PIC16LC72A-04I/ML - 8-bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC72A-04I/ML ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.43 | $4.43 |
| 10 | $3.98 | $39.80 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3.2 | $1,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.88 | $2,880.00 |
PIC16LC72A-04I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripheral I/O. PIC16C-series parts use a Harvard-architecture RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, distinguishing them from later PIC16F flash parts. The 'LC' suffix denotes the low-voltage CMOS operating range (2.5V-5.5V), and 'A' denotes the second silicon revision. The 'C' token historically signals OTP/EPROM program memory rather than Flash, so designers must program the device before board assembly using a device programmer; field updates are not possible. PIC microcontrollers sit within the taxonomy: PIC16C -> PIC16 family -> PIC MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor.
Key features include 22 general-purpose digital I/O pins, multiple timer/counter modules, a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, capture/compare/PWM peripherals, an asynchronous serial port (USART), and a watchdog timer. The Harvard RISC core executes most instructions in a single 200ns instruction cycle at 4MHz oscillator frequency, delivering deterministic interrupt response that is well-suited to real-time control loops.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, sensor signal conditioning, industrial control panels, automotive interior modules, white-goods motor control, and battery-powered instrumentation where low-voltage operation (down to 2.5V) extends battery life.
Designers should note that this part uses OTP program memory, so firmware must be fully validated before programming; for in-application reprogrammability the PIC16F72 Flash equivalent (PIC16F72-I/ML) is preferred. Pin compatible QFN-28 layout allows PCB reuse when migrating to flash parts.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC72A-04I/ML — 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 PIC16LC72A-04I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Communication, Core Architecture, Instruction Cycle Time, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F72-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1829-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F690-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC72AT-04I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC72A-04I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C Harvard RISC, 8-bit |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns @ 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 5-channel, 8-bit |
| Communication | USART (SCI), SPI, I2C |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
PIC16LC72A-04I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / ADC channel 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4 — Port A bit 5 / ADC channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | Vss — Ground |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI — Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | Vss — Ground (duplicate for QFN) |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | Vdd — Positive supply |
| Pin 28 | Vdd — Positive supply (duplicate for QFN) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC72A-04I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Interior Modules, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, White Goods Motor Control, Low-Voltage IoT Sensor Nodes.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LC72A-04I/ML fits appliance control boards where its 22 I/O pins drive relays, triacs, and seven-segment displays while the 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature sensors and potentiometers. Its 4 MHz Harvard RISC core delivers 200ns deterministic instruction cycles, so AC-zero-crossing detection and triac phase-angle control run with predictable jitter important for dimmer and motor-speed loops. The 2.5V-5.5V supply range lets designers power the MCU directly from rectified mains after a small regulator, and OTP memory keeps per-unit cost low in high-volume appliance production.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
In 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, the PIC16LC72A-04I/ML operates down to 2.5V from a low-dropout regulator, then samples the loop current with its 8-bit ADC and drives a 4-20 mA output through a DAC or PWM-filtered driver. Its 22 I/O handle HART modem carrier detect, calibration pushbuttons, and status LEDs, while the USART links to external configuration EEPROMs. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) footprint keeps board area small enough for in-head transmitter housings, and OTP memory prevents accidental firmware tamper in field-deployed instrumentation.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Modules
Within dash-board lighting controllers and HVAC damper actuators, the PIC16LC72A-04I/ML provides the 22 digital I/O needed to drive multiple LED backlights and bipolar stepper motors simultaneously. Its 5-channel ADC reads panel-button resistance ladders and ambient light sensors without external multiplexers. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range handles under-dash environments, while OTP memory locks the body-control firmware to prevent end-user modification. Note: automotive AEC-Q100 qualification status is [DATA_NEEDED] - confirm before use in safety-critical body ECUs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The PIC16LC72A-04I/ML is well suited to handheld meters, remote sensors, and wireless remote controls where 2.5V minimum supply supports two AA alkaline cells in series down to end-of-life. Its Harvard RISC core enters sleep modes between ADC samples, drawing minimal current between interrupts. The 22 I/O drive segmented LCDs via external charge-pump drivers, while the 5-channel ADC multiplexes voltage, current, and temperature measurements. OTP memory reduces die cost in volume consumer products, and the 28-QFN package keeps PCB height below 1 mm for slim-form-factor handheld enclosures.
