PIC16C72-04I/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU 3.5KB OTP 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72-04I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.45 | $7.45 |
| 10 | $6.91 | $69.10 |
| 100 | $6.02 | $602.00 |
| 500 | $5.34 | $2,670.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.71 | $4,710.00 |
PIC16C72-04I/SO Overview
Background: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/OTP/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces (timers, ADC, communication ports). The PIC16C7X family uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and data access to occur simultaneously. Microchip's mid-range 14-bit instruction word PIC16C core became an industry standard for low-cost embedded control, and the PIC16C72 specifically targets designs needing on-chip analog acquisition without an external ADC.
Key features include 4 MHz maximum operating frequency, 2.0-6.0 V supply voltage range (typical operation 4.0-5.5 V per datasheet), 22 source/sink capable I/O pins depending on package variant, two 8-bit Timer0 and Timer2 plus one 16-bit Timer1, 5-channel 8-bit analog-to-digital converter on the 28-pin packages, and Power-on Reset/Brown-out Reset circuitry. The OTP program memory makes this part suited to low-volume production runs where mask-ROM economics are not justified.
The PIC16C72-04I/SO is built on Microchip's CMOS process technology with fully static design, allowing clock frequencies down to DC. The 'I' suffix designates industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), and the '04' speed grade specifies 4 MHz. The 'SO' package suffix denotes 28-pin SOIC wide-body (300-mil). The integrated ADC sample-and-hold and analog multiplexer support up to 5 analog inputs on this package.
Typical applications include industrial process control, motor drive signal conditioning, sensor signal acquisition with on-chip ADC, simple appliance control, low-end embedded control with serial communication (I2C/SPI), and educational/development platforms where OTP ROM cost is acceptable.
Design considerations: Use Microchip's MPLAB X IDE and MPASM/MPLAB XC8 toolchain for code development. Select the proper oscillator configuration (XT/LP/HS/RC) for the chosen crystal or resonator. Decouple VDD/VSS with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors close to the pins and provide bulk capacitance for analog reference stability. For EMI robustness, place the crystal near OSC1/OSC2 with short traces and a guard ground.
This page consolidates pricing from authorized channels, drop-in same-package PIC16C72 alternatives sourced from Microchip's product tree, and design guidance beyond what is summarized in the datasheet's first pages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-04I/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 PIC16C72-04I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Core Architecture, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72-04/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72T-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F72-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-04I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Architecture | PIC16CXX Mid-Range (14-bit instruction word) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP ROM variant) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V (industrial operation; 2.0-6.0 V device absolute max) |
| I/O Pins | 13 (digital, bidirectional) |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels (28-pin package) |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Communication | SSP/SPI/I2C + USART/SCI |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body, 300-mil |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| Speed Grade Suffix | 04 = 4 MHz |
PIC16C72-04I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O / Analog channel 3 / ADC reference positive |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Bidirectional I/O / Analog channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 26 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog channel 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-04I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Control, Sensor Signal Acquisition with On-Chip ADC, Low-End Embedded Control with I2C/SPI Peripherals, Motor Drive Signal Conditioning, Simple Appliance Control, Educational and Development Platforms, Automotive Subsystem Modules (Non-Safety).
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C72-04I/SO suits industrial process control loops where its 4 MHz clock, 3.5 KB program memory and industrial -40C to +85C temperature range handle sensor conditioning and actuator drive sequencing. The integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermocouples, pressure transducers, or 4-20 mA loop signals directly without an external ADC chip, reducing BOM cost. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure recovery from power-line glitches common on factory floors. Per the Microchip PIC16C7X datasheet, the 128 bytes RAM is sufficient for PID control state and a small RTOS table. Connect the analog signals to RA0-RA4, drive control outputs from port B or port C, and use the USART to report status to a higher-level PLC.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Acquisition with On-Chip ADC
The PIC16C72-04I/SO's integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC makes it ideal for sensor signal acquisition boards that need to digitize multiple analog inputs without external converter ICs. At 4 MHz clock, each ADC conversion takes roughly 20 us, giving a sample rate of about 50 kS/s aggregate across channels - sufficient for temperature, light, and position sensors. The ADC reference can be tied to VDD for ratiometric measurements, simplifying power design. Per the Microchip datasheet, the ADC includes sample-and-hold and software-selectable acquisition timing. Place 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitors on VDD/VSS within 5 mm of the pins to keep analog readings stable, and use the USART to stream converted samples to a host controller.
Recommended
Low-End Embedded Control with I2C/SPI Peripherals
The PIC16C72-04I/SO integrates a Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) that handles either SPI or I2C master/slave communication, allowing it to control EEPROMs, RTC chips, sensor ICs, and display drivers from a single MCU. With 3.5 KB of OTP memory and 13 I/O pins, it can serve as the main controller in small appliances, HVAC accessories, or simple human-interface boards. Per the Microchip PIC16C7X datasheet, the SSP supports both 100 kHz Standard-mode and 400 kHz Fast-mode I2C. Configure RC3/SDA and RC4/SCL for I2C, drive an LED matrix or character LCD from port B, and read user buttons from port A with internal weak pull-ups enabled in software.
