PIC16LF723A-E/SP - 7KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF723A-E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.42 | $2.42 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.92 | $192.00 |
| 500 | $1.71 | $855.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16LF723A-E/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), peripherals, and I/O on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU sits below microprocessor, belongs to the embedded controller family, and is widely used as a system-on-chip supervisor in cost-sensitive and low-power applications. Microchip's PIC16 architecture follows a RISC Harvard design with a 14-bit instruction word, offering predictable instruction timing and a small, deterministic instruction set.
Key features include nanoWatt XLP extreme low-power technology, 11 channels of 8-bit ADC, multiple timers (Timer0/Timer1/Timer2), an Enhanced USART, MSSP for SPI/I2C, and 2 enhanced PWM modules. The device supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) and In-Circuit Debug (ICD) via standard Microchip tools, enabling rapid prototyping and firmware updates directly in-circuit.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, handheld instrumentation, sensor signal conditioning, low-power remote controls, and battery-backed IoT nodes. The combination of XLP technology and the 28-SPDIP through-hole footprint also makes this MCU a frequent choice for legacy designs, hobby projects, education kits, and industrial controllers that need breadboard-friendly pinouts.
When designing with this device, use MPLAB X IDE plus the XC8 compiler and a programmer such as PICkit 3/4, ICD 3/4, or MPLAB ICD 5. Watch the absolute maximum voltage on the MCLR pin and provide a clean decoupling network of 100nF plus 10uF bulk capacitance near the VDD pin.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF723A-E/SP — 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 PIC16LF723A-E/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F723A-E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722A-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F722A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1938-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF723A-E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC16F/LF72x (XLP) |
| Core Processor | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 7KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | Up to 16 MHz |
| Number of I/O | 25 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 11 channels |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| Communication | EUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| PWM Modules | 2 Enhanced CCP |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Programming | ICSP, supports MPLAB tools |
PIC16LF723A-E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/AN4/CPS7/SS#/CVREF/VCAP — GPIO RA5 / ADC AN4 / capacitive sense / SS# / CVREF / VCAP |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/CPS6/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / ADC AN3 / capacitive sense / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA3/AN2/CPS5/VREF+ — GPIO RA3 / ADC AN2 / capacitive sense / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN1/CPS4 — GPIO RA2 / ADC AN1 / capacitive sense |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN0/CPS3 — GPIO RA1 / ADC AN0 / capacitive sense |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN12/CPS0 — GPIO RA0 / ADC AN12 / capacitive sense |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN/RA7 — Crystal input / external clock in / GPIO RA7 |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT/RA6 — Crystal output / clock out / GPIO RA6 |
| Pin 9 | RC0/SOSCO — GPIO RC0 / secondary oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RC1/SOSCI — GPIO RC1 / secondary oscillator input |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1/P1A — GPIO RC2 / Enhanced CCP1 output / PWM P1A |
| Pin 12 | RC3/CCP2/P2A — GPIO RC3 / Enhanced CCP2 output / PWM P2A |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDA/SDI — GPIO RC4 / MSSP I2C data / SPI data in |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SCL/SCK — GPIO RC5 / MSSP I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK/AN8 — GPIO RC6 / EUSART TX / EUSART clock / ADC AN8 |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT/AN9 — GPIO RC7 / EUSART RX / EUSART data / ADC AN9 |
| Pin 17 | RB7/AN10 — GPIO RB7 / ADC AN10 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/AN5 — GPIO RB6 / ADC AN5 |
| Pin 19 | RB5/AN11 — GPIO RB5 / ADC AN11 |
| Pin 20 | RB4/AN6 — GPIO RB4 / ADC AN6 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/CCP3/AN7 — GPIO RB3 / CCP3 / ADC AN7 |
| Pin 22 | RB2/P1B/INT2 — GPIO RB2 / PWM P1B / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB1/INT1/P1C — GPIO RB1 / external interrupt 1 / PWM P1C |
| Pin 24 | RB0/INT0/FLT0 — GPIO RB0 / external interrupt 0 / PWM fault input |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V-5.5 V) |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | RA3 (RD) — Note: see datasheet pinout - this position shared with RA3 dual role on some variants |
| Pin 28 | MCLR#/VPP/RE3 — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage / GPIO RE3 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF723A-E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Controller, Handheld Test Instrument, Industrial Control / PLC Module, Remote Control and HMI, Education and Prototyping Board.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF723A-E/SP fits battery-powered sensor nodes because its nanoWatt XLP Sleep current and 1.8 V-3.6 V operating range (LF variant) extend coin-cell and 2xAA alkaline runtime by months. The 7KB Flash accommodates small RTOS-less state machines plus EEPROM-backed calibration, while 11 ADC channels scan temperature, humidity, and battery voltage through a single MCU. Placed as the system controller, the part wakes on a timer interrupt, samples sensors, transmits over EUSART/SPI to a radio module, and returns to Sleep - the 25 I/O provide headroom for status LEDs, push-button wake, and a UART debug channel without external glue logic.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controller
In consumer appliances such as coffee machines, bread makers, and small kitchen devices, the PIC16LF723A-E/SP serves as a cost-optimized main controller. Its 20 MHz CPU executes keypad scanning, PWM-driven heater/element control via the 2 Enhanced CCP modules, and a UART link to a status display. The 8-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors for closed-loop temperature regulation, and the 25 I/O support a 4x4 matrix keypad plus triac/relay drivers. Through-hole 28-SPDIP is mechanically robust for wave-soldered production and easy to swap during field service.
