PIC16LF720-E/SS - 8-Bit MCU, 16MHz, 3.5KB Flash, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF720-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16LF720-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and peripherals around an 8-bit data path. PIC mid-range MCUs sit within Microchip's broader family of 8-bit microcontrollers (PIC10/12/14/16/18) under the larger umbrella of microcontrollers, embedded controllers, and finally semiconductors. Engineers select the PIC16LF720 family when they need low active and sleep current, deterministic interrupt latency, and on-chip peripherals like ADC, I2C, SPI, AUSART, and CCP in a small-footprint surface-mount package.
Key features include 18 I/O pins with 25 mA source/sink capability, 12-channel 8-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers (TMR0/TMR2) plus one 16-bit timer (TMR1), an internal 16 MHz oscillator, and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents that make the part suitable for coin-cell and energy-harvesting applications. The E temperature grade extends the operating range from -40 C to +125 C, qualifying the device for industrial and automotive-adjacent environments.
The architecture relies on a Harvard-style RISC engine with 8 stack levels, hardware-accelerated interrupt context saving, and a self-programmable Flash that supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP). The internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal in many designs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area while the WDT, POR, and BOR improve system robustness during brown-out and code-runaway events.
Typical applications include low-power sensor nodes, battery-powered consumer devices, automotive interior modules, industrial control subsystems, and USB-to-UART bridges using the AUSART peripheral. The 128 B SRAM and 3.5 KB Flash are sized for compact state machines, sensor fusion pre-processing, and protocol translation firmware.
When designing with this part, choose the LF (low-voltage F) variant when VDD stays under 3.6 V, and pair the device with a 0.1 uF + 10 uF decoupling network near VDD. Programming via ICSP requires the standard PGD/PGC/VDD/VSS/MCLR/RB6/RB7 connections, so leave those test points accessible during layout review.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF720-E/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Operating Temperature, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF720-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-E/SSVAO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF720-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 8 stack levels |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash, self read/write |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 128 B |
| Non-volatile Data EEPROM | Not present on PIC16LF720 family (Flash data EEPROM emulation only) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MIPS at 16 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA |
| ADC | 12-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, SPI, AUSART (EUSART-compatible), CCP |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | E (extended, -40 C to +125 C) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
PIC16LF720-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5 — Digital I/O / analog input / Timer0 clock |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/RA3 — Master Clear reset (active low) or digital I/O |
| Pin 5 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 6 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 7 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SPI SCK |
| Pin 8 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 11 | RB7 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGD |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Digital I/O / ICSP PGC |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 16 | RB2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 17 | RB1 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RB0 — Digital I/O / analog input / INT |
| Pin 19 | RA2 — Digital I/O / analog input |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF720-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Industrial Control Subsystem, Automotive Interior Module, USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle, Consumer Remote Control / HMI, Educational / Hobby Development Board.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF720-E/SS is a strong fit for low-duty-cycle wireless sensor nodes operating from a CR2032 or 2xAA battery pack. Its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the microamp range while the integrated 16 MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing quiescent draw and BOM cost. With 3.5 KB of Flash and 128 B SRAM, the part can run a state-machine firmware that wakes on a GPIO interrupt, reads a sensor over I2C, transmits via a low-power radio, and returns to sleep. The 18 I/O pins (25 mA source/sink) drive LEDs directly without a driver FET, while the 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD range covers 2.5 V and 3.3 V rails. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade supports outdoor and industrial enclosures where ambient swings are common.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystem
In factory automation and process control subsystems, the PIC16LF720-E/SS provides deterministic real-time response with its 16 MIPS mid-range core and hardware interrupt context saving. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC is sufficient for monitoring thermistors, pressure transducers, and 4-20 mA loop shunts in PLC I/O modules and HMI panels. The AUSART peripheral implements RS-232/RS-485 bridges for field-bus communication, while the CCP module drives PWM outputs for proportional valve control. The E temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C) tolerates cabinet temperatures near motor drives and welders. The 20-SSOP package keeps the part footprint compatible with high-density PLC backplanes where both through-hole and SMD variants coexist.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Module
