PIC16LF722-I/SS - 8-Bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 20MHz, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF722-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.83 | $2.83 |
| 10 | $2.62 | $26.20 |
| 100 | $2.3 | $230.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.66 | $1,660.00 |
PIC16LF722-I/SS Overview
The PIC16F family is a broad family of 8-bit RISC microcontrollers based on an enhanced PIC16 mid-range core. Microcontrollers in this family integrate CPU core, Flash program memory, SRAM, EEPROM (where present), and a rich peripheral set (ADC, timers, PWM/CCP, comparators, communication peripherals) onto a single die. The LF variant specifically targets ultra-low-power applications through nanoWatt XLP technology, with active currents in the microamp-to-low-milliamp range and deep-sleep currents below 1 µA depending on configuration.
Key features of the PIC16LF722-I/SS include an integrated 8-channel 8-bit ADC, a CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) module for motor or lighting control, an enhanced USART, an MSSP module for SPI/I2C, multiple timers, and nanoWatt XLP sleep modes. The 'I' suffix denotes the industrial operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The /SS package code denotes the 28-pin SSOP outline.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, an 8-bit ALU, and a hardware multiplier-free RISC instruction set optimized for compact code generation. The 14-bit instruction word keeps code density high, allowing the 3.5KB Flash to host non-trivial application logic including low-power wireless sensor stacks, LED driving routines, or simple motor-control sequences.
Typical applications for the PIC16LF722-I/SS include battery-powered sensor nodes (IoT, remote controls), low-power wireless peripherals paired with transceivers, LED lighting control, small brushed-DC motor control via the CCP/PWM module, and consumer appliances requiring ultra-low standby current. The wide 1.8-3.6 V range also supports direct connection to single-cell Li-ion or two-cell alkaline chemistries.
A key design consideration for the 'LF' family is that the ADC reference, peripheral clock, and core performance are all temperature-dependent and degrade as VDD approaches 1.8 V. Engineers should consult the electrical characteristics table in the manufacturer datasheet when operating at the low end of the voltage range or above 20 MHz.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from Microchip's pin-and-code compatibility charts, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet. The PIC16LF722 shares its 28-pin layout with several other PIC16LF7xx family members, enabling direct PCB footprint reuse across flash-memory and peripheral variants.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF722-I/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF722-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5KB (2K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| CCP/PWM Module | Yes (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP™ |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF722-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / Analog input 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — Digital I/O / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2 — Digital I/O / Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1 — Digital I/O / Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-3.6 V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/AN8 — Digital I/O / Interrupt / Analog input 8 |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN9 — Digital I/O / Analog input 9 |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN10 — Digital I/O / Analog input 10 |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN11 — Digital I/O / Analog input 11 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / In-Circuit Debugger clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / In-Circuit Debugger data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8-3.6 V) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Digital I/O / CCP1 output |
| Pin 24 | RC3 — Digital I/O / SCL |
| Pin 25 | RC4 — Digital I/O / SDA |
| Pin 26 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RC6 — Digital I/O / TX |
| Pin 28 | RC7 — Digital I/O / RX |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF722-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, LED Lighting and Backlight Control, Brushed-DC Motor Control, Consumer Appliance Keypads and HMI, Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Wearable and Health-Monitoring Devices.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF722-I/SS is well-matched to long-life battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its nanoWatt XLP technology, which holds deep-sleep current below 1 µA with peripheral wake-up sources enabled. The 1.8-3.6 V supply range accepts single-cell Li-ion, LiFePO4, or two-cell alkaline chemistries directly, eliminating boost converters in many designs. The 8-channel 8-bit ADC can scan multiple analog sensors (temperature, light, gas) while the EUSART or MSSP drives a wireless transceiver such as Sub-GHz, BLE, or LoRa daughter modules. Its 3.5KB Flash (2K x 14) is sufficient to host a small RTOS-like scheduler, sensor drivers, and a lightweight application-layer stack. Compared with discrete timer+ADC implementations, an integrated PIC16LF722 cuts PCB area, quiescent current, and BOM cost while preserving the flexibility to retask peripherals in firmware.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Backlight Control
The PIC16LF722-I/SS fits RGB-LED lighting and small backlight controller designs thanks to its integrated CCP/PWM module, which can drive a single high-current MOSFET or LED string while firmware modulates duty cycle and color mix. The device's 20 MHz clock supports smooth 8-bit PWM at frequencies above 1 kHz, eliminating flicker in dimming applications. The 8-channel ADC supports ambient-light feedback for automatic brightness control, and the 1.8-3.6 V supply accepts a wide range of LED-driver rails including USB 5V-derived or battery stacks. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes drop standby current below typical LED off-state leakage, so a battery-powered status indicator can run for years from a coin cell. Unlike a dedicated LED-driver IC, the PIC16LF722 enables fully programmable color sequences and dynamic effects with no external logic.
