PIC18LF8720T-I/PT - 8-bit MCU, 128KB Flash, 80-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF8720T-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.2 | $14.20 |
| 10 | $13.18 | $131.80 |
| 100 | $11.95 | $1,195.00 |
| 500 | $10.85 | $5,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.78 | $9,780.00 |
PIC18LF8720T-I/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (Flash/ROM), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripherals around an 8-bit data path. The PIC18 family sits at the top of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio and is commonly used in the broader category of embedded controllers / microcontrollers / microcomputer ICs / semiconductor ICs. PIC18 devices follow a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, an accumulator-based CPU, and a RISC instruction set that executes most instructions in a single clock cycle, making them well suited to deterministic real-time control.
Key features of the PIC18LF8720 include 25 MHz (or 40 MHz in the broader family) maximum operating frequency, hardware multiplier for 8x8 unsigned multiply in one cycle, self-programming Flash with block-level write protection, ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) and ICD (In-Circuit Debug) support, four oscillator options including PLL, and a flexible brown-out-reset and low-voltage-detect block. The 10-bit ADC supports up to 16 channels with automatic acquisition and conversion, simplifying mixed-signal designs that need both analog sensing and digital control.
Internally the PIC18LF8720 uses an enhanced flash cell array organized as 64K x 16 with a 16-bit program counter, supporting linear addressing up to 2 MB and a hardware stack of 31 levels for subroutine/exception context save. Interrupt latency is deterministic at four instruction cycles, and the device supports prioritized interrupts with a high-priority vector at 0x0008 and low-priority at 0x0018. The dual USART with address-maskable receive mode and the MSSP peripheral that can operate in SPI or I2C mode enable connectivity to sensors, EEPROMs, displays, and external peripherals common in industrial and consumer designs.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, instrument front ends with displays and keypads, HVAC controllers, home appliances, USB-to-UART bridge firmware hosts, and CAN-capable gateway nodes when paired with an external transceiver. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply allows direct operation from a 3.3 V regulated rail or a multi-cell battery stack without level shifters.
When designing with this part, ensure the ICSP/PGD and PGC pins are reserved for in-circuit programming and debugging, even in production layouts, to allow field firmware updates. Use a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair, and place a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the device to handle inrush during Flash programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC18LF 80-pin TQFP family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF8720T-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 PIC18LF8720T-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Operating Temperature, ADC, Communication Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18LF8722T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F8720T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF8720-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF8680T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF8585-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF8393-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18LF8720T-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC18 8-bit enhanced RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB (64K x 16) |
| Data RAM | 3,840 bytes |
| EEPROM | 1 KB (data EEPROM) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/Os | 68 I/O |
| ADC Resolution | 10 bit |
| ADC Channels | Up to 16 |
| Package | 80-pin TQFP (PT) 12x12 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape & Reel) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Communication Interfaces | 2x USART (async), MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Timers | Multiple 16-bit Timer/Counter modules |
| Instruction Set | PIC18 (77 instructions, 16-bit opcode) |
| ICSP/ICD Support | Yes |
| MSL Level | 3 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18LF8720T-I/PT 80-pin tqfp (pt) 12x12 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC18LF8720T-I/PT (80-pin tqfp (pt) 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 PIC18LF8720T-I/PT.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC18LF8720T-I/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, HVAC and Home Appliance Controllers, Instrumentation Front Ends with Displays, Multi-Sensor Data Acquisition Nodes, Connectivity Gateway / Bridge Devices, Battery-Powered Portable Devices.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC18LF8720T-I/PT fits industrial control panels because its 68 digital I/O lines, 128 KB Flash, and 3,840 bytes RAM easily drive multi-line LCD/keypad interfaces while running HMI state machines. Its 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply allows operation from a 24 V industrial bus stepped down by a small DC-DC, and the -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range covers factory floor and outdoor cabinet environments. The 10-bit ADC handles 4-20 mA sensor inputs via a burden resistor, while dual USART bridges to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU. The device's ICSP support lets field technicians update firmware without removing the panel.
Recommended
HVAC and Home Appliance Controllers
The PIC18LF8720T-I/PT is well suited for HVAC and major home appliance controllers because of its 128 KB Flash (room for complex state machines and fault logs), 3,840 bytes RAM (buffering sensor history), and 68 I/O (driving relays, triacs, sensors, and displays). The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V input simplifies designs that must run from 3.3 V logic or 5 V power supplies. Multiple 16-bit timer/counter modules generate PWM outputs for fan/motor speed control, and the 10-bit ADC reads thermistor and pressure sensors directly. The MSSP peripheral supports I2C sensor interfaces (temperature, humidity), while dual USART handles diagnostic ports.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front Ends with Displays
The PIC18LF8720T-I/PT supports instrumentation front ends with displays because the 128 KB Flash accommodates display drivers, menus, and calibration tables, while the 3,840 bytes RAM supports rendering buffers for character and graphic LCDs. The 10-bit ADC with up to 16 channels reads multiple sensors simultaneously for multimeters, process calibrators, and lab instruments. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply enables single-cell Li-ion operation for portable handhelds, and the dual USART provides USB-to-UART bridging when paired with an FT232 or MCP2200. ICSP/ICD allows firmware updates during product calibration.
