PIC18F6720-I/PT - 8-Bit 128KB Flash MCU 64-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F6720-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27.45 | $27.45 |
| 10 | $25.8 | $258.00 |
| 100 | $23.9 | $2,390.00 |
| 500 | $22.4 | $11,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $21.1 | $21,100.00 |
PIC18F6720-I/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained integrated circuit that combines a processor core, program memory, data memory, and configurable peripherals on a single die. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC18F6720 sits at microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The PIC18F family uses a modified Harvard RISC architecture with a 16-bit instruction word, allowing most instructions to execute in a single cycle and delivering up to 10 MIPS at 40 MHz clock input.
Key features include 12 channels of 10-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion, five capture/compare/PWM (CCP) modules, two analog comparators, an addressable USART, a synchronous serial port configurable as 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C, and External Memory Addressing for off-chip program/data expansion. Self-programming Flash and In-Circuit Debug (ICD) support simplify field firmware updates and bring-up.
The device is fabricated in Microchip's enhanced Flash process, which provides high endurance and retention while allowing the same die to be programmed in-system. The 54 general-purpose I/O pins and multiple timers make it suitable for control-intensive embedded designs that need more I/O than smaller 28- or 40-pin PIC18 devices.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, motor control, instrumentation front ends, HVAC controllers, security systems, and legacy 8-bit designs migrating from PIC16 or PIC17 families. The 64-pin TQFP footprint is shared across the PIC18F6520/6620/6720/8520/8620/8720 family, enabling memory and feature scaling without PCB redesign.
When designing with this device, note that the 5 V supply and 25 MHz maximum operating frequency require careful decoupling and that the TQFP-64 package needs adequate copper area for thermal relief during reflow. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F6720-I/PT — 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 PIC18F6720-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Timers, Operating Temperature, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F6620-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F8720-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F6720-I/PTG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F6720T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F6722-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F6520-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F6720-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18F RISC (modified Harvard, 16-bit instruction word) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 25 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Program Memory Size | 128 KB (64K x 16) Flash |
| EEPROM Size | 1024 bytes |
| RAM Size | 3936 bytes |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 54 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| ADC Channels | 12 |
| Capture/Compare/PWM Modules | 5 |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, SPI, I2C (synchronous serial port) |
| External Memory Addressing | Yes |
| Self-Programming Flash | Yes |
| In-Circuit Debug (ICD) | Yes |
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm, 1 mm height) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F6720-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 / negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD — Port E bit 0 / parallel slave port read control |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR — Port E bit 1 / parallel slave port write control |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS — Port E bit 2 / parallel slave port chip select |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / capture/compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — Port D bit 0 / parallel slave port data 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — Port D bit 1 / parallel slave port data 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — Port D bit 2 / parallel slave port data 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — Port D bit 3 / parallel slave port data 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART transmit / synchronous clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART receive / synchronous data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — Port D bit 4 / parallel slave port data 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — Port D bit 5 / parallel slave port data 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — Port D bit 6 / parallel slave port data 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — Port D bit 7 / parallel slave port data 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT0 — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 34 | RB1/INT1 — Port B bit 1 / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2/INT2 — Port B bit 2 / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/CCP2 — Port B bit 3 / capture/compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5/PGM — Port B bit 5 / low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / in-circuit debugger clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / in-circuit debugger data |
