PIC16C72-04I/SO Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16C72-04I/SO is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16C series, featuring 4.6KB OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory, 22 I/O pins, and integrated peripherals including PWM, watchdog timer, and brown-out detection. The device operates at 4MHz with a supply voltage range of 4V to 6V and is housed in a 28-SOIC surface mount package.

This part is currently active in production with verified programmable status and ROHS3 compliance. Finding equivalent or substitute parts becomes necessary when OTP memory limitations require reprogrammable solutions, when higher speed operation is needed, or when inventory constraints require alternative sourcing from the same manufacturer's product line.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Core Processor	PIC
Core Size	8-Bit
Program Memory Type	OTP (4.6KB / 2K x 14)
RAM Size	128 x 8
Number of I/O	22
Operating Speed	4MHz
Supply Voltage	4V ~ 6V
Package Type	28-SOIC
Connectivity	I2C, SPI
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT
Data Converters	A/D 5x8b
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The PIC16F72-I/SO qualifies as a direct substitute based on the following alignment of critical parameters:

Matching Parameters:

Core processor architecture (PIC 8-bit)
Program memory capacity (4.6KB / 2K x 14)
RAM configuration (128 x 8)
I/O pin count (22)
Physical package (28-SOIC with identical dimensions)
Connectivity interfaces (I2C, SPI)
Peripheral set (Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT)
Data converter specification (A/D 5x8b)
Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C)
Compliance certifications (ROHS3, REACH Unaffected, EAR99)

Key Difference: The primary distinction is the program memory type: PIC16C72-04I/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory, while PIC16F72-I/SO uses FLASH memory. This substitution is valid because FLASH memory provides equivalent or superior functionality for reprogrammable applications. Additionally, the PIC16F72-I/SO operates at 20MHz versus 4MHz, providing higher performance capability while maintaining backward compatibility with existing designs.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	PIC16C72-04I/SO	PIC16F72-I/SO	Compatibility
Manufacturer	Microchip Technology	Microchip Technology	Same
Series	PIC® 16C	PIC® 16F	Compatible
Core Size	8-Bit	8-Bit	Identical
Program Memory Type	OTP	FLASH	Functionally Equivalent
Program Memory Size	4.6KB (2K x 14)	4.6KB (2K x 14)	Identical
RAM Size	128 x 8	128 x 8	Identical
Operating Speed	4MHz	20MHz	Compatible (higher speed)
Supply Voltage	4V ~ 6V	4V ~ 5.5V	Overlapping Range
Number of I/O	22	22	Identical
Connectivity	I2C, SPI	I2C, SPI	Identical
Peripherals	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT	Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT	Identical
Data Converters	A/D 5x8b	A/D 5x8b	Identical
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 85°C	Identical
Package Type	28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)	Identical
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Identical
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Identical
Product Status	Active	Active	Both Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

PIC16C72-04I/SO is appropriate for applications requiring one-time programmable solutions where code updates are not anticipated post-deployment and where the 4MHz operating speed meets application timing requirements.

PIC16F72-I/SO is the preferred substitute when:

Reprogrammable firmware capability is required
Higher processing speed (20MHz) provides performance margin for complex algorithms
Supply voltage must remain within 4V to 5.5V range (note the reduced upper limit compared to the original part)
Long-term product support and availability are priorities, as FLASH-based devices typically have extended production lifecycles

Both parts maintain identical pin configurations, peripheral functionality, and compliance certifications (ROHS3, REACH Unaffected, EAR99). The 28-SOIC package dimensions are identical, enabling direct PCB layout compatibility without redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PIC16F72-I/SO be used as a direct replacement for PIC16C72-04I/SO in existing designs?

A: Yes, for applications where reprogrammable memory is acceptable. The pin configuration, I/O count, peripheral set, and package dimensions are identical. However, verify that your application's supply voltage does not exceed 5.5V, as the PIC16F72-I/SO has a lower maximum supply voltage (5.5V) compared to the original part (6V).

Q: What is the primary functional difference between these parts?

A: The PIC16C72-04I/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory that cannot be erased or reprogrammed after initial programming. The PIC16F72-I/SO uses FLASH memory, which can be reprogrammed multiple times. Both provide identical memory capacity (4.6KB).

Q: Are there speed compatibility concerns when substituting?

A: The PIC16F72-I/SO operates at 20MHz compared to the original 4MHz. This higher speed is backward compatible with designs targeting 4MHz operation. No timing adjustments are required; the substitute will execute code faster than the original part.

Q: Do the parts have identical package dimensions?

A: Yes. Both parts use the 28-SOIC package with identical dimensions (0.295" × 7.50mm width). No PCB layout modifications are necessary for substitution.

Q: Are compliance certifications maintained with this substitute?

A: Yes. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified as EAR99. Compliance documentation remains valid for the substitute part.

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