PIC16LF722A-I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 3.5KB Flash XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF722A-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.65 | $1.65 |
| 10 | $1.49 | $14.90 |
| 100 | $1.27 | $127.00 |
| 500 | $1.08 | $540.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.92 | $920.00 |
PIC16LF722A-I/SO Overview
What is a PIC16 microcontroller? The PIC16 (Peripheral Interface Controller, 16-bit instruction word) is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit MCU family — a Harvard-architecture RISC processor with a single accumulator (WREG), 35 instructions, 8-level hardware stack, and a wide peripheral set. It sits in the hierarchy: PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded computing IC. PIC16F variants use Flash program memory and have become the de-facto reference for low-power, low-cost embedded control in commercial and industrial products.
Key features of the PIC16LF722A-I/SO include: 128 bytes of EEPROM data memory, 128 bytes of SRAM, 25 digital I/O pins, a 12-channel 8-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer, one enhanced CCP module, one USART, and a 16MHz internal oscillator. The nanoWatt XLP technology keeps active current in the microamp range and sleep current under 100 nA typical — critical for battery-powered sensor nodes. Master Clear Reset, internal pull-ups, and an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface simplify prototyping.
Architecturally the device uses a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, 8-deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing modes. The 35-instruction set accelerates deterministic real-time control, while the integrated 16MHz internal oscillator removes the external crystal in many designs, reducing BOM cost and saving board area.
Typical applications include battery-powered IoT sensor nodes, home-automation peripherals, low-cost consumer appliances, remote controls, wearable accessories, and small industrial control modules. The combination of 25 I/O, 12-channel ADC, USART, and nanoWatt XLP makes it well-suited to single-chip sensor read-and-transmit nodes.
When designing with the PIC16LF722A-I/SO, ensure decoupling caps (100nF plus 10uF) sit within 5 mm of VDD/AVDD/VSS, and route the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK lines away from switching nodes. The internal 16MHz oscillator is accurate to ±1% after factory calibration but degrades over temperature — choose an external crystal for protocols such as UART at higher baud rates.
This page synthesizes Microchip datasheet parameters, current distributor stock and pricing as of 2026-09-25, drop-in SOIC-28 alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the typical Microchip parametric summary.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF722A-I/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF722AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722A-E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F722-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722A-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16 (mid-range 8-bit) |
| Series | PIC16F/LF722A |
| Core | PIC Harvard RISC, 14-bit instruction |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash (2K x 14) |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| SRAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 12 channels, 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Modules | 1 Enhanced |
| USART | 1 |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz, ±1% factory calibrated |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP, <100 nA typical sleep |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (300 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes / Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC16LF722A-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / Analog input / ICSP data |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Analog input / Master Clear / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 7 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RA7/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF722A-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Home Automation Peripheral, Wearable Fitness / Health Accessory, Industrial Control Module, Remote Control / Consumer Appliance, Automotive Sub-Assembly (Non-Safety), Educational / Maker Development Board.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF722A-I/SO is purpose-built for battery-powered IoT sensor nodes thanks to its 1.8V-3.6V direct Li-ion/2xAA compatibility and nanoWatt XLP technology with sub-100 nA typical sleep current. Its 12-channel 8-bit ADC multiplexes thermistor, humidity, and battery-voltage monitoring on a single chip, while the 20 MHz instruction rate delivers ~5 MIPS for periodic sensor reads and UART framing to a BLE or LoRa transceiver. In a 1% duty-cycle wake/sleep profile (one ADC read per second, one UART transmit per minute), a CR2032 cell (~220 mAh) can power the node for over three years. The 25 I/O pin count also leaves headroom for a user button, status LED, and an external interrupt line.
Recommended
Home Automation Peripheral
In home-automation peripherals — smart plugs, dimmer keypads, thermostat remotes, and PIR occupancy sensors — the PIC16LF722A-I/SO is a strong fit because of its USART (for UART-based radios or protocol chips), 12-channel ADC (for light, temperature, and motion-sensor analog interfaces), and 28-SOIC footprint that drops into existing reflow lines. Its 1.8V-3.6V range accepts the rectified 3.3V rail typical of AC-DC step-down modules in this segment. The 25 I/O pins drive mechanical relays, triac dimming outputs, RGB status LEDs, and capacitive touch buttons without external I/O expanders, reducing BOM cost and PCB area for cost-sensitive residential products.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness / Health Accessory
The PIC16LF722A-I/SO fits wearable fitness accessories such as pedometers, heart-rate straps, and smart insulin pen caps because nanoWatt XLP keeps average quiescent draw under 1 uA between sensor samples. The 3.5 KB Flash accommodates simple BLE service profiles and on-device step counting algorithms, while the 12-channel ADC reads photo-plethysmography (PPG) analog front-ends and battery telemetry. The 28-SOIC package is reflow-compatible and rugged enough for hand-assembly prototypes. Combined with a small Li-Po cell and a low-power BLE SoC over UART, the PIC16LF722A-I/SO serves as the always-on sensor-hub microcontroller.
