PIC16F872T-I/SS - 20MHz 8-Bit Flash MCU, 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F872T-I/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $3.02 | $1,510.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.69 | $2,690.00 |
PIC16F872T-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16F872 belongs to Microchip's PIC16F mid-range family, a category of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers known for low power consumption (nanoWatt technology), small code footprint, and deterministic interrupt response. Within the broader hierarchy, PIC16F872 sits as: 8-bit MCU -> parallel RISC controller -> parallel microcontroller -> parallel embedded controller -> parallel semiconductor. This category placement matters because 8-bit PIC MCUs dominate cost-sensitive, low-power embedded designs where compute headroom is secondary to determinism and energy efficiency.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions (all single-cycle except program branches, which are two-cycle), an operating voltage range of 4.0 V to 5.5 V, and an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C. The 28-SSOP package supports surface-mount assembly with standard JEDEC land patterns. The integrated nanoWatt technology provides multiple power-saving modes that reduce quiescent current during idle periods. Five channels of 10-bit ADC enable direct sensor interfacing without external converters, simplifying BOM in measurement and control applications.
The PIC16F872 uses a Harvard-architecture RISC core with separate program and data buses, which lets the CPU fetch the next instruction while accessing data memory in the same cycle. Self-programming capability allows field firmware updates through the ICSP pins without external programming hardware, simplifying manufacturing and after-sale service workflows. The architecture is upwards compatible with PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, and PIC16C7X devices, easing migration from legacy Microchip designs.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, motor control subsystems, low-cost consumer appliances, HVAC controllers, automotive body electronics (non-safety), and battery-powered instruments. The 22 I/O pins and ADC channels provide sufficient peripheral density for many mid-range embedded tasks.
When designing with this device, ensure Vdd decoupling follows Microchip's reference layout: a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor close to the Vdd pin plus a bulk tantalum or electrolytic cap on the supply rail. The MCLR pin must be pulled high through a resistor for normal operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F872T-I/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 PIC16F872T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Self-Programming, Instruction Set, EEPROM Size, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F872-I/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F872T-E/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF872-I/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF872T-I/SS
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F870T-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F870-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.47 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F872T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC16F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 64 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 10-bit |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package / Case | 28-SSOP (0.209 inch, MO-150) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Self-Programming | Yes (Flash) |
| In-Circuit Debug | Yes (ICD) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt technology |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F872T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/Vpp β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ β PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 β PORTA bit 4 / analog input 4 (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS β PORTA bit 5 / analog input 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKI β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKO β Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0 β PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 β PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2 β PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 β PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 β PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 β PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 β PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 β PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | Vss β Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | Vdd β Positive supply voltage (4.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/ICSPCLK β PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/ICSPDAT β PORTB bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 28 | Vss β Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F872T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface, Home Appliance Control, HVAC Climate Controller, Battery-Powered Instrument, Automotive Body Electronics, LED Lighting Controller.
