PIC16LF73T-I/ML - 8-bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF73T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.95 | $4.95 |
| 10 | $4.46 | $44.60 |
| 100 | $3.96 | $396.00 |
| 500 | $3.56 | $1,780.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.17 | $3,170.00 |
PIC16LF73T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, an ALU, on-board program memory (FLASH/ROM), data memory (RAM), and a set of peripheral blocks (timers, ADC, communication ports). The PIC16 family uses a RISC instruction set with a fixed instruction width (14-bit opcode here), which simplifies decoding and enables deterministic interrupt latency. Within the broader hierarchy, a PIC MCU sits under: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The 'LF' suffix indicates an extended low-voltage core, supporting operation from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, and the 'T' in the order code denotes the Tape & Reel shipping form.
Key features include a 5-channel 8-bit ADC with additional 8-bit timer resources, two capture/compare/PWM modules, a USART for asynchronous serial, an MSSP for SPI/I2C, and 22 I/O pins to interface with sensors, switches, displays, and actuators. The FLASH program memory is in-circuit programmable, supporting field firmware updates. The instruction cycle is 200 ns at 20 MHz (one instruction per four oscillator cycles), and the device includes standard power-saving and watchdog timer blocks.
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML is built on Microchip's mature PIC16 enhanced mid-range architecture, which adds interrupt context saving and a deeper hardware stack relative to the baseline PIC16C5X series. The 28-QFN package provides a compact footprint and a low thermal-resistance path through the exposed pad (EP), making it suitable for space-constrained designs that still need efficient heat dissipation when the ADC and I/O are heavily loaded.
Typical applications include low-power industrial sensor interfaces, battery-powered handheld instruments, automotive body and convenience modules (where the LF core's wide voltage range helps), appliance control boards, and consumer white-goods user-interface controllers. The integrated USART and MSSP make it a practical host for sensor, EEPROM, and display peripherals.
When designing with this part, place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor on VDD as close to the pin as possible, and use the exposed pad as the main thermal/ground return on a multi-layer board with adequate copper pours. In-circuit serial programming (ICSP) requires careful trace routing to keep MCLR/VPP and RB6/RB7 away from switching nodes to avoid programming glitches.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing (DigiKey, Mouser), verified drop-in same-package alternatives from the PIC16F73 family, and practical PCB/programming notes that complement the Microchip datasheet for engineers selecting an 8-bit MCU.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF73T-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 PIC16LF73T-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF73-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF737T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF72T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF723T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF723A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1938T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.73 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF1902-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF73T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels, 8-bit |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture / Compare / PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | USART + MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Supply Voltage (LF core) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial 'I') |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6 x 6 mm) with Exposed Pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Shipping Form | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16LF73T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / ICSP programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock in |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (PWM 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 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF73T-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, Industrial Control and Appliance Board, Automotive Body and Convenience Module, Consumer User Interface Controller, Low-Cost Measurement Instrument, Educational and Hobby Electronics.
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML fits battery-powered sensor-interface designs because its 'LF' core operates down to 2.5 V, allowing 2x AA cells to keep the MCU running until their ~2.7 V cutoff. Its 5-channel 8-bit ADC is sized for threshold detection on temperature, light, and contact sensors, while the 7 KB FLASH stores calibration tables and protocol stacks. The 192-byte SRAM is sufficient for small FIFO buffers over SPI or I2C. At 20 MHz and 3.3 V, the LF core typically draws single-digit mA, which is a strong fit for sleep-mode-dominated duty cycles. The QFN-28 package keeps the total PCB small enough for hand-held instruments.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Appliance Board
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML is widely used on industrial and appliance control boards where the LF voltage range tolerates noisy 24 V-to-5 V rails and brown-out events. Its 22 digital I/O drive keys, relays, LEDs, and 7-segment displays directly, and the 2 CCP modules produce PWM for motor and valve control. The PIC16 RISC core provides deterministic interrupt latency, which is essential for line-frequency zero-crossing detection in TRIAC-based appliance designs. The exposed pad on the 28-QFN gives a low thermal path, important when outputs are sourcing high current into solenoids.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Convenience Module
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML is a practical fit for automotive body and convenience modules (window lift, mirror control, interior lighting) that run off 12 V rails regulated to 5 V. The wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range tolerates cranking transients and load-dump recovery. The PIC16 architecture's 35 single-word instructions simplify coding for fast event-driven loops over the CAN/LIN gateway. The 22 I/O are sufficient for switches, LEDs, and H-bridge enable signals. Note that AEC-Q100 grade is not explicitly claimed on the LF73 family page; for safety-critical modules, choose a Q-graded PIC16 variant.
