PIC16LF72-I/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF72-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.21 | $22.10 |
| 100 | $1.94 | $194.00 |
| 500 | $1.72 | $860.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16LF72-I/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, peripheral modules (ADC, timers, communication ports), and digital I/O into one package. Microcontrollers sit within the hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. The 8-bit class is optimized for cost-sensitive, deterministic control tasks where ease of programming and low power consumption matter more than raw compute throughput, making it a foundation of industrial automation, appliance control, and consumer electronics.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions with 200 ns instruction execution time, a hardware multiplier-less PIC16 RISC core, Brown-out Reset (BOR), Power-on Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with on-chip RC oscillator, and a programmable code protection mechanism. The 8-bit ADC provides 8 channels of 8-bit resolution, ideal for sensor signal acquisition in mixed-signal embedded designs.
The PIC16LF72 architecture uses a Harvard bus structure with separate code and data paths, allowing instruction fetch and operand read in the same cycle. Its CMOS process and sleep-mode current of < 1 µA make it suitable for battery-powered or energy-harvesting designs where duty-cycling is essential.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, motor and pump controllers, automotive body modules, HVAC control nodes, and battery-operated instrument front-ends. The wide operating voltage window (2.0 V–5.5 V) supports direct Li-ion battery operation as well as regulated 5 V rails.
When designing with this MCU, place decoupling capacitors (100 nF plus 10 µF bulk) close to VDD/SS pins, route the MCLR pin through a 10 kΩ pull-up, and ensure the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) header is accessible for field firmware updates. The 28-pin SPDIP package is hand-solder-friendly and ideal for prototype and low-volume production.
This page synthesizes current distributor stock and pricing, drop-in PIC16 family alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate your component selection.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF72-I/SP — 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 PIC16LF72-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF722-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F72-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF727-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF724-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF72-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC16 (8-bit RISC) |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM Size | 128 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit |
| Number of ADC Channels | 8 |
| Connectivity | I²C, SPI |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | 1 (CCP module) |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16LF72-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/CVREF — PORTA bit 2 / analog input / comparator reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input / voltage reference positive |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V–5.5 V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF72-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Acquisition Node, Battery-Operated Remote Control / IoT Node, HVAC Control and Thermostat, Automotive Body and Accessory Module, Small Appliance Motor Controller, Consumer Remote Keypad / IR Transmitter.
Industrial Sensor Acquisition Node
The PIC16LF72-I/SP's 8-channel 8-bit ADC and 2.0–5.5 V operating range suit it for industrial 4–20 mA sensor conditioning boards, where the MCU digitizes analog signals from pressure, flow, or level transmitters. With 20 MHz operation and 200 ns instruction cycles, it can sample multiple channels in real time while running a small PID or averaging loop. The 128-byte RAM is sufficient to buffer sensor readings before transmitting over I²C or SPI to a host controller, and the low-voltage LF process enables direct 3.3 V operation from a regulated industrial rail without level shifters. The hardware Brown-out Reset and Watchdog Timer enhance field reliability in electrically noisy factory environments.
Recommended
Battery-Operated Remote Control / IoT Node
The PIC16LF72-I/SP's low-voltage operation from 2.0 V and sub-µA sleep current make it ideal for battery-powered remote controls, IR/RF transmitters, and wireless sensor nodes. Operating at 20 MHz on a 3 V coin-cell or two AA cells, the MCU can wake from sleep, sample a sensor, transmit via SPI to a sub-GHz radio like the MRF89XA, and return to sleep—all within a few milliseconds. The 3.5 KB Flash easily accommodates simple protocol stacks and user code, while the 22 I/O pins drive multiple switches, LEDs, and an encoder wheel. Brown-out Reset prevents corrupted EEPROM writes during battery end-of-life.
