PIC16C72-20/SP - 8-Bit OTP MCU 20MHz 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C72-20/SP ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $3.95 | $39.50 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3.2 | $1,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC16C72-20/SP Overview
What is a microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces), and I/O on one die. The PIC16C72 belongs to the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 mid-range family -> RISC Harvard-architecture MCU -> embedded controller. Mid-range PIC MCUs use a 14-bit instruction word with separate program and data buses, providing deterministic single-cycle execution for many instructions.
Key differentiating specifications include: 20MHz maximum clock (200ns instruction cycle), 3.5KB OTP program memory allowing in-system one-time programming during prototyping or low-volume production, 128 bytes of general-purpose RAM, an integrated 8-bit ADC with 5 analog input channels, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer (Timer0/Timer1/Timer2), a Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (USART/SCI), and a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C master/slave modes.
The PIC16C72's architecture is based on Microchip's enhanced mid-range RISC core with a hardware stack depth of 8 levels, 35 single-word instructions, and 8 hardware interrupt sources. The integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC with sample-and-hold eliminates external ADC chips in simple sensor-interface designs. OTP memory suits cost-sensitive applications where firmware is finalized and large production runs amortize the programming cost.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, automotive body electronics (non-safety subsystems), industrial sensor interface modules, simple user-interface panels, motor control feedback loops, battery chargers, and consumer-electronic sub-controllers. The 22 I/O lines and 5 ADC channels handle button scanning, LED driving, relay control, and analog sensor reading without external glue logic.
Design consideration: Because OTP memory can be programmed only once, place the device in a socket during development to allow swap-out, or use the PIC16C72A/PIC16F72 flash-based variants for iterative prototyping. Power-supply decoupling requires a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor within 5mm of VDD, with a bulk 10uF electrolytic on the main 5V rail.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and design considerations not consolidated on any single manufacturer page - giving engineers a faster path from datasheet to working prototype.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C72-20/SP — 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 PIC16C72-20/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Program Memory Size, ADC, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C72-10/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-10I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72A-20/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F72-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C72-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72-20/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None (not present in OTP PIC16C72) |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Serial Interfaces | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI / I2C master-slave) |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Supply Voltage Nominal | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial, /SP suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life, through-hole) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead, through-hole DIP) |
| Lead-Free / Pb-Free | No (contains Pb in leads and finish) |
| AEC-Q100 Automotive Qualification | Not qualified |
PIC16C72-20/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / analog input 4 (open-drain) |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 5 / SSP slave-select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SSP SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART async transmit / sync clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART async receive / sync data |
| Pin 16 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 17 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 18 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 19 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 20 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 21 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 22 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 23 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 24 | VDD — Positive power supply (+5V nominal) |
| Pin 25 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, reserved) |
| Pin 28 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active-low) / programming voltage input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C72-20/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), User Interface Panels, Battery Charger Controllers, Motor Control Feedback Loops, Consumer Electronics Sub-Controllers.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C72-20/SP is well suited for low-cost appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, HVAC zone controllers) where its 22 I/O lines directly drive LED indicators, relay coils, triac optocouplers, and seven-segment displays without external glue logic. The 5-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermistor temperature sensors, water-level probes, and current-sense shunts for motor overload detection. The integrated USART supports diagnostic connectivity to inverter boards or main-MCU communication in multi-board designs. OTP memory is acceptable here because firmware is finalized after type testing and production volumes amortize the programming cost. With 20MHz operation the controller executes its event loop in well under 1ms, easily meeting the response-time requirements of safety interlocks and user-interface debouncing.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C72-20/SP integrates analog signal conditioning and digital communication in one package, ideal for 4-20mA loop-powered sensor transmitters, RTD conditioner boards, and bridge-amplifier digitizer modules. Its 5-channel 8-bit ADC with internal sample-and-hold provides adequate resolution for temperature, pressure, and flow sensor signal chains where 1% absolute accuracy is acceptable. The USART handles RS-232/RS-485 communication via external transceivers, and the SSP port connects directly to SPI ADC front-ends or EEPROM dataloggers. Industrial users benefit from the /SP package's through-hole robustness for screw-terminal assemblies and conformal-coated PCBs. For environments with extended temperature exposure, the PIC16C72-10I/SP variant (industrial -40C to +85C) is a better choice than the /SP commercial-temperature part.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C72-20/SP powers body-electronics subsystems such as seat-position controllers, mirror-adjustment modules, interior lighting dimmers, and aftermarket accessory controllers, where its 22 I/O lines handle motor-driver IC interfaces, switch-matrix scanning, and LIN-bus communication via external transceivers. The 8-bit ADC reads potentiometer wiper voltages for analog position feedback. However, the PIC16C72-20/SP itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified and operates only over the commercial 0C to +70C range; for safety-relevant or under-hood modules the industrial /I temperature grade is required and the flash-based PIC16F72 family is strongly recommended for in-circuit reprogramming during vehicle validation. The part is appropriate for non-safety cabin modules in cost-sensitive aftermarket products where automotive qualification is delegated to the system integrator.
