PIC16LF737T-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 10MHz, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF737T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.72 | $37.20 |
| 100 | $3.3 | $330.00 |
| 500 | $2.92 | $1,460.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16LF737T-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and configurable peripherals on one die, intended for embedded control tasks. The PIC16LF737 belongs to the mid-range PIC® family hierarchy: PIC16F -> 8-bit RISC MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The 'LF' prefix denotes the low-voltage (2.0-5.5 V) operating range optimized for battery-powered designs, while the 'F' family uses FLASH-based program memory for in-circuit reprogrammability.
Key specifications include 200 ns instruction execution, hardware USART for asynchronous serial communication, an 11-channel 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter for sensor interfacing, a master synchronous serial port for SPI or I²C peripherals, and an internal brown-out reset plus power-on reset for robust startup. Up to 25 I/O pins support digital input/output, with most pins remappable to alternate peripheral functions through the PPS-less legacy configuration registers.
The PIC16LF737 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access that boosts throughput versus von Neumann designs. Its 35-word instruction set, 8-level hardware stack, and 14-bit instruction word length simplify code generation while sustaining deterministic interrupt latency — a hallmark of PIC mid-range devices.
Typical applications include industrial sensor conditioning, battery-powered instrumentation, low-cost motor control loops, LED driver controllers, and white-goods appliance boards. The wide 2.0-5.5 V supply tolerance allows direct connection to 3.3 V or 5 V rails without external level translation.
When designing with the PIC16LF737, ensure the on-chip brown-out reset voltage is configured below the minimum regulated rail, and reserve two I/O for ICSP programming (PGC/PGD) so the device can be re-flashed in-circuit during prototyping or field updates.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF737T-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 PIC16LF737T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC16LF737T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB FLASH (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| Instruction Word | 14-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Execution | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 11-channel, 10-bit |
| Timers | 3 |
| Capture/Compare/PWM Modules | 3 |
| Communication | AUSART + SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF737T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 26 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 27 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 28 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF737T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Low-Cost Motor Control Loops, LED Lighting Controllers, White-Goods Appliance Boards, Automotive Body Electronics.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16LF737T-I/ML is well-matched to industrial sensor-conditioning front-ends where 11 channels of 10-bit ADC simultaneously digitize temperature, pressure, and flow signals. Its 2.0-5.5 V operating range accommodates 24V-bus-derived 5V or 3.3V rails via a downstream LDO. The 10 MHz CPU executes 200 ns instructions, sufficient for moving-average filters and linearization routines on multi-sensor inputs. The integrated AUSART enables MODBUS RTU transmission to a PLC, while the 25 I/O pins drive indicator LEDs, alarm relays, and digital isolators. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation ensures reliability in factory cabinets where ambient swings are common.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The LF prefix in PIC16LF737T-I/ML marks it for low-voltage operation down to 2.0 V, making it ideal for two-cell alkaline or single lithium coin-cell powered instruments like handheld multimeters, portable gas detectors, and field data loggers. SLEEP current drops to microampere levels, extending battery life for months. The 7 KB FLASH holds application firmware plus calibration tables for measurement accuracy. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage, sensor inputs, and user controls without external multiplexers. ICSP programming via PGC/PGD allows firmware updates in the field without opening the enclosure, critical for sealed medical or metering devices.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Control Loops
The PIC16LF737T-I/ML supports closed-loop PID motor control for small DC fans, blowers, and pumps using its three Capture/Compare/PWM modules to generate complementary PWM drive signals. The 10 MIPS throughput at 10 MHz executes the control loop at 1-10 kHz, fast enough for brushless DC and stepper motor commutation. Quadrature encoder inputs on PORTB enable position feedback, while the AUSART transmits telemetry to a host controller. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) footprint fits compact motor-driver PCBAs used in appliances and HVAC equipment. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against stalls in unattended installations.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
Architectural and signage LED controllers leverage the PIC16LF737T-I/ML to generate multi-channel PWM dimming and color-mixing sequences. Each of the three CCP modules produces an independent PWM output, and additional channels are software-bit-banged on PORTB and PORTC pins. The 10-bit ADC reads ambient light sensors and potentiometers for closed-loop brightness control. SPI/I2C ports drive WS2812-style addressable LED strips or external LED driver ICs. The 2.0-5.5 V supply range allows direct 3.3 V operation, eliminating level shifters. The 7 KB FLASH stores dimming curves, fade tables, and DMX-512 parsing logic for stage lighting applications.
