PIC18LF8720-I/PT - 8-Bit 25MHz 128KB Flash MCU 80-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF8720-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.5 | $9.50 |
| 10 | $8.75 | $87.50 |
| 100 | $7.85 | $785.00 |
| 500 | $7.1 | $3,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.5 | $6,500.00 |
PIC18LF8720-I/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals. The PIC18 family belongs to the 8-bit microcontrollers category within the broader microcontroller hierarchy: MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC18 -> high-performance enhanced Flash MCU -> semiconductor. The LF prefix designates low-power variants optimized for battery and portable applications where reduced core voltage extends operating life.
Key specifications include 128KB Flash program memory, 3840 bytes of RAM, 1024 bytes of EEPROM data memory, 68 I/O pins (per datasheet 80-pin count minus power/clock pins), and a 12-bit A/D converter with up to 16 channels. The PIC18LF8720 features 2 enhanced USART modules, MSSP (SPI/I2C), CAN, and a parallel slave port, making it a peripheral-rich platform for industrial communication protocols.
The PIC18LF8720 architecture uses Microchip's enhanced Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and data access in the same clock cycle. A hardware multiplier executes 8x8 single-cycle multiplies, and the C compiler-optimized instruction set delivers 16 MIPS performance at 25 MHz, enabling efficient C code development for embedded applications.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, instrumentation, TCP/IP-enabled embedded networking, metering, and human-machine interface (HMI) controllers. The wide peripheral set suits CAN-based automotive sub-systems, RS-485 industrial networks, and graphical displays via parallel master port.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the LF voltage range (1.8V-3.3V typical, 4.2V-5.5V per supply spec) matches your system rail. Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and a PICkit 3/4 or ICD programmer for development. The 80-pin TQFP requires a 12x12 mm PCB footprint with the exposed pad properly soldered for thermal dissipation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from Microchip's PIC18 family, and practical design notes not aggregated on a single distributor page, giving engineers a single consolidated view for sourcing and design decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF8720-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 PIC18LF8720-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, RoHS Status, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F8720-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF8722-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF8620-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF8680-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF8720T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF8720-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit enhanced Harvard |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 128 KB (64K x 16) |
| RAM Size | 3840 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 1024 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 25 MHz (40 MHz per alternate datasheet source) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.2 V to 5.5 V |
| LF Variant Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.3 V core operation |
| I/O Pins | 68 |
| A/D Converter | 12-bit, up to 16 channels |
| Package Type | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, /I suffix) |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C), CAN, Parallel Slave Port |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (LEAD FREE per datasheet) |
PIC18LF8720-I/PT 80-tqfp (12x12 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC18LF8720-I/PT (80-tqfp (12x12 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC18LF8720-I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC18LF8720-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Instrumentation, TCP/IP-Enabled Embedded Networking, Metering and Energy Monitoring, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controllers, Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics, Medical Monitoring Devices.
Industrial Control and Instrumentation
The PIC18LF8720-I/PT fits industrial control applications because of its 68 I/O pins, 12-bit A/D converter with up to 16 channels, and dual USART interfaces that handle RS-232/RS-485 industrial networks. The 128KB Flash accommodates complex control algorithms, while the 3840 bytes of RAM supports multi-tasking scheduling and buffer management. Placed on a control board as the main processor with sensor conditioning circuits connected to A/D channels, the PIC18LF8720 delivers -40C to +85C industrial temperature operation. The LF variant's 1.8V-3.3V operation reduces power dissipation in always-on PLC and instrumentation nodes versus the standard F variant, and the CAN module enables DeviceNet or CANopen industrial bus connectivity.
Recommended
TCP/IP-Enabled Embedded Networking
The PIC18LF8720-I/PT supports TCP/IP-enabled embedded networking as highlighted in Microchip's product literature, with 128KB Flash capable of hosting a Microchip TCP/IP stack plus application code. Its dual USART modules enable concurrent communication with an Ethernet controller (ENC28J60) and a wireless modem or RS-485 trunk. The 3840 bytes RAM supports TCP socket buffers while the 12-bit A/D reads environmental sensors. Deployed in networked sensor nodes or Modbus gateway devices, the LF variant's low-voltage operation extends battery life in PoE or solar-powered edge devices. The CAN module and MSSP (SPI/I2C) provide additional networking flexibility for multi-protocol gateway applications.
