PIC16LF720-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 16MHz, 3.5KB Flash, 20-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF720-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.42 | $1.42 |
| 10 | $1.18 | $11.80 |
| 100 | $0.98 | $98.00 |
| 500 | $0.86 | $430.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.75 | $750.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.68 | $2,040.00 |
PIC16LF720-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces. The PIC16F family is part of Microchip's PIC microcontroller hierarchy, sitting between the baseline 8-bit PIC10/12/16 cores and the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 line. Within the PIC16F family, the PIC16LF720 belongs to the mid-range enhanced PIC16F7xx series, optimized for low-voltage and low-power operation with supply voltages as low as 1.8V.
Key features include a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with input multiplexing, multiple timer modules (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2), Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) with LIN support, Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) for SPI and I2C, and on-chip oscillator options. The nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents as low as and active currents in the microamp range, making it well-suited for energy-harvesting and always-on applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF720 uses a 14-bit instruction word with single-cycle execution (except branches), a hardware stack for interrupts, and a deterministic instruction set. The wide operating voltage range from 1.8V to 3.6V accommodates both single-cell Li-ion and dual-cell alkaline battery topologies, while the 16MHz clock delivers 8 MIPS of throughput, sufficient for sensor fusion, simple user interfaces, and basic motor control loops.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, remote controls, low-power IoT edge devices, consumer electronics with button/Touch interfaces, small appliance control, and industrial telemetry. The compact 4x4 mm QFN package and integrated peripherals allow designs to fit into space-constrained enclosures without external ADC or EEPROM components.
When designing with this MCU, careful attention must be paid to the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) pin assignments and the configuration word bits that govern oscillator selection, watchdog timer, and code protection. The QFN package requires thermal pad soldering to the PCB ground plane for mechanical reliability and electrical thermal performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives from the PIC16LF7xx family, and practical design notes not found in the bare datasheet, helping engineers select and source the PIC16LF720-I/ML for low-power embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF720-I/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-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, MSL Level, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF722-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / 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 →PIC16LF1829-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF707-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit Enhanced Mid-Range |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz (8 MIPS) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 channels |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| Communication | EUSART (LIN), MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF720-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO RA2 / Analog input AN2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — GPIO RA3 / Analog input AN3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — GPIO RA4 / Analog input AN4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5 — GPIO RA5 / Analog input AN5 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA6/OSC2 — GPIO RA6 / Oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | RA7/OSC1 — GPIO RA7 / Oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 9 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / Analog input AN1 |
| Pin 10 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / Analog input AN0 |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — GPIO RC6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — GPIO RC7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V to 3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF720-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Remote Controls, Small Appliance Control, Industrial Telemetry Modules, Wearable Health and Fitness Bands, HVAC Sensor and Thermostat Nodes, Automotive Body Electronics.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF720-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology and 1.8V to 3.6V operating range make it ideal for wireless sensor nodes powered by coin-cell or Li-ion batteries. With sleep currents in the nanoamp range and active currents below 1 mA at 1 MHz, the MCU enables years of operation from a single CR2032 cell. Its 12-channel 10-bit ADC directly interfaces temperature, humidity, and light sensors without external signal conditioning. Pair with an SPI-attached LoRa or sub-GHz transceiver for periodic data uplinks.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
The PIC16LF720-I/ML's 18 GPIO pins and integrated EUSART (with LIN support) handle IR transmit/receive, button scanning matrices, and LED indicators for universal remote controls. The 16MHz/8 MIPS throughput executes IR protocol decoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC) in real time without external logic. nanoWatt XLP ensures multi-year battery life on two AAA cells. The compact 4x4 mm QFN fits inside slim handheld enclosures without sacrificing I/O headroom.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16LF720-I/ML is well suited for small appliance motor control and user-interface management in coffee makers, blenders, and air purifiers. Its Timer2 PWM module drives small DC motors or MOSFET gate drivers, while the 10-bit ADC reads temperature, current sensing, and potentiometer inputs. The MSSP interface talks to LED display drivers or EEPROM for preset storage. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports unheated kitchen and laundry environments.
