PIC16LF73-I/SP - 8-bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF73-I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.42 | $6.42 |
| 10 | $5.78 | $57.80 |
| 100 | $5.14 | $514.00 |
| 500 | $4.62 | $2,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC16LF73-I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripheral interfaces into one package. The PIC16F family uses a Harvard-architecture RISC core with only 35 single-word instructions, making it well suited to deterministic real-time control and cost-sensitive embedded applications. Within Microchip's portfolio, the PIC16F73 sits in the legacy mid-range family, sitting below the PIC18 and enhanced mid-range PIC16F1xxx families in capability but retaining strong availability and a mature toolchain for hobbyist, industrial, and educational designs.
Key features include an industrial -40°C to +85°C operating range, an internal 8 MHz RC oscillator with PLL option for 20 MHz system clock, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, and ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) support. The 28-SPDIP through-hole package simplifies prototype breadboarding and rework compared to surface-mount alternatives, while the wide 2.0-5.5 V supply range supports battery-powered and unregulated supply designs.
The PIC16LF73 architecture uses a single accumulator (WREG) and a 15-bit program counter, with a hardware multiplier not present - complex math must be implemented in firmware. The Flash program memory is self-programmable, supporting field firmware updates via ICSP. The 8-bit ADC provides up to 5 channels with 8-bit resolution, suitable for slow sensor sampling rather than precision measurement.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, consumer white goods motor controllers, educational embedded platforms, simple PWM LED drivers, low-cost HVAC thermostats, and battery-powered measurement instruments. The SPDIP package is particularly attractive for hobbyist and through-hole assembly workflows.
When designing with this device, allocate at least one ICP/ICSP pin pair and reserve sufficient Flash/RAM for your application. Stack depth in mid-range PICs is hardware-limited (8 levels); high call-depth firmware may need to be refactored to avoid overflow. The 8-bit ADC requires accurate Vref decoupling and adequate acquisition time for accurate results.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternative MPNs in the same 28-SPDIP footprint, comparison data, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet - giving engineers a single decision-ready reference for sourcing and substituting PIC16LF73-I/SP in production designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF73-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 PIC16LF73-I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Operating Temperature, Package, ADC, Operating Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1906-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF73-I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 35 (single-word) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Peripherals | 1 x SSP (SPI or I²C), 1 x USART |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz RC (calibrated), PLL to 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| ICSP/ICD Support | Yes (in-circuit serial programming + debug) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC16LF73-I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — GPIO RA3 / ADC channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 (open-drain) / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — GPIO RA5 / ADC channel 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 5 | RE0/RD/AN5 — GPIO RE0 / Parallel-port read / ADC channel 5 |
| Pin 6 | RE1/WR/AN6 — GPIO RE1 / Parallel-port write / ADC channel 6 |
| Pin 7 | RE2/CS/AN7 — GPIO RE2 / Parallel-port chip select / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / system clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — GPIO RC0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — GPIO RC1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — GPIO RC2 / CCP1 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — GPIO RC3 / SSP SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — GPIO RC4 / SSP SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — GPIO RC5 / SSP SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — GPIO RC6 / USART async TX / USART sync clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — GPIO RC7 / USART async RX / USART sync data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — GPIO RB0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — GPIO RB1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — GPIO RB2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM — GPIO RB3 / Low-voltage ICSP program enable |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — GPIO RB4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — GPIO RB5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — GPIO RB6 / ICSP serial clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — GPIO RB7 / ICSP serial data |
| Pin 28 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF73-I/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Consumer White Goods Motor Controller, Educational Embedded Platform, Simple PWM LED Driver, Low-Cost HVAC Thermostat, Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument, Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety).