Recommended
HVAC Control and Thermostat
The PIC16LF72-I/SP integrates the analog and digital peripherals needed for HVAC thermostat and zone-controller designs. Its 8-bit ADC reads thermistor or RTD temperature sensors, while the 8-bit PWM controls furnace valves, fan motors, or triac-driven AC loads. The CCP module generates precise timing for zero-cross switching, and I²C connects to a wall-mounted display driver. Operating from -40 °C to +85 °C, the industrial-temperature PIC16LF72-I/SP handles outdoor equipment enclosures in cold climates. With 3.5 KB Flash, developers can implement hysteresis control, scheduling, and remote-setpoint protocols in a single chip.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Accessory Module
The PIC16LF72-I/SP serves as a low-cost body controller for non-safety automotive functions such as interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror actuators, and accessory timers. With 22 I/O, the MCU can drive multiple relays and LEDs while reading switch inputs and potentiometers through its 8-channel ADC. Although the LF72 is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it operates reliably across the industrial temperature range typical of cabin environments. The 20 MHz speed supports debounced switch scanning and PWM dimming control, and SPI connectivity enables communication with a central body-control gateway. Brown-out Reset and Watchdog Timer help the module recover from supply transients on the 12 V battery rail.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Controller
The PIC16LF72-I/SP's Capture/Compare/PWM module and 20 MHz core make it a good fit for small appliance motor control such as fans, pumps, blenders, and food processors. The CCP module generates precise PWM drive signals for MOSFET half-bridges, while the ADC monitors motor current via a sense resistor for closed-loop torque or speed control. The 3.5 KB Flash accommodates sensorless BLDC commutation tables or simple FOC routines for low-velocity applications. Operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V supports direct regulation from the rectified mains supply, and the 28-SPDIP package is hand-solder-friendly for prototyping.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Keypad / IR Transmitter
The PIC16LF72-I/SP's 22 digital I/O pins easily scan a 4×4 or larger matrix keypad while driving IR emitters via PWM-modulated carrier signals. The 8-bit PWM can produce 38 kHz or 40 kHz carrier frequencies typical of consumer IR protocols such as RC-5, NEC, or Sony SIRC. With 3.5 KB Flash, developers can store multiple protocol tables and user-configurable macros. The LF72's 2.0 V minimum operation enables coin-cell-powered designs, and the low sleep current (< 1 µA typical) extends battery life across years of standby use.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF72-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF722-I/SP | PIC16F73-I/SP | PIC16F72-I/SP | PIC16LF722A-I/SP | PIC16LF727-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Size | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB (same) | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 7 KB (+100%) |
| Data RAM | 128 B | 128 B (same) | 192 B (+50%) | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) | 192 B (+50%) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (5 V typical) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF) |
| Number of I/O | 22 | 25 (+14%) | 22 (same) | 22 (same) | 25 (+14%) | 36 (+64%) |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 10/12-bit |
| PWM Channels | 1 (CCP) | 2 CCP (+100%) | 2 CCP (+100%) | 1 CCP (same) | 2 CCP (+100%) | 3 CCP (+200%) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0–5.5 V operating range with industrial temperature (vs PIC16F72-I/SP)
- Larger program memory in same package (vs PIC16LF73)
- Enhanced PWM and peripheral set in same footprint (vs PIC16F72-I/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 19) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the VSS pins (18, 28). The PIC16LF72-I/SP's analog and digital VDD paths share the same rail; for noise-sensitive ADC measurements, add a ferrite bead and a separate 10 µF reservoir for AVdd if your design isolates analog and digital domains. Bulk capacitance should be sized for peak MCU current during ADC conversions (typically 1.5 mA peak).
The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for normal operation; floating MCLR causes unpredictable resets. When designing the ICSP interface, ensure PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) are not pulled down by external circuitry during programming. Configuration bits (FOSC, WDTE, BOREN) must be set explicitly; an unconfigured device defaults to internal RC oscillator and Watchdog Timer enabled. Brown-out voltage should be selected to match the lowest valid supply rail.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 9 and 8) as short and direct as possible, surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI pickup. Keep high-frequency switching traces (PWM outputs, SPI clock) at least 5 mm away from the analog ADC inputs to reduce crosstalk. Place the ICSP header (5-pin: VPP, PGD, PGC, VDD, VSS) at the board edge for convenient programming access. Use a ground plane on the bottom layer for return current paths.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety applications choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F variants. Industrial temperature range -40 °C to +85 °C.
