PIC16LF722-E/ML - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, nanoWatt XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF722-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.61 | $26.10 |
| 100 | $2.32 | $232.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.92 | $1,920.00 |
PIC16LF722-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a compact, low-cost embedded computing core based on a RISC Harvard architecture, used to sense inputs, drive outputs, and run firmware in everything from battery-powered IoT nodes to white-goods motor controllers. PIC microcontrollers sit in the broader taxonomy of microcontroller unit (MCU) -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. The "LF" prefix denotes the extended low-voltage/low-power family optimized for 1.8V-3.6V operation, making the LF722 ideal when energy budgets dominate the design.
Key features include 3.5 KB self-programmable Flash, 128 B RAM, 256 B EEPROM, 19 I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 11 channels, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, an enhanced Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (EUSART) with auto-baud detect, and a Master I2C/SPI interface. nanoWatt XLP technology delivers typical sleep currents under 1 uA, with peripheral module disable (PMD) and ultra-low-power watchdog timer, enabling multi-year coin-cell operation. The 28-pin QFN (ML) footprint is pin-compatible with the broader PIC16F/LF72x family, simplifying PCB reuse across variants.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF722 uses a 14-bit instruction word and a 36-cycle hardware multiplier, with a 2-stage pipeline that executes most instructions in one instruction cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz). The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and in-circuit debugging (ICD) via two pins, removing the need for a socketed bootloader.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, low-energy remote controls, small home appliances, fan/lighting controllers, and any portable instrument where low quiescent current and small footprint matter.
When designing with the PIC16LF722-E/ML, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed within 5 mm of VDD, and that unused I/O pins are configured as outputs (low) to minimize leakage. The MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler is the recommended firmware toolchain. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC family alternatives, and XLP design notes beyond the standalone datasheet summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF722-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 PIC16LF722-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF722-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F/LF72x |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 14-bit, 49 instructions |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 256 B |
| CPU Speed | 16 MIPS (DC to 20 MHz clock input, 16 MHz internal oscillator) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V (LF variant) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "-E" suffix) |
| I/O Pins | 19 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + one 16-bit (1/2/4 capture/compare/PWM modules) |
| Communication | EUSART (auto-baud), I2C/SPI (MSSP) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz, software-selectable |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Programmability | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) + ICD |
PIC16LF722-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3 — GPIO RA3 / analog channel 3 |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4 — GPIO RA4 / analog channel 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5 — GPIO RA5 / analog channel 5 |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2 — GPIO RA6 / oscillator output |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1 — GPIO RA7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RB0/INT/AN12 — GPIO RB0 / external interrupt / analog channel 12 |
| Pin 8 | RB1/AN10 — GPIO RB1 / analog channel 10 |
| Pin 9 | RB2/AN8 — GPIO RB2 / analog channel 8 |
| Pin 10 | RB3/AN9 — GPIO RB3 / analog channel 9 |
| Pin 11 | RB4 — GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 12 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 13 | RB6/PGC — GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 14 | RB7/PGD — GPIO RB7 / ICSP data (programming) |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V-3.6 V for LF variant) |
| Pin 16 | RC0 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 17 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 18 | RC2/AN11 — GPIO RC2 / analog channel 11 |
| Pin 19 | RC3/AN7 — GPIO RC3 / analog channel 7 |
| Pin 20 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 21 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 22 | RC6/AN6 — GPIO RC6 / analog channel 6 |
| Pin 23 | RC7/AN1 — GPIO RC7 / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 24 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 25 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 26 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO RA2 / analog channel 2 |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference (bond pad) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (bond pad) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF722-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Low-Power Remote Control, Small Home Appliance Controller, Wearable Fitness or Health Device, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Industrial Sensor Transmitter.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF722-E/ML is well-suited to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP sleep current is under 1 uA typical and operating voltage spans 1.8 V-3.6 V from a single CR2032 or 2xAA cell. The 10-bit ADC with 11 channels reads temperature, humidity, and battery voltage without external components. Typical firmware wakes the MCU on a Timer1 interrupt every 5-60 seconds, reads the sensor, transmits via the EUSART or MSSP, then returns to sleep. Average system current stays under 5 uA, giving multi-year battery life. The 28-pin QFN (ML) footprint leaves enough I/O for a sensor I2C bus, status LED, and wake button.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Control
The PIC16LF722-E/ML powers handheld remote controls (TV, fan, garage door) where standby life must exceed the shelf life of the AAA batteries. XLP technology keeps quiescent current in the nanoamp range while the EUSART or IR-modulated GPIO drives an infrared LED. The 16 MHz internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost. Brown-out reset and the ultra-low-power watchdog protect against power glitches, while the 3.5 KB Flash holds a 200-500-line IR protocol stack. The 28-pin QFN (ML) package fits inside a slim plastic enclosure with a single CR2032 or 2xAAA supply.