Recommended
White Goods Motor Control
Washing machine motor controllers and refrigerator compressor inverters use the PIC16LC72A-04I/ML for supervisory control: reading door-switch inputs, driving triac-based pump relays, and timing start sequences through the 8-bit timer. Its 4 MHz instruction rate simplifies zero-crossing detection for 50/60 Hz mains, and the 5-channel ADC monitors motor current via shunt resistors. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package fits on crowded inverter PCBs alongside power devices. Designers should validate OTP-programmed firmware against worst-case motor stall conditions before lock-down.
Recommended
Low-Voltage IoT Sensor Nodes
Wireless sensor endpoints powered by coin cells or energy harvesting benefit from the PIC16LC72A-04I/ML's 2.5V minimum supply and RISC sleep-friendly architecture. The MCU reads environmental sensors through its 5-channel ADC, formats data via the USART or SPI for an attached radio module, and returns to sleep between transmissions. The 22 I/O accommodate multiple sensor buses plus a calibration LED. For designs requiring over-the-air firmware updates, PIC16F1829-I/ML is a 28-QFN-compatible Flash alternative; verify pin mapping before migrating designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC72A-04I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F72-I/ML | PIC16F1829-I/ML | PIC16F690-I/ML | PIC16LC72AT-04I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (ML) | 28-QFN (ML) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3.5KB / 2K x 14) | Flash (3.5KB) | Flash (14KB) | Flash (7KB) | OTP (3.5KB) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 1024 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 17 (mux) | 18 (mux) | 22 |
| ADC | 5-ch / 8-bit | 5-ch / 8-bit | 12-ch / 10-bit | 12-ch / 8-bit | 5-ch / 8-bit |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in Flash replacement available in same package (vs PIC16F72-I/ML)
- Cost-optimized OTP for high-volume programs (vs PIC16F1829-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature range from a mature silicon revision (vs PIC16LC72A-04I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC72A-04I/ML uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) program memory - firmware must be fully validated and verified before device programming, because OTP cannot be erased or rewritten. Per Microchip datasheet DS35008B, blank parts ship with all bits erased; once programmed, they cannot return to a blank state. Plan a device-programmer step in production (e.g. MPLAB PM3 or equivalent), and consider the PIC16F72-I/ML Flash equivalent for any design that may need field firmware updates.
Power the PIC16LC72A-04I/ML from a stable 2.5V-5.5V rail with a decoupling capacitor of at least 0.1 uF placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pins (pin 27/28 of the 28-QFN). The QFN package has duplicate Vdd and Vss pins internally bonded - both must be connected for correct I/O operation. Estimated supply current during 4 MHz operation is typically 1-2 mA depending on peripheral activity; ensure the regulator has adequate headroom during ADC conversions to maintain ADC accuracy.
Lay out the 28-QFN (6x6 mm) land pattern per IPC-7351 and connect the exposed thermal pad (EP) directly to a solid Vss copper pour for thermal dissipation. Route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces with short, parallel lengths and a grounded guard ring to suppress EMI. Keep analog ADC inputs (AN0-AN4) away from digital switching traces; an analog ground island connected back at a single point to the MCU Vss pin helps preserve 8-bit ADC accuracy.
The 28-QFN 'ML' suffix is a thermally enhanced package that uses a central exposed pad - this pad must be soldered to the board for mechanical reliability and thermal performance. Per Microchip packaging guidelines, the EP via array should use 0.3 mm via holes on a 1.0 mm pitch in a grid that wicks heat into internal ground planes. Without proper EP soldering, thermal stress and board flex can crack the package during temperature cycling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product declaration; PIC16LC72A-04I/ML is not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety-critical applications - confirm qualification status with Microchip for automotive deployments
