PIC16LC72T-04I/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz 3.5KB OTP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC72T-04I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.15 | $315.00 |
| 500 | $2.84 | $1,420.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16LC72T-04I/SO Overview
The PIC16LC72 belongs to the broader microcontroller category that sits within embedded microcontrollers -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> Flash/OTP programmable MCUs -> industrial/system-on-chip devices. The LC variant denotes the low-voltage / low-power CMOS process, which permits operation across 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply rails while drawing less current than the standard PIC16C72 device, enabling battery-powered designs.
Key features include a 4 MHz oscillator input with a 1 microsecond instruction cycle for most single-cycle instructions, an integrated multi-channel 8-bit A/D converter, 22 digital I/O lines, and the classical PIC16C mid-range instruction set of 35 single-word instructions that simplifies assembly and C development. All instructions execute in a single cycle except program branches, which take two cycles.
Architecturally, the device combines a Harvard-style program/data memory split with an accumulator-based ALU, a 13-bit program counter that addresses up to 8K words, and a peripheral set that includes a watchdog timer, brown-out reset (BOR) circuit, and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module. Industrial-grade silicon supports an extended -40 C to +85 C ambient range (the "I" suffix) for harsh-environment deployment.
Typical applications include motor control feedback loops where the on-chip A/D converter samples shunt currents, industrial sensor signal conditioning and digital logic replacement, automotive interior subsystems, appliance control boards, and general purpose low-power embedded logic. The OTP program memory makes the part best suited for production runs where the firmware is frozen at programming time.
When designing with this MCU, factor in the 4 MHz maximum clock rate before selecting it for time-critical protocols; I2C/SPI bit-banged slaves work fine, but high-speed UART and CAN buses at full bus load may saturate the CPU. Also confirm that the OTP (one-time-programmable) memory model fits the production flow; for prototype iteration a flash-based sibling such as the PIC16F72 or PIC16LC72A family is preferable.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond what is captured in the Microchip datasheet family.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC72T-04I/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 PIC16LC72T-04I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, I/O Pins, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC72-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC72T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC72-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC72T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F72-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC72T-04I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC16C mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not specified - 8-bit core, no separate EEPROM stated |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (4 MHz, single cycle for most instructions) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC variant, low-voltage) |
| I/O Pins | 22 digital I/O |
| A/D Converter | On-chip 8-bit multi-channel ADC |
| Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) | On-chip (per datasheet family description) |
| Watchdog Timer | On-chip |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | On-chip (per PIC16C72 family) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO), gull-wing, Tape & Reel suffix T |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, I suffix) |
PIC16LC72T-04I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC reference positive |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input 4 (open-drain) |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 5 / Synchronous Serial Port slave select |
| Pin 5 | RE0/AN6 — PORTE bit 0 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 6 | RE1/AN7 — PORTE bit 1 / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 7 | RE2/CCP1 — PORTE bit 2 / CCP1 output |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V on LC variant) |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 12 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 13 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 14 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output (alternate) |
| Pin 15 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SSP SPI SCK / I2C SCL |
| Pin 16 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 17 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SSP SPI data out |
| Pin 18 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / synchronous clock |
| Pin 19 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / synchronous data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground (digital) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC72T-04I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Appliance Control Boards, Motor Control Feedback Loops, Automotive Interior Sub-systems, Digital Logic Replacement and Glue Logic, Low-Power Battery Instruments.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC72T-04I/SO suits industrial sensor signal conditioning because it integrates an 8-bit multi-channel ADC plus 22 digital I/O pins in a single industrial-grade -40 C to +85 C part. The on-chip ADC eliminates an external converter, allowing analog sensors (temperature, voltage, current) to feed the MCU directly via analog input pins, and the LC variant's 2.5 V to 5.5 V operating range lets it ride the same supply that powers the sensor front end. With 128 bytes of RAM and a 4 MHz instruction cycle, the MCU can run basic linearization and threshold logic on small data sets without extra glue logic. The 28-SOIC footprint also simplifies hand-repair on long-life industrial panels.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC72T-04I/SO is a strong match for appliance control boards where the firmware is locked at production and the lowest unit cost dominates BOM decisions. The OTP 3.5 KB program memory keeps the die cost low while still holding temperature curves, valve timing, and motor-step routines on a single MCU. The on-chip brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect household appliances against brown-outs and firmware lock-ups caused by EMI from motor switching. Its 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply window simplifies integration with universal 5 V or 3.3 V appliance rails, and the 28-SOIC package is mechanically robust for through-line washers, dryers, and dishwashers.
