PIC16LF726T-I/SS - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 20MHz, SSOP-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF726T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.7 | $27.00 |
| 100 | $2.35 | $235.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.8 | $1,800.00 |
PIC16LF726T-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and a range of peripheral interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy, this device is a microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> PIC microcontrollers -> PIC16 family, and it is part of the power management / mixed-signal hierarchy as an embedded computing node. The RISC Harvard architecture exposes a deterministic instruction set, easing real-time firmware design for cost-sensitive embedded applications.
Key features include 14 KB of self-programmable Flash, an internal 20 MHz oscillator, nanoWatt XLP technology for ultra-low-power operation, a 12-channel 8-bit ADC, capture/compare/PWM (CCP) modules, multiple timers, USART, I2C and SPI communication peripherals, and an extended industrial temperature range of -40 C to +85 C. The wide 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply simplifies battery- and USB-powered designs by removing the need for multiple regulators.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF726 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses and a 14-bit instruction word, paired with on-chip peripherals including comparators and an 8-bit ADC, reducing external component count. The 20 MHz internal oscillator (selectable through OSCCON) and XLP sleep currents below typical 1 uA ranges make it attractive for sleep-dominated battery nodes such as wireless sensors and remote controls.
Typical applications include low-power IoT sensor nodes, consumer electronics such as remote controls and small appliances, industrial control and instrumentation, battery-powered measurement devices, LED lighting controllers, and capacitive-touch user interfaces. The internal oscillator and ADC simplify BOM, while the SSOP-28 footprint supports compact, hand-solder-friendly PCB layouts.
When designing with this part, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD and consider a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. Reserve the ICSPTM/ICD pins for in-circuit serial programming and debugging, and confirm the unused I/O lines are configured as outputs and tied low to minimise sleep current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric specifications, and drop-in alternatives sourced from the manufacturer datasheet and authorized distributors that are not collated in a single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF726T-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 PIC16LF726T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Internal Oscillator, Timers, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF726-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF726T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF726-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF723T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF726T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC16LF72x (XLP) |
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC, Harvard |
| Program Memory | 14 KB (8K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes, 20 MHz selectable |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | Up to 25 (depends on package) |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers |
| Communication | USART, I2C, SPI |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF726T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0/C1IN+/ULPWU — PORTA bit 0, ADC input, comparator 1 in+, ultra-low-power wake-up |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1/C12IN0-/C2IN+ — PORTA bit 1, ADC input, comparator 1/2 in- |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/C12IN0-/VREF- — PORTA bit 2, ADC input, reference voltage minus |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/C1IN+/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3, ADC input, reference voltage plus |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/C1OUT/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4, ADC input, comparator 1 output, Timer0 clock |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/C2OUT/SS/CCP1/PGM — PORTA bit 5, ADC input, comparator 2 output, SPI SS, PWM, ICSP |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT/AN6 — PORTA bit 6, oscillator out, ADC input |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN/AN7 — PORTA bit 7, oscillator in, ADC input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 11 | RB0/AN12/CCP2/FLT0 — PORTB bit 0, ADC input, PWM, fault input |
| Pin 12 | RB1/AN10/C12IN3-/P1C — PORTB bit 1, ADC input, comparator in-, PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RB2/AN8/P1B — PORTB bit 2, ADC input, PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RB3/AN9/C12IN2-/P1D/CCP2/PGM — PORTB bit 3, ADC input, PWM, ICSP |
| Pin 15 | RB4/AN11/P1C/SDA — PORTB bit 4, ADC input, I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RB5/AN13/P1D/TX/CK — PORTB bit 5, ADC input, USART transmit |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6, ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7, ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI/P2A — PORTC bit 0, Timer1 oscillator, PWM output |
| Pin 20 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2/P2A — PORTC bit 1, Timer1 oscillator, PWM output |
| Pin 21 | RC2/AN14/CCP1/P1D — PORTC bit 2, ADC input, PWM output |
| Pin 22 | RC3/AN15/SS/P2A — PORTC bit 3, ADC input, SPI SS, PWM output |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA/TX/CK — PORTC bit 4, SPI in, I2C data, USART |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO/RX/DT — PORTC bit 5, SPI out, USART receive |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK/SS/CCP1 — PORTC bit 6, USART, SPI SS, PWM |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT/SDO — PORTC bit 7, USART receive, SPI out |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF726T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes, Consumer Remote Controls, Industrial Control and Instrumentation, Battery-Powered Measurement Devices, LED Lighting Controllers, Capacitive Touch User Interfaces.
