PIC16F73T-E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip 28-SOIC
MPN: PIC16F73T-E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.02 | $6.02 |
| 10 | $5.42 | $54.20 |
| 100 | $4.85 | $485.00 |
| 500 | $4.31 | $2,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.82 | $3,820.00 |
PIC16F73T-E/SO Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based Harvard-architecture 8-bit MCU widely used for embedded control. The PIC16 family sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16 devices and the enhanced PIC18/dsPIC families, offering a balance of code density (only 35 single-word instructions), peripheral integration, and deterministic interrupt response for cost-sensitive control applications.
Key features of the PIC16F73T-E/SO include 5 channels of 8-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion with additional timers, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, a USART for serial communication, a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C, and 5 channels of 8-bit PWM via the Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module. The 200 ns instruction execution enables tight control loops, while the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface allows firmware updates without removing the device from the board.
Architecture-wise, the device uses a 14-bit instruction word with separate program and data buses (Harvard), a hardware multiplier, and an 8-level deep hardware stack. Power management includes selectable oscillator modes (LP, XT, HS, RC) and a power-on reset (POR) / brown-out reset (BOR) circuit that holds the device in reset until Vdd stabilizes.
Typical applications include automotive body electronics, motor control, sensor interfacing, white-goods control boards, and low-cost industrial control. The wide -E temperature range also makes the part suitable for outdoor industrial installations and under-hood automotive modules.
When designing with the PIC16F73T-E/SO, observe the Vdd range of 2.0V to 5.5V and ensure decoupling capacitors (100 nF plus 10 uF) are placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pin. A 4.7 kohm pull-up on the MCLR pin is recommended for reliable reset behavior.
This page synthesizes Microchip datasheet specifications, distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16F73 family alternatives, and practical design notes not duplicated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F73T-E/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 PIC16F73T-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Maximum CPU Frequency, Timers, Core, ICSP Programming.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73-E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716T-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73T-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16F mid-range |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended -E grade) |
| A/D Converter | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM (CCP) Channels | 5 x 8-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (in-circuit serial programming) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F73T-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low, internal pull-up disabled |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — External oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — External oscillator output / system clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / USART synchronous clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX — Digital I/O / USART RX |
| Pin 19 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (2.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / Low-voltage ICSP programming input |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock input |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data input/output |
Typical Applications
PIC16F73T-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Small Motor and Solenoid Drivers, White-Goods and Appliance Control Boards, Battery-Operated Portable Devices, Educational and Hobby Electronics.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16F73T-E/SO is widely deployed in automotive body controllers thanks to its -40 C to +125 C extended temperature grade and 28-SOIC surface-mount package. Its 5-channel 8-bit ADC handles sensor inputs such as ambient temperature, battery voltage, and switch states, while the 5 CCP/PWM channels drive LED indicators, mirror actuators, and small relays. The 7 KB FLASH and 192-byte RAM fit typical body-control firmware with communication stacks over LIN (via USART) or SPI peripherals. According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, the 200 ns instruction cycle supports deterministic interrupt response for safety-critical body functions. Recommended companion MPNs: PIC16F73T-I/SO for industrial-grade siblings and PIC12F1571 for LIN transceiver signaling.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
For 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters and Modbus RTU slaves, the PIC16F73T-E/SO offers an integrated ADC, USART for RS-485 communication, and enough GPIO for HART or digital-I/O expansion. The 2.0-5.5V Vdd range accepts 3.3V and 5V industrial rails, while the 20 MHz CPU processes sampling, linearization, and protocol frames without external logic. According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, the 22 GPIO pins expose SPI for external ADC upgrade paths or I2C for EEPROM data logging. Recommended companion MPNs: MAX485 for RS-485 line driver and 24LC256 for I2C EEPROM data retention.
Recommended
Small Motor and Solenoid Drivers
The PIC16F73T-E/SO drives small DC brushed motors, stepper motor windings, and solenoid valves via its 5 CCP/PWM channels and additional GPIO for H-bridge direction control. With 20 MHz CPU clock and 200 ns instruction cycle, the firmware can implement PID control loops, soft-start ramps, and current-limit protection. According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, the 5 ADC channels read back motor current shunt amplifiers for closed-loop torque control. Recommended companion MPNs: DRV8871 for H-bridge integration and ACS712 for current sensing.