Recommended
Consumer User Interface Controller
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML drives consumer user-interface controllers for white goods, audio panels, and small appliances because its 22 I/O can scan keypads and drive LED or LCD readouts simultaneously. The integrated MSSP block runs SPI/I2C slaves for LED drivers and EEPROM, and the USART connects to a host MCU or Bluetooth module. The 7 KB FLASH fits menu state machines and button-debounce logic with room to spare. The exposed-pad QFN-28 helps the part survive the warm interior of an appliance when driving LEDs and relay coils.
Recommended
Low-Cost Measurement Instrument
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML anchors low-cost bench and field measurement instruments (multimeters, light meters, simple data loggers) where its 5-channel 8-bit ADC, 22 I/O, and 7 KB FLASH are sufficient. The PIC16 architecture's deterministic timing supports 1-second sampling intervals using Timer1 with a 32.768 kHz crystal. The 192-byte RAM provides a small rolling buffer for the host to offload via USART. The exposed-pad QFN keeps the BOM footprint compact, and the LF voltage range lets the instrument run from 3 V button cells or USB-derived 5 V without re-design.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML is well suited for educational and hobby projects where its 35-instruction PIC16 RISC architecture offers a gentle learning curve, and the 28-QFN is small but still hand-solderable with the exposed pad. The 7 KB FLASH and 192 B RAM cover typical class projects (LED chasers, PWM motor control, I2C peripherals). ICSP reveals that PICkit programmers connect through MCLR, RB6, and RB7, which are easy to bring out on a development board. The LF voltage range lets students run the same board from 2x AA cells or a 5 V USB supply.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF73T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F73T-I/ML | PIC16LF73-I/ML | PIC16LF737T-I/ML | PIC16LF72T-I/ML | PIC16LF723T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) with EP | 28-QFN (6x6) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6) with EP - same | 28-QFN (6x6) with EP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core / Supply Voltage | LF core, 2.5-5.5 V | F core, 4.0-5.5 V | LF core, 2.5-5.5 V | LF core, 2.5-5.5 V | LF core, 2.5-5.5 V | LF core, 2.5-5.5 V |
| FLASH Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB (-50%) | 7 KB |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 256 bytes (+33%) | 128 bytes (-33%) | 192 bytes |
| Digital I/O | 22 | 22 | 22 | 25 | 22 | 11 (-50%) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -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
- Wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range (LF core) (vs PIC16F73T-I/ML)
- Higher ADC resolution available in same footprint (vs PIC16LF737T-I/ML)
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade (vs PIC16LF723T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor on VDD (pin 20) as close to the package as possible, and bond the exposed pad (EP) directly to the ground plane with multiple thermal vias for a low-impedance return. The LF core operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V; ensure the bulk supply (LDO or DC-DC post-filter) stays above 2.5 V under full load, including the brown-out threshold for the PIC16 BOR module.
Route ICSP signals (MCLR/VPP, PGC/RB6, PGD/RB7) away from switching nodes and high-current traces. Add a 10 kΩ pull-up on MCLR to VDD to keep the device out of reset during noisy power-up, and place a small signal diode or TVS on MCLR if the board is exposed to ESD during in-field firmware updates. The 28-QFN has a center EP that must be soldered; missing solder joints here cause thermal and electrical issues.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 7.0 V; the LF core is robust only within 2.5 V to 5.5 V. Configure unused I/O as outputs and drive them low (not high-impedance inputs) to minimize supply current. The ADC's VREF+ and VREF- pins must be tied or left grounded per the datasheet to avoid floating-reference noise. When migrating from PIC16F73 to PIC16LF73, verify that any 4.0-5.5 V-only peripherals on your board still operate at 2.5 V.
The PIC16LF73T-I/ML's 20 MHz oscillator and 5-channel ADC are sensitive to noisy digital traces routed adjacent to VREF+ or analog inputs. Keep analog traces short, surround them with a ground pour, and add an RC filter on each analog input if the source is high-impedance. The MSSP's I2C lines need 4.7 kΩ to 10 kΩ pull-ups to VDD (4.7 kΩ for 400 kHz Fast Mode). Use Timer1 with a 32.768 kHz crystal for RTC and low-power sleep cycles.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance is consistent with distributor listings for /ML QFN packages. AEC-Q100 grade is not explicitly claimed on the standard PIC16LF73 family; select a Q-graded variant for automotive safety-critical applications.
