PIC16C72-10I/SO Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16C72-10I/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. This device is actively produced and widely used in embedded control applications requiring cost-effective, reliable microcontroller solutions.

Finding equivalent and substitute parts becomes necessary when the original part reaches end-of-life status, inventory constraints occur, or design requirements shift toward enhanced capabilities such as reprogrammable memory or higher operating speeds.

Substiute Parts

PIC16C72-10I/SO

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1109PIC16C72-10I/SO Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F72-I/SO

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 5971PIC16F72-I/SO Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PIC16C72-10I/SO is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Criteria:

• Core processor family (PIC architecture)
• Core size (8-Bit)
• Program memory size (4.6KB / 2K x 14)
• Pin count and I/O configuration (22 I/O)
• Package type (28-SOIC)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C)
• Peripheral feature set (PWM, WDT, brown-out detect, I2C, SPI)

Allowable Variations:

• Program memory type (OTP to FLASH conversion)
• Operating speed (10MHz to higher speeds)
• Voltage supply range (4V ~ 6V to 4V ~ 5.5V)

The PIC16F72-I/SO qualifies as a direct substitute because it maintains identical core architecture, memory capacity, I/O configuration, and package specifications while offering FLASH memory (reprogrammable) instead of OTP and enhanced speed capability.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

PIC16F72-I/SO as Primary Substitute:

The PIC16F72-I/SO is a direct functional equivalent suitable for replacing the PIC16C72-10I/SO in new designs and production environments. Selection is based on the following engineering factors:

• Product Status: Both devices maintain Active status with Microchip Technology, ensuring long-term availability and support.
• Compliance: Both parts are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and carry identical MSL ratings (1 - Unlimited), meeting regulatory and environmental requirements.
• Memory Architecture: The transition from OTP to FLASH memory provides design flexibility through in-system reprogrammability, eliminating the need for device replacement during development and field updates.
• Performance Enhancement: The doubled operating speed (20MHz vs. 10MHz) provides headroom for more demanding applications without architectural changes.
• Voltage Compatibility: The PIC16F72-I/SO operates within the 4V ~ 5.5V range, which is a subset of the original 4V ~ 6V specification. Designs operating above 5.5V require voltage regulation or alternative parts.
• Pin and Package Compatibility: Identical 28-SOIC package and pinout enable direct PCB-level substitution without layout modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PIC16F72-I/SO replace the PIC16C72-10I/SO in existing designs?

A: Yes. The PIC16F72-I/SO maintains identical pinout, package, core architecture, I/O count, and peripheral configuration. Direct PCB substitution is possible. However, verify that your design operates within the 4V ~ 5.5V supply range, as the substitute has a narrower voltage specification than the original.

Q: What is the primary advantage of the PIC16F72-I/SO over the PIC16C72-10I/SO?

A: The PIC16F72-I/SO uses FLASH memory instead of OTP, allowing in-system reprogramming and field updates. Additionally, it operates at 20MHz compared to 10MHz, providing doubled processing speed for the same instruction set architecture.

Q: Are there any limitations when substituting the PIC16F72-I/SO?

A: The substitute has a reduced maximum supply voltage (5.5V vs. 6V). If your application requires operation above 5.5V, the PIC16F72-I/SO is not suitable without external voltage regulation. All other electrical and mechanical parameters are compatible.

Q: Do both parts use the same development tools and programming interfaces?

A: Both devices use the same PIC architecture and instruction set, ensuring compatibility with Microchip's development tools and programmers. The FLASH-based PIC16F72-I/SO supports in-circuit programming, while the OTP-based PIC16C72-10I/SO requires pre-programming before assembly.

Q: What is the package specification for both parts?

A: Both the PIC16C72-10I/SO and PIC16F72-I/SO use the 28-SOIC package with 0.295" body width and 7.50mm width specification, enabling direct mechanical substitution on standard PCBs.

Q: Are both parts available in production quantities?

A: Yes. The PIC16C72-10I/SO has 1061 pieces in stock, and the PIC16F72-I/SO has 5900 pieces in stock as new original inventory, both verified as programmable by DiGi-Electronics.