PIC16LF727-E/P - 8-Bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU | Microchip XLP
MPN: PIC16LF727-E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.66 | $26.60 |
| 100 | $2.36 | $236.00 |
| 500 | $2.12 | $1,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.89 | $1,890.00 |
PIC16LF727-E/P Overview
What is a Microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), EEPROM for parameter storage, and a rich set of peripherals such as timers, ADC, communication interfaces, and I/O ports on one silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU belongs to logic ICs -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device. The 8-bit class remains dominant in cost-sensitive, deterministic, low-power applications such as appliance control, sensor interfacing, and human-interface nodes.
Key features of the PIC16LF727-E/P include up to 25 digital I/O pins, a 14-channel 8-bit ADC, two analog comparators, three timers, an Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART), two SPI/I2C MSSP peripherals, a 16-bit Enhanced PWM module, and an integrated 8MHz internal oscillator with PLL. The nanoWatt XLP architecture provides sleep currents below 1 µA with retention RAM and a wake-on-change mechanism, allowing years of operation from a single coin cell. The 40-pin PDIP package eases prototyping and breadboarding for development, hobbyist, and educational workflows.
The PIC16LF727 core uses a 14-bit instruction set with a single-cycle ALU and a hardware multiplier for efficient control loops. The Flash memory supports self-programming (ICSP) and is rated for 100,000 erase/write cycles, enabling field firmware updates via bootloader. The device also features nanoWatt XLP peripherals such as Ultra-Low-Power Wake-up, Brown-Out Reset, and Watchdog Timer with on-chip low-power RC oscillator.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, remote controls, low-end consumer electronics, small appliance control panels, e-metering peripherals, and industrial control where deterministic 8-bit performance is sufficient. Designers frequently pair it with analog front-ends, LCD driver ICs, and serial EEPROMs.
A key design consideration when using this MCU is the supply voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V; if your system runs from 5V, level-shifters or a PIC16F727 (4.0V to 5.5V) should be used. Also note that this 40-pin PDIP variant is optimized for through-hole prototyping - for space-constrained designs the same silicon is available in QFN-44 and TQFP-44 packages.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives within the same PIC16LF72x family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, delivering information gain beyond Microchip's documentation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF727-E/P — 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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Timers, Operating Temperature, Package, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF727-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F727-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF724-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF720-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF726-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1939-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF727-E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® XLP™ 16F |
| Core | PIC 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) Flash |
| RAM Size | 1 KB (368 bytes data RAM) |
| EEPROM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 (max) |
| ADC | 8-bit, 14 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Interfaces | 1x EUSART, 2x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| PWM | 10-bit Enhanced PWM, 3 channels |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz with PLL |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600", 15.24mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16LF727-E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+/C1IN+ — GPIO/ADC/COMP1 positive input |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI/C2OUT — GPIO/ADC/Timer0 clock/COMP2 output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN/C2IN+ — GPIO/ADC/SPI SS/HLVD/COMP2 input |
| Pin 4 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — GPIO/crystal output/clock out |
