PIC16LF737T-I/SO - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 25 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF737T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.1 | $7.10 |
| 10 | $6.32 | $63.20 |
| 100 | $5.51 | $551.00 |
| 500 | $4.92 | $2,460.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.4 | $4,400.00 |
PIC16LF737T-I/SO Overview
What is a PIC16 microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, RAM, peripherals (timers, ADC, communication ports) and I/O on one die. The PIC16 family from Microchip is built on a RISC Harvard-architecture CPU that executes one instruction per 200ns instruction cycle (5 MIPS at 20MHz), sits inside the broader hierarchy 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor, and is widely used for cost-sensitive real-time control tasks.
Key features of this part include 7KB self-programmable Flash, 368 bytes data RAM, an integrated 11-channel 10-bit ADC, three timers, three Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), and NanoWatt Technology power management for low-power battery designs. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and in-circuit debugging.
Architecturally the PIC16LF737T-I/SO uses a 14-bit wide instruction word with a 8-bit data path, and NanoWatt power features that include multiple low-power Sleep modes, an ultra-low-power watchdog timer, and an internal 31kHz oscillator for Sleep operation. The 'LF' prefix denotes an extended-voltage variant that operates down to 2.0V, distinguishing it from the standard PIC16F737 which is specified for 4.0V to 5.5V only.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, low-power remote controls, consumer white goods, HVAC fan controllers, small motor control, battery chargers, and general-purpose embedded control. Designers often choose this MCU when migrating from PIC16F737 designs that need to run from a single Li-ion cell (2.5V-4.2V) or two AA cells (2.0V-3.2V).
A key design consideration is to honor the 10MHz maximum at 2.0V; the part can run 20MHz only when VDD is above 4.0V. Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the pin, and connect the MCLR pin through a 10k pull-up and a 100nF to ground to enable ICSP. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package variants, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF737T-I/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF737-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.64 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF737T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF737T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F737-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F737-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF767T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.26 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF737T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 14-bit wide, 35 instructions |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 10 MHz at 2.0 V; 20 MHz at 4.0 V |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 25 |
| ADC | 11 channels, 10-bit |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| CCP Modules | 3 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication | USART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I grade) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295" / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming/Debug | ICSP via PGD/PGC; ICD via MCLR/PGD/PGC |
| Low-Power Features | NanoWatt Technology; multiple Sleep modes; internal 31 kHz LP oscillator |
PIC16LF737T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SSP slave select / HLVD input |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — PORTA bit 6 / Crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — PORTA bit 7 / Crystal input / Clock input |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0/INT0 — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 11 | RB1/INT1 — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt 1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2/INT2 — PORTB bit 2 / External interrupt 2 |
| Pin 13 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming input |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 / Interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 / Interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock / ICSP clock |
| Pin 17 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICD data / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference (optional, tied to pin 9) |
| Pin 19 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock in |
| Pin 20 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 21 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 22 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / MSSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / MSSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / MSSP SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART synchronous clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART synchronous data |
| Pin 27 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 28 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF737T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Board, Battery-Powered Remote Control, White Goods and HVAC Fan Controller, Small Brushless DC Motor Driver, Battery Charger Controller, General Embedded Control / Hobby Robotics.
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16LF737T-I/SO's 11-channel 10-bit ADC and 25 digital I/O pins make it ideal for multi-sensor industrial interface boards. With VDD down to 2.0V the MCU can be powered from a single Li-ion cell while still running the ADC and USART; the in-circuit debug port enables on-board firmware updates on installed equipment.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control
The PIC16LF737T-I/SO's 2.0V minimum VDD and NanoWatt Sleep modes (sub-1uA standby) are well matched to handheld remote controls powered by 2x AA cells. The 10MHz speed at low VDD handles RF encoder firmware without external boost circuitry, and the three CCP modules drive status LEDs and IR/PWM outputs directly.
Recommended
White Goods and HVAC Fan Controller
The PIC16LF737T-I/SO is widely used in consumer white goods and HVAC fan controllers thanks to its integrated 10-bit ADC for closed-loop tachometer feedback and three CCP modules for triac-controlled multi-speed fan drive. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers both indoor appliance and outdoor condensing-unit installations.
Recommended
Small Brushless DC Motor Driver
The PIC16LF737T-I/SO's three CCP channels and 10-bit ADC suit 1-shunt or 3-shunt BLDC sensorless drive up to 48V with back-EMF sensing on ADC channels. Operating from 2.0V-5.5V lets the MCU stay powered directly from a 3.3V LDO; PWM frequencies up to the device's CCP limit support 20kHz switching for silent motor operation.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The PIC16LF737T-I/SO's 11-channel 10-bit ADC, USART and 25 I/O pins cover the monitoring, voltage/current sense and control loops for multi-chemistry battery chargers. Operating from 2.0V-5.5V directly on a single Li-ion cell with charge-state I/O enables simple charger design without additional boost rails.
Recommended
General Embedded Control / Hobby Robotics
The PIC16LF737T-I/SO is a popular choice for general embedded control and hobby robotics because it offers 7KB Flash, 25 I/O and three CCP modules in a 28-SOIC that is easy to breadboard or hand-solder. ICSP via PGD/PGC/MCLR allows fast firmware iteration, and NanoWatt Sleep extends battery life on wireless sensor nodes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF737T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF737-I/SO | PIC16LF737T-I/SS | PIC16LF737T-I/ML | PIC16F737-I/SO | PIC16LF767T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SSOP - same footprint family | 28-QFN - same family, smaller | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash (2x) |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 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 | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Speed | 10 MHz at 2.0 V / 20 MHz at 4.0 V | 10 MHz at 2.0 V / 20 MHz at 4.0 V | 10 MHz at 2.0 V / 20 MHz at 4.0 V | 10 MHz at 2.0 V / 20 MHz at 4.0 V | 20 MHz at 4.0 V | 10 MHz at 2.0 V / 20 MHz at 4.0 V |
| ADC Channels | 11 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit | 11 channels, 10-bit | 8 channels, 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Lower minimum supply voltage for battery operation (vs PIC16F737-I/SO)
- More ADC channels in same package (vs PIC16LF767T-I/SO)
- 28-SOIC standard footprint with industrial temperature grade (vs PIC16LF737T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and tie all VSS pins (9, 18) directly to the ground plane. For battery-powered designs, take advantage of the NanoWatt Sleep modes (sub-1 uA) by configuring peripherals before Sleep and waking only on a timer or interrupt to extend battery life by an order of magnitude versus active-mode current.
Reserve RB6 (PGC) and RB7 (PGD) for ICSP/ICD; the Microchip datasheet warns that these pins cannot be used as general-purpose I/O when the debugger is active, so do not route critical signals there in prototype boards. Add a 10 kohm pull-up to MCLR (pin 1) and a 100 nF cap to ground on MCLR to enable ICSP and prevent spurious resets.
When using the 11-channel 10-bit ADC, isolate analog traces (AN0-AN4 and the VREF+ pins on RA3) from digital switching traces and add a small RC filter on analog inputs. Use a single ground star point for analog and digital returns near the MCU VSS pins to minimise ADC noise; for sub-LSB accuracy on 10-bit ADC, place a 10 uF bulk + 100 nF decoupling pair on VDD close to the MCU.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C (I suffix). AEC-Q100 not applicable - choose a Q1 / -VAO variant if automotive qualification is required.