Recommended
Brushed-DC Motor Control
For small brushed-DC motor control in toys, locks, and appliance subsystems, the PIC16LF722-I/SS delivers a CCP/PWM module capable of driving a half-H-bridge with complementary PWMs at >20 kHz, well above the audible range. The wide 1.8-3.6 V supply covers single-cell Li-ion and 2x alkaline motor rails directly, and the 20 MHz core speed closes current/torque control loops in firmware without external hardware. The 8-channel ADC reads back current-sense voltage, BEMF, or thermistor values for over-current and over-temperature protection, while the EUSART interfaces to a host MCU or HMI display. nanoWatt XLP sleep modes put the motor controller into microamp standby between commands. Versus a fixed-function motor-driver IC, this approach adds closed-loop speed and torque control at minimal BOM cost.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Keypads and HMI
The PIC16LF722-I/SS suits cost-sensitive consumer appliance HMI and keypad scan applications because its 28-SSOP pinout exposes sufficient I/O for 4x4 matrix keypads plus an LCD segment-driver link via SPI. The 3.5KB Flash is adequate for debounce routines, capacitive-touch emulation, and menu navigation state machines. Operating from 1.8-3.6 V makes it compatible with USB-derived or 2x AA supply rails, while nanoWatt XLP keeps standby current below the self-discharge rate of typical alkaline cells. The 8-bit ADC reads potentiometers, thermistors, and ambient-light sensors for hybrid keypad+touch+rotary interfaces. Compared to pure logic-and-discrete implementations, this approach compresses PCB area and reduces component count while supporting firmware-upgradeable HMI features.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16LF722-I/SS serves as a smart front-end in industrial sensor-conditioning modules where its 8-channel 8-bit ADC, programmable gain option, and EUSART/MSSP provide a complete signal-chain interface. The industrial -40°C to +85°C temperature range matches typical factory-floor enclosure profiles, and the 28-SSOP package handles moderate thermal load without issue. nanoWatt XLP enables field transmitters to run on 4-20 mA loops or battery packs for years between service intervals. Firmware can perform linearization, calibration storage, and HART or Modbus framing for transmission to a PLC or SCADA system. Compared with discrete op-amp+ADC designs, integrating the MCU cuts parts count, PCB area, and total BOM cost while supporting firmware-side updates for sensor-trim and protocol revisions.
Recommended
Wearable and Health-Monitoring Devices
The PIC16LF722-I/SS fits ultra-low-power wearable and personal health-monitoring devices thanks to its nanoWatt XLP sleep currents well below 1 µA and 1.8-3.6 V supply that supports direct connection to small Li-ion coin cells. The 8-channel ADC interfaces to pulse-oximeter, skin-temperature, and impedance sensors, while the CCP/PWM module drives small vibration or LED indicators. With 128 bytes of RAM and 3.5KB Flash, firmware can host basic sensor-fusion routines and store trimmed calibration data. The 28-SSOP outline suits miniaturized flex-PCB assemblies in wristbands and patches, and the industrial temperature range ensures reliable operation next to skin during exercise. Integrated peripherals reduce BOM relative to multi-chip discrete front-ends.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF722-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF722-I/SP | PIC16LF722-I/SO | PIC16LF722A-I/SO | PIC16LF720-I/SO | PIC16LF722-E/ML | PIC16F722-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 28-PDIP (0.300") | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Program Memory | 3.5KB (2K x 14) Flash | 3.5KB Flash | 3.5KB Flash | 3.5KB Flash | 3.5KB Flash | 3.5KB Flash | 3.5KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 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 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +85°C (I) | -40°C to +125°C (E) | -40°C to +85°C (I) |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit (enhanced) | Reduced ADC channel count | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP (improved) | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $2.83 | Approx. $2.83 | Approx. $2.83 | Approx. $2.95 | Approx. $2.70 | Approx. $3.10 | Approx. $2.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial 1.8-3.6V supply range with nanoWatt XLP (vs PIC16F722-I/SS)
- SSOP outline for space-constrained surface-mount designs (vs PIC16LF722-I/SP (PDIP))
- Same die/firmware across multiple package outlines (vs PIC16LF720-I/SO)
- Enhanced XLP low-power modes vs older PIC16F baseline (vs PIC16F722-I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: When using the PIC16LF722-I/SS in deep-sleep with the WDT disabled and all peripherals off, typical sleep current is below 1 µA at 25°C per Microchip nanoWatt XLP documentation. This makes the device suitable for years-long battery life in applications that wake briefly (e.g. once per minute). Active current at 1 MHz and 3.3 V is approximately 0.3 mA per Microchip's typical-characteristics curves; above 4 MHz add roughly 100 µA per additional MHz. Decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (pins 10-9 and pins 20-19) plus a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the supply rail to suppress core switching transients.
Keep the 28-SSOP footprint traces short on the analog-input pins (RA0-RA5, RB0-RB3) to minimize ADC sampling errors. A 0.1 µF bypass on AVdd (or Vdd if AVdd is bonded internally) plus a small RC on each analog input improves ADC accuracy. Trace lengths under 50 mm and matched-impedance routing on the EUSART lines preserve signal integrity for higher baud rates. Always populate the VDD/VSS pin pairs even if a pin is unused for power routing - they carry return currents from the core logic.
Critical pitfalls when designing with the PIC16LF722-I/SS: (1) Do not exceed 3.6 V Vdd - the LF variant's absolute maximum Vdd is 3.6 V, above which the on-chip Flash may be damaged. For 5V designs, choose the PIC16F722-I/SS instead. (2) At Vdd below 2.0 V the maximum clock frequency is limited; consult the datasheet's electrical characteristics for the Vdd-Fosc envelope. (3) The PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7) must be available for in-circuit debugging - do not lock them as outputs in firmware without an alternative programmer interface. (4) Configuration bits must be set explicitly to enable the internal oscillator or external crystal; leaving them unset causes the device to default to a slow internal RC oscillator that may surprise the firmware.
For SPI/I2C buses driven by the MSSP module, place 4.7 kΩ pull-ups on I2C lines and keep clock traces short (under 100 mm) to avoid ringing. When using the EUSART at 115200 baud or above, route TX/RX as a differential pair or guarded trace and keep them away from the PWM/CCP output lines to reduce coupling. The ADC's acquisition time depends on source impedance - if driving an analog input from >10 kΩ, add an external buffer op-amp or extend the acquisition time in firmware to preserve 8-bit accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The 'I' suffix denotes industrial -40°C to +85°C operating temperature; not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC16LF722-E/ML (extended -40°C to +125°C) for harsher environments. Lead-free and halogen-free packaging confirmed by Microchip environmental compliance certifications.