| Pin 41 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 |
| Pin 42 | RE4 — Port E bit 4 |
| Pin 43 | RE5 — Port E bit 5 |
| Pin 44 | RE6 — Port E bit 6 |
| Pin 45 | RE7 — Port E bit 7 |
| Pin 46 | RF0 — Port F bit 0 |
| Pin 47 | RF1 — Port F bit 1 |
| Pin 48 | RF2 — Port F bit 2 |
| Pin 49 | RF3 — Port F bit 3 |
| Pin 50 | RF4 — Port F bit 4 |
| Pin 51 | RF5 — Port F bit 5 |
| Pin 52 | RF6 — Port F bit 6 |
| Pin 53 | RF7 — Port F bit 7 |
| Pin 54 | RG0 — Port G bit 0 |
| Pin 55 | RG1 — Port G bit 1 |
| Pin 56 | RG2 — Port G bit 2 |
| Pin 57 | RG3 — Port G bit 3 |
| Pin 58 | RG4 — Port G bit 4 |
| Pin 59 | RG5 — Port G bit 5 |
| Pin 60 | RG6 — Port G bit 6 |
| Pin 61 | RG7 — Port G bit 7 |
| Pin 62 | RH0 — Port H bit 0 |
| Pin 63 | RH1 — Port H bit 1 |
| Pin 64 | RH2 — Port H bit 2 |
Typical Applications
PIC18F6720-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Motor Control, Instrumentation Front Ends, HVAC and Building Automation, Security and Access Control, Legacy 8-Bit Design Migration.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC18F6720-I/PT fits industrial control panels because its 54 general-purpose I/O pins, 12-channel 10-bit ADC, and five CCP modules can directly drive relays, read limit switches, and generate PWM for valve or actuator control without external glue logic. Operating from a 4.2 V to 5.5 V supply with a -40C to +85C industrial temperature range, it tolerates the electrical noise and temperature swings of factory floors. The 128 KB Flash accommodates ladder-logic interpreters or state-machine firmware, while 1024 bytes of EEPROM stores calibration constants and setpoints across power cycles. In a typical panel, the MCU scans digital inputs, updates an LCD or HMI over USART, and drives output drivers through the CCP PWM channels; the trade-off versus a 3.3 V ARM Cortex-M device is higher power consumption but superior 5 V noise immunity and simpler interfacing to legacy industrial sensors.
Recommended
Motor Control
The PIC18F6720-I/PT supports motor control through its five capture/compare/PWM modules, which generate complementary PWM waveforms for H-bridge or three-phase inverter topologies, and its 12-channel 10-bit ADC, which samples current-shunt and back-EMF signals for closed-loop commutation. At 25 MHz (10 MIPS), the core executes PID loops and space-vector modulation fast enough for brushed DC and low-to-mid-power BLDC motors. The two analog comparators enable hardware overcurrent trip without CPU intervention, protecting the power stage. In a typical design, the MCU reads Hall sensors or encoder pulses on the capture inputs, computes duty cycles, and updates the PWM registers each control period; the trade-off is that the 10-bit ADC limits current-loop resolution compared with a 12-bit ADC in newer PIC18K42 devices, so designs needing finer current sensing should consider the PIC18F45K42-I/PT.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front Ends
The PIC18F6720-I/PT serves instrumentation front ends because its 12-channel 10-bit ADC multiplexes multiple sensor inputs, and its USART, SPI, and I2C ports stream digitized data to host processors or displays. The 128 KB Flash holds linearization tables and calibration algorithms, while 1024 bytes of EEPROM retains gain and offset coefficients. Running at 10 MIPS, the core can oversample and average ADC readings to improve effective resolution beyond 10 bits. In a typical data-acquisition board, the MCU sequentially samples thermocouples, strain gauges, or pressure sensors through an external multiplexer, applies polynomial correction, and transmits results over RS-485 via the USART; the trade-off versus a dedicated 16-bit ADC plus Cortex-M MCU is lower raw resolution but a single-chip, 5 V-friendly solution with fewer BOM lines.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation
The PIC18F6720-I/PT suits HVAC and building automation controllers because its 54 I/O pins interface directly to thermistor networks, damper actuators, and relay outputs, and its USART supports BACnet or Modbus RTU communication over RS-485. The 5 V supply and -40C to +85C rating match the electrical environment of rooftop units and boiler rooms. The five CCP modules drive triac-fired heaters or variable-speed fan PWM, and the two comparators provide flame-sense or fault detection. In a typical controller, the MCU polls temperature and humidity sensors, runs a PID loop, and updates actuator outputs while servicing the serial bus; the trade-off versus a 3.3 V wireless SoC is the absence of integrated RF, requiring an external transceiver for networked installations.