Recommended
Industrial Control Module
For industrial control modules — small PLC I/O expanders, fan-speed controllers, and sensor-transmitter ASICs — the PIC16LF722A-I/SO provides 25 robust I/O, an enhanced CCP module for PWM fan or valve control, and a USART for Modbus RTU or RS-485 link-up. Its 1.8V-3.6V operation matches modern 3.3V industrial bus transceivers; when paired with an external 5V-tolerant isolator, the same design extends to 24V PLC backplanes. The 12-channel 8-bit ADC multiplexes 4-20 mA loop read-backs, thermistors, and supply-voltage supervision. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation and the well-documented PIC16 toolchain shorten certification cycles for IEC 61010-style end equipment.
Recommended
Remote Control / Consumer Appliance
In TV remote controls, IR-controlled ceiling fans, and white-goods user-interface panels, the PIC16LF722A-I/SO supplies 25 I/O for keypad scanning, IR LED modulation (via the enhanced CCP), status LEDs, and a UART link to the main appliance board. Its nanoWatt XLP extends AAA-battery life to multi-year horizons in intermittent-use products. The 20 MHz instruction rate and 35-instruction PIC16 mid-range set handle IR protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, Sony SIRC) without firmware overhead. The 28-SOIC package is hand-solderable and survives the high-vibration environments of ceiling-fan and garage-door-opener housings.
Recommended
Automotive Sub-Assembly (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive sub-assemblies — interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory modules, HVAC flap drivers, and aftermarket alarm key fobs — the PIC16LF722A-I/SO delivers enough MIPS for LIN-bus bit-banging via the USART plus PWM fan/lighting control via the enhanced CCP. The 1.8V-3.6V supply rides the regulated 3.3V body-electronics rail. Note that this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-relevant ECUs (airbag, ABS, ADAS), step up to the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F722A-E/SO extended-temperature variant or a dsPIC33EP family part. The industrial -40C to +85C range covers cabin-temperature deployment.
Recommended
Educational / Maker Development Board
The PIC16LF722A-I/SO is well-suited to university microcontroller courses and maker development boards (PICkit-compatible targets) thanks to its broad PIC16 ecosystem, MPLAB X IDE support, and ICSP programming interface shared across the family. The 3.5 KB Flash and 25 I/O give students enough headroom for full semester projects — PWM motor control, ADC sampling labs, and UART terminal projects — without paying for unused peripherals. The 28-SOIC 300 mil package fits standard 0.1" pitch breakout boards and breadboard adapters, simplifying lab wiring and rework. A single CR2032 or USB-UART power supply is enough for the entire course.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF722A-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF722AT-I/SO | PIC16F722A-I/SO | PIC16F722A-I/SS | PIC16LF722A-E/SO | PIC16F722-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SSOP - same die, narrower | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB EPROM |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| ADC | 12 ch x 8-bit | 12 ch x 8-bit | 12 ch x 8-bit | 12 ch x 8-bit | 12 ch x 8-bit | 12 ch x 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage Flash 8-bit MCU in the PIC16F722A family (vs PIC16F722A-I/SO)
- Industrial-grade operating temperature in standard SOIC-28 package (vs PIC16F722A-I/SS)
- Internal 16 MHz oscillator with ±1% factory calibration (vs PIC16F722-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF X5R on the same rail. For ADC use, add a dedicated 100 nF on AVSS and decouple VREF (if used) separately — sharing VDD noise across AVSS will couple into ADC readings and add 1-2 LSB of jitter on the 8-bit result.
Route the ICSP lines (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) with short traces away from switching nodes such as relay coils or motor PWM outputs. Keep a guard ring around the MCLR/VPP pin and connect MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up if no external reset is needed — leaving MCLR floating injects noise and triggers spurious resets.
Do not program the configuration bits for an external crystal when only the 16 MHz internal oscillator is used, or the device will fail to start at all. Brown-out reset (BOR) must be enabled when the part runs from a weakly regulated supply; disabling it on 1.8-3.6V battery rails can allow code execution at out-of-spec voltages. Always read CONFIG2H/2L bits from the linker script before declaring the firmware production-ready.
Estimated: at 20 MHz, 3.3V VDD, all 25 I/O switching, typical ICC is 5 mA (P ~ 16.5 mW). The 28-SOIC theta_JA is roughly 80 C/W, giving a junction rise of 1.3 C above ambient — thermal management is not a concern at these power levels. For E-grade parts at +125 C ambient, derate by 50% on continuous I/O switching to stay within the silicon junction limit.
Compliance Information
Microchip product page lists RoHS and REACH compliance; lead-free and halogen-free per the 28-SOIC JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL-1 classification. Part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified — for automotive safety-relevant nodes choose a PIC16F722A-E/SO extended-temperature grade or a dsPIC33EP family part.