Recommended
Multi-Sensor Data Acquisition Nodes
The PIC18LF8720T-I/PT fits multi-sensor data acquisition nodes because of its 16-channel 10-bit ADC, 68 digital I/O, and dual USART/MSSP serial interfaces for stacking sensors and logging data locally. The 128 KB Flash stores configuration tables and linearization curves, while 3,840 bytes RAM buffers samples between transmission bursts. Operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V supports battery-powered remote nodes with low quiescent sleep modes, and the wide -40 C to +85 C industrial range handles outdoor enclosures. The MSSP in SPI mode can drive external ADC or DAC peripherals for higher-precision channels.
Recommended
Connectivity Gateway / Bridge Devices
The PIC18LF8720T-I/PT works as a connectivity gateway or bridge device because of its dual USART and MSSP peripheral that handle multiple concurrent serial protocols (RS-232, RS-485, SPI, I2C). The 128 KB Flash supports protocol translation stacks (Modbus, custom protocols), and the 3,840 bytes RAM buffers data between physical interfaces. With 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD it runs from common industrial supplies, and the 80-pin TQFP exposes plenty of GPIO for status LEDs and discrete control lines. The 40 MHz clock rate at 5 V delivers enough throughput for transparent protocol conversion at typical industrial baud rates.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Devices
The PIC18LF8720T-I/PT suits battery-powered portable devices because its 'LF' core operates down to 2.0 V, allowing direct operation from a single Li-ion cell (3.0 V to 4.2 V) or two AA cells (2.0 V to 3.2 V). The 128 KB Flash stores application firmware, display strings, and configuration data without an external memory chip, and the 3,840 bytes RAM handles data buffers. The MSSP I2C interface reads low-power sensors (accelerometers, temperature), while the 10-bit ADC monitors battery voltage for fuel-gauging. Sleep current in the low-microamp range extends battery life for handheld instruments and remote controls.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF8720T-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18LF8722T-I/PT | PIC18F8720T-I/PT | PIC18LF8720-I/PT | PIC18LF8680T-I/PT | PIC18LF8585-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 80-pin TQFP (PT) 12x12 mm | 80-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 80-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 80-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 80-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 80-pin TQFP (PT) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 128 KB | 96 KB |
| RAM | 3,840 B | 3,840 B | 3,840 B | 3,840 B | 3,840 B | 3,584 B |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Max Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 25 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Number of I/Os | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Wide low-voltage operating range down to 2.0 V (vs PIC18F8720T-I/PT)
- Maximum 40 MHz operation across full VDD range (vs PIC18F8720T-I/PT)
- Enhanced peripheral set on same 80-TQFP footprint (vs PIC18LF6722-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 40 MHz / 5.0 V, the PIC18LF8720T-I/PT core draws roughly 25 mA active and falls to low-microamp sleep current with the internal oscillator disabled. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair (the 80-pin TQFP has multiple pairs). Add a bulk 10 uF ceramic or tantalum capacitor near the device to absorb inrush during Flash self-programming, which can momentarily pull extra current. Tie MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up with a 100 nF cap to ground for reset noise immunity.
Reserve the ICSP pins (PGD = pin 49, PGC = pin 50 on the 80-pin TQFP, see datasheet for exact mapping) for in-circuit serial programming and ICD debugging even in production layouts. This allows field firmware updates without rework. Place a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR and ensure OSC1/OSC2 traces are short and symmetric to avoid clock jitter. Route analog traces (AN0-AN15) away from switching digital lines to minimize ADC noise coupling.
Do not operate the PIC18LF8720T-I/PT below 2.0 V at 40 MHz - the datasheet derates the maximum frequency at lower VDD. Always configure the brown-out-reset voltage (BOR) via configuration bits to a value below your supply rail minimum but above the lowest valid logic threshold. The MSSP I2C mode requires external pull-up resistors on SDA/SCL; typical values are 4.7 kohm at 100 kHz and 2.2 kohm at 400 kHz. When migrating from PIC18F8720 (non-LF), verify that the VDD rail does not drop below 4.2 V, or the part will malfunction.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive. Choose PIC18LF8720T-I/PT-9xxx automotive-grade variant if AEC-Q100 is required.