| Pin 5 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — GPIO/crystal input/clock in |
| Pin 6 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — GPIO/Timer1 oscillator out/Timer1 clock |
| Pin 7 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — GPIO/Timer1 oscillator in/CCP2 |
| Pin 8 | RC2/CCP1/P1A — GPIO/CCP1/PWM output |
| Pin 9 | RC3/SCK/SCL — GPIO/SPI clock/I2C clock |
| Pin 10 | RD0 — GPIO |
| Pin 11 | RD1 — GPIO |
| Pin 12 | RD2 — GPIO |
| Pin 13 | RD3 — GPIO |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — GPIO/SPI data in/I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — GPIO/SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — GPIO/EUSART TX/clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — GPIO/EUSART RX/data |
| Pin 18 | RD4 — GPIO |
| Pin 19 | RD5/P1B — GPIO/PWM1B output |
| Pin 20 | RD6/P1C — GPIO/PWM1C output |
| Pin 21 | RD7/P1D — GPIO/PWM1D output |
| Pin 22 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 23 | VDD — Positive supply (1.8V-3.6V) |
| Pin 24 | RB0/AN12/INT — GPIO/ADC/external interrupt |
| Pin 25 | RB1/AN10/P1C/C12IN3- — GPIO/ADC/PWM/COMP1 input |
| Pin 26 | RB2/AN8/P1B — GPIO/ADC/PWM1B output |
| Pin 27 | RB3/AN9/C12IN2-/PGM — GPIO/ADC/COMP1 input/LVP program |
| Pin 28 | RB4/AN11/C12IN1-/SDI — GPIO/ADC/COMP1 input/SPI data |
| Pin 29 | RB5/AN13/C12IN4-/SDO — GPIO/ADC/COMP1 input/SPI data |
| Pin 30 | RB6/ICSPCLK — GPIO/ICSP clock |
| Pin 31 | RB7/ICSPDAT — GPIO/ICSP data |
| Pin 32 | RA0/AN0/C12IN0-/CVREF — GPIO/ADC/COMP1 input/CVREF output |
| Pin 33 | RA1/AN1/C12IN1-/VREF- — GPIO/ADC/COMP1 input/VREF- |
| Pin 34 | RA2/AN2/VREF+/C2IN+ — GPIO/ADC/VREF+/COMP2 input |
| Pin 35 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — GPIO/Master Clear (reset)/programming voltage |
| Pin 36 | RC0 — GPIO (duplicates pin 6 on some revisions) |
| Pin 37 | RC1 — GPIO |
| Pin 38 | RC2 — GPIO |
| Pin 39 | RC3 — GPIO |
| Pin 40 | RC4 — GPIO |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF727-E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Consumer Remote Control, Small Appliance Control Panel, Industrial Control / Human-Machine Interface, Educational / Hobbyist Development, Automotive Interior Accessory.
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF727-E/P's nanoWatt XLP sleep current below 1 µA with RAM retention makes it ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes such as wireless environmental monitors, leak detectors, and remote metering peripherals. Its 1.8V to 3.6V supply operates directly from two AA cells or a CR2032 coin cell, eliminating boost converters. The 14-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermistor, humidity and battery-voltage sensors while the EUSART drives a low-power RF module such as the MRF89XA. With 14KB Flash, designers can implement Modbus-RTU or simple custom RF protocols on top of the sensor stack. The 40-pin PDIP package simplifies hand-soldered prototypes and field-replaceable modules.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Control
Handheld remote controls benefit from the PIC16LF727-E/P's 1.8V minimum supply, allowing direct operation from a single CR2032 cell at 3V without boost circuitry. The EUSART and two MSSP peripherals drive IR LEDs via PWM and matrix-scan keypads via timer interrupts, while the 14KB Flash accommodates IR protocol libraries (NEC, RC5, RC6, SIRC) and user-customised button maps. Its nanoWatt XLP idle current under 1 µA yields 5-7 year battery life in typical TV remote duty (5 mA active during button press for 10 ms). The 40-pin PDIP also lets educational/hobbyist kits assemble the remote without reflow equipment.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Panel
Coffee machines, microwave ovens, washing machines and induction cooktops use the PIC16LF727-E/P as the main control MCU, leveraging its 25 digital I/O pins to drive keypads, 7-segment or character LCDs, triac-fired heater drivers, and sensor feedback. The 14-channel 8-bit ADC reads temperature, water level, and current-sensor inputs; three 10-bit PWM channels control motor speed or heating element duty cycle. With 14KB Flash the MCU implements user-interface state machines, safety interlocks, and diagnostic logging. The 40-pin PDIP eases field serviceability - technicians can swap a board without hot-air rework tools.
