PIC16LF722-I/ML - 8-bit 20MHz XLP MCU 3.5KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF722-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.2 | $600.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.95 | $2,850.00 |
PIC16LF722-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash, RAM, EEPROM), peripherals, and I/O on one silicon die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard architecture featuring separate program and data buses plus a RISC instruction set, which simplifies decoding and improves throughput per MHz. The PIC16LF722 sits in the lower-density end of the PIC16 mid-range family, optimized for applications that need small footprint, low power, and modest analog/mixed-signal integration without the cost of larger 14-bit or 16-bit cores.
Key specifications of the PIC16LF722-I/ML include 128 bytes of RAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, 25 GPIO, multiple timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2), a 12-bit A/D converter with up to 11 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, an Enhanced USART, and dual analog comparators. The XLP technology enables sleep currents down to the nanoamp range and wake-up from interrupts on pin change, qualifying the device for energy-harvesting and always-on sensor applications.
Architecture-wise, the PIC16LF722 uses Microchip's standard mid-range core with a 14-bit instruction word and a single accumulator W register plus file-based RAM. The instruction pipeline runs at one instruction per two clock cycles at full speed, and the device includes an internal 16 MHz oscillator that can be trimmed via OSCTUNE for improved frequency accuracy. The 12-bit ADC is successive-approximation with selectable reference sources, and the comparators can be routed to timer capture inputs for advanced timing.
Typical applications include handheld battery-powered instruments, low-power wireless sensor nodes, remote controls, IoT edge nodes, white-goods user-interface controllers, and small motor/lighting controllers. The wide operating voltage and rich peripheral mix allow system designers to consolidate multiple functions on a single IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area.
When designing with the PIC16LF722-I/ML, place the 28-QFN exposed pad on a continuous ground copper pour to dissipate the small amount of internal heat. Use low-ESR decoupling (100 nF + 10 µF) close to VDD, and keep the MCLR pull-up network compact. For ultra-low-power designs, leverage the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes and disable unused peripherals via firmware.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives from the PIC16LF7xx family and cross-brand sources, and practical design notes not always present in the manufacturer datasheet itself.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF722-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 PIC16LF722-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, I/O Pins, Communication.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF722T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722AT-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC 8-bit mid-range RISC |
| Core Family | PIC16LF7xx (XLP) |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 GPIO |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + one 16-bit |
| Communication | Enhanced USART |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| MSL Level | MSL3 / 168h (typical QFN) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF722-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5 — I/O port A bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA4 — I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 3 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 / MCLR (alternate) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA1 — I/O port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA0 — I/O port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 / RX/DT |
| Pin 9 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 / TX/CK |
| Pin 10 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 11 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 / SCL (alternate) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 / SDA (alternate) |
| Pin 14 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 / CCP2 |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 / CCP1 |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 / PGD |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 / PGC |
| Pin 19 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 21 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 / INT |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 27 | OSC1 — External clock/crystal input or resonator |
| Pin 28 | OSC2 — External clock/crystal output |
| Pin EP | PAD — Exposed thermal pad, connect to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF722-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Handheld Battery Instruments, Remote Control Transmitter, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, White Goods User Interface Controller, Low-Power Lighting Controller.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF722-I/ML fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents in the nanoamp range and its 1.8V-3.6V supply range matches single-cell Li-Ion and 2xAA chemistries directly. The 12-bit ADC with 11 channels captures analog sensor signals (temperature, light, voltage) while the Enhanced USART interfaces to sub-GHz radio modules like MRF89XA or LoRa transceivers. The 128-byte RAM and 3.5KB Flash comfortably handle lightweight sensor-fusion firmware plus an interrupt-driven sleep loop. Estimated: at 0.1% active duty cycle the device consumes under 5uA average current, enabling multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 coin cell. Combined with the small 28-QFN (6x6 mm) footprint, this MCU is well matched to space-constrained wireless sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Handheld Battery Instruments
The PIC16LF722-I/ML is well suited for handheld battery-powered measurement instruments such as digital multimeters, IR thermometers, and light meters. The 12-bit ADC supports accurate sensor measurements, while the wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range allows direct connection to 2xAA/AAA alkaline cells with no boost converter. The PIC16LF722's nanoWatt XLP sleep modes extend battery life between measurements, and the 25 GPIO pins drive LCD segments, push-buttons, and rotary encoders commonly used in instrument front panels. Estimated: at 3.0V VDD and 4MHz clock the active current is around 1.5mA, dropping to under 100nA in Sleep. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) keeps the PCB small enough for slim handheld enclosures, and the part's -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers indoor and outdoor use.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16LF722-I/ML is ideal for IR/RF remote controls where low cost, low power, and modest compute are required. The 20MHz instruction rate is fast enough to generate 38kHz IR carrier frequencies via timer PWM and to debounce button matrices via interrupt-on-change. The Enhanced USART drives low-cost RF transmitter modules for higher-end remotes. With only 128 bytes of RAM and 3.5KB Flash, this part targets remotes with 5-20 buttons rather than full bidirectional remotes. The XLP sleep current of nanoamp range means a CR2032-powered remote lasts years of typical use. The 28-QFN (6x6) package fits inside slim remote enclosures, and the wide 1.8V-3.6V supply tolerates coin-cell voltage droop during button press transients.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16LF722-I/ML handles industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensor interface modules thanks to its 12-bit ADC precision, 25 GPIO count, and the 1.8V-3.6V supply range that can be derived from low-dropout linear regulators on 24V loops. The PIC16LF722's Enhanced USART interfaces to industrial field-bus transceivers or to RS-485 modules for factory-floor communication. The device's industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating suits factory and outdoor enclosures, while the 28-QFN (6x6) package fits on small DIN-rail sensor PCBs. The two analog comparators enable window-detect on sensor inputs without waking the CPU, saving power in energy-limited loop-powered applications.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Controller
The PIC16LF722-I/ML works well as a user-interface controller in white goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. It scans the keypad matrix, drives LED/segment indicators, and serves as the communications front-end to the main appliance control board. The PIC16LF722's nanoWatt XLP technology reduces standby power below 0.5W to meet international energy-efficiency regulations (Energy Star, EU 2019/2022). The 12-bit ADC is overkill for user-interface work but useful for sensing door positions via resistive feedback. The 28-QFN (6x6) package fits on slim user-interface PCBs and provides robust mechanical mounting in vibration-prone appliance environments. The Enhanced USART links the UI module to the main MCU over a single twisted pair.
