PIC16LF720-E/ML - 8-Bit 16MHz MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF720-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.96 | $0.96 |
| 10 | $0.87 | $8.70 |
| 100 | $0.78 | $78.00 |
| 500 | $0.71 | $355.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.65 | $650.00 |
PIC16LF720-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16F/LF720 belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16 family, which sits between the baseline 8-bit PIC10/12/16 cores and the high-performance PIC18/dsPIC families. Mid-range PIC16 parts use a 14-bit instruction word with 35 instructions, providing a balance of code density, deterministic timing, and low power consumption that makes them popular for cost-sensitive embedded applications.
Key features of the PIC16LF720 include its nanoWatt XLP technology, which delivers sleep currents down to the nanoampere range, making the part suitable for battery-powered designs with multi-year standby requirements. The 25mA source/sink capability on I/O pins allows direct drive of LEDs and small relays without buffering. Internal 16MHz oscillator accuracy eliminates the need for an external crystal in most applications, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
Typical applications include consumer electronics, remote controls, sensor interfaces, low-power wireless nodes, home appliances, and industrial control subsystems where 8-bit processing, low power, and small footprint are essential. The PIC16LF720 prefix (LF) denotes the low-voltage (2.3V-3.6V) variant, while the F720 prefix (without LF) covers the wider 1.8V-5.5V part. The /ML suffix indicates the 20-QFN package.
When designing with this MCU, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed close to VDD and the exposed pad is soldered for proper thermal dissipation and ground connection. For applications requiring more than 3.5KB of code, evaluate PIC16F721 (7KB Flash) or PIC16F1933 (enhanced mid-range core) as migration paths within the same footprint family.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF720-E/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 PIC16LF720-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F720-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-E/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F721-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF721-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF1939-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$3.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Mid-Range (14-bit instruction word) |
| Clock Speed (Max) | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash (self read/write) |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 17 functional (36 I/O pad count per package) |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, AUSART (UART/USART) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset (BOR), Power-on Reset (POR), PWM (CCP), WDT, 12-ch 8-bit ADC |
| ADC | 12 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | Two 8-bit (TMR0/TMR2), One 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) with exposed pad (ML) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF720-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — PORTA digital I/O / TMR1 oscillator input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — PORTA digital I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — PORTA digital I/O / MCLR (reset) |
| Pin 4 | RC5 — PORTC digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC4 — PORTC digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC3 — PORTC digital I/O / SCL |
| Pin 7 | RC2 — PORTC digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RC1 — PORTC digital I/O / CCP1 |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — PORTC digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — PORTB digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — PORTB digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — PORTB digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — PORTB digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — PORTB digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — PORTB digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — PORTB digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB0 — PORTB digital I/O / INT |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3V-3.6V) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RA0 — PORTA digital I/O / AN0 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF720-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control, Small Appliance Control Board, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Wearable Health Monitor, Automotive Interior Accessory.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF720-E/ML is a strong fit for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the nanoampere range, extending coin-cell or 2x AA battery life to multi-year horizons. Operating from 2.3V to 3.6V, the LF variant is well matched to single-cell Li-ion chemistries without boost regulation. The 16MHz PIC16 mid-range core and 3.5KB Flash comfortably host periodic sensor-sampling loops, simple averaging filters, and command/response protocol stacks over I2C or SPI. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermistor, photodiode, or battery voltage nodes directly. With 25mA source/sink per pin, the MCU can drive indicator LEDs directly without external transistors, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in dense sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
For handheld IR or RF remote controls, the PIC16LF720-E/ML's nanoWatt XLP sleep mode (<100 nA typical) extends alkaline battery life to multi-year horizons, and the 16MHz core handles IR carrier generation (typically 38 kHz) and simple button-debounce plus protocol encoding without external logic. The 25mA I/O source/sink capability drives IR LEDs directly with a single current-limiting resistor. The 20-QFN (4x4 mm) package fits inside the slim form factor of modern remote enclosures. Operating from 2.3V to 3.6V, the LF variant pairs cleanly with two AAA cells in series (3V nominal, 2.0V-3.2V end-of-life), avoiding the need for a boost converter in cost-sensitive designs.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
In small home appliances (coffee makers, blenders, toasters, fans), the PIC16LF720-E/ML delivers deterministic 8-bit control for relay sequencing, triac firing, and LED indicators. The CCP/PWM peripheral drives brushed DC motors or dimming circuits at frequencies up to several kHz without software overhead. The 17 functional I/O pins connect to keypad matrixes, mode switches, status LEDs, and triac optocouplers without external I/O expanders. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure safe recovery from brown-out events and software lockups in harsh appliance environments. The -40C to +125C operating range covers under-hood automotive and kitchen-appliance thermal envelopes.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
For industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensor interfaces, the PIC16LF720-E/ML's 2.3V-3.6V supply range is compatible with 3.3V LDO rails commonly derived from 24V loop supplies. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC samples multiple analog sensor channels (temperature, pressure, flow) with sequential-scan or sleep-between-samples modes for low-power operation. AUSART and I2C peripherals talk to digital sensor front-ends and report telemetry to PLCs or gateway MCUs. The -40C to +125C operating range suits outdoor and factory-floor environments. The 20-QFN (4x4 mm) exposed-pad package provides robust thermal performance and strong PCB ground for EMI-sensitive analog front-ends.
