PIC16LF722A-I/SS - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 20MHz, XLP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF722A-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.82 | $1.82 |
| 10 | $1.64 | $16.40 |
| 100 | $1.45 | $145.00 |
| 500 | $1.29 | $645.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.15 | $1,150.00 |
PIC16LF722A-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computing system on a single integrated circuit that contains a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces. The 8-bit designation refers to the width of the data path and ALU; PIC16F microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, which allows single-cycle instruction execution. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, MCUs belong to microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> digital ICs -> semiconductors. The 'LF' prefix in PIC16LF722A indicates the low-voltage F (Flash) series optimized for battery-powered designs.
Key features include 25 digital I/O pins supporting peripheral pin select (PPS), three timer modules (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2), a 9-channel 8-bit ADC, and enhanced communication peripherals including I2C, SPI, and USART with dedicated baud-rate generator. The nanoWatt XLP technology delivers sleep currents as low as , and watchdog timer, brown-out reset, and power-on reset are integrated. The 28-SSOP package with 0.65 mm pitch provides a compact footprint for space-constrained PCB designs.
Internally the PIC16LF722A uses an enhanced mid-range 14-bit instruction set with a hardware multiplier, 32 kHz internal oscillator, and configurable oscillator options (HFINTOSC, LFINTOSC, external crystal, external RC). The integrated ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) header supports in-field firmware updates without removing the MCU from the board, which simplifies manufacturing and field service.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, wearable fitness bands, remote controls, low-cost IoT edge nodes, small home appliances, and industrial sensor conditioning. Its low-power architecture makes it well suited for energy-harvesting designs and products powered by coin-cell or alkaline batteries.
When designing with the PIC16LF722A-I/SS, ensure that the supply voltage stays within 1.8V-3.6V and that the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) are accessible for production programming. Decouple VDD with at least a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to the pin. Use MPLAB X IDE with XC8 compiler for firmware development.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in same-package and cross-package alternatives, and practical design notes not duplicated from the manufacturer datasheet, helping procurement and engineering teams make informed decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF722A-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 PIC16LF722A-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF723A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/MV
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Enhanced Mid-Range) |
| CPU Family | PIC16F |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 9 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Interfaces | I2C, SPI, USART (with dedicated BRG) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial 'I' grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF722A-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/MCLR/VPP — Digital I/O / Analog input / Master Clear (reset, active low) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input / SPI slave select |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN — Digital I/O / Analog input / SPI SS / High-Low Voltage Detect input |
| Pin 6 | RE3/CS/P2D — Digital I/O / ICD clock / PWM output |
| Pin 7 | RA4/AN5/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Analog input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 8 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — Digital I/O / Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 9 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — Digital I/O / Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / Synchronous data |
| Pin 13 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / Synchronous clock |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC3/SCL/SCK — Digital I/O / I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 18 | RC1/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | RB7/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 22 | RB6/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 23 | RB5/AN11 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 24 | RB4/AN10 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 25 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Analog input / CCP2 |
| Pin 26 | RB2/AN8 — Digital I/O / Analog input |
| Pin 27 | RB1/AN7/CS — Digital I/O / Analog input / PWM output |
| Pin 28 | RB0/AN6/INT — Digital I/O / Analog input / External interrupt |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF722A-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Wearable Fitness Band, Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Small Home Appliance Controller, Industrial Sensor Conditioning Module, IoT Edge Node / Smart Home Device.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF722A-I/SS is well suited for wireless or wired battery-powered sensor nodes running from a coin cell or two AA cells. Its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range with nanoWatt XLP sleep current (nA range, per Microchip datasheet 40001417C) lets the MCU spend most of its duty cycle in sleep and wake only briefly to take a measurement and transmit. The 9-channel 8-bit ADC reads analog sensors such as temperature, light, or battery voltage, while I2C/SPI connects to a digital sensor like a humidity or accelerometer IC. The 25 I/O pins also drive indicator LEDs and user-interface switches without external glue logic.
Recommended
Wearable Fitness Band
Wearable fitness bands place extreme demands on sleep current and PCB area, both strengths of the PIC16LF722A-I/SS in its 28-SSOP package. The MCU can wake on accelerometer interrupts via an external GPIO to count steps and log activity, then return to deep sleep with only the RTC running. The 8-bit ADC reads heart-rate sensor signals, and the USART drives a Bluetooth Low Energy module for phone sync. With firmware typically under 3.5 KB, the 2K x 14 Flash is adequate and leaves headroom for OTA-style bootloader updates via ICSP.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transmitter
Universal remote controls, ceiling-fan controllers, and IR-based appliance remotes are an ideal match for the PIC16LF722A-I/SS. The MCU drives an IR LED via Timer2 PWM at 38 kHz carrier while the USART or software UART communicates with companion ICs. The 25 I/O pins scan a 5x5 matrix keypad without an external key encoder. Low-voltage operation extends battery life, and the SSOP package drops into slim plastic enclosures. Compiled code for typical NEC/Sony RC protocols fits easily within the 3.5 KB Flash budget.