Recommended
Small Home Appliance Controller
In a small home appliance such as a desk fan, air purifier, or coffee grinder, the PIC16LF722-E/ML provides the user-interface MCU handling button inputs, rotary encoder, LED indicators, and a relay or TRIAC control signal via PWM. The 16-bit timer drives precise PWM for motor speed control, while the ADC reads potentiometer position and NTC thermistor. XLP sleep mode reduces standby power to less than 1 W for energy-star compliant appliances. The 28-pin QFN (ML) package plus a single 3.3 V LDO fits in a compact sub-board under the appliance's control panel.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness or Health Device
Wearable fitness bands and medical patches benefit from the PIC16LF722-E/ML's 1.8 V-3.6 V operation and sub-1 uA sleep current, allowing coin-cell powered operation for weeks. The 10-bit ADC reads heart-rate (PPG) or motion (accelerometer) signals while the EUSART streams packets to a BLE companion module. The compact 28-pin QFN (ML) 6x6 mm footprint fits on a flex PCB inside a wristband or patch. Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range supports skin-temperature and outdoor-use scenarios. The ICSP/ICD interface allows field firmware updates without disassembly.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16LF722-E/ML's extended -40 C to +125 C operating temperature range supports non-safety automotive body applications such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, or simple HVAC flap motors. The 10-bit ADC reads potentiometers and thermistors; the PWM drives small DC motors. However, this device is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical automotive designs, choose PIC16F722-E/ML automotive grade or move up to the PIC18F K-series with explicit Q-1 suffix. The 28-pin QFN (ML) package suits compact body-control modules.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
Industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters benefit from the PIC16LF722-E/ML's wide 1.8 V-3.6 V supply and low sleep current, allowing operation from a 4-20 mA loop with sub-3.5 mA budget. The 10-bit ADC reads bridge pressure sensors or RTD-conditioned signals via op-amp front-ends; the EUSART drives an RS-485 transceiver for Modbus RTU output. The -40 C to +125 C extended temperature supports outdoor and factory-floor installations. The 28-pin QFN (ML) 6x6 mm footprint mounts on the small head of a typical field instrument. ICSP allows field calibration firmware updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF722-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF722-I/ML | PIC16LF722A-E/ML | PIC16F722-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-28 (ML, 6x6 mm) | QFN-28 (ML, 6x6 mm) - same | QFN-28 (ML, 6x6 mm) - same | QFN-28 (ML, 6x6 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB - same | 5.5 KB (+57%) | 3.5 KB - same |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B - same | 256 B (+100%) | 128 B - same |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| I/O Pins | 19 | 19 - same | 19 - same | 19 - same |
| CPU Speed | 16 MIPS | 16 MIPS - same | 16 MIPS - same | 16 MIPS - same |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels - same | 10-bit, 11 channels - same | 10-bit, 11 channels - same |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP - same | nanoWatt XLP - same | nanoWatt XLP - same |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40 C to +125 C operating temperature (vs PIC16LF722-I/ML)
- Low-voltage nanoWatt XLP technology (vs PIC16F722-E/ML)
- Compact 6x6 mm QFN-28 footprint with grounded thermal pad (vs PIC16LF722-I/SP (SPDIP-28))
Design Notes
Decoupling: Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 15 and 28 on the QFN-28), with the trace to VDD kept short and wide. Add a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the supply input. The QFN package has an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a grounded copper pour to dissipate heat and provide RF return - this also serves as the secondary ground path.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD when using the LF variant - the PIC16F722 (2.0-5.5 V) must be used instead for 5 V systems. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs (low) to minimize leakage current in battery-powered designs. The MCLR pin (if not used) should be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor to prevent spurious resets.
Place the 16 MHz crystal or resonator (if used externally, not the internal oscillator) within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 pins with short traces and a ground guard ring. The ICSP pins PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) should be accessible for in-circuit programming - avoid sharing them with high-current loads. Keep ADC analog traces (ANx) away from digital switching signals to minimize coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive safety-critical designs use PIC16F722-E/ML with Q-1 suffix or move up to PIC18F K-series. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification.