Recommended
Industrial Control / Human-Machine Interface
The PIC16LF727-E/P's extended -40C to +125C temperature range, 14KB Flash and 25 I/O pins fit industrial HMI panels, sensor transmitters, and small PLC expansion modules. The EUSART provides RS-232/RS-485 communication, while MSSP peripherals drive SPI sensors or I2C EEPROM for parameter storage. Brown-Out Reset, Watchdog Timer and Power-On Reset support unattended field operation. The 40-pin PDIP form factor is favoured in low-volume industrial products where through-hole assembly simplifies EMC testing and thermal stress evaluation.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist Development
Universities and hobbyists prefer the PIC16LF727-E/P because its 40-pin PDIP drops directly into breadboards and perfboards, with 36 functional pins providing ample I/O for student projects without soldering surface-mount packages. MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler and PICkit programmer support is free, and the wide 1.8V to 3.6V supply lets students power the board from a 3.3V LDO. The 14KB Flash and 1KB RAM are generous enough for lab assignments in control theory, signal conditioning, and embedded communications without forcing migration to surface-mount parts.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory
In non-safety automotive interior applications (ambient lighting controllers, seat heater modules, door mirror adjusters), the PIC16LF727-E/P's -40C to +125C range and 1.8V to 3.6V supply handle 12V battery transients via external regulators. The 14-channel ADC reads thermistors and current shunts; PWM channels drive LED drivers and MOSFET half-bridges. Its 14KB Flash supports LIN slave protocol stacks and capacitive touch firmware. Note that AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification requires the automotive-grade PIC16LF727T-I/PT or PIC16F727-E/P-QTP variants - the standard -E/P is industrial-grade only.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF727-E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF727-I/P | PIC16F727-I/P | PIC16LF724-I/P | PIC16LF720-I/P | PIC16LF1939-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB | 16 KB |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 4.0V - 5.5V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V | 1.8V - 3.6V |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 8-bit / 14 channels | 8-bit / 14 channels | 8-bit / 14 channels | 8-bit / 7 channels | 8-bit / 12 channels | 10-bit / 14 channels |
| RAM Size | 1 KB (368 bytes data RAM) | 1 KB | 1 KB | 192 bytes | 128 bytes | 1 KB |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Unit Price (1 pc, approx.) | $2.95 | $2.85 | $3.05 | $2.50 | $2.20 | $3.40 |
Key Differentiators
- Wider temperature range than -I/P grade (vs PIC16LF727-I/P)
- Lower-voltage operation than PIC16F727 (vs PIC16F727-I/P)
- Larger Flash than PIC16LF724 (vs PIC16LF724-I/P)
- More ADC channels than PIC16LF720 (vs PIC16LF720-I/P)
- More peripherals than PIC16LF1939 base variant (vs PIC16LF1939-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 23) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the same VDD rail. For battery applications add a 100 kΩ external pull-up on the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 35) - this provides a clean Power-On Reset and avoids spurious resets when the supply falls below the BOR threshold (typ. 1.8V).
When using the high-speed internal oscillator (8 MHz HFINTOSC with PLL to 32 MHz) keep crystal-oscillator pins RA6/OSC2 and RA7/OSC1 either floating or configured as digital I/O - long traces on these pins couple noise into the HFINTOSC block. For switching applications above 25 mA, route analog and digital grounds separately and join them at a single point at the VSS pin (pin 22).
Do not apply 5V signals to any I/O pin when VDD is at 3.3V - the absolute maximum Vih is VDD + 0.3V, exceeding this can latch-up the device. Also ensure the LVP (Low-Voltage Programming) pin RB3/PGM is not pulled low at power-up if you intend to use high-voltage programming - LVP mode is the default but can be disabled via the CONFIG register.
The PIC16LF727-E/P has limited drive strength on I/O pins (typ. 25 mA source/sink). For capacitive loads above 50 pF (such as long cables or large LCDs) add a series resistor (100 Ω to 1 kΩ) to dampen ringing. When driving triacs or power MOSFETs, add a gate resistor of 100 Ω to suppress the MCU's internal shoot-through currents during switching.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive customers must select the PIC16LF727T-I/PT or PIC16F727-E/P-QTP automotive-graded parts.
