PIC16LF723A-I/SP - 7KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 20MHz, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF723A-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.78 | $2.78 |
| 10 | $2.46 | $24.60 |
| 100 | $2.16 | $216.00 |
| 500 | $1.91 | $955.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.7 | $1,700.00 |
PIC16LF723A-I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built on a Harvard RISC architecture, integrating CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral blocks. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LF723A belongs to the mid-range PIC16 family -> PIC16F/LF sub-family -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The 'LF' prefix denotes the low-voltage (1.8V-3.6V) variant, while 'F' variants operate from 2.0V-5.5V. The 'A' revision adds enhanced ADC and CCP features versus the original PIC16LF723.
Key features include 7KB (4K x 14 words) self-programmable Flash, 192-byte data RAM, hardware I2C/SPI/UART (EUSART) peripherals, two analog comparators, and on-chip power-on reset / brown-out reset. The internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystals in many designs, while the XLP technology delivers standby currents below 1 uA and active currents around 100 uA/MHz for ultra-low-power portable products.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF723A uses a 14-bit instruction word and 35 single-word instruction set, providing deterministic interrupt latency and easy assembly-level programming. The 8-bit data path and 8-bit ADC suit sensor-interface, display-driver, and simple protocol-bridging applications where cost and power dominate over computational throughput.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, IoT edge devices, low-cost motor control (fans, small pumps), LED lighting controls, and consumer electronics such as remote controls and small appliances. The 28-SPDIP package is favored for hobbyist, educational, and through-hole prototyping designs.
A key design consideration: with 25 I/O available on a 28-pin package, three pins are reserved for VDD/VSS/MCLR, so schematic capture must account for analog input mapping against digital I/O sharing. The XLP sleep current enables multi-year battery life on a single CR2032 for low-duty-cycle applications.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16 alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF723A-I/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-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Package, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F723A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF723A-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F723A / PIC16LF723A |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC mid-range RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions (14-bit) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Internal Oscillator | 16 MHz (factory calibrated, +/- 2% typical) |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 8-bit, up to 14 channels |
| Enhanced CCP Module | 1 ECCP + 2 CCP |
| Communication Peripherals | EUSART, I2C (MSSP), SPI (MSSP) |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP, through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| XLP nanoWatt Standby Current | Typical <1 uA (data sheet dependent on mode) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (not moisture-sensitive for through-hole) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes (per Microchip product page) |
| Peripherals Summary | ECCP, MSSP (SPI/I2C), EUSART, 8-bit ADC, 2 comparators |
PIC16LF723A-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF — Digital I/O / analog input / comparator reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT/T0CKI — Digital I/O / analog input / comparator output / Timer0 clock |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN7/SS/HLVDIN — Digital I/O / analog input / SPI slave select / HLVD input |
| Pin 5 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — Digital I/O / crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 6 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — Digital I/O / crystal input / clock input |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | RB0/AN12/INT0/CCP1 — Digital I/O / analog input / external interrupt / CCP1 |
| Pin 10 | RB1/AN10/INT1/C1IN+ — Digital I/O / analog input / external interrupt / comparator input |
| Pin 11 | RB2/AN8/INT2/C1IN- — Digital I/O / analog input / external interrupt / comparator input |
| Pin 12 | RB3/AN9/C1IN0- — Digital I/O / analog input / comparator input |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN11/C2IN- — Digital I/O / analog input / comparator input |
| Pin 14 | RB5/AN13/C2IN+/CCP2 — Digital I/O / analog input / comparator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC/ICSPDAT — Digital I/O / ICD clock / ICSP data |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD/ICSPCLK — Digital I/O / ICD data / ICSP clock |
| Pin 17 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 18 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 19 | RC2/AN14/P1A/CCP1 — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM1A output / CCP1 |
| Pin 20 | RC3/AN15/P1B/PGM — Digital I/O / analog input / PWM1B output / LVP programming |
| Pin 21 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 22 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 23 | RC6/TX/CK/AN17 — Digital I/O / EUSART TX / clock / analog input |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX/DT/AN18 — Digital I/O / EUSART RX / data / analog input |
| Pin 25 | RD0 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 26 | RD1 — Digital I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 27 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — Digital input / master clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF723A-I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes, Small Motor and Fan Control, LED Lighting Controllers, Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs, Industrial Sensor Front-Ends, Educational and Hobbyist Prototyping.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF723A-I/SP fits battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8V-3.6V operation matches two alkaline or single lithium cells, and the XLP nanoWatt technology delivers standby currents below 1 uA while keeping the integrated 16 MHz oscillator available for fast wake-and-measure cycles. With 7KB Flash and 192-byte RAM, the device runs lightweight sensor-fusion firmware and schedules periodic readings using Timer1 16-bit. Placed as the central MCU, it samples a thermistor or humidity sensor through the 8-bit ADC and pushes data over a low-power UART to a connected radio module, achieving multi-year battery life on a CR2032 at typical 1% duty cycles.
