PIC16LF727-E/ML - 14KB Flash 8-bit MCU, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF727-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.32 | $4.32 |
| 10 | $3.86 | $38.60 |
| 100 | $3.45 | $345.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.7 | $2,700.00 |
PIC16LF727-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (Flash), data memory (RAM/EEPROM), and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, ADC, comparators, and communication interfaces. PIC microcontrollers use a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, which allows the CPU to fetch instructions while simultaneously accessing data. Within the broader IC taxonomy, the PIC16F727 sits inside 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> microcontrollers and processors -> semiconductor.
Key features of the PIC16LF727-E/ML include 25 I/O pins, nanoWatt XLP extreme-low-power technology for sleep currents in the nA range, an enhanced 14-channel 8-bit ADC, multiple timers, two comparators, and standard peripherals such as USART, SPI, and I2C. The wide 1.8V-3.6V range allows direct connection to a single Li-ion cell, while internal oscillator modes reduce external component count and BOM cost.
The part belongs to the PIC16F/LF727 family - the 'LF' suffix denotes the low-voltage variant, while the 'F' version (PIC16F727) runs at 2.0V-5.5V. The 'E' code indicates the extended (-40C to +125C) operating temperature grade. The 44-QFN exposed-pad package provides a low thermal resistance path to PCB copper for reliable operation in thermally constrained designs.
Typical applications include consumer electronics, IoT sensor nodes, battery-powered handheld devices, industrial control, low-cost motor control, and capacitive-touch human interface designs. Its broad peripheral mix and large memory make it ideal for applications that need more than a tiny 8-pin MCU but do not justify a 32-bit Cortex-M part.
When designing with the PIC16LF727-E/ML, place a 100nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and tie the exposed pad (EP) to a solid ground plane to minimize thermal resistance. Programming is via the standard ICSP interface using MPLAB X IDE and any PICkit, ICD, or MPLAB debugger - no external programmer is required for development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same PIC16F/LF family, and practical design notes not assembled in any single manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF727-E/ML — 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 PIC16LF727-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Internal Oscillator, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF727-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F727-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F727-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722A-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$0.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF727-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (modified Harvard) |
| Series | PIC16F / PIC16LF |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB Flash (8K x 14 words) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Internal Oscillator | Up to 16 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 8-bit, multi-channel (per family) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) 6 x 6 mm with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF727-E/ML 44-pin qfn (ml) 6 x 6 mm with exposed pad Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LF727-E/ML (44-pin qfn (ml) 6 x 6 mm with exposed pad package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16LF727-E/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LF727-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node, Consumer Handheld Remote Control, Industrial Control Module, Capacitive-Touch Human Interface, Low-Cost BLDC / DC Motor Drive, Automotive Interior Lighting / Body Controller.
Battery-Powered IoT Sensor Node
The PIC16LF727-E/ML fits IoT sensor nodes because its 1.8V-3.6V supply range allows direct connection to a single Li-ion or 2x AA cell, while nanoWatt XLP sleep currents in the nA range extend battery life to months or years. Its 14 KB Flash supports modest wireless stacks such as Sub-GHz or BLE-friendly sensor-firmware overlays, and 25 I/O accommodate multiple analog sensors via the on-chip 8-bit ADC. Placed as the central MCU with a 32.768 kHz crystal for RTC tick and a 100nF decoupling cap on each VDD pin, it delivers a low BOM cost versus a Cortex-M0+ solution.
Recommended
Consumer Handheld Remote Control
For handheld IR or Sub-GHz remote controls, the PIC16LF727-E/ML is a strong fit thanks to its low-voltage operation (2x AAA cells), low-power nanoWatt XLP technology, and enough Flash (14 KB) for IR protocols such as RC5/RC6, NEC, and SIRC plus custom command sets. The 25 I/O support multiple button matrices and LED indicators, while the internal 16 MHz oscillator eliminates the need for an external resonator. Typical designs run at 4 MHz from 2x AA cells with average current below 5 uA in standby.
