PIC16LF720T-I/SO - 3.5KB Flash 8-bit MCU 20-Pin SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF720T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.34 | $1.34 |
| 10 | $1.21 | $12.10 |
| 100 | $1.08 | $108.00 |
| 500 | $0.97 | $485.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.86 | $860.00 |
PIC16LF720T-I/SO Overview
A PIC microcontroller is an 8-bit RISC Harvard-architecture MCU built around a small, deterministic instruction set optimized for embedded control. The PIC16LF720 belongs to the PIC16 mid-range family (PIC16 -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC), uses a modified Harvard core with separate program and data buses, and integrates Flash program memory, SRAM data memory, EEPROM emulation, and a rich set of peripherals. The 'LF' prefix denotes the wide-VDD low-voltage variant designed for 2.3V-3.6V operation typical of lithium coin-cell and 2xAA battery systems. nanoWatt XLP technology adds deep sleep modes drawing sub-microamp currents, which is critical for always-on IoT and remote-sensor nodes.
Key features include 3.5KB self-programmable Flash, 128 bytes SRAM, hardware USART/SPI/I2C (MSSP) serial, up to 8-channel 8-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a watchdog timer with on-chip LDO, and 18 high-drive digital I/O. The integrated oscillator and on-chip voltage regulator simplify BOM count, while the In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) interface enables field firmware updates without a bootloader.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, IR remote controls, low-end consumer appliances, simple motor-control user interfaces, and home-automation peripherals. The wide 2.3V-3.6V supply window and XLP sleep currents below 1 uA make the PIC16LF720 especially attractive for always-on, energy-harvested, or coin-cell applications where quiescent current dominates battery life. When designing, prioritize decoupling (0.1 uF + 10 uF bulk near VDD), expose ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK on a programming header, and use the internal oscillator to minimize external component count.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF720T-I/SO — 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 PIC16LF720T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF720-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/P
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF720T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF721T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16LF721-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.44 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F720T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F721T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | PIC16LF72x (mid-range 8-bit) |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC (modified Harvard), 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 128 B |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.3 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz (instruction rate) |
| I/O Pins | 18 |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 12 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (I2C/SPI), AUSART (EUSART) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip LDO) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO), 12.80 mm x 7.50 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF720T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.3V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | RA5/AN4/CPS7 — Digital I/O / ADC input / capacitive touch |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN3/CPS6 — Digital I/O / ADC input / capacitive touch |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) / ICSP VPP |
| Pin 5 | RA2/AN2/CPS2 — Digital I/O / ADC input / capacitive touch |
| Pin 6 | RA1/AN1/CPS1 — Digital I/O / ADC input / capacitive touch |
| Pin 7 | RA0/AN0/CPS0 — Digital I/O / ADC input / capacitive touch |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Digital I/O / crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — Digital I/O / crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF720T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, IR Remote Controls and Consumer HIDs, Home-Automation Peripherals, Small Appliance User Interfaces, Automotive Interior Accessories (Non-Safety), Low-Cost Data Acquisition and T&M Front-Ends.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF720T-I/SO is an excellent fit for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes that need years of service from a coin cell. The 1.8V-3.6V VDD window directly matches a CR2032 or 2xAA pack, while nanoWatt XLP sleep currents below 1 uA let the MCU spend most of its life in deep sleep, waking only to sample and transmit. The 3.5 KB Flash is enough to hold a simple LoRaWAN or BLE beacon stack alongside the application code, and 18 I/O lines plus a 12-channel 8-bit ADC cover most sensor-fusion needs.
Recommended
IR Remote Controls and Consumer HIDs
Consumer infrared remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF720T-I/SO's low cost, low power, and integrated peripherals. The AUSART and MSSP blocks can drive an IR LED through a simple timer-PWM, while the 3.5 KB Flash holds the protocol state machine for RC-5, SIRC, or NEC codes. The 1.8V-3.6V VDD matches a single CR2032, and the 18 I/O lines easily accommodate a 4x4 key matrix plus a status LED. Sleep current below 1 uA ensures multi-year battery life even with daily use.
Recommended
Home-Automation Peripherals
Wall switches, occupancy sensors, and door/window contacts in home-automation systems use the PIC16LF720T-I/SO to deliver a small, reliable control node on a coin-cell budget. The integrated MSSP supports I2C communication with environmental sensors, and the 8-bit ADC reads photodiodes or PIR outputs directly. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes keep average current in the sub-microamp range, while the 20-pin SOIC package is small enough to fit behind a standard wall plate. Industrial -40C to +85C rating supports unheated garages and attics.