Recommended
Industrial Telemetry Modules
The PIC16LF720-I/ML's EUSART with LIN support and 1.8V minimum supply enable integration into industrial sensor and actuator nodes communicating via RS-485, LIN, or UART protocols. The wide operating voltage range tolerates industrial 24V bus systems with linear regulation, while the 10-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA loop signals through external sense resistors. The MSSP I2C interface connects to external EEPROM for parameter storage and digital temperature sensors for calibration.
Recommended
Wearable Health and Fitness Bands
The PIC16LF720-I/ML's nanoWatt XLP technology and tiny 4x4 mm QFN package suit compact wearable form factors such as fitness bands and heart-rate patches. The MCU's low active current enables continuous optical heart-rate monitoring via an I2C-connected photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, while deep sleep between measurements extends battery life to weeks. The 18 GPIO pins support multiple LEDs, haptic feedback drivers, and capacitive touch electrodes.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor and Thermostat Nodes
The PIC16LF720-I/ML is well matched for distributed HVAC sensor nodes reporting temperature, humidity, and occupancy to a central controller. Its 12-channel 10-bit ADC reads multiple analog sensors simultaneously, while the EUSART/SPI interfaces drive RS-485 transceivers for long cable runs. The 1.8V to 3.6V supply supports 3.3V regulated operation from 24VAC HVAC power. Industrial temperature grade tolerates unconditioned mechanical-room environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LF720-I/ML's industrial temperature range and LIN-compatible EUSART make it suitable for non-safety automotive body applications such as interior lighting controllers, seat position memory modules, and accessory multiplexers. The 1.8V to 3.6V supply operates from regulated 3.3V automotive rails. Note that for safety-critical systems, AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F variants are required instead; consult Microchip's automotive-grade MCU portfolio for those use cases.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF720-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF722-I/ML | PIC16LF721-I/ML | PIC16LF1939-I/ML | PIC16LF1829-I/ML | PIC16LF1902-I/ML | PIC16LF707-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-QFN (4x4) | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same | 20-QFN (4x4) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 16 KB | 14 KB | 4 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 1 KB | 1 KB | 256 bytes | 1 KB |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 | 18 | 36 | 18 | 18 | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 12 ch | 10-bit, 14 ch | 10-bit, 14 ch | 10-bit, 17 ch | 10-bit, 12 ch | 10-bit, 14 ch | 10-bit, 36 ch |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Core Independent Peripherals | No | No | No | Yes | Yes (CTMU) | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest PIC16LF7xx with 20-QFN footprint (vs PIC16LF722-I/ML)
- nanoWatt XLP enables multi-year battery life (vs PIC16LF1939-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature grade in compact QFN (vs PIC16LF1829-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 20-QFN package (4x4 mm) features an exposed thermal pad on the underside that must be soldered to a PCB ground copper pour for both mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. According to the Microchip QFN package guidelines, the thermal pad should have at least 9 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pitch) connecting it to internal ground planes. Inadequate soldering causes intermittent open circuits during thermal cycling.
Decouple the VDD pins with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the package pin and a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same power rail. According to the Microchip PIC16LF720 datasheet (DS41375F), the device has two VDD pins (pin 8 and pin 20) and two VSS pins (pin 5 and pin 19) that must both be connected. Place the decoupling capacitor traces as short and wide as possible to minimize inductance.
When migrating from PIC16LF720 to PIC16LF722 firmware, ensure the configuration word bits for code protection, watchdog timer, and oscillator selection are re-validated. According to Microchip's PIC16F family migration guide, the PIC16LF722 has additional peripheral register definitions that occupy memory-mapped addresses where the PIC16LF720 had unused space. Always recompile with the correct device header file from the MPLAB XC8 compiler installation.
Reserve the ICSP programming pins (ICSPCLK and ICSPDAT, shared with RB6 and RB7 on 28-pin variants or specific QFN pins on the 20-QFN) on the PCB for in-circuit programming access. According to Microchip's ICSP design guide, a 6-pin header (0.1 inch pitch) or test pads should be accessible without removing the MCU from the board. MCLR must have a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) to VDD for normal operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product environmental compliance documentation. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) only; not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC16F automotive variants for automotive safety applications.
