PIC16LF722A-E/SS - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 16MHz Int OSC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF722A-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.04 | $1.04 |
| 10 | $0.94 | $9.40 |
| 100 | $0.85 | $85.00 |
| 500 | $0.76 | $380.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.68 | $680.00 |
PIC16LF722A-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals. The 8-bit PIC Mid-Range family sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The 'LF' family uses an enhanced mid-range core with low-power nanoWatt XLP technology, making these devices the lowest-power option in the PIC16 portfolio and suitable for battery-powered or energy-harvesting designs.
Key features include 25 mA source/sink current per I/O pin, 25 mA sink/source capability enabling direct LED driving without external drivers, hardware Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, Brown-Out Reset (BOR), and Power-On Reset. The device supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and includes built-in mTouch capacitive sensing support. The 28-SSOP package offers a 0.209-inch (5.30 mm) body width with gull-wing leads for standard surface-mount assembly.
The architecture uses a Harvard RISC design with separate program and data buses, single-cycle instruction execution except for branches, and direct/indirect addressing modes. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal in many designs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 11-channel 8-bit ADC supports up to 11 analog inputs suitable for sensor monitoring.
Typical applications include consumer electronics remote controls, low-power sensor nodes, battery management in portable devices, LED lighting controllers, automotive interior modules (AEC-Q100 variants exist separately), home appliances, and small industrial control boards. The PIC16LF722A-E/SS is well suited for designs requiring XLP sleep currents in the microamp range.
When designing with this part, ensure your programmer supports the PIC16LF722A/723A family - the PICkit 3, PICkit 4, MPLAB SNAP, and ICD 4 all work. Confirm the E temperature grade (-40C to +125C) suits your operating environment. The 28-SSOP footprint is standardized across the PIC16F/LF722A/723A family, allowing easy migration to PIC16F722A-E/SS, PIC16F722A-I/SS, or PIC16LF722A-I/SS variants.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16F/LF722A family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF722A-E/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 PIC16LF722A-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, I/O Pins, Maximum CPU Speed, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F722A-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF720-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 8 stack levels |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz (internal oscillator) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 11-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | One 8-bit (TMR0), Two 16-bit (TMR1/TMR2) |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication | I2C, SPI, AUSART (USART) |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Programming | In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) |
| Capacitive Sensing | mTouch supported |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF722A-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/CVREF/ICSPDAT — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 / Comparator voltage reference / ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C1IN-/ICSPCLK — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 / Comparator input / ICSP clock |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C1IN+/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 / Comparator input / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C1IN0/VREF+/MCLR — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Comparator input / ADC VREF+ / Master Clear reset |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI/C1OUT — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input 4 / Timer0 clock input / Comparator output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN/C2OUT — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 5 / SPI slave select / High/Low-Voltage detect / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — PORTA bit 6 / Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — PORTA bit 7 / Crystal oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/AN12/INT/CCP1 — PORTB bit 0 / Analog input 12 / External interrupt / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN10/C1IN3/P1C — PORTB bit 1 / Analog input 10 / Comparator input / Enhanced PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN8/P1B — PORTB bit 2 / Analog input 8 / Enhanced PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN9/CPP1G/P1A/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / Analog input 9 / PWM gate / Enhanced PWM output / CCP2 |
| Pin 15 | RB4/AN11/C2IN-/P1D — PORTB bit 4 / Analog input 11 / Comparator input / Enhanced PWM output |
| Pin 16 | RB5/AN13/C2IN+/P2B — PORTB bit 5 / Analog input 13 / Comparator input / PWM output |
| Pin 17 | RB6/ICSPCLK/ICDCLK — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/ICSPDAT/ICDDAT — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 21 | RC0/T1CKI/T1OSO/C2IN0 — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 clock input / Timer1 oscillator output / Comparator input |
| Pin 22 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 23 | RC2/CCP1/P1A — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output / Enhanced PWM output |
| Pin 24 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 25 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 26 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 27 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / AUSART transmit / AUSART clock |
| Pin 28 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / AUSART receive / AUSART data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF722A-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control, LED Lighting Controller, Home Appliance Control Board, Automotive Interior Module, Industrial Sensor Transmitter.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF722A-E/SS is well-suited for battery-powered wireless sensor nodes thanks to its nanoWatt XLP technology with sub-microamp sleep currents and 1.8-3.6V operating range. With 3.5KB Flash it accommodates BLE/Zigbee protocol stacks or simple sensor-fusion algorithms, while the 11-channel 8-bit ADC handles multiple analog inputs from temperature, light, or humidity sensors. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM count and quiescent draw. At 2-3 uA typical sleep current, two AA alkaline cells can power the node for years.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
