PIC16LF720-I/P - 8-bit 16MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF720-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.32 | $1.32 |
| 10 | $1.16 | $11.60 |
| 100 | $1.04 | $104.00 |
| 500 | $0.91 | $455.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.79 | $790.00 |
| 2,500 | $0.71 | $1,775.00 |
PIC16LF720-I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus and Harvard or modified-Harvard architecture. The PIC16F family belongs to Microchip's mid-range 14-bit instruction set, which sits between the baseline 12-bit PIC10/12 families and the enhanced 16-bit PIC18F and 16-bit dsPIC families. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU is a microprocessor IC -> microcontroller -> 8-bit microcontroller -> mid-range 8-bit MCU -> PIC16F sub-family, used universally in embedded control where deterministic instruction execution and ultra-low sleep current matter.
Key features include a 16 MHz internal/external oscillator option, an 8-channel 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a USART module, and nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power technology enabling standby currents under 1 uA. The device operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V across the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range, making it well-suited for battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF720 uses a RISC core with 35 single-cycle instructions, 14-bit instruction word, and a hardware stack that simplifies firmware portability across the PIC16F1xxx family. Integrated peripherals such as the enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) module, master I2C/SPI interface, and 11-bit ADC reduce external component count and BOM cost. The 'LF' prefix denotes an extended low-voltage variant, while 'I' denotes industrial temperature grade and '/P' denotes PDIP packaging.
Typical applications include consumer white goods control panels, low-end remote-control transmitters, LED driver controllers, battery-powered sensor nodes, small appliance motor control, and IoT edge nodes where low sleep current directly determines battery life. Engineers often pair it with a low-power RF transceiver such as the MRF89XA sub-GHz module.
A key design consideration is decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible between VDD and VSS pins to suppress switching noise. The MCLR reset pin should be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up for reliable operation, and unused I/O pins must be configured as outputs low to minimize leakage current in sleep mode.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16F family alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet - giving embedded engineers a single reference for footprint-compatible replacements and application guidance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF720-I/P — 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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF720-E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720T-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F720-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720-E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF707-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core | PIC16 (Mid-Range 14-bit instruction set) |
| CPU Architecture | RISC, 35 single-cycle instructions |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 16 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash, self-programmable |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present on this device (use Flash emulation) |
| I/O Pins | 18 GPIO |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit Timer + 1 x 16-bit Timer |
| Communication | 1 x USART (TX/RX asynchronous, SPI master, I2C master/slave via MSSP) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial grade) |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package, 7.62 mm row spacing) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt XLP - Sleep < 1 uA typical |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free) |
| MSL Level | 1 (not moisture-sensitive) |
PIC16LF720-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/AN4/C1IN+/SS/HLVDIN/T1CKI/RCV — Bidirectional I/O; AN4 analog input; SPI slave select |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN3/C1IN-/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O; AN3 analog input; Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Master clear (reset) input or programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA2/AN2/CVREF/C1OUT — Bidirectional I/O; AN2 analog input; comparator reference |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1/C1IN0-/ICSPCLK — Bidirectional I/O; AN1 analog input; ICD clock |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0/C1IN0+/ICSPDAT — Bidirectional I/O; AN0 analog input; ICD data |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference (0 V) |
| Pin 9 | RB7/AN11/PGD — Bidirectional I/O; AN11 analog input; ICD data line |
| Pin 10 | RB6/AN10/PGC — Bidirectional I/O; AN10 analog input; ICD clock line |
| Pin 11 | RB5/AN9/CCP2/T1G — Bidirectional I/O; AN9 analog input; CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 12 | RB4/AN8/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O; SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RB3/AN7/CCP1/SDO — Bidirectional I/O; AN7 analog input; CCP1 PWM; SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RB2/AN6/INT2/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O; AN6 analog input; SPI/I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RB1/AN5/INT1 — Bidirectional I/O; AN5 analog input; external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB0/AN12/INT0/FLT0 — Bidirectional I/O; AN12 analog input; external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 17 | RC7/AN13/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O; USART RX |
| Pin 18 | RC6/AN14/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O; USART TX |
| Pin 19 | RC5/AN15/CEOUT — Bidirectional I/O; AN15 analog input; comparator output |
| Pin 20 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O only |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF720-I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Control Panel, Remote Control Transmitter, LED Lighting Controller, Small Appliance Motor Control, Security Sensor Module, Industrial Control I/O Module.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF720-I/P fits low-duty-cycle IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology achieves sleep currents under 1 uA while the 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD range directly supports 2x AA alkaline cells or single CR2032 coin cells. The 3.5 KB Flash is sufficient for sensor reading, threshold logic, and a small state machine; the 8-channel 8-bit ADC can read temperature, humidity, and battery voltage without an external ADC. Placed as the system MCU with the MRF89XA sub-GHz transceiver on a SPI bus, total active-mode current stays below 10 mA, enabling multi-year battery life for utility metering or environmental monitoring.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panel
The PIC16LF720-I/P is well suited for consumer appliance front-panel control in washing machines, microwave ovens, and rice cookers where the 18 GPIO pins drive 7-segment displays, keypads, and relay coils. Its 16 MHz CPU clock supports LED multiplexing at 100 Hz refresh while leaving cycles for keypad debounce and timer interrupt logic. The 8-bit ADC reads NTC thermistor inputs for over-temperature protection, and the 20-pin PDIP package is the lowest-cost assembly option for through-hole production. Designers typically pair it with a ULN2003A Darlington driver to switch mains-voltage relay coils.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16LF720-I/P operates as the central controller in IR/RF remote controls thanks to its low 1.8 V minimum VDD that lets the design run from a single CR2032 coin cell. The USART peripheral can drive a 38 kHz IR LED for NEC protocol transmission while the 16-bit timer generates the carrier waveform. Sleep current below 1 uA means a typical TV remote can run for 5+ years on a single coin cell without replacement. The 18 GPIO pins handle a 5x5 button matrix with room left for a rotary encoder or capacitive touch slider.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF720-I/P provides compact LED lighting control for architectural and decorative RGBW strips using its 16-bit timer to generate PWM dimming signals up to four channels simultaneously. The 3.5 KB Flash holds calibration tables for color temperature mixing and the MSSP peripheral drives WS2812B addressable LED strips via SPI emulation. Operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V lets the MCU run directly from a buck-converter output, and its 8-bit ADC can read a photodiode for ambient-light feedback in circadian-rhythm lighting fixtures. With nanoWalt XLP, total standby power stays under 0.5 mW.
