PIC16LF73-I/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF73-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.8 | $6.80 |
| 10 | $6.12 | $61.20 |
| 100 | $5.45 | $545.00 |
| 500 | $4.92 | $2,460.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.38 | $4,380.00 |
PIC16LF73-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data memory, and peripherals onto one silicon die. The PIC16F family uses Microchip's enhanced Harvard RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions, achieving 200 ns instruction execution at 20 MHz. MCUs sit in the broader hierarchy of: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor, and they form the decision-making core of almost every embedded electronic product.
Key features include a wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range (LF = low-voltage/F-version variant supporting full operation down to 2.0 V), nanoWatt technology for power-managed sleep modes, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface for MPLAB development tools, and an enhanced USART with 9-bit address detection. The 28-QFN (6x6) exposed-pad package provides a low thermal resistance path to PCB copper for heat extraction.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF73 separates program and data buses (Harvard), allowing instruction fetch and operand access to occur in a single 200 ns cycle. The 14-bit instruction word gives more encoding headroom than the 12-bit baseline PIC, supporting literal operations and direct bit manipulation without extra cycles.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, sensor signal conditioning, low-cost consumer appliances, automotive body electronics sub-modules, and battery-powered portable instruments where low-voltage operation from a single Li-ion cell or two AA cells is required.
When designing with this device, note that the 28-QFN package has no mechanical leads to absorb CTE stress - the exposed pad must be soldered to a ground copper pour for both thermal dissipation and mechanical reliability. Programming voltage is generated on-chip; no external high-voltage supply is needed.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives (including PIC16LF72, PIC16LF74, PIC16LF76 family variants), and practical PCB design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF73-I/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 PIC16LF73-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF74-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF76-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF72-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF737-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF73T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.17 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF73-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Series | PIC16F (PIC16LF73) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 enhanced Harvard RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit opcode |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | Yes (CCP module) |
| USART | Enhanced USART (9-bit address detect) |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed thermal pad |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Lead-Free / RoHS Compliant |
PIC16LF73-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 / VREF- |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3/PGM — Port B bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground (or NC on some layouts) |
| Pin 15 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 17 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 OSC / CCP2 |
| Pin 19 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM |
| Pin 20 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI SCK / I2C SCL |
| Pin 21 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI SDI / I2C SDA |
| Pin 22 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI SDO |
| Pin 23 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX/CLK |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX/DT |
| Pin 25 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 27 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator output |
| Pin 28 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF73-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Sensor Signal Conditioning Nodes, Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, Automotive Body Electronics Sub-Modules, Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, Hobbyist / Educational Development Boards.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC16LF73-I/ML suits industrial control panels because its 7 KB Flash fits typical keypad/display state machines, 192 B RAM holds sensor scan buffers, and the 2.0-5.5 V supply tolerates 24 V->5 V or 24 V->3.3 V industrial rails. The 20 MHz speed gives 5 MIPS for debouncing, multiplexing LED/LCD segments, and Modbus ASCII polling loops at 9600 baud with ample margin. The 5x 8-bit ADC reads panel-mount potentiometers, thermistors, and 4-20 mA loop sense resistors directly; the 22 I/O pins drive row/column keypad scan, character LCD data bus, and opto-isolated outputs to PLCs.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Nodes
The PIC16LF73-I/ML fits sensor conditioning nodes because its 5x 8-bit ADC samples multiple analog sensors simultaneously while the enhanced USART streams digitized data upstream at 115200 baud. The 7 KB Flash holds lookup tables for linearization (thermistor Steinhart-Hart, RTD Callendar-Van Dusen) and digital filtering algorithms. At 20 MHz the CPU runs a 5th-order moving average filter plus calibration in real time, with 192 B RAM sufficient for sample buffers. The 2.0-5.5 V supply allows direct battery or 3.3 V regulator operation for remote wireless sensor nodes.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
The PIC16LF73-I/ML is ideal for portable instruments because its LF (low-voltage F) supply range of 2.0-5.5 V allows direct operation from two AA cells or a single Li-ion cell with no boost converter needed. The nanoWatt power-managed sleep modes drop quiescent current below 1 uA, extending battery life for handheld multimeters, portable barcode scanners, and field measurement tools. The 7 KB Flash fits Bluetooth/BLE command stacks for wireless variants. The exposed-pad 28-QFN package has low thermal resistance for sustained measurement workloads.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Sub-Modules
The PIC16LF73-I/ML handles automotive body sub-modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, ambient lighting drivers, and HVAC blend door actuators because it offers 20 MHz throughput for LIN (Local Interconnect Network) protocol stacks, 22 I/O for H-bridge drivers and position feedback, and 5 ADC channels for current sensing and temperature monitoring. While the standard -I/ML part is industrial-grade (-40 to +85 C), the automotive AEC-Q100 grade is NOT applicable to this specific part number - use the PIC16F73-I/ML automotive variant or PIC16F76A for AEC-Q100 designs.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF73-I/ML is widely used in low-cost consumer appliances - coffee makers, microwave oven keypads, washing machine user interfaces, dishwasher controllers, and air-conditioner thermostats. The 7 KB Flash holds user-interface state machines, EEPROM emulation tables for user settings, and triac/relay phase-angle control algorithms. The PWM module drives buzzers, LED indicators, and small brushless DC fans. The 2.0-5.5 V supply range accommodates both rectified-5 V and 3.3 V designs with the same silicon. The 28-QFN exposed-pad package reduces assembly height.