In IR/RF remote controls the PIC16LF722A-E/SS provides exactly the right balance of Flash, RAM, and low power. The 35-instruction mid-range core and 16 MHz internal oscillator deliver responsive button-matrix scanning, while the AUSART peripheral directly drives infrared LED transmit modulators at 38 kHz carrier. nanoWatt XLP sleep current is critical here: a remote sitting idle on the coffee table for months must not drain its coin cell. The 28-SSOP package keeps the design compact and the I/O pins comfortably handle 4x4 key matrices plus LED indicators.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF722A-E/SS is an excellent choice for entry-level LED lighting controllers, dimmers, and color-mixing drivers. The two CCP modules provide hardware PWM generation for up to two LED channels (or RGB via software PWM), while the 8-bit ADC reads potentiometer or photodiode inputs for closed-loop brightness control. The 25 mA source/sink per I/O pin can directly drive small indicator LEDs without MOSFETs. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade supports under-cabinet, outdoor, and industrial luminaire applications.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Board
The PIC16LF722A-E/SS fits perfectly in white-goods and small appliance control boards such as coffee makers, microwave keypads, air purifiers, and washing-machine user-interface panels. The 28-SSOP footprint fits on compact PCBs, the E temperature grade withstands under-cabinet heat, and the 11 ADC channels handle key-scanning, temperature sensing (NTC), and humidity inputs simultaneously. The AUSART, I2C, and SPI peripherals connect to display modules, sensor ICs, and main controller boards. nanoWatt XLP supports standby-mode regulatory requirements for standby power below 0.5W.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Module
For non-safety automotive interior applications such as climate-control keypads, mirror controllers, and ambient lighting, the PIC16LF722A-E/SS E temperature grade (-40C to +125C) handles under-dash thermal stress. The internal 16 MHz oscillator simplifies BOM for high-volume programs, while the AUSART and I2C connect to LIN gateways and main body controllers. For AEC-Q100 qualified safety-critical applications such as airbag controllers or ABS, dedicated automotive-grade PIC16F/LF722A-I/SS variants with full PPAP documentation are recommended instead.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
In 4-20 mA loop-powered or wirelessHART sensor transmitters the PIC16LF722A-E/SS delivers the low sleep current, deterministic 8-bit ADC performance, and industrial temperature range needed for process-control markets. The 1.8-3.6V supply range is compatible with 3.3V regulated rails common in sensor signal chains, while the AUSART and SPI connect to HART modems or wireless modules. The two 16-bit timers (TMR1/TMR2) support precise sampling intervals for vibration, pressure, or flow measurement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF722A-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F722A-E/SS | PIC16LF722A-I/SS | PIC16F722A-I/SS | PIC16LF720-E/SS | PIC16LF722A-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SDIP |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 1.8V to 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 1.75 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 36 B | 128 B |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 16 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 11 x 8-bit | 11 x 8-bit | 11 x 8-bit | 11 x 8-bit | 12 x 8-bit | 11 x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 25 |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | Standard | nanoWatt XLP | Standard | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-power option in the PIC16F/LF722A family (vs PIC16F722A-E/SS)
- Extended -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade (vs PIC16LF722A-I/SS)
- Twice the Flash of the smaller PIC16LF720 in same SSOP package (vs PIC16LF720-E/SS)
- Surface-mount SSOP for high-density automated assembly (vs PIC16LF722A-E/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 16 MHz active current is ~1.6 mA at 3.3V; in Sleep mode current drops to ~0.1 uA with nanoWatt XLP. For battery-life calculations, multiply the active-mode duty cycle by 1.6 mA and add 0.1 uA standby. A 220 mAh CR2032 coin cell can power a 1% duty-cycle sensor node for ~3 years. Use the internal 16 MHz oscillator instead of an external crystal to save ~1 mA active current. Always enable the Brown-Out Reset (BOR) in CONFIG1 to prevent undefined behavior during voltage dips.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pin 10 and pin 20). Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU to handle inrush during ADC conversions and PWM switching. Keep the ICSP header (RB6/RB7 + MCLR + VDD + VSS) accessible for in-circuit programming - use a 5-pin 0.1-inch header footprint. Route the MCLR line with a 10 kohm pull-up and 100 nF to VDD for hardware reset noise immunity.
Do not exceed 3.6V on VDD - this will damage the LF variant. If 5V is required, use the PIC16F722A-E/SS instead, which is a drop-in replacement with 2.0-5.5V range. The configuration bits must be programmed correctly; unprogrammed CONFIG reads as all-ones which selects the internal oscillator but disables the Watchdog Timer. For production, lock the configuration via #pragma CONFIG in XC8. The ADC requires the acquisition time (Tacq) to be respected; at 16 MHz use a minimum of 20 us acquisition with a 10 kohm source impedance or lower.
At -40C to +125C the SSOP package dissipates safely up to 800 mW with standard JEDEC EIA/JESD51 2S2P test board. In typical MCU applications the actual dissipation is well under 100 mW, so thermal management is rarely a concern. However, in -E grade applications at 125C ambient, derate the maximum internal oscillator frequency above 3.0V; the LF variant is rated to 16 MHz at 1.8V but Microchip recommends checking the Fosc-vs-VDD curve in datasheet 40001417C Figure 18-2 for hot conditions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free. The -E temperature grade makes the part suitable for non-safety automotive applications, but the part is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified; dedicated automotive PIC16F/LF722A-I/SS variants with PPAP documentation exist for AEC-Q100 designs.