Recommended
Industrial Control Module
The PIC16LF727-E/ML's extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (E variant) makes it suitable for industrial control modules mounted in factory cabinets or outdoor enclosures. Its 25 I/O can drive optocouplers, relays, and 4-20 mA loops, while the 14 KB Flash supports PID control loops, Modbus RTU framing, and digital-filter DSP code. The 44-QFN package with exposed pad provides solid thermal performance when driving multiple outputs simultaneously at 25 mA per pin.
Recommended
Capacitive-Touch Human Interface
The PIC16LF727-E/ML supports capacitive-touch sensing via Microchip's mTouch software library, taking advantage of its on-chip comparators and CTMU (Charge Time Measurement Unit) peripherals. The 14 KB Flash accommodates CTMU driver, debounce, and gesture-detection firmware, while 25 I/O can scan up to 12-16 touch pads in a multiplexed matrix. Operating from 3.3V with nanoWatt XLP sleep, it enables battery-powered touch keypads with sub-10 uA standby current.
Recommended
Low-Cost BLDC / DC Motor Drive
For small DC and BLDC motor control, the PIC16LF727-E/ML provides Enhanced CCP modules that generate 6-step or FOC commutation PWM, hardware timers for back-EMF sensing, and ADC channels for current shunt feedback. The 20 MHz instruction rate is adequate for moderate-PWM-frequency motor drives up to a few kHz switching frequency, and the 44-QFN exposed pad dissipates thermal losses from MOSFET gate-drive switching. Typical designs run a 24V sensorless BLDC fan or pump from 3.3V logic.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting / Body Controller
The PIC16LF727-E/ML's extended -40C to +125C temperature grade suits automotive interior lighting, ambient-color controllers, and small body controllers where its 14 KB Flash holds LIN-compatible framing, PWM fade tables, and diagnostic state machines. Its 1.8V-3.6V supply allows direct 3.3V regulator operation off the 12V bus. Per Microchip product page, AEC-Q100 qualification status varies by part suffix; verify the specific variant for production automotive use.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF727-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF727-I/ML | PIC16F727-I/ML | PIC16F727-E/ML | PIC16LF722A-E/ML | PIC16LF722-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 44-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 44-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 44-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 44-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 44-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 18 | 18 |
| Low-Power Technology | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt | nanoWatt | nanoWatt XLP | nanoWatt XLP |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-voltage variant in the 727 family (vs PIC16F727-I/ML)
- Extended temperature grade for industrial/automotive use (vs PIC16LF727-I/ML)
- 4x larger Flash than 722A sibling (vs PIC16LF722A-E/ML)
Design Notes
The 44-QFN (ML) package exposes a thermal pad on its underside that MUST be soldered to a ground plane - leaving the EP unsoldered will degrade thermal performance and cause ADC offset drift under load. Per Microchip PIC16F/LF727 family datasheet (DS41391E), the EP should connect to a 4x4 via array on a 0.5 mm pitch stitched to the ground plane to meet thermal and electrical specifications. Place a 100nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of every VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the supply rail.
The 'LF' low-voltage variant of the PIC16F727 family operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V; applying 5 V will damage the part. For 5 V-tolerant designs, use the PIC16F727 variant instead, or level-shift signals with a dedicated translator such as the MCP1541 voltage reference + MOSFET array. For battery-powered designs, leverage nanoWatt XLP sleep modes (doze, idle, sleep) and the on-chip RTCC with a 32.768 kHz crystal to drop average current below 1 uA for sensor-node duty cycles.
Configuration bits must be programmed correctly: disable the watchdog timer (WDTE) unless you actively use it, enable the fail-safe clock monitor (FCMEN) and internal/external switchover (IESO) for robustness, and leave the LVP (low-voltage programming) bit set to 1 only if you intend to use ICSP at 3.3V. Forgetting to set IESO can leave the MCU hanging on a missing crystal at power-up. Verify the MCLR pin pull-up: leave it tied through a 10 kohm resistor to VDD unless your board design needs hard reset control.
Compliance Information
RoHS COMPLIANT marked on package per DigChip listing; lead-free confirmed by Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 grade is not explicitly stated for this part number - verify with Microchip product selector for automotive qualification. REACH and conflict-minerals status declared compliant by Microchip.