Recommended
Motor Drive Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C72-04I/SO is well-suited as a signal-conditioning and supervisory controller in motor drive boards, where it reads current-sense amplifiers via its 5-channel ADC and generates PWM signals through the Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module. At 4 MHz, the PWM resolution is adequate for variable-speed DC motor and small brushless DC drive stages. Brown-out reset protects the MCU from low-voltage glitches that can corrupt gate-drive logic, while the watchdog timer recovers from firmware lockups. Per the Microchip datasheet, the CCP module operates in PWM mode with up to 10-bit resolution. Use Timer2 as the PWM time base, output the PWM on RC2/CCP1, and gate the motor driver through a port B pin.
Recommended
Simple Appliance Control
The PIC16C72-04I/SO fits mid-volume appliance controllers such as washing-machine timers, dishwasher cycle controllers, and coffee-machine user-interface boards where OTP memory cost advantages outweigh the lack of firmware updates. Its 13 I/O pins drive relays via transistors, read keypads, and control 7-segment or character-LCD displays. The integrated ADC reads water-level sensors, temperature probes, or humidity sensors without external converter ICs. Per the Microchip PIC16C7X datasheet, the device's industrial temperature grade handles under-cabinet heat. Configure port B as outputs to relay drivers, port C as keypad scan lines, and use the SSP in I2C mode to talk to an external RTC for time-of-day scheduling.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
The PIC16C72-04I/SO is a popular teaching example for embedded systems courses because it demonstrates a complete mid-range PIC16CXX architecture with ADC, timers, USART, and SSP in a single 28-SOIC chip. Students learn assembly or C programming on a Harvard-architecture core with 14-bit instructions, observing direct register-level control of peripherals. Per the Microchip PIC16C7X datasheet, the 3.5 KB program memory and 128 bytes RAM are large enough for meaningful labs without overwhelming beginners. Pair the chip with an MPLAB X IDE-compatible programmer/debugger such as PICkit 3, and use the PICkit Serial Analyzer for logic-trace debugging during lab exercises.
Recommended
Automotive Subsystem Modules (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C72-04I/SO serves in non-safety automotive subsystems such as HVAC blend-door actuators, interior lighting controllers, and seat-position memory modules where its 4 MHz core, ADC, and PWM peripherals handle slow control loops. Its industrial temperature grade extends into the automotive cabin environment (-40C to +85C). Per the Microchip PIC16C7X datasheet, the device's USART enables LIN-bus slave communication for body-electronics networks when used with an external LIN transceiver. Use the ADC to read potentiometers, the PWM module to drive small DC motors, and the USART to respond to LIN master requests from the vehicle BCM.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-04I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72-04/SO | PIC16C72-10I/SO | PIC16C73B-04I/SO | PIC16F72-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 7.2 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 192 bytes | 128 bytes |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 6 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 22 | 13 |
Key Differentiators
- Higher speed grade upgrade path in same package (vs PIC16C72-10I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade vs commercial alternative (vs PIC16C72-04/SO)
- More program memory for complex algorithms (vs PIC16C73B-04I/SO)
- Flash reprogrammability for field updates (vs PIC16F72-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5.0 V and 4 MHz clock with all peripherals idle, the PIC16C72-04I/SO draws roughly 2-5 mA typical supply current per the Microchip PIC16C7X datasheet electrical characteristics. Decouple VDD/VSS with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pins, and add a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum capacitor on the same rail to suppress switching transients from relays or motors. For ADC accuracy, place an additional 0.1 uF ceramic on the VREF+ pin if used as a separate reference. Brown-out reset is enabled by default at 4.0 V threshold - do not disable this in motor-drive or industrial environments where supply sag is expected.
Place the 28-SOIC footprint on a 300-mil-wide SOIC land pattern with at least 0.5 mm clearance to adjacent traces. Keep OSC1/OSC2 traces short (under 10 mm) and route them over a continuous ground plane to minimize radiated EMI from the crystal oscillator. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kOhm) within 5 mm of pin 26, and add a 100 nF capacitor in parallel to filter ESD strikes on the reset line. For analog pins RA0-RA3, route them away from RB port switching signals to avoid digital-coupling noise into ADC readings. Per the Microchip datasheet, unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs and tied low, or left as input with the internal weak pull-up disabled to minimize supply current.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 6.0 V or apply voltage to any pin before VDD is present, as latch-up can permanently damage the device. The PIC16C72-04I/SO uses OTP memory - once programmed, it cannot be erased. Ensure the firmware is fully validated in a PIC16F72 or PIC16C72 development equivalent before committing to OTP programming for production. Per the Microchip datasheet, the watchdog timer is disabled after reset - enable it in software by clearing the SWDTEN bit logic and setting WDTE in the configuration word to avoid firmware lockup in the field. The MCLR pin must NOT be left floating; always provide a pull-up to VDD.
Estimated: at 4 MHz oscillator frequency, the PIC16C72-04I/SO generates minimal EMI, but the digital switching on port B and port C can inject noise into the analog inputs through the supply rail. Use a ferrite bead (e.g., BLM18PG221) between digital VDD and analog AVSS, or power the analog reference separately. For the USART signals on RC6/RC7, add 100 ohm source-impedance resistors and keep trace lengths matched within 5 mm if the baud rate exceeds 115.2 kbps. The SSP in SPI master mode can run up to Fosc/4 = 1 MHz at 4 MHz oscillator; for I2C Fast-mode (400 kHz) operation, ensure the SDA/SCL lines have 4.7 kOhm pull-ups to VDD as recommended by the Microchip PIC16C7X datasheet.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not intended for automotive safety-critical applications; choose AEC-Q100 qualified PIC variants for safety uses. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental certification.