Recommended
Metering and Energy Monitoring
The PIC18LF8720-I/PT suits metering and energy monitoring systems because of its high-resolution 12-bit A/D converter that accurately samples voltage and current waveforms for power calculation. The 128KB Flash stores calibration tables, segmented display drivers, and communication protocol stacks. The 1024 bytes of EEPROM retains tariff schedules and cumulative energy registers through power cycles. With up to 16 A/D channels, the device monitors multiple circuits simultaneously in three-phase energy meters. The LF variant's 1.8V-3.3V operation enables single-cell Li-ion battery backup, and the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range meets outdoor enclosure requirements for AMI and AMR deployments.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Controllers
The PIC18LF8720-I/PT operates as an HMI controller with its 68 I/O pins supporting matrix-scanned keypads, segmented LCD bias generation, and status LED driving. The 128KB Flash and 3840 bytes RAM are sufficient for menu state machines, character fonts, and touch-panel decoding algorithms. The parallel slave port offloads graphics rendering to a host display controller, while the MSSP and dual USART connect to backplane communication buses. Designers use the LF variant's low-voltage operation to minimize thermal dissipation in sealed HMI enclosures, and the industrial temperature range suits outdoor kiosk and factory-floor operator panel applications.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Electronics
The PIC18LF8720-I/PT supports automotive body electronics with its CAN module enabling body bus connectivity (CAN 2.0B), its dual USART for diagnostic communication via K-line/UART, and 16 A/D channels for sensor inputs (temperature, position, battery voltage). The 128KB Flash hosts LIN/J1939 stack plus application logic. For non-safety-critical automotive applications, this part fits body controllers, lighting modules, and HVAC panels where 1.8V-3.3V operation matches modern automotive power rails. Engineers use the LF variant to reduce quiescent current in always-on automotive networks, and the -40C to +85C range covers passenger compartment environments.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Devices
The PIC18LF8720-I/PT fits medical monitoring equipment with its 12-bit A/D precision reading physiological signals (ECG, SpO2 analog front-ends), 128KB Flash for signal processing algorithms, and MSSP/I2C for sensor hub connectivity. The LF variant's 1.8V-3.3V operation enables single-cell Li-ion battery designs for portable monitors. With -40C to +85C operation, the device suits clinical environment temperature ranges. The parallel slave port enables DMA-style data transfer to graphics controllers for patient display rendering, while EEPROM stores patient calibration data and device configuration through battery replacement cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF8720-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F8720-I/PT | PIC18LF8722-I/PT | PIC18LF8620-I/PT | PIC18LF8680-I/PT | PIC18LF8720T-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 80-TQFP (12x12 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced | 8-bit PIC18 enhanced |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 64 KB (-50%) | 64 KB (-50%) | 128 KB |
| RAM Size | 3840 bytes | 3840 bytes | 3840 bytes | 3840 bytes | 3840 bytes | 3840 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.3 V (LF) | 4.2 V to 5.5 V (F) | 1.8 V to 3.3 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.3 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.3 V (LF) | 1.8 V to 3.3 V (LF) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 25 MHz (40 MHz alt source) | 25 MHz (40 MHz alt source) | 25 MHz | 25 MHz (40 MHz alt source) | 25 MHz (40 MHz alt source) | 25 MHz (40 MHz alt source) |
| A/D Converter | 12-bit, 16 channels | 12-bit, 16 channels | 12-bit, 16 channels | 12-bit, 16 channels | 12-bit, 16 channels | 12-bit, 16 channels |
| CAN Module | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- 128KB Flash - highest memory density in 80-pin PIC18 family (vs PIC18LF8620-I/PT)
- LF variant enables low-voltage battery operation (vs PIC18F8720-I/PT)
- Peripheral-rich with integrated CAN module (vs PIC18LF458-I/PT)
Design Notes
The 80-pin TQFP (12x12 mm) requires a 0.5 mm pitch footprint with proper land pattern per IPC-7351. Use Microchip's TQFP-80 land pattern from the package documentation, ensuring the exposed pad (if present) is soldered to a ground pad for thermal dissipation. Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic plus 10 uF bulk) within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair to minimize supply noise.
The LF (low-voltage) variant operates from 1.8 V to 3.3 V. Per the datasheet, the supply voltage range is 4.2 V to 5.5 V with frequency derating at higher voltages. Designers using the LF variant should ensure the system rail does not exceed 3.6 V maximum to avoid device damage. For 5 V systems, choose the PIC18F8720-I/PT standard variant instead. Add a low-ESR decoupling capacitor (10 uF tantalum or ceramic) close to the MCU supply pins.
Do not confuse the LF (low-voltage) variant with the F (standard voltage) variant when sourcing. The PIC18LF8720-I/PT is for 1.8V-3.3V systems; the PIC18F8720-I/PT is for 4.2V-5.5V systems. Both share identical pinout and Flash size. When migrating firmware between them, the F variant does not support deep sleep at 1.8V. Also note that 80-pin TQFP footprints must accommodate the 12x12 mm body with 0.5 mm pitch pads - verify your PCB footprint matches Microchip's recommended land pattern.
Route the oscillator circuit (OSC1/OSC2) traces as short as possible and guard them with a ground pour to minimize clock noise coupling into adjacent signal lines. Place the ICSP programming header (PGD/PGC/MCLR) at the board edge for easy in-circuit programming access. The CAN bus signals require careful impedance-controlled routing (120 ohm differential) and a CAN transceiver chip like MCP2551 between the MCU CAN_TX/CAN_RX pins and the bus.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per datasheet 'LEAD FREE' designation. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict minerals status not specified in verified data.