Recommended
White-Goods Appliance Boards
Washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators employ PIC16LF737T-I/ML as the main user-interface controller, scanning keypad matrices, driving 7-segment or LCD displays, and coordinating with a host motor controller via AUSART. The 25 I/O pins support 4x4 keypads, multiple LEDs, buzzer outputs, and rotary encoder inputs. Hardware SSP implements I2C for temperature sensors and EEPROM parameter storage. The wide 2.0-5.5 V supply tolerance survives brown-out events on poorly regulated appliance rails, and the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles under-cabinet and garage installations. FLASH in-circuit programming enables factory calibration and field firmware updates.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, PIC16LF737T-I/ML is widely used in non-safety automotive body modules like interior lighting, mirror controllers, seat adjusters, and aftermarket accessories where industrial-grade temperature ranges are sufficient. Its 25 I/O pins drive multiple LED banks, switch inputs, and LIN-bus transceivers. The 11-channel 10-bit ADC reads switch positions, potentiometers, and current-sense amplifiers for fault detection. PWM modules generate soft-start profiles for motors and dimming ramps for cabin lighting. The robust PIC mid-range architecture and -40C to +85C rating handle under-dash thermal environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF737T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F737T-I/ML | PIC16LF737-I/ML | PIC16LF727-I/MV | PIC16LF723A-I/ML | PIC16LF722A-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-UQFN (6x6) - same family | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB FLASH | 7 KB FLASH | 7 KB FLASH | 8 KB FLASH (+14%) | 7 KB FLASH | 3.5 KB FLASH (-50%) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes (-65%) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 10 MHz | 20 MHz (+100%) | 10 MHz | 20 MHz (+100%) | 20 MHz (+100%) | 20 MHz (+100%) |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 21 (-16%) | 25 | 25 |
| ADC Channels | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit | 11 x 10-bit |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 (-33%) |
Key Differentiators
- Lower voltage operation than F-variant (vs PIC16F737T-I/ML)
- Industrial temperature range with low-voltage focus (vs PIC16LF727-I/MV)
- Lower cost with smaller memory option (vs PIC16LF723A-I/ML)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF737T-I/ML requires a stable VDD between 2.0 V and 5.5 V with a decoupling network of one 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor on the same rail. The exposed thermal pad on the 28-QFN package is internally bonded to VSS and must be soldered to a ground copper pour for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation, especially at high clock rates or elevated ambient temperatures.
Reserved pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD are required for ICSP programming; do not allocate them to application circuitry that cannot tolerate brief high-impedance states during programming. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR/VPP to ensure proper reset behavior, and route the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric with a grounded guard ring to minimize EMI coupling into nearby analog inputs. If using a crystal oscillator, add 22 pF load capacitors on each leg matched within 5% tolerance.
When migrating from PIC16LF737 to PIC16F737 (the higher-clock variant), firmware compiled at 10 MHz timing assumptions may behave incorrectly because instruction timing scales with Fosc. Verify that delay loops, baud-rate generators (SPBRG), and ADC acquisition times are recalculated for the 20 MHz clock. Additionally, the PIC16LF737T-I/ML datasheet document 30414J2 specifies brown-out reset trip points that must be configured for the minimum regulated VDD to avoid spurious resets on slowly rising power rails.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C. Not AEC-Q100 qualified — for AEC-Q100 automotive applications select PIC16F767/777 family or PIC18F equivalents.