Recommended
Handheld Test Instrument
The PIC16LF723A-E/SP is well suited to handheld multimeters and small bench instruments because its 1.8 V-5.5 V input lets the design run from a single Li-ion cell while supporting 5V LCD or LED displays. The 11-channel 8-bit ADC performs multi-range voltage and current measurements through a resistor-divider network, and the EUSART streams data to an external Bluetooth or USB-to-UART bridge. nanoWatt XLP keeps total quiescent draw low so a single 18650 cell can power the meter for hundreds of hours of intermittent measurement sessions.
Recommended
Industrial Control / PLC Module
Industrial discrete I/O modules and small PLC expansion boards use the PIC16LF723A-E/SP as a slave controller for protocol bridging, optocoupler driving, and status reporting. Its 25 digital I/O can directly sink LED indicators and pilot relays, while the EUSART/MSSP ports expose Modbus RTU, SPI, or I2C to a host PLC. The -40 C to +125 C operating range (E suffix) supports factory-floor cabinets and outdoor enclosures. The 28-SPDIP through-hole footprint withstands vibration better than QFN, making this part a fit for legacy industrial panels and DIN-rail modules.
Recommended
Remote Control and HMI
Infrared remote controls, simple HMI panels, and consumer keyfobs use the PIC16LF723A-E/SP for its Sleep-current nanometer regime and 7KB Flash to encode custom protocols. The 2 Enhanced CCP modules generate 38 kHz carrier for IR transmission, and the 8-bit ADC reads potentiometer or capacitive-touch sense signals. With 25 I/O, the MCU drives a 3x4 keypad plus LED ring without external mux ICs, and the LF voltage range lets a single CR2032 coin cell run the design for years between replacements.
Recommended
Education and Prototyping Board
Universities, maker kits, and breadboard trainers rely on the PIC16LF723A-E/SP because its 28-SPDIP through-hole package fits standard 0.1-inch breadboards and IC sockets without surface-mount rework. The 7KB Flash is large enough for sample C programs with the XC8 compiler, and the MPLAB X IDE plus PICkit 3/4 or ICD 5 supports in-circuit debugging directly through the ICSP pins. Students learn timers, ADC, PWM, and serial communication in a single MCU without worrying about BGA reflow or QFN pad design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF723A-E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F723A-E/SP | PIC16LF722A-E/SP | PIC16LF722A-I/SP | PIC16F722A-I/SP | PIC16F1938-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) - 50% | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) - 50% | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) - 50% | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same |
| RAM | 192 B | 192 B - same | 128 B - 33% | 128 B - 33% | 128 B - 33% | 256 B - 33% |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - same | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V - same |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 32 MHz |
| Number of I/O | 25 | 25 - same | 25 - same | 25 - same | 25 - same | 25 - same |
| ADC | 8-bit, 11 channels | 8-bit, 11 channels - same | 8-bit, 11 channels - same | 8-bit, 11 channels - same | 8-bit, 11 channels - same | 10-bit, 11 channels |
| nanoWatt XLP | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Doubles Flash over the 722A sibling without changing pinout (vs PIC16LF722A-I/SP)
- Lowest-voltage drop-in (1.8 V) for the same die (vs PIC16F723A-E/SP)
- Drop-in 28-SPDIP upgrade path with 10-bit ADC and higher MIPS (vs PIC16F1938-E/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: the PIC16LF723A-E/SP nanoWatt XLP Sleep current at 3 V is approximately 20-50 nA with WDT disabled. Add a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to the VDD pin (pin 25) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic at the supply rail to suppress inrush during ADC and PWM transitions. Use Sleep mode between sample intervals and configure the ADC with the internal RC oscillator for sub-microamp active scans.
Place the 28-SPDIP socket with pin 1 oriented to match the notch convention. Keep the ICSP programming header (MCLR#/VPP, VDD, VSS, ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK mapped to RB7/RB6) within 100 mm of the MCU to maintain stable in-circuit debug sessions. Route the 16 MHz or 20 MHz crystal traces short and symmetric if an external oscillator is used, and surround them with a ground guard ring to attenuate EMI coupling into the analog ADC inputs.
Do not leave MCLR#/VPP floating; tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation, or to the ICSP programmer pin through the recommended diode-capacitor network. Verify configuration bits for the watchdog timer, brown-out reset, and code protection before locking the firmware - an incorrect CONFIG setting is the most common cause of PIC16LF723A boards that fail to start. For LF units on 5 V systems, ensure the supply never dips below 1.8 V during reset or Sleep wake-up, otherwise oscillator startup may stall.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status confirmed by Microchip product page; halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this is an industrial/consumer grade part.