Recommended
Hobbyist / Educational Development Boards
The PIC16LF73-I/ML (and its through-hole sibling PIC16LF73-I/SP) is a popular MCU for educational labs because the PIC16F mid-range architecture is one of the simplest to teach, with only 35 instructions and free MPLAB X IDE + XC8 compiler support from Microchip. The 7 KB Flash accommodates several lab projects from LED blinking to UART communication. The 28-QFN package, however, is challenging for breadboarding; hobbyists typically use the 28-SPDIP variant for learning and then port code to the QFN for the final product. The exposed-pad must be soldered.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF73-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF74-I/ML | PIC16LF76-I/ML | PIC16LF72-I/ML | PIC16LF737-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Program Flash | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (same) | 14 KB (2x density) | 3.5 KB (50% less) | 7 KB (same) |
| RAM | 192 B | 192 B | 368 B | 128 B | 192 B |
| ADC | 5 ch x 8-bit | 8 ch x 8-bit | 5 ch x 8-bit | 5 ch x 8-bit | 8 ch x 12-bit |
| Max Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-supply 2.0 V to 5.5 V operation (LF variant) (vs PIC16F73-I/ML)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to 14 KB Flash (vs PIC16LF72-I/ML)
- Enhanced USART with 9-bit address detection (vs PIC16LF737-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (6x6) package relies on the exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside for heat dissipation. The EP must be soldered to a PCB copper pour (recommended minimum 1 sq inch of 2 oz copper) to keep junction temperature within the -40 C to +85 C industrial range under sustained full-load CPU activity. Estimated: with theta_JA ~ 35 C/W on a 1 sq inch 2 oz copper pour, the MCU dissipating 50 mA at 5 V (250 mW) sees a junction rise of only 8.75 C. Do not leave the EP floating - this causes thermal runaway and solder-joint fatigue.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 16) with the shortest trace to the nearest VSS pin. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main supply rail within 1 inch of the MCU. For ADC accuracy, place a 100 nF + 10 uF RC network on the VREF+ pin if used, and keep analog traces away from digital switching traces (RB6/RB7 ICSP clock/data lines) by at least 0.1 inch to avoid coupling noise into the ADC.
For ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) compatibility, reserve the RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD pins for the ICSP interface; do not use them for general-purpose I/O unless the debugger is disconnected. Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR/VPP to allow normal operation; ICD tools override this during programming. Keep the ICSP connector footprint accessible on the PCB edge for production programming. The QFN-28 has no leads to absorb CTE stress, so use 4 corner underfill or pin-side fillets if the board experiences thermal cycling.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on VDD even briefly - the PIC16LF73 does not have 5 V tolerance on I/O and absolute maximum ratings are 6.5 V. The LF variant operates down to 2.0 V but USB and USART RS-232 interfaces typically require at least 3.0 V for valid logic levels. The enhanced USART 9-bit mode is not compatible with the standard 8-bit USART, so use plain 8-bit mode for standard UART communication. Brown-out detection must be enabled in CONFIG for reliable 2.0 V operation; without BOD, supply dips below 2.0 V may corrupt Flash.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 to +85 C temperature range (I suffix). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive use the PIC16F73-I/ML automotive variant or PIC16F76A-I/ML.
