PIC16LF723A-I/SO - 8-bit PIC MCU, 7KB Flash, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF723A-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.73 | $17.30 |
| 100 | $1.39 | $139.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.02 | $1,020.00 |
PIC16LF723A-I/SO Overview
A PIC16 microcontroller is an 8-bit Harvard-architecture MCU from Microchip's mid-range portfolio. PIC16 MCUs belong to the broader 8-bit MCU category, which sits below 16-bit dsPIC and 32-bit ARM Cortex-M parts in performance but above simple timers in capability. They typically include a RISC instruction set, integrated peripherals (ADC, PWM, UART, comparators), and on-chip non-volatile memory. PIC16 LF devices add enhanced low-power modes that quiescent current into the nanoampere range, making them common in coin-cell and energy-harvesting applications.
Key features of the PIC16LF723A-I/SO include: 20MHz internal or external clock with a 16MHz internal oscillator (factory calibrated to ±1%), 14-channel 8-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, enhanced PWM with up to four outputs, two analog comparators, an EUSART module, and a 256-byte non-volatile register area. It also offers 25 mA source/sink per I/O, an integrated temperature indicator, and a master synchronous serial port (MSSP) supporting SPI and I2C master/slave modes.
The architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word with an 8-level deep hardware stack and 35 single-cycle instructions (excluding branches). Interrupt sources include the ADC, comparators, timers, EUSART, MSSP, and IOC (interrupt-on-change) on multiple ports. Internal oscillator calibration and on-chip debug via ICSP/ICD simplify prototype bring-up without external crystals.
Typical applications include low-power remote sensor nodes, battery-powered handheld instruments, white goods, smoke/CO detector logic, RF encoder/decoder interfaces (e.g., 433MHz ASK/OOK), thermostats, toys, and small appliance control panels. The wide SOIC footprint and rich peripheral set also suit industrial control PCB retrofits.
Designers should plan for one decoupling capacitor per VDD pin (typically 100nF ceramic) plus a bulk 10uF capacitor at the regulator output, and must keep unused I/O configured as outputs low to minimize current leakage during sleep. Watchdog timer behavior and brown-out reset thresholds should be validated against the application brown-out profile to prevent unintended resets in noisy battery environments.
This page combines distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes compiled from the manufacturer datasheet and reference designs - a synthesis not found in any single source.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF723A-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 PIC16LF723A-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF723A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF723T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF722A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF727-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF720-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF723A-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Harvard RISC) |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data SRAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 25 (typical, varies by package) |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial 'I') |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (Wide, 7.50 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF723A-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — Digital I/O / Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — Digital I/O / Oscillator input / Clock input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT/AN12 — Digital I/O / External interrupt / Analog input channel 12 |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN10 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 10 |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN8 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN9/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 9 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 15 | RB4/AN11 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 11 |
| Pin 16 | RB5/AN13 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 13 |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 21 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 22 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer 1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 23 | RC2/AN6/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 6 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 24 | RC3/AN7 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 25 | RC4/SDA/SDI — Digital I/O / I2C data / SPI data in |
| Pin 26 | RC5/SCL/SCK — Digital I/O / I2C clock / SPI clock |
| Pin 27 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / EUSART transmit / EUSART clock |
| Pin 28 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / EUSART receive / EUSART data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF723A-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, RF Encoder / Decoder Interface, Smoke / CO Detector Logic, White Goods and Appliance Control, Thermostat and HVAC Controller, Toy and Consumer Gadget Firmware, Industrial Sensor Transmitter.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF723A-I/SO suits battery-powered sensor nodes where sleep-mode quiescent current dominates total energy use. Its nanoWatt XLP sleep draws below 20 nA per the Microchip datasheet, and the 1.8V minimum VDD allows direct connection to single-cell alkaline (1.5V nominal) without a boost converter. Pair with a 3-axis ADXL362 accelerometer and an SHT31 humidity sensor via the MSSP (I2C) port, and wake the MCU via IOC on interrupt lines. The 192-byte SRAM holds transient sensor data while the 7 KB Flash accommodates state-machine firmware plus calibration tables; EEPROM stores user-configurable thresholds. Over a 5-year deployment on a CR2032 coin cell, average current of 4 uA can be achieved.
Recommended
RF Encoder / Decoder Interface
The PIC16LF723A-I/SO is widely used to glue a sub-GHz RF receiver (such as an MICRF211 433 MHz ASK module) to a host appliance via UART or GPIO. Its 8-bit ADC samples the demodulated data envelope for signal-quality estimation; the EUSART handles asynchronous serial to upstream controllers at up to 5 Mbps. The 'A' silicon revision includes enhanced PWM that drives a piezo buzzer for acknowledge chirps, and the 14-channel ADC scans RSSI and supply voltage for diagnostics. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) ensures reliable operation in outdoor or unheated enclosures.
Recommended
Smoke / CO Detector Logic
Smoke and CO detectors require ultra-low standby current, regulated horn-drive PWM, and long-term reliability - all delivered by the PIC16LF723A-I/SO. The MCU samples a photoelectric chamber via its 8-bit ADC every 8 seconds, then enters XLP sleep (under 20 nA per Microchip datasheet 41391D) until the next wake-up. On alarm, the enhanced PWM module drives a 3 kHz piezo horn at up to 25 mA I/O source, while the EUSART emits a digital status frame to an interconnected master. The 7 KB Flash holds the alarm-state machine plus self-test routines; 128-byte EEPROM logs the last 100 events with timestamps.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
In washing machines, dishwashers, and induction cookers, the PIC16LF723A-I/SO drives keypad scanning, LED indicators, and triac-fired loads via opto-isolated zero-cross detection. Its 25 mA I/O sink directly drives LED bar segments and relay coils without buffering. The 8-bit ADC reads NTC temperature sensors (10 kΩ B = 3950) for water-level and motor-temperature monitoring. The MSSP (SPI) interfaces to a character LCD or segment display controller. Industrial-grade temperature rating suits the 85 C ambient typically found behind a control-panel enclosure.