Recommended
User Interface Panels
The PIC16C72-20/SP is a strong fit for user-interface panel controllers in printers, 3D printers, CNC front panels, instrument front ends, and access-control keypads, where its 22 I/O lines scan 4x4 or 4x5 matrix keypads, drive multiplexed 7-segment LED displays, and read rotary encoder inputs directly. The integrated timers support PWM generation for backlight brightness control and buzzer tone generation. The 128-byte RAM is sufficient for menu-stack data and temporary parsing buffers. Three timer modules allow precise debouncing intervals, key-repeat timing, and display multiplexing refresh rates without CPU overhead. Designers favor the PIC16C72-20/SP for established UI designs where OTP cost is acceptable and the firmware rarely changes; new designs use the PIC16F72-I/SP flash equivalent.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controllers
The PIC16C72-20/SP serves as the supervisory controller in simple NiCd, NiMH, and lead-acid battery chargers, where its 5-channel ADC monitors battery voltage, charge current via shunt resistor, and cell temperature via NTC thermistor for delta-peak termination logic. PWM generation from Timer2 with internal gating drives a MOSFET gate driver or TL494-style feedback loop. The USART reports charger state and capacity to an upstream host controller or display module. OTP memory is acceptable in this application because the charge algorithm is fixed and validated; -dV, 0dV, and temperature-slope termination algorithms fit comfortably in 3.5KB of program memory. For lithium-ion chemistries requiring stricter safety, consider migrating to a dedicated battery-management IC like the MCP73123.
Recommended
Motor Control Feedback Loops
The PIC16C72-20/SP provides closed-loop PID control for low-power brushed DC motors, small stepper motors, and BLDC sensor feedback in fans, pumps, and small actuators, where its three timers handle quadrature encoder input (Timer0/Timer1), PWM generation (Timer2), and rate-loop sampling. The 5-channel ADC reads current-sense amplifiers and back-EMF voltages for commutation timing. Up to 22 I/O lines interface with Hall-sensor inputs, gate-driver enable pins, fault inputs, and serial debug ports. At 20MHz the controller achieves sub-100us rate-loop update periods suitable for motors up to several hundred RPM mechanical bandwidth. Designers should budget program memory carefully; PID algorithms with multiple operating modes approach the 3.5KB OTP limit, and the PIC16F73-I/SP (7KB flash) is a more future-proof alternative.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Sub-Controllers
The PIC16C72-20/SP functions as a sub-controller in consumer electronics such as set-top boxes, audio amplifiers, washing machines, and remote IR receivers, where it handles standby power management, IR remote decoding via Timer0 input capture, front-panel button scanning, and LED status indication while the main processor handles heavy DSP tasks. Its USART/SSP connectivity allows I2C or SPI communication with the main CPU. Low-cost OTP memory makes it economical in high-volume consumer goods where firmware is fixed after design lock. The 5-channel ADC reads potentiometer settings for volume, brightness, or temperature user inputs. For new consumer designs the PIC16F72-I/SP provides flash flexibility at minimal cost premium, allowing late-stage firmware customization for regional SKUs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C72-20/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C72-10/SP | PIC16C72-10I/SP | PIC16C72A-20/SP | PIC16F72-I/SP | PIC16F73-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (through-hole) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) | 28-pin SPDIP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash (+100%) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 10 MHz (-50%) | 10 MHz (-50%) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 192 bytes (+50%) |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels (enhanced) | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable, 100k cycles) | Flash (reprogrammable, 100k cycles) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended) | Active (recommended) | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Identical 3.5KB program memory with flash-based reprogrammability (vs PIC16F72-I/SP)