Recommended
Small Home Appliance Controller
Coffee makers, kitchen scales, blenders, and electric toothbrushes use small 8-bit MCUs like the PIC16LF722A-I/SS to read sensors, drive triac-controlled loads, and run user-interface LEDs. The MCU's I2C bus drives an OLED or character LCD for user feedback; the 8-bit ADC reads thermistor inputs for closed-loop temperature control. The nanoWatt XLP features allow standby current below the IEC 62301 measurement threshold, helping appliances meet global energy regulations. Industrial -40 to +85 C temperature grade supports unheated enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning Module
Industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters and field-mount signal conditioners use the PIC16LF722A-I/SS to digitize analog inputs and drive a current loop or HART modem. The 9-channel ADC multiplexes multiple sensor bridges, while the 1.8 V minimum supply accommodates low-voltage loop-powered designs. The USART provides digital HART modem communication. The industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) and robust SSOP package handle vibration and temperature swings typical of factory-floor installations.
Recommended
IoT Edge Node / Smart Home Device
Low-cost IoT edge nodes such as smart switches, leak detectors, and door/window sensors use the PIC16LF722A-I/SS as the application processor for a Wi-Fi or sub-GHz wireless module. The MCU reads a reed switch or water-leak probe via GPIO, blinks status LEDs, and manages a coin-cell battery using the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes. The I2C bus connects to an optional environmental sensor (temperature, humidity). With cost under $2 in volume, this PIC is the budget-friendly brain of entry-level smart-home SKUs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF722A-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF723A-I/SS | PIC16LF722AT-I/SS | PIC16LF722A-I/SO | PIC16LF722A-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SOIC - same pinout, wider footprint | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB | 7 KB (+100%) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) | 3.5 KB (same) |
| RAM Size | 128 B | 256 B (+100%) | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating 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 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Extended -40 C to +125 C |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 100) | $1.45 | ~$1.55 | ~$1.45 | ~$1.45 | ~$1.55 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost modern PIC16 with full nanoWatt XLP support (vs PIC16LF628A-I/SS)
- Direct memory upgrade path (vs PIC16LF723A-I/SS)
- Industrial temperature grade at lower cost than F-series (vs PIC16F722A-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 10) and the VSS pin (pin 11 or 20). Add a bulk capacitor (1-10 uF) on the supply line near the MCU. For battery-powered designs, use the nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (Sleep, Idle, and Low-Power Sleep) and configure peripherals to wake the MCU only on interrupts. The internal 31 kHz LFINTOSC provides sub-uA current draw during sleep for RTC and Watchdog Timer operation.
Keep the ICSP pins (RB6/ICSPCLK and RB7/ICSPDAT) accessible for in-circuit programming. Provide a 4-pin header (or test points) on the PCB for production programming and debugging. The MPLAB ICD 3 / ICD 4 / PICkit 3 / PICkit 4 all interface through these two pins plus VDD and VSS. Avoid placing series resistors or capacitors on the ICSP pins; they must be directly accessible to the programmer.
Do not exceed 3.6 V on VDD or apply voltage to any pin before VDD is powered up - this can trigger latch-up. Always enable the Brown-out Reset (BOR) and Watchdog Timer (WDT) in configuration bits for robust field operation. When migrating from PIC16F722A (non-LF) to PIC16LF722A, verify that your firmware does not rely on a supply voltage above 3.6 V; the LF variant has a tighter VDD maximum.
Route the crystal or external clock traces (RA6/OSC2 and RA7/OSC1) as short as possible with a ground guard ring to minimize EMI pickup. If using the internal HFINTOSC, leave RA6/RA7 available as general-purpose I/O by setting the FOSC configuration to INTOSCIO. The 28-SSOP footprint requires 0.65 mm pitch traces; ensure the PCB has at least 6 mil trace/space capability for the inner pads.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status per Microchip material declaration. AEC-Q100 not qualified; for automotive applications consider PIC16F1938-I/SS or PIC16LF1947-I/PT. Halogen-free status not specified by manufacturer.
