PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 - 8-bit 25MHz 128KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.25 | $112.50 |
| 100 | $10 | $1,000.00 |
| 500 | $8.75 | $4,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.5 | $7,500.00 |
PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontrollers are 8/16/32-bit RISC-based microcontrollers built around Harvard architecture (separate program and data buses). The PIC18 family is Microchip's high-performance 8-bit line, offering enhanced instruction set, large memory models, and rich peripherals for embedded applications. They sit in the technology hierarchy: PIC18 -> PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC.
Key differentiating features include 128 KB Flash, 3.75 KB SRAM, 1 KB EEPROM for non-volatile data storage, External oscillator support for precision clocking, and industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. The PIC18 instruction set is upward compatible with the PIC16 and PIC17 families, easing migration paths for legacy designs originally written for older PIC microcontrollers.
Technically, the PIC18F8720 uses a 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data path, a 32-level hardware stack, and Multiply/Divide assist hardware. The device supports both Internal and External oscillator modes, has 4 Timer modules, dual capture/compare/PWM modules, and an enhanced 10-bit A/D converter. The PIC18F8720 is also pin-compatible with the PIC17C76X family of OTP devices.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, building automation systems, automotive body electronics, instrumentation, embedded connectivity gateways, and legacy upgrade designs where PIC17C76X OTP replacements are needed.
When laying out a PCB for the PIC18F8720, place decoupling capacitors (100 nF and 10 µF) close to each VDD/VSS pair and route the external crystal traces symmetrically with a ground guard ring to minimize EMI. Note that this part is in Obsolete lifecycle status, so consider the enhanced PIC18F8722 or PIC18F85K22 for new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 — 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 PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, I/O Pins, Program Memory (Flash), MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F8720-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F8720T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F8720-E/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F8722-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F85K22-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F8620-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F8520-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.1586 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Core Processor | PIC18 |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 128 KB (64K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 3.75 KB |
| EEPROM Size | 1 KB |
| Number of I/O Pins | 68 |
| Package / Case | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit |
| Number of A/D Channels | 16 |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Connectivity | I²C, SPI, USART |
| Instruction Set Compatibility | PIC16, PIC17, PIC17C76X |
| Number of Timers | 4 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OSC1/CLKIN — External oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 2 | OSC2/CLKOUT — External oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 3 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 4 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 5 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 / A/D VREF- |
| Pin 6 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 / A/D VREF+ |
| Pin 7 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 8 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 9 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT0 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 0 |
| Pin 13 | RB1/INT1 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2/INT2 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/INT3 — Digital I/O / external interrupt 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 21 | RC0/T1OSO — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 22 | RC1/T1OSI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 23 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 24 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 25 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 26 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 27 | RC6/TX1/CK1 — Digital I/O / USART1 transmit / clock |
| Pin 28 | RC7/RX1/DT1 — Digital I/O / USART1 receive / data |
| Pin 29 | RD0 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 30 | RD1 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 31 | RD2 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 32 | RD3 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 33 | RD4 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 34 | RD5 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 35 | RD6 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 36 | RD7 — Digital I/O / PSP data |
| Pin 37 | RE0/RD — Digital I/O / PSP read |
| Pin 38 | RE1/WR — Digital I/O / PSP write |
| Pin 39 | RE2/CS — Digital I/O / PSP chip select |
| Pin 40 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 41 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 42 | RF0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 43 | RF1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 44 | RF2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 45 | RF3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 46 | RF4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 47 | RF5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 48 | RF6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 49 | RF7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 50 | RG0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 51 | RG1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 52 | RG2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 53 | RG3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 54 | RG4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 55 | RG5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 56 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 57 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 58 | RH0 — Digital I/O / A/D channel |
| Pin 59 | RH1 — Digital I/O / A/D channel |
| Pin 60 | RH2 — Digital I/O / A/D channel |
| Pin 61 | RH3 — Digital I/O / A/D channel |
| Pin 62 | RH4 — Digital I/O / A/D channel |
| Pin 63 | RH5/CCP6 — Digital I/O / A/D channel / CCP6 |
| Pin 64 | RH6/CCP7 — Digital I/O / A/D channel / CCP7 |
| Pin 65 | RH7 — Digital I/O / A/D channel |
| Pin 66 | RJ0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 67 | RJ1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 68 | RJ2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 69 | RJ3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 70 | RJ4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 71 | RJ5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 72 | RJ6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 73 | RJ7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 74 | RK0 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port data |
| Pin 75 | RK1 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port data |
| Pin 76 | RK2 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port data |
| Pin 77 | RK3 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port data |
| Pin 78 | RK4 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port data |
| Pin 79 | RK5 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port data |
| Pin 80 | RK6 — Digital I/O / Parallel Slave Port data |
Typical Applications
PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Building Automation and HVAC Systems, Automotive Body Electronics, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, Embedded Connectivity Gateways, Legacy PIC17C76X OTP Replacement, Security and Access Control Panels.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 fits industrial automation due to its 68 I/O pins, dual USART for Modbus RTU/ASCII, and I²C/SPI for sensor networks. With 128 KB Flash and 25 MHz core, it handles PLC scan routines, PID loop calculations, and HMI communication protocols in factory equipment. Its -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range supports cabinet and field-deployed environments, while the 10-bit A/D with 16 channels reads multiple sensor inputs simultaneously.
