PIC16LF722A-I/ML - 8-bit MCU 3.5KB Flash 28-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF722A-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.5 | $1.50 |
| 10 | $1.35 | $13.50 |
| 100 | $1.13 | $113.00 |
| 500 | $0.96 | $480.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.85 | $850.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.74 | $2,220.00 |
PIC16LF722A-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O ports. The PIC16LF722A sits inside the 8-bit MCU taxonomy (MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor). The 'LF' prefix indicates the low-voltage, low-power variant of the family, and '722A' denotes the specific combination of memory size, peripheral set, and pin count within the PIC16 mid-range lineup. This family targets applications where low active and sleep current outweigh the need for higher computational throughput.
Key features include 11 ADC channels with 8-bit resolution, one 8-bit and two CCP modules, an Enhanced USART, an MSSP module supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, and 24 GPIO lines. Internal 16 MHz and 31 kHz oscillators reduce BOM cost, and the device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) plus in-circuit debugging. The exposed thermal pad on the VQFN-28 improves theta-JA for higher-current 3.3V rails.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF722A uses a 14-bit instruction word with an 8-level hardware stack, providing predictable deterministic execution suited to interrupt-driven control loops. nanoWatt XLP adds deep sleep modes with wake-on-interrupt and ultra-low watchdog current. The MSSP peripheral supports both SPI and I2C, allowing the part to act as a sensor hub or peripheral controller on a shared bus.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, IoT edge devices, low-power wireless remote controls, consumer appliances, LED lighting controllers, and small motor/temperature control loops. The wide operating voltage and low sleep current make it well-suited for energy-harvesting designs where the MCU spends most of its life in sleep.
When designing with this part, choose decoupling per the datasheet (e.g., 0.1 uF near VDD with a bulk 1-10 uF), respect the ICSP pin constraints (RB6/RB7), and verify ADC acquisition time against source impedance. For migration to newer PIC16F1xxx families, confirm peripheral register maps differ significantly.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF722A-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 PIC16LF722A-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF722A-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (5 MIPS) |
| GPIO Pins | 24 |
| ADC Channels | 11 x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Modules | 1 x 8-bit, 2 x CCP (10-bit PWM) |
| Communication | 1 x EUSART, 1 x MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz and 31 kHz |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| Package | 28-VQFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP (2-wire), ICD via RB6/RB7 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF722A-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Digital I/O port A bit 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5 — Digital I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 7 | RA7 — Digital I/O port A bit 7 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Digital I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Digital I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Digital I/O port C bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Digital I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Digital I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Digital I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Digital I/O port C bit 6 / TX/CK |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Digital I/O port C bit 7 / RX/DT |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RB0 — Digital I/O port B bit 0 / INT |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — Digital I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — Digital I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — Digital I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — Digital I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — Digital I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — Digital I/O port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 26 | RB7 — Digital I/O port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V to 3.6V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF722A-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Wireless Remote Control / RF Key Fob, LED Lighting Controller / Driver Front-End, Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA / 0-10V), Small Motor / Fan Speed Controller, Smart Card / Security Token Reader.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF722A-I/ML suits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8V to 3.6V VDD range maps directly onto a single Li-ion or 2xAA battery rail, and nanoWatt XLP technology delivers under-100 nA sleep current when the duty cycle is dominated by wake-measure-transmit. The 11-channel 8-bit ADC connects directly to thermistor, photocell, or soil-moisture bridges without external signal conditioning. The MSSP peripheral supports both SPI for digital sensors (e.g., accelerometers) and I2C for EEPROM / low-power radios. Estimated: at 0.1% duty cycle with a 5 uA average active current and 100 nA sleep, a CR2032 can power the node for several years. Compared with Cortex-M0 alternatives, the PIC16LF722A has lower sleep current but lower MIPS, so it fits sensing roles rather than edge-AI workloads.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16LF722A-I/ML is well matched to small consumer appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, air purifiers, and washing-machine sub-modules where a single 8-bit MCU controls a keypad, drives relays via MOSFETs, and reads NTC sensors for temperature control. The 24 GPIO pins handle 7-segment displays, mode buttons, status LEDs, and triac/MOSFET gate drives simultaneously. The two CCP modules generate 10-bit PWM for variable-speed fan or heater control, while the EUSART provides a debug/service port. With the Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range, the part tolerates the warm enclosed chassis of appliances. The 20 MHz instruction rate yields 5 MIPS, which is sufficient for periodic control loops with 10 ms tick rates.
Recommended
Wireless Remote Control / RF Key Fob
For low-cost RF key fobs and IR/Wi-Fi remote controls, the PIC16LF722A-I/ML offers the right balance of features and battery life. Its 1.8V minimum supply enables direct coin-cell operation, while nanoWatt XLP sleep currents allow the device to idle for years between button presses. The MSSP peripheral drives sub-GHz transceivers over SPI, and the EUSART can connect to Bluetooth Low Energy modules for simple remote-control applications. Wake-on-pin-change interrupt support means the MCU stays asleep until a button press, then runs the transmit sequence in a few milliseconds before returning to sleep. The 28-VQFN package keeps the PCB footprint small enough for key-fob form factors.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller / Driver Front-End
The PIC16LF722A-I/ML acts as the digital front-end in LED lighting controllers, where its 11 ADC channels sense multiple photodiodes and trim potentiometers while the CCP modules generate PWM dimming signals for an external constant-current LED driver. The 16-bit timer can produce high-resolution PWM for color-mixing in RGB or tunable-white fixtures. Its 3.3V native supply simplifies interface to modern LED driver ICs. The Industrial temperature rating handles the enclosed luminaire environment. nanoWatt XLP allows AC-line-powered designs to keep standby power below regulatory thresholds (e.g., EU 1194/2012 standby limits). Compared with dedicated LED controllers, the PIC16LF722A gives designers flexibility to add custom protocols (DALI, 0-10V, Casambi) via firmware.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter (4-20 mA / 0-10V)
In 4-20 mA or 0-10V industrial sensor transmitters, the PIC16LF722A-I/ML digitizes sensor inputs, applies linearization in firmware, and drives the analog output through a 16-bit PWM plus external filter or an external DAC. The Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers process-plant deployments. The MSSP supports SPI displays for local readouts, while the EUSART can serve as a service / HART modem interface. Watchdog timer and brown-out reset ensure reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments. Estimated: with a 3.3V LDO (MCP1700) on the loop supply, the MCU can run continuously from a 24V loop at 3.5 mA quiescent current.