Recommended
Security and Access Control
The PIC18F6720-I/PT is used in security and access-control panels because its 128 KB Flash stores user credential databases and event logs, its 1024 bytes of EEPROM retains configuration across power loss, and its 54 I/O pins connect keypads, card readers, door strikes, and alarm sensors. The USART and I2C ports interface to RFID readers and EEPROM expansion, while the CCP modules drive piezo buzzers and status LEDs. Self-programming Flash allows remote firmware updates over the network. In a typical panel, the MCU authenticates credentials, logs events with timestamps from a timer, and controls lock outputs; the trade-off versus a Cortex-M4 with crypto acceleration is the lack of hardware AES, so encrypted communication must be implemented in software, consuming Flash and CPU cycles.
Recommended
Legacy 8-Bit Design Migration
The PIC18F6720-I/PT is a migration target for legacy PIC16 and PIC17 designs that have outgrown their memory or I/O. Its 128 KB Flash, 3936 bytes RAM, and 54 I/O pins provide substantial headroom, while the 64-pin TQFP footprint is shared across the PIC18F6520/6620/6720/8520/8620/8720 family, allowing memory scaling without PCB changes. The 'C' compiler-friendly architecture and ICD debug support shorten porting effort. In a typical migration, engineers move existing assembly or C code to the PIC18F instruction set, remap peripherals, and validate timing; the trade-off is that the PIC18F6720 is a 5 V, 25 MHz device, so designs targeting lower power or higher performance should evaluate the pin-compatible PIC18F6722-I/PT or a 3.3 V PIC18F67J11-I/PT with a PCB redesign.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F6720-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F6620-I/PT | PIC18F8720-I/PT | PIC18F6722-I/PT | PIC18F6520-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 64-TQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 128 KB (64K x 16) | 64 KB (32K x 16) | 128 KB (64K x 16) | 128 KB (64K x 16) | 32 KB (16K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 3936 bytes | 3936 bytes | 3936 bytes | 3936 bytes | 1536 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes | 1024 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 25 MHz (10 MIPS) | 25 MHz (10 MIPS) | 25 MHz (10 MIPS) | 25 MHz (10 MIPS) | 25 MHz (10 MIPS) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 54 | 54 | 68 | 54 | 54 |
| ADC Channels / Resolution | 12 channels / 10-bit | 12 channels / 10-bit | 16 channels / 10-bit | 12 channels / 10-bit | 12 channels / 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- 128 KB Flash in a 64-pin TQFP footprint (vs PIC18F6620-I/PT)
- 54 I/O pins with 12-channel 10-bit ADC (vs PIC18F6520-I/PT)
- Self-programming Flash and ICD debug (vs PIC18F6722-I/PT)
- 5 V operation with industrial temperature range (vs PIC18F67J11-I/PT)
Design Notes
Decouple every VDD pin (pins 11 and 32) with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the board rail. The PIC18F6720-I/PT draws transient current during Flash programming and ADC conversion; inadequate decoupling causes brown-out resets and ADC code jitter. Microchip's PIC18F6520/8520/6620/8620/6720/8720 datasheet recommends a minimum 4.2 V supply, so verify the rail stays above this threshold during motor or relay switching transients.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces as short as possible (under 10 mm) and keep them away from the CCP PWM outputs and the ADC input traces. Use a ground guard ring around the oscillator and place the load capacitors directly at the crystal pins. For the 64-pin TQFP, connect the exposed thermal pad (if present) to a solid ground plane with multiple vias to improve heat spreading and reduce ground bounce during high-current I/O switching.
Do not leave MCLR (pin 1) floating; connect it through a 10 kOhm pull-up to VDD and a 0.1 uF capacitor to VSS for reliable reset. The PIC18F6720-I/PT requires the MCLR pin to be driven to VPP during in-circuit programming, so ensure the programmer can override the pull-up. Also confirm that the ICD pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD are not loaded by external circuitry that would interfere with debugging.
Estimated: at 25 MHz operation, keep high-speed traces (OSC, SPI SCK, USART TX) shorter than 50 mm and reference them to a continuous ground plane. If the ADC inputs are routed near the CCP PWM outputs, expect capacitive coupling that can inject switching noise into the 10-bit conversions; separate analog and digital ground returns and filter ADC inputs with an RC network (for example 1 kOhm and 100 nF) to keep noise below 1 LSB.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings. The PIC18F6720-I/PTG variant is the explicitly lead-free (Pb-free) ordering option. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; industrial temperature grade only.