Recommended
Motor Control Feedback Loops
The PIC16LC72T-04I/SO handles DC motor and stepper motor feedback loops that demand an on-chip ADC and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) peripheral. The CCP module generates PWM drive to the power stage while the ADC samples shunt-current or back-EMF feedback to close the loop, allowing current limiting, soft-start, and stall detection in firmware without external analog controllers. At 4 MHz, the 200 ns instruction cycle is fast enough to service typical low-to-mid speed (sub-10 kHz PWM) motor-control loops for fans, pumps, and small BLDC drives. The LC low-voltage CMOS process reduces I/O switching losses compared with the standard C72, valuable in sealed pump housings with restricted thermal headroom.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Sub-systems
The PIC16LC72T-04I/SO, with its -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature grade, fits non-safety automotive interior electronics such as HVAC panel control, seat-position switches, mirror adjusters, and ambient lighting controllers. The integrated A/D converter reads potentiometers and rotary encoders for user input, while the 22 digital I/O lines drive indicator LEDs and relay coils through appropriate drivers. Because it is not AEC-Q100 qualified, the part is used in interior sub-assemblies rather than under-the-hood or safety-critical ECUs. Designers pairing it with the wider PIC16C72 family benefit from a long-life Microchip product line and mature tool support.
Recommended
Digital Logic Replacement and Glue Logic
The PIC16LC72T-04I/SO is widely used to replace legacy discrete logic in mid-complexity control panels where the BOM benefits from consolidating four or five 74HC/CMOS gates into one 28-SOIC MCU. With 35 single-word instructions, an 8-bit core, and 22 I/O pins the part can implement counters, time-delay generators, watchdog-style supervisors, and multiplexer controllers without a costly RTOS or library footprint. The 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range is compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V legacy logic rails, and the on-chip brown-out reset prevents undefined writes during power-down events. Once the firmware is OTP-locked the design is essentially tamper-proof, which is desirable for appliance or industrial controllers.
Recommended
Low-Power Battery Instruments
The PIC16LC72T-04I/SO's "LC" low-voltage CMOS process yields a much lower operating current than the standard PIC16C72, which extends battery life in remote sensor nodes, portable instruments, and handheld test tools. At 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply it can run from two alkaline, two NiMH, or a single Li-ion cell, and the on-chip brown-out reset and watchdog timer keep the MCU from getting stuck in a brown-out state. Combined with sleep-mode-friendly mid-range peripherals it can sustain months of operation on a small battery when the ADC samples only periodically. The industrial temperature grade lets it ride environments from cold-storage warehouses to outdoor metering cabinets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC72T-04I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC72-04I/SO | PIC16LC72T-04/SO | PIC16LC72-04/SO | PIC16F72-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 2 KB Flash |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (ISP) |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C |
| Packaging Code | Tape & Reel (-T) | Tube (no T) | Tape & Reel | Tube (no T) | Tube (no T) |
| Field Updatable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash, ISP) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Exact industrial-temperature drop-in with tube packaging (vs PIC16LC72-04I/SO)
- Active new-design migration path with Flash (vs PIC16F72-I/SO)
- Low-voltage CMOS process for battery rails (vs PIC16C72 standard variant)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 4 MHz and 5.0 V supply the PIC16LC72T-04I/SO draws roughly 2-3 mA active plus ADC current. Place a 0.1 microfarat ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD pin 8, with a bulk 10 microfarat electrolytic or tantalum on the same supply rail for transient load step support. Connect VSS pins 9 and 20 both to a single low-impedance ground plane to avoid digital return-current noise coupling into ADC reads.
For ADC accuracy, route analog inputs (RA0-RA5, RE0-RE2) away from digital switching lines such as RC3-RC7 (USART/SSP). Keep crystal traces between OSC1 and OSC2 short, and guard the crystal body with a ground ring tied to VSS at one point only. If the CCP1 PWM signal drives an inductive load (relay coil, motor), add a flyback diode and RC snubber within 5 mm of the switching node to suppress ringing that otherwise corrupts the ADC sample.
The "T" suffix in the part number is a packaging code (Tape & Reel) and not a temperature or speed grade. Designing with PIC16LC72T-04/SO assuming industrial temperature range will fail at sub-zero because the no-suffix T variant is 0 C to +70 C commercial. Likewise, the LC supply range (2.5 V to 5.5 V) is narrower than the standard PIC16C72 (4.5 V to 5.5 V) - do not retrofit an LC part onto a 5 V-only design that previously assumed 4.5 V minimum operation at all temperatures.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free were not explicitly stated in the supplied distributor data - flagged as unknown per Data Authenticity Rules. AEC-Q100 is not_qualified based on the family being a general-purpose industrial MCU, not automotive-graded.
