LED dimming.
The PIC16F737/767/747/777 family shares the same core architecture and instruction set, scaling mainly in pin count (28-pin vs 40/44-pin) and available I/O. The PIC16F737 specifically ships only in 28-pin packages, making it footprint-compatible with PIC16F767 and the smaller PIC16F73. The nanoWatt technology extends battery life in sleep applications by orders of magnitude compared to legacy PIC16C5X devices.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfacing with analog front ends, consumer white goods with user interfaces, low-end motor control loops using PWM, battery-operated sensor nodes with sleep duty cycling, and educational development platforms. The ICSP interface allows field firmware updates on deployed units, reducing service costs across product lifecycle.
When designing with this MCU, budget oscillator and timing margins carefully across the industrial -40C to +85C operating range. The 25 I/O pins share with analog and peripheral alternate functions, so consult the pinout table to avoid conflicts between ADC inputs and digital-only functions.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, drop-in package alternatives, and practical design considerations not found in a single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F737T-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 PIC16F737T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, Timers.
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No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC16F737T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC 16F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| Program Memory Size | 7KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 368 x 8 |
| EEPROM Size | 256 x 8 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Number of ADC Channels | 11 |
| Number of Timers | 3 |
| Number of CCP Modules | 3 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm width, 0.295") |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | USART, SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
PIC16F737T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 / VREF- / CVREF |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 17 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 18 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RB3/PGM — Port B bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 21 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 24 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA6/OSC2 — Port A bit 6 / alternate OSC2 |
| Pin 28 | RA7/OSC1 — Port A bit 7 / alternate OSC1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F737T-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Nodes, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Low-End Motor Control with PWM, Battery-Operated Wireless Sensor Endpoints, Educational Development Platforms, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), HVAC Control Modules.
Industrial Sensor Interface Nodes
The PIC16F737T-I/SO's 11-channel 10-bit ADC plus USART makes it well suited to multi-sensor industrial nodes that aggregate analog inputs (temperature, pressure, flow) and forward readings over RS-232/RS-485 to a host PLC. Its 2.0-5.5V supply range allows operation from 24V industrial rails stepped down to 5V or 3.3V, while nanoWatt sleep currents below 1 uA extend battery life in remote installations. Pair with a PIC16F737-I/SO for prototype builds and a PIC16F767-I/SO if firmware exceeds 7KB.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
White goods and small kitchen appliances benefit from the PIC16F737T-I/SO's 3 CCP/PWM channels for motor speed control (fans, mixers), 25 I/O for keypad scanning and LED matrix displays, and SPI/I2C master for EEPROM parameter storage. The 35-instruction RISC core keeps firmware compact, and ICSP enables production programming plus field firmware updates. The 28-SOIC package is widely accepted by consumer-grade SMT lines at high volumes.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control with PWM
Three CCP/PWM modules drive brush-DC motors, solenoids, or LED dimming channels with up to 10-bit PWM resolution at 20 MHz, allowing precise speed and brightness control. The PIC16F737T-I/SO's nanoWatt sleep mode combined with periodic ADC sampling enables efficient battery-motor drive designs such as cordless tools or toys. Pair with gate drivers like MCP1416 or TC4427 for high-current MOSFET switching.
Recommended
Battery-Operated Wireless Sensor Endpoints
With supply voltage down to 2.0V and nanoWatt sleep currents below 1 uA, the PIC16F737T-I/SO suits battery-powered sensor endpoints that wake periodically to sample an analog channel and transmit via SPI to a sub-GHz transceiver like MRF89XA. Its 368 bytes of RAM buffer measurement packets, while 256 bytes of EEPROM store calibration constants. Industrial temperature range -40C to +85C supports outdoor deployments.
Recommended
Educational Development Platforms
The PIC16F737T-I/SO's 28-SOIC pin count, ICSP support, and 35-instruction RISC architecture make it a common teaching platform for embedded systems courses. Educators value the PIC16F737-I/SP through-hole variant for breadboard-friendly labs, while the SOIC version is used for SMT soldering workshops. MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler are free for student use, and the PICkit 4 programmer/debugger enables hands-on register-level exploration.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16F737T-I/SO is widely used in non-safety automotive accessories such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory modules, and aftermarket gauge clusters where its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range is acceptable. Three PWM channels drive LED dimming and small motor loads, while USART communicates with body control modules. For AEC-Q100-grade designs, upgrade to PIC16F1939 or PIC16F18855.
Recommended
HVAC Control Modules
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning controllers use the PIC16F737T-I/SO's 11 ADC channels to read temperature sensors and pressure transducers, while PWM outputs drive fan speeds and damper actuators. The MSSP port manages I2C communication with digital temperature/humidity sensors, and the USART links to wall thermostats or building automation networks. Sleep modes cut idle power during standby periods.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F737T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F737-I/SO | PIC16F767-I/SO | PIC16F73T-I/SO | PIC16F737-I/SP | PIC16F737-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SPDIP | 28-SSOP |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7KB FLASH | 7KB FLASH | 14KB FLASH | 7KB FLASH | 7KB FLASH | 7KB FLASH |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 11 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit | 8 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit |
| USART | Yes (hardware) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Supply Voltage Range | 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 |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube (DIP) | Tube (SSOP) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware USART for asynchronous serial (vs PIC16F73T-I/SO)
- 11 ADC channels vs 8 on the PIC16F73 (vs PIC16F73T-I/SO)
- 7KB FLASH upgrade path to 14KB on PIC16F767 without PCB rework (vs PIC16F767-I/SO)
- Same silicon die available in through-hole for prototyping (vs PIC16F737-I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16F737T-I/SO supports supply voltages from 2.0V to 5.5V, but the brown-out reset (BOR) module must be configured for the system rail. For 3.3V-only designs, enable BOR with a 2.5V trip point (BOR_HI_LORA setting in configuration words) to prevent code execution during voltage dips that could corrupt EEPROM or FLASH writes. Use a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin plus a bulk 10 uF capacitor near the IC.
Route the ICSP pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD away from high-current switching traces and noisy analog lines; keep them short and accessible for the PICkit 4 programming header. Place the 28-SOIC device such that the ICSP header can reach pins 23 and 24 without crossing other components. When using the internal oscillator, leave OSC1/OSC2 (pins 7 and 8) routed with a guard ground to minimize EMI pickup from nearby switching nodes.
Do not enable the Low-Voltage Programming (LVP) bit in configuration words unless you are using the LVP mode; otherwise, pin RB3/PGM becomes a dedicated programming pin and cannot be used as general I/O. When migrating code from PIC16F73 to PIC16F737, verify that peripheral pin select assignments match, especially for ADC channels and CCP outputs. Also note that the PIC16F73 lacks hardware USART - any code relying on hardware serial will fail without bit-banged software UART.
At 20 MHz operation the PIC16F737T-I/SO draws approximately 10-15 mA active current. Estimated: at 5.0V supply with full I/O load, total power dissipation is roughly 75 mW, well within the SOIC-28 thermal envelope of approximately 500 mW at 25 C ambient. For industrial -40 C to +85 C deployments, derate by 50% to ensure junction stays below 125 C even without airflow.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free 28-SOIC packaging. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications consider PIC16F1939 or PIC16F18855 families.
