PIC16LF872-I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF872-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.8 | $4.80 |
| 10 | $4.32 | $43.20 |
| 100 | $3.85 | $385.00 |
| 500 | $3.46 | $1,730.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.07 | $3,070.00 |
PIC16LF872-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals on one IC. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, the PIC16LF872 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller sub-category of microcontrollers, which in turn falls under the broader category of microcontrollers and processors. MCUs are the 'brain' of embedded systems, executing firmware to sense, compute, and actuate in real time. The PIC architecture uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access for fast, deterministic execution.
Key features include five channels of 10-bit analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), 22 digital I/O pins, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface, self-programming support, and a USART for serial communication. The 28-SOIC package with 7.50mm body width uses a 1.27mm pin pitch and is suited to hand-soldered prototypes as well as reflow production. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range lets the same firmware run from 2xAA cells, a single Li-ion cell, or a regulated 5V rail.
Typical applications include consumer appliance controllers, sensor signal conditioning, low-speed data acquisition, educational/development platforms, and battery-powered instrumentation. The ADC channels and 22 I/O lines are sufficient for mixed-signal front-ends where several sensors feed a host processor. The integrated EEPROM simplifies non-volatile parameter storage without an external memory chip.
A common design consideration is the analog reference voltage for the ADC; the PIC16LF872 supports both VDD and an external VREF+, so designers should place a low-impedance bypass capacitor on the reference pin when ADC accuracy matters. The 28-SOIC package is footprint-compatible with the rest of the 28-pin PIC16 family, easing migration to pin-compatible upgrades such as the PIC16F882 or PIC16F872.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, 28-SOIC drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement, but do not replace, the Microchip datasheet. Specifications below were extracted from the Microchip PIC16LF872 datasheet and cross-checked against current distributor listings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF872-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 PIC16LF872-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F872-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F882-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF872T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF872-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 64 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 10-bit |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | USART |
| Timers | 3 (TMR0, TMR1, TMR2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module |
| In-Circuit Debug | ICD supported |
| Self-Programming | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Yes / Compliant |
PIC16LF872-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / TMR0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO — PORTC bit 0 / TMR1 oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI — PORTC bit 1 / TMR1 oscillator input |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF872-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Educational Microcontroller Trainer, Low-Speed Data Acquisition Front End, Industrial Control Module Replacement, Automotive Aftermarket Accessory, Hobby Robotics and Motor Control.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LF872-I/SO is well suited to consumer appliance control because of its 22 I/O lines, 5x10-bit ADC, and 2.0V-5.5V supply range. Twenty-two I/O is enough to drive a 4x4 keypad, a 7-segment or character LCD, several relays via transistors, and a buzzer, while the five ADC channels read temperature (NTC), humidity, current (shunt), and two potentiometers for user setpoints. The 3.5 KB Flash holds a complete washing-machine or microwave state-machine in firmware, and the 64-byte EEPROM stores last-cycle parameters across power loss without an external memory chip. The 28-SOIC package is hand-solderable for low-volume SKUs and reflow-compatible for high-volume SMT lines.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF872-I/SO is ideal for battery-powered sensor nodes because the 'LF' 2.0V-5.5V process lets the MCU run directly from two AA cells or a single Li-ion cell without a boost converter. The 128-byte RAM and 5x10-bit ADC are sufficient to sample a thermistor, photodiode, or PIR motion sensor and average the readings in firmware before transmitting via the USART. Using SLEEP mode with watchdog-timer wake, average current drops below 10 microamps, yielding multi-year battery life on a 2xAA pack. The 28-SOIC package sits on compact sensor PCBs alongside a 2.4 GHz radio module (such as nRF24L01) connected through the SPI/USART pins.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer
The PIC16LF872-I/SO is widely used in university and vocational courses because the 35-instruction PIC16 mid-range instruction set is small enough to teach in one semester, yet capable enough to build real projects. The on-chip ICD (In-Circuit Debug) interface lets students single-step firmware on the actual target board with a PICkit 3 or PICkit 4 programmer, eliminating the gap between simulation and hardware. Twenty-two I/O plus 5 ADC channels give enough headroom for term projects such as line-following robots, digital thermometers, and motor-PWM demonstrations. The 28-SOIC package is robust against student handling and matches the DIP footprint's pinout via an SOIC-to-DIP adapter.