Recommended
Small Motor / Fan Speed Controller
The PIC16LF722A-I/ML controls BLDC or brushed-DC fans and small motors by generating PWM drive signals through its CCP modules and reading back-EMF or tachometer pulses on the 16-bit timer. The 10-bit ADC monitors motor current via a shunt amplifier for closed-loop torque or speed control. Closed-loop firmware fits within 3.5 KB Flash for typical PID-based motor control loops. The 20 MHz instruction rate supports 20 kHz PWM frequencies - sufficient for quiet motor operation. nanoWatt XLP allows standby current under 1 uA when the motor is off. Compared with dedicated motor-control MCUs, the PIC16LF722A is more cost-effective for low-power sub-50 W motor applications such as PC fans and small pumps.
Recommended
Smart Card / Security Token Reader
The PIC16LF722A-I/ML functions as a smart-card reader controller where its EUSART communicates with a host system while the MSSP interfaces to the smart-card contact interface. The 11 ADC channels monitor supply and signal integrity, and the 16-bit timer provides precise ISO 7816 ETU generation for T=0/T=1 protocols. The Industrial temperature range covers outdoor terminals and payment kiosks. nanoWatt XLP keeps standby current low for battery-backed access-control readers. The exposed pad on the VQFN-28 package aids thermal dissipation when the MCU is busy decrypting during transactions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF722A-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF722A-E/ML | PIC16LF722A-I/SP | PIC16LF722A-I/SO | PIC16LF722A-E/MV | PIC16LF722A-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-VQFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad | 28-VQFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-SPDIP - different footprint | 28-SOIC - different footprint | 28-UQFN (4x4 mm) - different footprint | 28-SPDIP - different footprint |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| 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 3.6V | 1.8V to 3.6V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS |
| GPIO / ADC Channels | 24 GPIO / 11 ADC | 24 GPIO / 11 ADC | 24 GPIO / 11 ADC | 24 GPIO / 11 ADC | 24 GPIO / 11 ADC | 24 GPIO / 11 ADC |
| Low-Power Feature | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade (vs PIC16LF722A-E/ML)
- 28-VQFN with 6x6 mm body and exposed pad (vs PIC16LF722A-I/SP (28-SPDIP))
- Lower quiescent current in 1.8V operation (vs PIC16F722A-I/ML (non-LF))
- Best same-package drop-in for industrial temp (vs PIC16LF722A-I/SO (28-SOIC))
Design Notes
Estimated: For battery-powered designs at 3.0V VDD, place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a single 1-10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. Use MCP1700 (3.3V LDO, 1.6 uA quiescent) on the input rail to keep idle current low. Configure the MCU's internal 16 MHz HFINTOSC with the IRCF bits to balance speed vs current; for slow loops, switch to the 31 kHFINTOSC to drop active current into the 10-20 uA range.
The 28-VQFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to a grounded copper pour no smaller than the EP land pattern in the package drawing. Connecting EP to VSS reduces ground bounce and improves thermal dissipation. Estimated: the VQFN-28 theta-JA is approximately 40-50 C/W on a 1 oz 4-layer JEDEC EIA/JESD51 test board - so for continuous full-speed operation, expand the ground pour to at least 100 mm^2. Avoid routing noisy switching traces (relay/MOSFET drivers) under the MCU footprint to minimize injected noise.
Do not drive RB6/RB7 with external pull-ups greater than 10 kOhm - these pins are shared with ICSP programming and excessive loading prevents reliable in-circuit programming. Always include a 10 kOhm pull-up on MCLR/RA3 unless your design uses the internal MCLR disable. When migrating between VQFN and SPDIP packages, double-check the pinout table in the family datasheet; some variants place VDD/VSS on different physical pins. Confirm configuration bits (CONFIG1, CONFIG2) for the LF vs F variant - the LF low-voltage programming setting differs from the F variant.
Keep analog and digital ground separated by using a star-ground topology that converges at the VSS pin of the MCU. For ADC accuracy at 8-bit resolution, place an anti-aliasing RC filter (1 kOhm + 100 pF) on each analog input to limit input bandwidth below the ADC sampling rate. The internal 16 MHz oscillator has a 2% accuracy typical - if UART communication requires tighter baud-rate match, switch to the HFINTOSC PLL or an external crystal via the OSC1/OSC2 pins (RA6/RA7).
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; halogen-free per Microchip packaging statement. AEC-Q100 qualification is not_applicable because this part is an Industrial-grade MCU; AEC-Q100 qualified PIC parts carry a '-VAO' or '-EP' suffix in Microchip's lineup.
