PIC16LF737-I/ML - 8-Bit 10MHz MCU 7KB Flash 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF737-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.86 | $4.86 |
| 10 | $4.37 | $43.70 |
| 100 | $3.79 | $379.00 |
| 500 | $3.31 | $1,655.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC16LF737-I/ML Overview
A PIC16 microcontroller is an 8-bit RISC architecture MCU based on a Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, designed by Microchip for embedded control. PIC MCUs occupy the entry-level 8-bit segment of the broader microcontroller hierarchy, which also includes 16-bit dsPIC and 32-bit ARM Cortex-M families. The PIC16F7x7 sub-family adds enhanced peripherals such as a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter, three timers, three Capture/Compare/PWM modules, an Enhanced USART, and a Master Synchronous Serial Port for SPI/I2C, targeting mixed-signal sensing and motor/lighting control.
Key features include 11 channels of 10-bit ADC, internal oscillator calibration, nanoWatt Technology power management, ICSP in-circuit serial programming, and a wide operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. The 28-QFN package with exposed pad provides low thermal resistance (theta_JA around 24 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test board) and a compact 6x6 mm footprint for space-constrained designs.
The PIC16LF737 uses a RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions, allowing most operations to execute in a single instruction cycle. The 'LF' voltage range designation (2.0V-5.5V) makes it compatible with battery-powered applications where the standard 'F' variant (4.5V-5.5V) is not suitable, while still offering the same peripheral set and pinout as the PIC16F737 for design flexibility.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, low-power remote sensing nodes, LED lighting controllers, small motor control, battery chargers, and consumer appliances. The combination of multiple PWM channels, ADC channels, and serial interfaces allows a single chip to handle both analog sensing and digital actuator drive tasks.
When designing with this device, allocate PCB copper area under the exposed pad to the ground plane to maximize thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. For nanoWatt power savings, use the SLEEP and IDLE modes together with peripheral disable registers to reduce quiescent current to single-digit microamps in standby applications.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing across DigiKey, Mouser, LCSC, and Octopart, plus drop-in 28-QFN alternatives and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers accelerate part selection and BOM risk reduction.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF737-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 PIC16LF737-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F737-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF737T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF727-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF722-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF707-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF737-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 20 MHz (10 MHz internal) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 11 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM Modules | 3 ECCP |
| Serial Interfaces | EUSART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6 x 6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes |
PIC16LF737-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear / ICSP programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / ADC input 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / ADC input 5 / SPI Slave Select / High-Low Voltage Detect input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal input / external clock input / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal output / clock output / PORTA bit 6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / ECCP2 output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / ECCP1 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / EUSART TX / EUSART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / EUSART RX / EUSART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (second pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/AN12/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / ADC input 12 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 22 | RB1/AN10/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / ADC input 10 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2/AN8/CCP2 — PORTB bit 2 / ADC input 8 / ECCP2 output |
| Pin 24 | RB3/AN9/CCP2 — PORTB bit 3 / ADC input 9 / ECCP2 output |
| Pin 25 | RB4/AN11 — PORTB bit 4 / ADC input 11 |
| Pin 26 | RB5/AN13 — PORTB bit 5 / ADC input 13 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 29 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF737-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered Remote Sensing Nodes, LED Lighting Controllers, Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper), Smart Battery Chargers, Consumer Appliance Control.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LF737-I/ML's 11-channel 10-bit ADC and 368 bytes of RAM make it well suited for multi-channel industrial sensor signal conditioning in PLC analog input modules and 4-20 mA loop transmitters. Operating from 2.0V-5.5V lets the MCU share the same rail as modern 3.3V op-amps such as the MCP6N11 instrumentation amplifier, while the three ECCP modules handle proportional valve or heater PWM. With 7KB Flash it accommodates calibration constants, linearization lookup tables, and Modbus RTU slave firmware. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) exposed pad keeps junction temperature low in sealed IP67 enclosures where convective cooling is limited.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensing Nodes
The PIC16LF737-I/ML's 2.0V minimum supply and nanoWatt technology allow direct operation from two AA alkaline cells down to a 3.3V coin cell, while SLEEP current under 1 uA typical supports multi-year battery life in remote sensor nodes such as wireless temperature loggers and leak detectors. The internal 10 MHz oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and quiescent draw. Its 25 GPIO bits can directly interface SPI sensors like the MCP9808 temperature sensor or I2C humidity sensors, while the EUSART handles RS-485 or Bluetooth HCI bridging. The 28-QFN package occupies only 36 mm^2, ideal for coin-cell-sized enclosures.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF737-I/ML's three Enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM (ECCP) modules can independently drive RGB LED channels at up to 20 kHz PWM frequency, while the 11-channel ADC reads ambient light sensors and current-shunt amplifiers for closed-loop luminous flux regulation. With 7KB Flash, designers can embed dimming curves, color-mixing algorithms, and DMX512 slave logic. Operating from 2.0V-5.5V lets a single MCU run from a buck-boost supply at the LED forward voltage. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) footprint fits inside MR16 and PAR30 spotlight form factors.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (BLDC / Stepper)
The PIC16LF737-I/ML's three ECCP modules plus complementary PWMs and 10-bit ADC make it a cost-effective controller for small brushless DC or stepper motor drives under 50 W, such as PC cooling fans, appliance pumps, and small actuators. The ADC samples back-EMF or current-sense amplifiers for sensorless commutation, while the MSSP SPI port drives intelligent gate drivers like the MCP8024. The 20 MHz core executes 10 MIPS, sufficient for 6-step trapezoidal commutation at speeds above 10,000 RPM. Industrial -40C to +85C rating handles automotive underhood and white-goods environments.