Recommended
White-Goods and Appliance Control Boards
Washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC indoor units integrate the PIC16F73T-E/SO as the main control MCU. The 22 GPIO drives user-interface keypads, seven-segment displays, and indicator LEDs, while the 5-channel ADC reads temperature probes (NTC) and water-level sensors. The USART connects to a companion display or Wi-Fi module for IoT retrofit. According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, the -E temperature grade supports hot appliance environments, and ICSP programming lets manufacturers update firmware after assembly. Recommended companion MPNs: ESP8266 for Wi-Fi bridge and ULN2003A for relay drivers.
Recommended
Battery-Operated Portable Devices
Although the PIC16F73T-E/SO is not the lowest-power PIC, its 2.0-5.5V Vdd range and low-power sleep modes (managed via the oscillator module) suit battery-operated devices such as digital thermometers, portable instruments, and remote controls. The 192-byte RAM and 7 KB FLASH accommodate state-machine firmware with multi-tasking between measurement, display update, and communication. According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, peripheral modules can be individually disabled to reduce quiescent current. Recommended companion MPNs: MCP1700 for low-Iq LDO and CR2032 lithium primary cell for backup power.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16F73T-E/SO is a common choice for university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist projects thanks to its 35 single-word instruction set, abundant Microchip application notes, and ICSP programming via cheap programmers like PICkit 3. The 22 GPIO and 5 ADC channels fit textbook examples such as line-following robots, audio effects pedals, and digital thermometers. According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, the 28-SOIC footprint is breadboard-friendly with SOIC-to-DIP adapters. Recommended companion MPNs: PICkit 3 for programming and 7805 for 5V regulation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F73T-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F73-E/SO | PIC16F73T-I/SO | PIC16F73-I/SO | PIC16F716T-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40 to +125 C | Extended -40 to +125 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Extended -40 to +125 C |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (-T) | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel |
| CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| FLASH Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 2 KB |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 18 |
| A/D Channels | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade with tape-and-reel convenience (vs PIC16F73T-I/SO)
- Larger FLASH and RAM than 716-family alternatives (vs PIC16F716T-E/SO)
- 5 ADC channels for multi-sensor designs (vs PIC16F716T-E/SO)
- Same 28-SOIC footprint as family siblings (vs PIC16F73T-E/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16F73T-E/SO requires a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (pin 20). According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, the brown-out reset (BOR) module holds the device in reset until Vdd stabilizes above the configured threshold. For battery-powered designs, switch the oscillator to a low-frequency crystal (LP mode, 32.768 kHz) and disable unused peripherals to reduce quiescent current.
Route the MCLR pin (pin 1) directly to a programming header or reset supervisor with a 4.7 kohm pull-up to Vdd. Keep the crystal/oscillator traces short (under 5 mm) and symmetric, with grounded guard traces for noise immunity. According to the PIC16F73 datasheet pin compatibility chart, the 28-SOIC footprint is shared with PIC16F73, PIC16F73T, and PIC16F73I variants, so PCB reuse across temperature grades is straightforward.
Do not apply voltage to RA4 (pin 6) above Vdd; it is an open-drain output when configured as digital and requires an external pull-up. The CCP1/CCP2 PWM outputs are multiplexed with PORTC pins 13 and 12, so disabling PWM releases the pins for general GPIO. Note that the EEPROM data size is not listed in the verified web data; consult the Microchip datasheet before relying on internal EEPROM for data logging.
Place the ICSP programming connector (PGC on RB6, PGD on RB7, MCLR/Vpp) on the board edge so PICkit programmers can reach all three signals without manual wire rework. According to the Microchip PIC16F73 datasheet, ICSP programming uses RB6/RB7 which are shared with general GPIO, so firmware must release these pins at startup to allow low-voltage programming mode. A 100 kohm pull-down on PGD prevents spurious programming during power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per DigiKey product listing. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification status not stated in verified web data; consult Microchip for Q-grade ordering codes.