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16LF73-I/SP's 5-channel 8-bit ADC and 22 digital I/O make it a fit for industrial sensor interface modules reading temperature, humidity, pressure, and discrete switch inputs. Its 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply supports direct connection to 3.3 V regulated rails or 4-20 mA loop powered architectures, while the 200 ns instruction cycle provides deterministic sampling of polled sensors. The on-chip USART simplifies PCB area by removing the need for an external level translator when interfacing RS-485 transceivers. Compared to using a 32-bit Cortex-M0+, the LF73 reduces BOM cost by ~30% and provides adequate throughput for slow (<1 kHz) sensor multiplexing in PLC and SCADA front-ends. Its wide -40 to +85 °C industrial temperature range qualifies it for control cabinets and outdoor enclosures without thermal derating.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Motor Controller
The PIC16LF73-I/SP's two CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) modules plus a 16-bit timer provide two independent PWM channels, sufficient for driving small BLDC or single-phase induction motors in washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerator fans. With a 20 MHz system clock the PWM period resolution reaches 200 ns, enabling smooth torque control at 25 kHz switching - well above the audible range. The LF voltage range (2.0 V to 5.5 V) supports direct battery or rectified-mains supply designs, while the SPDIP-28 package simplifies prototyping and rework in white-goods manufacturing lines. Built-in USART and SSP enable easy connectivity to the main appliance controller for parameter exchange. Compared to dedicated motor-controller ICs, the LF73 reduces part count and BOM cost by integrating the MCU with the PWM logic.
Recommended
Educational Embedded Platform
The PIC16LF73-I/SP's 28-SPDIP through-hole package, mature MPLAB X IDE support, and 35-instruction RISC core make it an ideal teaching platform for university embedded systems courses and maker labs. The 7 KB Flash is large enough for substantive semester projects while remaining short enough that students can hand-inspect compiled assembly output. The LF (2.0-5.5 V) operation lets students power the board from a single Li-ion cell or USB-to-serial converter, and ICSP enables code loading without removing the MCU from the breadboard. Compared to modern 32-bit boards, the LF73 builds stronger fundamentals in bit-banging, register-level programming, and constrained resource management - skills that translate directly to bare-metal ARM work. The wide availability at qty-1 pricing makes it cost-effective for class kits of 30-100 students.
Recommended
Simple PWM LED Driver
The PIC16LF73-I/SP's two CCP PWM channels and 192-byte RAM handle dual-channel LED dimming at 5-20 kHz with 8-bit resolution - sufficient for solid-state lighting backlights, status indicators, and architectural dimmers. The LF voltage operation (down to 2.0 V) supports battery-powered LED flashlights and emergency lighting that must run from a single 18650 cell at end of life. The 8-bit ADC provides feedback sampling for ambient-light sensors or current-sense amplifiers, enabling closed-loop constant-current regulation without external op-amps. Compared to dedicated LED-driver ICs like the TLC5940, the LF73 adds programmable logic at lower cost but requires an external MOSFET stage for high-current strings. The industrial temperature range is sufficient for luminaires inside IP65-rated housings.
Recommended
Low-Cost HVAC Thermostat
The PIC16LF73-I/SP integrates all logic needed for a residential HVAC thermostat: ADC reading of a 10k NTC thermistor, GPIO driving a triac/relay for compressor and fan control, and USART for optional Wi-Fi module connectivity. Operating from a 24 VAC wall transformer (rectified and regulated to 3.3 V), the LF (2.0 V min) handles brownout conditions gracefully. The 7 KB Flash accommodates multi-stage scheduling, hysteresis logic, and a small UI state machine for the 7-segment display. Compared to using a dedicated thermostat IC, the LF73 enables custom UI without per-unit licensing. The 28-SPDIP package simplifies through-hole production for the typical thermostat back-plate, and the wide operating temperature range handles plenum environments without thermal management.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument
The PIC16LF73-I/SP's LF silicon (2.0 V min, low active current) is well suited to battery-powered handheld measurement tools like multimeters, clamp meters, and portable environmental loggers running from two AA cells. The 8-bit ADC multiplexes up to five sensor inputs (current, voltage, temperature, resistance), while the USART feeds readings to an optional Bluetooth or LCD module. The 200 ns instruction cycle handles digital filtering and RMS calculations within the ADC sampling window, eliminating the need for an external DSP. Compared to 32-bit MCUs that burn 20-30 mA active, the LF73 typically draws 1-3 mA at 4 MHz, extending battery life by an order of magnitude in continuous-sampling applications. SPDIP-28 keeps the BOM lean for a 100-gram handheld enclosure.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety)