Recommended
Small Motor and Fan Control
The PIC16LF723A-I/SP suits low-cost DC motor and fan control because the ECCP module provides hardware PWM generation, the 8-bit ADC reads current or tach feedback, and 25 I/O pins drive bridge control signals plus status LEDs. Operating from 1.8V-3.6V, the device is well-matched to battery or USB-powered fans, where its 20 MHz instruction rate is fast enough for closed-loop PWM at 25 kHz. Placing the LF723A between an H-bridge driver and a Hall sensor, designers implement closed-loop speed control in firmware without external timers, and the XLP sleep modes drop standby power when the motor is idle.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF723A-I/SP works well in LED lighting controllers and drivers because its 25 I/O pins multiplex multiple PWM channels through the ECCP and CCP modules, the 14-channel ADC reads light sensors or potentiometers, and the 1.8V-3.6V operation matches battery-powered decorative lighting. The 35-instruction PIC16 mid-range core drives firmware that generates smooth color-mixing fades without external hardware. Used as the central controller, it accepts I2C commands from a master panel or DMX-style link and emits constant-current PWM outputs to LED strings, while XLP sleep keeps idle current below 1 uA for battery-backup emergency lighting.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls and HIDs
The PIC16LF723A-I/SP is well suited to consumer remote controls and human-interface devices because the XLP standby current extends coin-cell battery life to multiple years, the integrated 16 MHz oscillator removes external crystal cost, and the 14-channel ADC scans resistive keypads without external multiplexers. Operating at 1.8V-3.6V, it pairs naturally with CR2032 cells. Used as the central MCU in a remote, the LF723A scans keys, debounces inputs in firmware, encodes IR or RF protocol via PWM, and enters sleep between button events, achieving standby currents that satisfy Energy Star standby requirements.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-Ends
The PIC16LF723A-I/SP fits industrial sensor front-ends because its industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports factory-floor deployment, its 1.8V-3.6V operation suits 3.3V sensor buses, and its 14-channel 8-bit ADC multiplexes multiple transducers behind a single MCU. With 7KB Flash and EUSART/MSSP peripherals, the LF723A reads sensor values and reports them over RS-485, I2C, or SPI bridges. Placed between a 4-20 mA transducer and a PLC, it digitizes analog signals and presents them as Modbus RTU frames via the EUSART, while watchdog and brown-out reset ensure field reliability.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Prototyping
The PIC16LF723A-I/SP is favored for educational and hobbyist prototyping because the 28-SPDIP through-hole package seats in standard breadboards, the MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler support free firmware development, and the XLP features teach students about low-power design patterns. Operating from 1.8V-3.6V, it is safe to power from USB or battery rails used in classroom kits. Used as the central MCU on an electronics curriculum, the LF723A drives LED blinkers, keypads, character LCDs, and simple sensors, with pin compatibility to PIC16F723A allowing the same board to host either 3.3V or 5V firmware variants.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF723A-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F723A-I/SP | PIC16LF722-I/SP | PIC16LF722A-I/SO | PIC16LF720-I/P | PIC16LF1902-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SOIC - drop-in to SOIC footprint | 28-PDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 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 |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same | 4 KB (2K x 14) | 4 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) - same |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes - same | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 32 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, 14 channels | 8-bit, 14 channels - same | 8-bit, 11 channels | 8-bit, 11 channels | 8-bit, 12 channels | 10-bit, 17 channels |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 - same | 25 - same | 25 - same | 25 - same | 25 - same |
| XLP / nanoWatt Low Power | Yes (<1 uA standby) | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
Key Differentiators
- Larger Flash than PIC16LF722 siblings while sharing the 28-SPDIP footprint (vs PIC16LF722-I/SP)
- Lower voltage range than PIC16F723A counterpart for true 1.8V battery designs (vs PIC16F723A-I/SP)
- Through-hole SPDIP footprint for breadboard-friendly prototyping (vs PIC16LF1902-I/SP (also 28-SPDIP))
Design Notes
Power the PIC16LF723A-I/SP from a regulated 1.8V-3.6V source; add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board entry. The LF723A's nanoWatt XLP technology drops standby current below 1 uA when Sleep is invoked with peripherals disabled, but only if the MCLR pull-up is well-defined and unused pins are set to outputs (or inputs with internal weak pull-ups disabled) to avoid leakage paths that can dominate deep-sleep current.
For a 28-SPDIP through-hole layout, allow standard 2.54 mm (0.1 in) row spacing and route power/ground traces between the rows to minimize loop area. Place the decoupling cap within 5 mm of the VDD pin. If the ICSP header is wired to RB6/RB7, ensure no high-current traces pass near PGC/PGD to keep debug signals clean; a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR is recommended for reliable in-circuit programming.
Common pitfalls: (1) do not apply voltages above 3.6V on the LF variant - the F sibling supports up to 5.5V but the LF will be damaged; (2) avoid using the internal 16 MHz oscillator without verifying UART baud-rate error at the target temperature; (3) configure unused pins as outputs low (not inputs floating) to minimize current; (4) enable the watchdog timer for unattended designs, since firmware lockups disable I/O indefinitely.
Estimated: the LF723A's EUSART at 20 MHz Fosc and 16 MHz internal oscillator yields an asynchronous baud-rate error of approximately +/-2% across temperature, which is within spec for most protocols at 9600 baud. For higher baud rates (115200) or CAN bus applications, use an external crystal to tighten the timing budget. Place RC filter networks on analog inputs (ANx) if the source impedance exceeds 10 kohm to settle the sample-and-hold capacitor within the acquisition window.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C ('I' suffix). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16 variants for automotive.