Recommended
Low-Power Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF722-I/ML can drive low-power lighting controllers such as dimmable LED drivers, garden lighting timers, or smart switch panels. The 25 GPIO and 8/16-bit timer combination supports PWM dimming of multiple LED channels up to 20kHz PWM without flicker. The XLP sleep modes drop current to under 100nA between user inputs, which is essential for battery or energy-harvested lighting switches. The 1.8V-3.6V supply range allows direct connection to single-cell Li-Ion or 2xAA cells with no boost converter. The 12-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors for daylight harvesting, and the Enhanced USART links the switch to a smart-home hub over low-power RF. The wide temperature range supports outdoor garden and garage installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF722-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF722T-I/ML | PIC16LF722A-I/ML | PIC16LF722-E/ML | PIC16F722-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| 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 5.5V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| ADC | 12-bit, 11 channels | 12-bit, 11 channels | 12-bit, 11 channels | 12-bit, 11 channels | 12-bit, 11 channels |
| Silicon Revision | Original (-LF722 die) | Original | A (revised) | Original | F-variant |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 1.8V-3.6V supply range with nanoWatt XLP sleep currents (vs PIC16F722-I/ML)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating fits indoor/outdoor use (vs PIC16LF722-E/ML)
- Silicon revision 'A' offers errata fixes without code change (vs PIC16LF722A-I/ML)
- Same 28-QFN pinout across the PIC16LF722 family for layout reuse (vs PIC16LF1847-I/ML)
Design Notes
Connect the 28-QFN exposed pad (EP) to a large VSS copper pour with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3mm drill, 1.0mm pitch) under the device. This provides the only ground path for the chip's substrate and improves thermal dissipation for any high-current GPIO driving scenarios. Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin and add a 10uF bulk capacitor within 5mm of the MCU. Keep the MCLR pull-up network (typically 10kohm to VDD with optional 100nF cap) within 3mm of the pin to avoid spurious resets.
To achieve the nanoWatt XLP sleep current claims (under 100nA), disable unused peripherals via PMD registers before entering Sleep mode. Set all unused I/O pins to outputs driving low or inputs with internal weak pull-ups enabled. Disconnect the internal ADC by clearing the ADON bit, and disable the comparators via the CM bits in CM1CON0/CM2CON0. If using a crystal oscillator, switch to the internal LFINTOSC during Sleep to save the crystal current. Estimated: proper Sleep-mode discipline can drop average current from 1mA to 1uA in a 0.1% duty-cycle sensor application.
Do not connect VDD or VSS to any pin other than the labeled pins and the exposed pad - the QFN package has multiple ground pads that must all be soldered for proper operation. Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 4.0V even though operating range is 1.8V-3.6V. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/PGD and RB7/PGC) must be accessible on the PCB for in-system programming; do not place series resistors or capacitors above 100 ohm on these lines. For low-power designs, remember that each GPIO sink/source transition consumes dynamic current - keep unused GPIOs at fixed levels in firmware to minimize switching losses.
When using the 12-bit ADC for accurate measurements, place a small RC filter (10 ohm + 100nF) at the ADC input pin to filter high-frequency noise. The ADC input impedance is modest (around 10kohm) so keep source impedance below 1kohm for full 12-bit accuracy. Use the lowest ADC clock frequency (Fosc/64) when conversion speed permits, as faster ADC clocks degrade SNR by approximately 1dB per octave. Run the device from a low-jitter clock source (crystal or internal HFINTOSC trimmed via OSCTUNE) when the ADC result must be repeatable across temperature.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed by Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. AEC-Q100 automotive grade is not applicable - this part targets industrial/consumer markets. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.