- Higher program memory and RAM headroom for future feature expansion (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
- Industrial temperature range for harsh-environment deployment (vs PIC16C72-10I/SP)
- Enhanced ADC module for improved signal-chain performance (vs PIC16C72A-20/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16C72-20/SP requires a stable +5V supply with decoupling of 0.1uF ceramic capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10uF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor on the main 5V rail. During programming via MCLR/VPP, VPP rises to approximately 13V - ensure your supply regulator can sink the inrush without sagging below 4.5V on VDD. Add a 100-ohm series resistor on MCLR to limit inrush during programming. Brownout detection (BOD) configuration bits should be enabled during development to prevent code runaway during supply dips.
Keep the 20MHz crystal (or ceramic resonator) and its load capacitors within 10mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize EMI and stray capacitance. Route the crystal traces over a continuous ground pour with no digital signals crossing beneath them. PORTA analog inputs (RA0-RA5) should be routed away from digital switching traces - especially RC0-RC7 and the PWM outputs - to minimize ADC noise coupling. Place the AVdd filter network (10uH inductor + 10uF + 0.1uF) close to the analog reference section if your design uses external Vref.
Three common PIC16C72 design pitfalls: (1) OTP memory programming requires a Microchip PICkit or MPLAB PM3 device programmer - the device cannot be re-programmed in-circuit, so always use a socket during development. (2) The PORTA RA4 pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up resistor if used as a digital output. (3) Timer1 external oscillator pins (RC0/T1OSO and RC1/T1OSI) are shared with PORTC, so if you enable the Timer1 oscillator mode you lose two PORTC pins - many reference manuals fail to highlight this. (4) The ICD pins RB6 and RB7 are also used for In-Circuit Debugging on flash variants but are general-purpose I/O on the OTP PIC16C72.
Estimated: At 20MHz clock and 5V supply, the PIC16C72-20/SP draws approximately 13-20mA active current (typical 15mA at 20MHz), giving a power dissipation of about 75-100mW. With the 28-pin SPDIP package thermal resistance of approximately 60-80 C/W, junction temperature rise is on the order of 5-8C above ambient at room temperature. No heatsink is required; however, the device should not be operated above its 0C to +70C commercial temperature range. For higher-temperature operation use the /I industrial-grade variants which extend the range to -40C to +85C.
When driving long cables from RC6/TX and RC7/RX (USART lines), place a series resistor (100-470 ohm) close to the MCU pin to dampen reflections. For I2C bus connections on RC3/RC4, use 4.7kohm pull-up resistors for 100kHz standard mode and 2.2kohm for 400kHz fast mode; never exceed the SSP bus capacitance budget of 400pF. SPI clock on RC3 should be kept below 8MHz for reliable communication with typical peripheral ICs. If your application uses PWM outputs (CCP1/CCP2 on RC2/RC1) to drive MOSFET gates, add a 100-ohm series gate resistor to control rise time and reduce ringing.
Compliance Information
PIC16C72-20/SP is non-RoHS because the 28-pin SPDIP package uses tin-lead (SnPb) lead finish; not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive grade unavailable for this OTP family); REACH compliance assumed per Microchip product declaration; halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the provided web data.