Low-Power IoT Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF726T-I/SS is well matched to battery-powered IoT sensor nodes because of its 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply window and nanoWatt XLP sleep currents typically below 1 uA. The 14 KB Flash supports a ZigBee-like or LoRaWAN node application stack, while the 368 B RAM holds short telemetry frames before periodic radio transmission. The internal 20 MHz HFINTOSC eliminates the need for an external crystal, saving both BOM cost and PCB area. The 8-bit ADC enables direct connection of temperature, humidity, and battery-voltage sensors with no external front-end. Compared with discrete MCU + regulator designs, the wide VDD window allows direct connection to two AA alkaline cells, extending battery life across multi-year duty cycles.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls
The PIC16LF726T-I/SS suits infrared remote-control designs where low standby current and quick wake-up dominate BOM decisions. The 20 MHz core can synthesize a 38 kHz carrier with hardware PWM while the XLP sleep current below 1 uA preserves coin-cell life across years of idle time. The internal oscillator removes the external resonator that is common in older PIC16 designs, reducing the BOM to the IC, a couple of decoupling capacitors, and an IR LED driver. The 14 KB Flash is sufficient to hold IR protocol tables for TV, set-top box and AV receivers. Compared with 8051-based remote MCUs, the PIC16LF726 delivers lower active current per MHz and an integrated 8-bit ADC for low-battery detection.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Instrumentation
Industrial controllers benefit from the PIC16LF726T-I/SS's industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range and robust 8-bit ADC, which digitises 4-20 mA process loops directly through a sense resistor. The CCP/PWM modules drive proportional valves or triac optocouplers at line frequency while the USART links to a display or upstream PLC. The 14 KB Flash supports state-machine firmware plus a Modbus-RTU slave, with 368 B RAM holding transient register maps. Compared with higher-end Cortex-M0 controllers, the PIC16LF726 cuts active current by up to 40 percent and tolerates wider supply noise on long sensor cables. Galvanic isolation can be added with an external digital isolator on the USART.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Devices
Handheld multimeters, clamp meters and portable gas detectors rely on the PIC16LF726T-I/SS because of its 1.8 V minimum supply that lets a designer run directly from two AA cells. The internal 20 MHz HFINTOSC clocks the ADC sample rate while the XLP sleep current below 1 uA extends shelf life between battery swaps. The 14 KB Flash holds calibration coefficients, the user interface, and the measurement algorithm in a single die. Compared with discrete op-amp + ADC solutions, the integrated MCU approach reduces PCB area by 50 percent and consolidates the BOM. The 8-bit ADC paired with an external precision reference meets the resolution requirements of typical handheld meters.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF726T-I/SS is a strong match for decorative and architectural LED controllers because the CCP/PWM modules deliver precise 16-bit PWM at low current consumption, enabling smooth dimming across millions of steps. The 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply window accepts either a 3.3 V regulated rail or a direct Li-ion cell without level shifting, simplifying driver stage design. The 14 KB Flash stores DMX512 or DALI frame handlers while the 368 B RAM buffers incoming scene data. Compared with discrete 555-timer PWM generators, the integrated approach saves board space and improves timing accuracy. The industrial temperature range supports outdoor installations in luminaires.
Recommended
Capacitive Touch User Interfaces
Capacitive touch panels for appliances, kiosks and white goods use the PIC16LF726T-I/SS for its mTouch capacitive sensing peripherals and low active current at 20 MHz. The internal HFINTOSC removes external timing components and the 8-bit ADC monitors charge transfer on each electrode. The 14 KB Flash holds a state machine, gesture recognition, and a small lookup table for LED feedback. Compared with dedicated touch controllers, the integrated MCU approach lets the touch logic, the host communication and the backlight PWM coexist in a single device. Industrial temperature tolerance supports kitchen and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF726T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF726-I/SS | PIC16LF726T-I/SO | PIC16LF726-E/SS | PIC16LF723T-I/ML | PIC16LF722T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-28 | SSOP-28 (same) | SOIC-28 | SSOP-28 (same) | QFN-28 | SOIC-28 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 100) | USD 2.35 | USD 2.30 | USD 2.30 | USD 2.45 | USD 2.10 | USD 1.95 |
Key Differentiators
- 14 KB Flash versus lower-density PIC16LF72x siblings (vs PIC16LF722T-I/SO)
- Tape & Reel packaging reduces prototype-to-production cost (vs PIC16LF726-I/SS)
- NanoWatt XLP sleep current extends battery life (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to each VDD/SSOP-28 pin pair (pins 10/9 and 28/27). Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail near the MCU to suppress load-step transients. The wide 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply eliminates the need for additional regulators on battery or USB-powered rails.
Reserve RB6 and RB7 (PGC/PGD) for ICSP and in-circuit debugging. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up to VDD on the MCLR/VPP pin to keep the device out of reset during normal operation. Route analog lines RA0-RA7 away from PWM outputs and place the ADC traces above a ground pour to minimise digital switching noise on sensor inputs.
Confirm the OSCCON HFINTOSC tuning bits are set to the calibrated factory value before relying on UART timing; the UART is sensitive to clock accuracy and an uncalibrated HFINTOSC can fail at 115200 baud at 3.3 V. Also disable the internal comparators and unused peripherals in firmware to minimise Sleep current, and configure unused I/O lines as outputs tied low.
The PIC16LF726T-I/SS dissipates approximately 0.8 W maximum per the datasheet thermal characteristics. In the SSOP-28 package with theta_JA around 80 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer board, the junction temperature rise at 0.8 W is around 64 C above ambient. For industrial designs targeting +85 C ambient, leave adequate thermal relief by routing copper pours under the package and avoiding enclosed ground islands.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC16LF72x family targets industrial and consumer applications rather than automotive grade.