Recommended
Low-Speed Data Acquisition Front End
The PIC16LF872-I/SO is a practical choice for low-speed data acquisition because its 5x10-bit ADC covers a 0-to-VDD input range and can run up to ~50 ksps. Five channels is enough for multi-sensor front ends (temperature, pressure, flow, current, and voltage) in HVAC, agriculture, or industrial monitoring. The on-chip 64-byte EEPROM logs the last several seconds of readings during a power-loss event, while the USART streams live data to a host PC or PLC. The 2.0V-5.5V supply rail means the same PCB can run from a 24V industrial bus (with a step-down regulator) or from a 3.3V logic rail.
Recommended
Industrial Control Module Replacement
The PIC16LF872-I/SO is used as a direct replacement for legacy PIC16C7x and PIC16C5x designs because the PIC16 mid-range core is upwards source-compatible. The 28-SOIC package matches the 28-pin SPDIP footprint via a 1:1 SOIC-to-DIP adapter, so existing I/O expansion boards and field-wiring layouts carry over unchanged. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range and 20 MHz speed comfortably handle debouncing, optocoupler-isolated inputs, and PWM outputs for proportional valves. The on-chip ICD and self-programming support enable in-field firmware updates through the USART, eliminating the need to pull modules back to a service center.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessory
The PIC16LF872-I/SO is a cost-effective controller for automotive aftermarket accessories such as alarm modules, auxiliary lighting controllers, and gauge clusters that do not require AEC-Q100 qualification. The 22 I/O lines interface directly to 12V automotive signals through resistor dividers and to low-side MOSFET drivers, while the 5x10-bit ADC reads battery voltage, illumination, and analog sensors. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range survives engine cranking drops, and the 28-SOIC package fits compact enclosures behind dashboards. For OEM-tier designs requiring AEC-Q100, Microchip offers the PIC16F882-E/SO qualified variant.
Recommended
Hobby Robotics and Motor Control
The PIC16LF872-I/SO is a strong fit for hobby robotics because the on-chip CCP module generates PWM for a DC motor or hobby servo while the timers capture encoder feedback for closed-loop speed control. Twenty-two I/O is enough for two motor drivers, several IR reflectance sensors on the ADC, and a serial debug port. The 2.0V-5.5V supply range matches the 2S Li-ion packs common in small robots. The 28-SOIC package plus breakout board is hand-solderable, and the PICkit programmer is widely available in the maker community, making the LF872 a low-cost entry point for motion-control learning.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF872-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F872-I/SO | PIC16F882-I/SO | PIC16LF873A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB | 3.5 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B | 192 B |
| EEPROM | 64 B | 64 B | 256 B | 128 B |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 24 | 22 |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 7 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest supply voltage in the PIC16F872 family at 2.0V minimum (vs PIC16F872-I/SO)
- Direct upgrade path to 7 KB Flash without PCB rework (vs PIC16F882-I/SO)
- Same-family compatibility preserves firmware investments (vs PIC16LF873A-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 27) and a bulk 10 uF aluminum or tantalum capacitor at the board power-entry point. The PIC16LF872-I/SO has a relatively high in-rush current during Flash programming, so a low-ESR bulk cap prevents VDD droop during ICD writes. For 5V rails, add a ferrite bead in series with VDD to suppress noise from relays or motors sharing the same supply.
Route the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) directly to the ICD header without stubs; MCLR rise time below 1 ms is required for proper reset, so keep the trace short and add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD. Place the crystal (or resonator) within 5 mm of pins 8-9 (OSC1/OSC2) and guard the traces with a ground pour to attenuate EMI coupling. For the ADC channels, route analog traces away from digital switching lines to preserve 10-bit accuracy.
When using the ADC, choose VREF+ source explicitly in firmware - defaulting to VDD ties ADC accuracy to regulator noise. Place a 100 nF ceramic bypass on the RA3/VREF+ pin (pin 5) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the analog supply rail. For best 10-bit linearity, terminate the analog source with a low-impedance buffer (op-amp follower) within 1 cm of the MCU pin; high source impedance > 10 kohm degrades sample-and-hold settling.
Do not assume the LF suffix means 'always lower power than the F variant' - both share the same core current, but the LF part additionally supports operation down to 2.0V. A common mistake is migrating a PIC16F872 firmware to a PIC16LF872 without verifying that all configuration bits and ADC references are valid at 3.3V. Another pitfall is leaving the CCP1 pin (RC2, pin 12) configured as output during reset; it can drive the connected MOSFET bridge and cause in-rush spikes at power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free matte-tin finish. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive OEM designs use a Q-graded variant.