Recommended
Smart Battery Chargers
The PIC16LF737-I/ML's 11-channel 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage, charge current, and cell temperature simultaneously, while three PWM channels drive a synchronous buck charger via the MCP1631 control IC. The 7KB Flash accommodates CC-CV (Constant Current / Constant Voltage) state machines, JEITA temperature compensation tables, and SMBus charger protocols. Operating from 2.0V-5.5V supports 1S Li-Ion and 2S LiFePO4 packs directly. The 28-QFN package fits inside the slim housing of USB-C PD power banks and cordless tool battery packs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF737-I/ML is widely deployed in cost-sensitive consumer appliances such as coffee machines, rice cookers, air purifiers, and air-conditioner remote controls, where its 25 GPIO bits directly drive keypads, 7-segment LEDs, and triac-fired heater or compressor relays. With 368 bytes of RAM and 7KB Flash it accommodates user-interface state machines, PID control loops, and EEPROM-backed user settings. The industrial -40C to +85C rating survives steam and freezer compartments, while the 28-QFN (6x6 mm) fits behind the appliance's display panel. Migration to PIC16LF18855 or PIC16LF18876 is supported via Microchip's 28-pin compatibility chart.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF737-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F737-I/ML | PIC16LF727-I/ML | PIC16LF722-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 3.5 KB |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Maximum Frequency | 20 MHz (10 MHz internal) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 13 x 10-bit | 9 x 10-bit |
| ECCP Modules | 3 | 3 | 3 + 1 auxiliary | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.0V minimum supply for battery applications (vs PIC16F737-I/ML)
- Doubles Flash vs PIC16LF722 family at same pinout (vs PIC16LF722-I/ML)
- 11-channel ADC vs 9-13 channels on alternatives (vs PIC16LF722-I/ML)
- Three full ECCP modules for motor/PWM control (vs PIC16LF722-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN package relies on the exposed pad (EP) as the primary thermal path. Solder the EP to a ground copper pour of at least 100 mm^2 on the top layer with thermal vias to the inner ground plane. Estimated: with EP soldered to a JEDEC 4-layer 2s2p board, theta_JA is approximately 24 C/W; on a single-layer board it may rise above 60 C/W, pushing junction temperature near the 125C limit at 85C ambient plus 50 mA I/O load.
Use the nanoWatt features to drop standby current below 1 uA: disable unused peripherals via the CMCON, CVRCON, ADC, and MSSP control registers, switch the CPU to the 31 kHz LF-INTOSC via the OSCCON register, and assert SLEEP via the SLP instruction. Estimated: with all peripherals off and Timer1 disabled, VDD = 3.0V, the typical SLEEP current is 0.6 uA - enough for a CR2032 cell to last 10+ years in a 1 sample/hour remote sensor.
Decouple VDD (pin 20) with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of the pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor on the same net. Connect VSS pins (8 and 19) and the exposed pad to a single uninterrupted ground plane; do not split analog and digital grounds. Place the ICSP test points (MCLR/VPP, RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) on the board edge for production programming.
The MCLR pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD if not driven externally; floating MCLR causes intermittent resets. The RA4 pin is an open-drain output and needs an external pull-up when used as a digital output. The ADC reference voltage VREF+/VREF- on RA3/RA2 must be configured by clearing the VCFG bit in ADCON1 to AVSS/AVDD when external references are not provided, otherwise the ADC will read incorrect full-scale values.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page (microchip.com/en-us/product/PIC16F737). Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. MSL Level 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use PIC16LF737 automotive variants for automotive applications.