While the PIC16LF73-I/SP is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its industrial -40 to +85 °C range and 28-SPDIP footprint are used in non-safety automotive aftermarket accessories such as alarm systems, remote-start timers, lighting controllers, and CAN-node debuggers. The two CCP modules drive window or mirror motors via external H-bridge drivers; the USART bridges to a CAN or LIN transceiver. Compared to AEC-Q100 parts like the PIC16F1825-I/P, the LF73 cuts cost by ~25% for accessories not subject to OEM PPAP requirements. Designers should validate thermal performance in under-dash enclosures and add external protection (TVS diodes, series resistors) per automotive EMC guidelines.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF73-I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF73-I/SO | PIC16F73-I/SP | PIC16F73-E/SP | PIC16LF722-I/SP | PIC16LF1906-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SPDIP-28 (through-hole) | SOIC-28 (surface-mount) | SPDIP-28 (same) | SPDIP-28 (same) | SPDIP-28 (same) | SPDIP-28 (same) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit (same) | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit (same) | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit (same) | Enhanced mid-range 8-bit | Enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (same) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Program Flash | 7 KB | 7 KB (same) | 7 KB (same) | 7 KB (same) | 3.5 KB | 16 KB |
| Data RAM | 192 B | 192 B (same) | 192 B (same) | 192 B (same) | 128 B | 512 B |
| Max Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (industrial) | -40°C to +85°C (same) | -40°C to +85°C (same) | -40°C to +125°C (extended) | -40°C to +85°C (same) | -40°C to +85°C (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage LF silicon (2.0 V to 5.5 V) vs standard F family (4.0 V to 5.5 V) (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
- Industrial -40°C to +85°C qualification (vs PIC16F73-E/SP)
- Through-hole SPDIP-28 simplifies breadboard prototyping (vs PIC16LF73-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF73's LF silicon makes it suitable for 3.3 V regulated supplies; however, active current at 20 MHz scales with VDD and rises from ~3 mA at 2.0 V to ~13 mA at 5.5 V per the datasheet DC characteristics. For battery designs, place the MCU in sleep mode between ADC samples to extend operating life by 10-100x. A 100 nF decoupling capacitor must be placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin; for analog-sensitive applications add a separate 10 µF bulk cap on the same supply rail. Estimated: at 4 MHz, 3.3 V, the typical supply current is approximately 1.7 mA (from Microchip datasheet DC chart, not independently derived).
The 28-SPDIP through-hole footprint has 0.100 in (2.54 mm) pitch with 0.300 in (7.62 mm) row spacing - standard DIP sockets (e.g. 3M 4804-3004-CP) are pin-compatible. Decoupling capacitors (100 nF) must be placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 8) and VSS pin (pin 19). The crystal or resonator on OSC1/OSC2 (pins 9-10) should be guarded by a ground plane void under the oscillator traces; typical loading capacitors are 15-22 pF for low-ESR AT-cut crystals.
Three pitfalls to avoid: (1) The 8-bit ADC requires a minimum acquisition time of 1.6 µs; switching the ADC input channel too quickly causes inaccurate conversions. (2) The mid-range PIC16 core has a hardware call stack of only 8 levels - deep recursive functions or nested interrupts will jump to address 0 and reset the MCU; refactor to iterative code or upgrade to enhanced mid-range (PIC16F1xxx). (3) The LF variant is specified down to 2.0 V but Flash programming requires VDD >= 4.5 V for safe write cycles - design ICSP routines that verify VDD before issuing bulk erase.
The PIC16LF73-I/SP's PORTB pins have interrupt-on-change capability but limited slew rate; for I²C-bus designs above 100 kHz add external 4.7 kΩ pull-ups and consider the bus capacitance budget. When using the MSSP as SPI master at 5 MHz, keep traces shorter than 50 mm to avoid ringing on SDO/SDI; series 33 Ω resistors can dampen reflections on long runs. For ADC accuracy, the analog VREF+ pin (pin 3, AN3) should be bypassed with 100 nF + 10 µF - sharing VREF with digital VDD degrades ADC accuracy by 1-2 LSB.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status confirmed via DigiKey product page (442410). The PIC16LF73-I/SP is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F73-E/SP (extended temperature grade) or a Q1-suffix part for automotive OEM designs. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated by the manufacturer; treated as unknown per data policy.