Recommended
Building Automation and HVAC Systems
For building automation, the PIC18F8720-I/PTC01's dual USART supports BACnet MS-TP or Modbus communication with building management systems, while I²C connects to temperature, humidity, and CO2 sensors. The 128 KB Flash stores HVAC control algorithms, scheduling logic, and fault diagnostics. External interrupt capability enables immediate response to safety-critical inputs like smoke detectors or emergency stops, critical for code-compliant commercial building control.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
In automotive body modules, the PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 controls lighting, door locks, mirror adjustment, and wiper systems. The 16-channel 10-bit A/D reads multiple analog sensors (battery voltage, ambient light, position feedback), while PWM modules drive LED arrays and motor actuators. Note: the -I/PT variant is industrial-grade (-40C to +85C); for AEC-Q100 automotive qualified alternatives, consider PIC18F86K22-I/PT or PIC18F8722-I/PT upgrade paths.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
The PIC18F8720-I/PTC01's 16-channel 10-bit A/D and 128 KB Flash make it ideal for multi-channel data acquisition systems recording sensor data with timestamped logs. Dual USART connects to PC or display terminals for real-time data streaming. The PIC18F8720T-E/PT extended-grade variant supports wider temperature ranges for field-deployed test equipment and laboratory instrumentation with high-channel-count measurement requirements.
Recommended
Embedded Connectivity Gateways
The PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 serves as a protocol-conversion gateway between serial peripherals (USART, I²C, SPI) and higher-level networks. Its 3.75 KB RAM buffers incoming packets while 128 KB Flash holds protocol stacks for Modbus, custom serial protocols, or wireless module interfaces. The external interrupt source handles time-critical events from modems or RF transceivers in industrial IoT edge nodes and serial-to-Ethernet bridges.
Recommended
Legacy PIC17C76X OTP Replacement
The PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 is functionally pin-compatible with the legacy PIC17C76X family of OTP microcontrollers, making it a Flash-based replacement for obsolete OTP designs. According to Microchip's product page, the PIC18F8720 has a pinout that is functionally compatible with the PIC17C76X, allowing engineers to migrate firmware without PCB changes. This saves costly board re-spins when transitioning legacy products to modern in-circuit-programmable silicon.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
For security panels, the PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 manages keypad inputs, RFID reader interfaces (via USART or SPI), and alarm output relays. The 128 KB Flash stores credential databases and access logic, while EEPROM retains configuration across power cycles. External interrupt sources handle tamper switches and panic buttons requiring immediate response, essential for UL-listed commercial intrusion detection systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F8720-I/PT | PIC18F8722-I/PT | PIC18F85K22-I/PT | PIC18F8620-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) - same | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) - same | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) - same | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) - same |
| Flash Memory | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 32 KB | 64 KB |
| RAM Size | 3.75 KB | 3.75 KB | 3.9 KB | 2 KB | 3.75 KB |
| EEPROM | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB | 1 KB |
| Max Clock Frequency | 25 MHz | 25 MHz | 40 MHz | 64 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, 16 ch | 10-bit, 16 ch | 10-bit, 16 ch | 10-bit, 16 ch | 10-bit, 16 ch |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Active | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Functional pin compatibility with PIC17C76X OTP family (vs PIC17C76X (legacy OTP))
- Largest Flash density in original PIC18 family (vs PIC18F8620-I/PT (64 KB Flash))
- Tray packaging for low-volume and prototype use (vs PIC18F8720T-I/PT (tape and reel))
- Obsolete status with proven field deployment (vs PIC18F8722-I/PT (active modern variant))
Design Notes
Place 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every VDD/VSS pair on the PIC18F8720-I/PTC01, plus one bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the package supply pin. The 80-TQFP has multiple VDD/VSS pins scattered across the package; trace each one to its nearest capacitor. Use a 4-layer PCB with dedicated ground and power planes to minimize digital switching noise coupling into the analog A/D inputs.
Route the external crystal traces (OSC1 and OSC2) symmetrically with equal length and width, surrounded by a grounded guard ring to minimize EMI pickup. Keep crystal traces short (<10 mm) and isolated from high-speed digital signals. Add a 1 MΩ resistor in parallel with the crystal to bias the inverter into its linear region. For PIC18F8720 designs with capacitive loading, follow the Microchip oscillator design guide and add appropriate load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) to the crystal pins.
Common pitfalls with PIC18F8720-I/PTC01: (1) The /PTC01 suffix indicates tray packaging - some assembly houses require tube or tape-and-reel (PIC18F8720T-I/PT). (2) This part is in Obsolete status as of 2026-09-28 - for new designs use PIC18F8722-I/PT or PIC18F85K22-I/PT. (3) The MCLR pin must have a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD or the device will not start; never leave it floating. (4) ICSP programming requires RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD pins to remain accessible on the PCB - do not lock them as outputs.
Estimated: At maximum 25 MHz operation with all 68 I/O pins switching at full capacitive load, the PIC18F8720-I/PTC01 in industrial -40°C to +85°C range draws approximately 60-80 mA. The 80-TQFP package has typical θJA of ~50°C/W with standard 4-layer PCB. For designs in enclosed housings without airflow, calculate junction temperature using T_J = TA + (PD × θJA) to ensure T_J stays below 125°C; use thermal vias under the exposed pad if available.
For reliable I²C and SPI communication on the PIC18F8720, keep clock traces short (<50 mm) and avoid running them parallel to noisy digital signals. Add 4.7 kΩ pull-ups on I²C SDA/SCL lines for 400 kHz Fast Mode operation. For SPI at high speeds (>5 MHz), use series termination resistors (33 Ω) at the SCK driver output to dampen reflections. The PIC18F8720 MSSP peripheral supports both I²C master/slave and SPI modes - configure TRIS bits correctly before enabling the module.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only); for automotive applications choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC18F members. Lifecycle status: Obsolete as of 2026-09-28.