Recommended
Small Appliance Motor Control
The PIC16LF720-I/P drives small DC and stepper motors in blenders, fans, and air purifiers through its enhanced CCP (ECCP) module providing complementary PWM with dead-band control. The 16 MHz CPU clock is sufficient for closed-loop PID control at 1 kHz update rate. The 8-channel ADC simultaneously reads back-EMF and current sensing through the on-chip op-amp, while the integrated USART enables Modbus RTU communication with a master controller. The 20-pin PDIP package supports through-hole assembly for repair-friendly appliance designs.
Recommended
Security Sensor Module
The PIC16LF720-I/P functions as the system controller in PIR motion detectors, door/window contacts, and glass-break sensors for residential and commercial security systems. The 8-bit ADC reads the PIR analog output for direction-aware motion detection, the 18 GPIO pins drive a piezo buzzer and reed relay, and the USART talks to a wireless module for central-station reporting. Operating at 1.8 V to 3.6 V from two AA lithium cells delivers 10-year battery life, and the extended -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles unheated garage and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Industrial Control I/O Module
The PIC16LF720-I/P is appropriate for industrial digital input/output modules that aggregate discrete signals in factory-automation cabinets. The 18 GPIO pins handle 24 V opto-isolated inputs through resistor dividers and output to MOSFET gate drivers, and the USART provides RS-485 half-duplex communication via an external transceiver. With -40C to +85C operation it tolerates unheated industrial enclosures, and the 8-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA analog sensor loops through a current-sense resistor. Engineers often pair it with the ADM2485 isolated RS-485 transceiver for galvanic isolation up to 2.5 kV.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF720-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF720-E/P | PIC16LF720T-I/P | PIC16F720-I/P | PIC16LF707-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 14 KB (larger) |
| SRAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 128 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (larger) |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Max Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Unit Price (1k qty, USD) | 0.79 | 0.85 | 0.79 | 0.82 | 1.40 |
Key Differentiators
- NanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power sleep current (vs PIC16F1936-I/P)
- Lowest-cost 8-bit MCU in Microchip mid-range family (vs PIC16LF707-I/P)
- Lower minimum VDD than standard PIC16F720 (vs PIC16F720-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 3.3 V VDD and 16 MHz active mode, the PIC16LF720-I/P draws approximately 4.5 mA; in sleep mode nanoWatt XLP brings quiescent current below 1 uA. For battery life calculations use the datasheet curve 'DS40001770 PIC16F720 Family DC Characteristics: Typical IDD vs Frequency'. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) and VSS pin (pin 8). Bulk capacitance of at least 10 uF on the VDD rail helps suppress motor back-EMF in appliance designs.
Critical pitfall: the 'I' suffix denotes industrial temperature range -40C to +85C; the 'E' suffix denotes extended -40C to +125C. Substitute LF720-E/P only when the operating temperature may exceed +85C. Another common pitfall: do not apply VDD above 3.6 V on the LF720 - it will permanently damage the part. If 5 V rails are needed, use the PIC16F720-I/P variant instead. Finally, configure all unused I/O pins as digital outputs with the ODCON register to minimize sleep leakage.
When laying out the 20-pin PDIP footprint, follow Microchip application note TB3018 'PICmicro MCU Hardware Design Tips': keep the ICSP programming traces PGC/PGD short and isolated from switching signals, place a 10 kohm pull-up resistor on MCLR (pin 4), and route the analog inputs (AN0-AN15) away from digital switching to prevent ADC noise coupling. For breadboarding use DIP-20 sockets rated for at least 100 mating cycles.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration; lead-free PDIP-20 package standard. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F720-E/P variant for harsh-environment automotive applications.