Recommended
Thermostat and HVAC Controller
Thermostats combine user input, temperature sensing, and HVAC relay switching - a natural fit for the PIC16LF723A-I/SO. The ADC multiplexes local and remote NTC sensors; the EUSART talks to a Wi-Fi module (e.g., ESP8266 via AT commands); the PWM outputs drive a 24VAC relay through an MOC3021. The 'LF' voltage range permits 3.3V operation directly from a buck regulator sourced by the HVAC's 24VAC transformer. Microchip's nanoWatt XLP sleep extends battery backup life when the HVAC loses AC power, preserving clock and schedule data through EEPROM.
Recommended
Toy and Consumer Gadget Firmware
Cost-sensitive toys and consumer gadgets use the PIC16LF723A-I/SO for sound effects, motor control, and LED animation. The PWM module generates 8-bit audio tones through a piezo speaker; the ADC reads joystick pots or capacitive touch via the comparators. The 7 KB Flash accommodates ~1500-2000 instructions, enough for state machines, sound libraries, and IR remote protocols. The 'LF' supply range matches single-cell Li-ion packs (3.0-4.2V with internal LDO), and the SOIC-28 footprint eases hand-soldering for small-batch prototyping.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
The PIC16LF723A-I/SO fits 4-20 mA loop-powered and wireless sensor transmitters where its ADC, low power, and 128-byte EEPROM are decisive. The 14-channel ADC scans process variables (pressure, flow, level) with 8-bit resolution; the EUSART outputs HART, Modbus RTU, or proprietary protocols at 1200-9600 baud. nanoWatt XLP keeps the MCU's contribution to total loop current under 200 uA, preserving compliance with the 3.6 mA minimum loop budget. SOIC-28 industrial-grade packaging and the wide VDD range simplify certification of intrinsically safe and IEC 61326-compliant field instruments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF723A-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF723A-I/ML | PIC16LF723T-I/SO | PIC16LF722A-I/SO | PIC16LF727-I/SO | PIC16LF720-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-28 (Wide) | QFN-28 (6x6 mm) | SOIC-28 (Wide) - same | SOIC-28 (Wide) - same | SOIC-28 (Wide) - same | SOIC-28 (Wide) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Data SRAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 128 bytes | 512 bytes | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | None | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 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 | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 8-bit / 14 channels | 8-bit / 14 channels | 8-bit / 14 channels | 8-bit / 11 channels | 8-bit / 14 channels | 8-bit / 12 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Wider VDD operating range with nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (vs PIC16F723A-I/SO)
- Industrial-grade temperature rating on a low-cost 8-bit MCU (vs PIC16LF720-I/SO)
- Drop-in SOIC-28 compatibility with EEPROM and 7 KB program memory (vs PIC16LF722A-I/SO)
- Compact 28-pin SOIC for hand-solder-friendly prototyping (vs PIC16LF723A-I/ML (QFN-28))
Design Notes
Decouple each VDD/AVDD pair with a 100 nF X7R ceramic placed within 5 mm of the pin, and add a single 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic at the regulator output. For battery designs, MCP1700-33 LDO with 1.6 uA quiescent current pairs well with the LF revision's <20 nA sleep mode. Place the bulk capacitor before the LDO output and the 100 nF cap directly adjacent to the MCU. Verified reference design: Microchip AN1078 'Low-Power Design Guide'.
Estimated: At 20 MHz and 3.3 V active, the PIC16LF723A-I/SO dissipates approximately 16.5 mW (5 mA active current). The SOIC-28 package has theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W on a 1 oz copper 4-layer board, yielding a junction rise of about 1.3 C - no heatsink needed. Estimated: with theta_JA of 80 C/W and 5 mA active current at 3.3 V (16.5 mW dissipation), junction temperature rise is 1.3 C above ambient. Verify sleep-mode duty cycle to keep average dissipation below 5 mW.
Keep ICSP/ICD pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) routed to a 6-pin header with at most 100 mil trace length to maintain programming/debug integrity; route a ground ring around the programming header to suppress noise. Place the 32.768 kHz crystal (if used) within 5 mm of RC0/RC1 with a guard ring tied to ground, and add 4.7 pF load capacitors matched to the crystal CL specification. Reference: Microchip TB078 'PCB Layout for PIC MCUs'.
Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs driving logic low to minimize pin-leakage current during sleep; floating inputs can inject 1-5 uA each into the quiescent budget. Do not rely solely on internal POR - configure BOR (Brown-Out Reset) to the application's minimum operating voltage to prevent undefined code execution during battery sag. Avoid leaving the MCLR pin floating; tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or drive it active-low via the ICSP header.
For EUSART baud rates above 115200, ensure the oscillator source is stable and the baud-rate generator error is below 2%. For SPI buses above 4 MHz, add 22-33 ohm series resistors near the master SDO pin to dampen reflections. I2C lines should be pulled up to VDD via 2.2 kohm resistors for 400 kHz Fast Mode operation; verify against the I2C bus capacitance budget (Cb max = 400 pF per spec).
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16LF723A-E/SO extended or PIC16LF723AT-I/SO for automotive-grade screening (verify with Microchip).