The PIC16LF720-E/SS is well suited for body-electronics and interior lighting modules that operate from a 12 V battery rail stepped down to 3.3 V. The extended temperature grade survives under-dash thermal swings during summer operation, while the 25 mA I/O source/sink directly drives small relays, buzzers, and LED indicator arrays without external drivers. The 12-channel ADC multiplexes ambient-light sensors, potentiometers for HVAC blend doors, and switch contact debouncing inputs. AUSART links the module to a body control module (BCM) for diagnostics, and CCP PWM outputs dim interior lighting with smooth 8-bit resolution. For automotive applications requiring full AEC-Q100 qualification, Microchip recommends the dedicated PIC16F720-E/SSVAO automotive variant in the same SSOP-20 footprint.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge Dongle
The PIC16LF720-E/SS implements a compact USB-to-UART bridge when paired with a USB-serial converter IC like the MCP2200 or MCP2221. The AUSART peripheral handles asynchronous serial framing up to 115.2 kbaud and higher with oversampling, while the 128 B SRAM buffers small command frames. The 18 I/O lines are available for flow-control RTS/CTS signals, status LEDs, and optional GPIO. The internal 16 MHz oscillator provides accurate baud-rate generation without an external crystal, simplifying the dongle BOM and PCB. The 20-SSOP package fits inside a small USB-A stick form factor with all signals broken out to a 6-pin header for firmware development and field programming.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control / HMI
The PIC16LF720-E/SS fits inside handheld remote controls, thermostat keypads, and small white-goods HMI panels where low cost, low power, and compact packaging drive BOM decisions. The 18 I/O pins scan up to a 4x5 matrix keypad with software debouncing, while the AUSART connects to a companion Wi-Fi or BLE module for cloud-linked appliances. nanoWatt XLP sleep currents extend battery life on coin-cell powered remotes to multi-year standby. The internal 16 MHz oscillator removes a crystal that would otherwise occupy valuable PCB real estate in a slim enclosure. The 12-channel ADC reads resistive touch pads, photodiodes, and trim pots without an external multiplexer.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Development Board
Universities, makers, and hobbyists use the PIC16LF720-E/SS as an entry-level microcontroller on development boards and trainer kits because of its low cost, well-documented mid-range architecture, and broad tool support. The 20-SSOP package is easy to hand-solder with a fine-tip iron or hot air station, while the 18 I/O pins expose enough signals for breadboard projects including LED arrays, character LCDs, servo control, and sensor interfacing. The ICSP programming interface allows students to flash firmware via a PICkit 3 or PICkit 4 debugger without removing the MCU from the board. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes provide a hands-on lesson in power-conscious firmware design for embedded-systems coursework.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF720-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF720-I/SS | PIC16F720-I/SS | PIC16LF720T-I/SS | PIC16LF720-E/SSVAO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30mm) | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | E (-40C to +125C) | I (-40C to +85C) | I (-40C to +85C) | I (-40C to +85C) | E (-40C to +125C) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| SRAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Max CPU Speed | 16 MHz / 16 MIPS | 16 MHz / 16 MIPS | 16 MHz / 16 MIPS | 16 MHz / 16 MIPS | 16 MHz / 16 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| ADC | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit | 12-ch, 8-bit |
| RoHS Compliance | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade in a low-cost 8-bit MCU (vs PIC16LF720-I/SS)
- Lower operating voltage ceiling suits 2.5V/3.3V-only systems (vs PIC16F720-I/SS)
- nanoWatt XLP technology extends battery life on sleep (vs PIC16F720-E/SS (non-LF counterpart))
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pin 1, plus a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor on the same rail. The PIC16LF720-E/SS nanoWatt XLP modes (Sleep, Idle, Low-Power Timer1 oscillator) draw microamp-level currents but the ADC reference and internal oscillator can inject brief transients; the bulk capacitor stabilizes the rail during ADC conversions. Estimated: with a 16 MHz internal oscillator and active mode at 3.3 V, the part draws approximately 1 mA per MIPS - so worst-case active current is ~16 mA. Add bulk capacitance of at least 4.7 uF to handle inrush during Sleep-to-Active transitions.
Do not confuse the LF and F variants when sourcing: the PIC16LF720 tops out at 3.6 V VDD, while the PIC16F720 accepts up to 5.5 V. Applying 5 V to the LF variant will exceed the absolute maximum rating and damage the device. Also note that pin 4 (RA3/MCLR) is input-only on most PIC16 mid-range devices; do not drive it as an output. The MCLR function shares the pin with RA3, so disable the MCLR via the CONFIG register if you need RA3 as a digital input.
Route the ICSP signals (PGD on RB7, PGC on RB6) as short traces to a 5-pin header for production programming and debugging. Place the ICSP header at the board edge so the PICkit 4 can clip on without obstructions. For SSOP-20 footprints, use a 0.65 mm pitch land pattern with 0.4 mm wide pads to match the JEDEC MS-012 standard. Estimated: keep the analog traces (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB5) away from the digital switching lines (RC3/SCK, RC4/SDI, RC5/SDO) by at least 3 mm or guard them with a ground pour to minimize ADC crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed per Microchip product page. For AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, use the PIC16LF720-E/SSVAO variant. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data.