Recommended
Wearable Health Monitor
The PIC16LF720-E/ML suits wearable health monitors (heart-rate straps, step counters, temperature patches) because of its nanoWatt XLP sleep currents and 2.3V-3.6V operation matching coin-cell Li-MnO2 or Li-ion chemistries. The 8-bit PIC16 mid-range core processes simple motion-sensor fusion and BLE companion-MCU handshake protocols over SPI or UART. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC reads skin-electrode or photodiode biosignals at low sampling rates with negligible power penalty. The 4x4 mm QFN footprint fits inside thin wearable enclosures. With 3.5KB Flash, firmware can host simple firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) bootloaders for paired wireless MCUs.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory
For non-safety automotive interior accessories (ambient lighting, USB chargers, seat controllers), the PIC16LF720-E/ML's -40C to +125C operating range covers cabin thermal envelopes. The CCP/PWM peripheral drives RGB LED strips and DC motor actuators smoothly at frequencies above the audible band. The 12-channel ADC reads cabin-temperature sensors, potentiometers, and battery voltage taps. The PIC16F720-I/ML (1.8V-5.5V VDD) variant is more commonly specified for automotive 12V-bus systems with LDO regulation. For safety-critical or AEC-Q100 mandated applications, migrate to PIC16F1939-I/ML (automotive qualified enhanced mid-range alternative).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF720-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F720-I/ML | PIC16F720-E/ML | PIC16F721-I/ML | PIC16LF721-I/ML | PIC16LF1939-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 28 KB |
| SRAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 1 KB |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.3 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Max Clock Speed | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 17-ch, 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
Key Differentiators
- Wide supply voltage compatibility (vs PIC16LF721-I/ML)
- Same 20-QFN pinout across F/LF voltage families (vs PIC16F720-I/ML)
- Cost-optimized 3.5KB Flash (vs PIC16LF1939-I/ML)
Design Notes
Add a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) and a 10uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. The PIC16LF720-E/ML nanoWatt XLP sleep current drops below 100nA only when unused peripherals are disabled in firmware - explicitly clear the appropriate bits in CM1CON0, ANSEL, and disable WDT if not needed. Brown-out reset (BOR) is enabled by default at 2.1V nominal; tighten this margin via CONFIG2 register if your supply rails allow.
The 20-QFN package has an exposed thermal pad beneath the chip that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for proper electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. Use a via-array (4-9 vias) directly under the pad connecting top-layer ground pour to internal ground planes. Maintain at least 0.2mm clearance between QFN pads and adjacent traces to avoid solder bridging. Microchip's AN-1257 application note covers QFN PCB layout best practices.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - tie it to VDD through a 10k pull-up resistor for normal operation, or use a 100nF capacitor to ground if MCLR is unused. ADC readings above 2.0V reference will saturate the 8-bit ADC (max value 255); use an external divider or switch to the PIC16F1933 (10-bit ADC) for higher dynamic range. The PIC16LF720-E/ML is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety-critical applications, migrate to the AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F1939 family.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - migrate to PIC16F1939-I/ML for automotive applications.