Industrial Sensor Interface
The PIC16F872T-I/SS is well-suited to industrial sensor interface modules where 4-5.5V supply, 5 ADC channels, and 22 I/O pins provide direct connectivity to multiple analog and digital sensors. The 20 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle enable real-time sampling of temperature, pressure, and flow sensors at rates up to ~100 kHz aggregate. Its nanoWatt Sleep mode reduces idle power below 1 uA, critical for battery-backed sensor transmitters running for years on a single cell. The 28-SSOP package withstands standard factory assembly processes and conformal coating.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control
The PIC16F872T-I/SS fits home appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) where its 35-instruction RISC core simplifies firmware certification and its 3.5 KB Flash holds keypad handling, timing routines, and display drivers. The 5 ADC channels read thermistors, water-level sensors, and motor current feedback simultaneously. Operating from 5V and -40C to +85C, it tolerates the kitchen environment. In-Circuit Debug via RB6/RB7 allows production-line firmware updates without removal from the board.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Controller
The PIC16F872T-I/SS is a strong fit for HVAC climate controllers where its 22 I/O pins drive relays, triacs, and 7-segment displays while its 5 ADC channels read thermistors for indoor/outdoor temperature, humidity sensors, and duct pressure. The nanoWatt technology keeps standby power below EPA energy-efficiency requirements. The Harvard RISC core's deterministic interrupt latency ensures consistent response to safety-critical over-temperature events. Industrial -40C to +85C operation handles unconditioned mechanical rooms.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrument
The PIC16F872T-I/SS powers portable handheld instruments (multimeters, gas detectors, medical diagnostics) where its nanoWatt Sleep mode draws less than 1 uA idle current, enabling 5+ year battery life with intermittent measurement duty cycles. The 64 bytes of EEPROM store calibration constants without battery backup. Its 4.0-5.5V range accepts 4xAA or 9V battery packs directly. The 28-SSOP package is hand-solderable for low-volume specialty instrument manufacturing.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
For non-safety automotive body applications (window controllers, mirror adjusters, ambient lighting, seat controllers), the PIC16F872T-I/SS provides 22 I/O pins to drive multiple motors and LEDs while its ADC monitors position feedback. Its industrial -40C to +85C range covers cabin-mounted modules; under-hood designs require the PIC16F872T-E/SS extended-temperature variant. The 35-instruction RISC core supports legacy automotive software reuse from PIC16C7X platforms, easing migration.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16F872T-I/SS drives RGB LED controllers and architectural lighting systems using its PWM-capable CCP module and 22 I/O pins to address multiple channels. The 20 MHz clock supports software-PWM dimming at refresh rates high enough to avoid visible flicker (>100 Hz). Its 5 ADC channels read ambient light sensors and potentiometers for closed-loop brightness control. Flash self-programming enables field firmware updates for color-profile changes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F872T-I/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F872-I/SS | PIC16F872T-E/SS | PIC16LF872-I/SS | PIC16LF872T-I/SS | PIC16F870T-I/SS | PIC16F870-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes | 64 bytes |
Key Differentiators
- Includes both ICD pins (RB6/RB7) and self-programming Flash (vs PIC16F870T-I/SS)
- Wider operating temperature range available in same package (vs PIC16F872T-E/SS)
- 5-channel 10-bit ADC vs competitor 8-bit MCUs at lower cost (vs PIC16F873A-I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple the PIC16F872T-I/SS Vdd pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pin, plus a 10 uF bulk tantalum or electrolytic capacitor on the supply rail. According to Microchip's reference layout, the small ceramic handles high-frequency switching transients from digital I/O while the bulk cap stabilizes the analog supply during ADC conversions. Avoid routing high-current switching traces under or near the Vdd pin to prevent supply noise coupling into ADC measurements.
The MCLR pin (pin 1) must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; leaving it floating or directly tied to Vdd prevents reset generation and ICD entry. When using In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP), the MCLR/Vpp pin must be capable of withstanding the 13V programming voltage - do not place a clamping diode or capacitor directly on MCLR. According to Microchip's programming specification, the ICSP DAT and CLK lines (RB7/RB6) require isolation resistors when sharing with application circuitry.
Route the analog ADC inputs (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching signals and clock traces to minimize coupling noise. Use a ground pour under the analog section, and consider a separate analog ground star-point at the Vss pin if mixed-signal performance is critical. According to Microchip's mixed-signal layout guide, the ADC reference voltage (Vref+/Vref-) should be bypassed with 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors placed close to the reference pins.
The PIC16F872T-I/SS in 28-SSOP package dissipates approximately 100 mW typical at 20 MHz and 5V, well within the package thermal limits. At industrial -40C to +85C operation, no heatsinking is required. However, when operating continuously at maximum clock and I/O loading, estimate junction temperature using theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W for SSOP and verify it remains below 125C using the formula Tj = Ta + Pd * theta_JA.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive safety-critical systems. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation. Conflict minerals compliant per Microchip's Dodd-Frank disclosure.