Recommended
Small Appliance User Interfaces
Coffee makers, fans, and small kitchen appliances use the PIC16LF720T-I/SO to drive LED indicators, read capacitive touch buttons, and run simple motor-control state machines. The PIC16 RISC core executes 16 MIPS at 16 MHz instruction rate, more than enough for PWM generation, button debouncing, and user-interface sequencing. The wide 2.3V-3.6V VDD window pairs naturally with rectified-mains 3.3V rails, and 18 I/O lines handle 7-segment displays plus keypads without external logic.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories (Non-Safety)
Aftermarket interior accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, USB chargers, and seat-heater keypads use the PIC16LF720T-I/SO to add features at minimal cost. The industrial -40C to +85C rating covers most cabin environments, and 18 I/O lines plus PWM-capable timers drive multiple LED channels. For OEM safety-critical applications, designers should select an AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16 variant; this part is not automotive-qualified but is widely used in non-safety accessories that still require reliable 8-bit control.
Recommended
Low-Cost Data Acquisition and T&M Front-Ends
Handheld test equipment, simple data loggers, and lab instrumentation use the PIC16LF720T-I/SO as a low-cost front-end for analog signal conditioning and protocol bridging. The 8-bit ADC samples at up to 100 kSps, while the MSSP and AUSART blocks can forward data to a host PC or display. The 20-pin SOIC package drops easily onto a hand-solderable prototype, and 3.5 KB Flash holds a command interpreter or USB-to-UART bridge firmware. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes allow battery-powered field measurements over multi-day campaigns.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF720T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF720-I/SO | PIC16LF721T-I/SO | PIC16F720T-I/SO | PIC16LF721-I/SO | PIC16F721T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (SO) 12.80 x 7.50 mm | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 20-pin SOIC (SO) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB - same | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB - same | 7 KB (+100%) | 7 KB (+100%) |
| SRAM | 128 B | 128 B - same | 256 B (+100%) | 128 B - same | 256 B (+100%) | 256 B (+100%) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (broader) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 5.5 V (broader) |
| Maximum Clock | 16 MHz (instruction) | 16 MHz - same | 16 MHz - same | 16 MHz - same | 16 MHz - same | 16 MHz - same |
| I/O Pins | 18 | 18 - same | 18 - same | 18 - same | 18 - same | 18 - same |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP - same | nanoWatt XLP - same | nanoWatt XLP - same | nanoWatt XLP - same | nanoWatt XLP - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same |
| Pricing (1 pc, USD) | 1.34 | 1.34 (tray, est.) | 1.45 (est., +8%) | 1.30 (est., -3%) | 1.45 (est.) | 1.42 (est., +6%) |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest 20-pin SOIC Flash option in PIC16LF72x family (vs PIC16LF721T-I/SO)
- Low-voltage LF variant for battery applications (vs PIC16F720T-I/SO)
- nanoWatt XLP deep-sleep current under 1 uA (vs PIC16F720T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 1) with a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. For battery designs, keep the bulk capacitor to 10 uF or less to limit inrush current that can starve a coin cell. The nanoWatt XLP sleep modes will draw under 1 uA only if the VDD rail is clean, so physically separate analog and digital ground returns on a star-ground topology if you have sensitive ADC inputs.
Keep the ICSPDAT (RB7) and ICSPCLK (RB6) signals on a 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) header or test pad so that the PICkit 3/4 or MPLAB Snap can program the device in-circuit. According to the Microchip PIC16(L)F720/721 datasheet, ICSPCLK should be pulled low through 4.7 kohm during reset to prevent unintended entry into programming mode. Route the crystal traces short and symmetric, or use the internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC to eliminate external oscillator components entirely.
Do not assume the LF and F variants are interchangeable - the LF (low-voltage) variant only supports 1.8V-3.6V, while the F variant supports 1.8V-5.5V. Plugging an LF into a 5V rail will permanently damage the part. When migrating from PIC16F720 firmware to PIC16LF720 firmware, verify the configuration bits for the internal oscillator and WDT settings match - the LF and F config-word layouts are nearly identical but a few reserved bits differ. Also confirm the ICSP VPP voltage matches (typically 8V) when re-using a programmer across families.
Estimated: at 16 MHz, VDD = 3.3V, and 100% CPU activity, the PIC16LF720T-I/SO core draws roughly 4-5 mA, dissipating about 13-17 mW in the silicon. With the SOIC-20 package theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W (estimated from JEDEC EIA/JESD51 4-layer test board), the junction temperature rise above 25 C ambient is only about 1-1.5 C - so thermal management is not a design concern for this MCU in typical embedded applications. Focus instead on reducing active duty cycle for battery life.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs select a PIC16 variant with explicit Q100 qualification. Lead-free SOIC-20 package per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL-1.
