PIC16LC72A-04/SS Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16LC72A-04/SS is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16C series, featuring 4.6KB OTP program memory, 128 x 8 bytes of RAM, and 22 I/O pins in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. This device is classified as obsolete, making equivalent substitute parts necessary for new designs and production continuity. The part operates at 4MHz with a supply voltage range of 2.5V to 5.5V and includes integrated peripherals such as brown-out detection, power-on reset, PWM, and watchdog timer functionality.

Substiute Parts

PIC16LC72A-04/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 5377PIC16LC72A-04/SS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16LF72-I/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 5613PIC16LF72-I/SS Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The PIC16LF72-I/SS qualifies as a direct substitute for the PIC16LC72A-04/SS based on the following substitution criteria:

Matching Parameters:

• Core processor architecture (PIC)
• Core size (8-Bit)
• Program memory size (4.6KB / 2K x 14)
• RAM size (128 x 8)
• Number of I/O pins (22)
• Connectivity (I2C, SPI)
• Peripheral set (Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT)
• Data converter configuration (A/D 5x8b)
• Package type (28-SSOP with identical physical dimensions)
• Supply voltage compatibility (2V ~ 5.5V encompasses the original 2.5V ~ 5.5V range)
• Compliance certifications (ROHS3, REACH Unaffected, EAR99)

Key Differences:

• Program memory type: OTP (original) vs. FLASH (substitute)
• Maximum operating speed: 4MHz (original) vs. 20MHz (substitute)
• Operating temperature range: 0°C ~ 70°C (original) vs. -40°C ~ 85°C (substitute)
• Product status: Obsolete (original) vs. Active (substitute)

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PIC16LF72-I/SS is the direct substitute for the obsolete PIC16LC72A-04/SS. Selection of the substitute part is justified by:

Product Status: The original PIC16LC72A-04/SS is classified as obsolete, necessitating transition to an active product. The PIC16LF72-I/SS maintains active product status with ongoing manufacturer support and availability.

Functional Equivalence: Both devices share identical core architecture, memory configuration, I/O count, and peripheral functionality. The 28-SSOP package dimensions are identical, ensuring mechanical compatibility in existing PCB layouts.

Compliance Alignment: Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic component manufacturing and distribution.

Enhanced Specifications: The substitute part offers superior performance characteristics including higher maximum operating speed (20MHz vs. 4MHz) and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C vs. 0°C to 70°C), providing greater design flexibility for diverse application environments.

Memory Technology: The transition from OTP to FLASH program memory in the substitute part enables field reprogramming capability, eliminating the single-programming limitation of the original OTP device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PIC16LF72-I/SS be used as a direct replacement in existing designs using the PIC16LC72A-04/SS?

A: Yes. Both devices share identical pinout, package dimensions (28-SSOP), core architecture, memory size, I/O configuration, and peripheral set. No PCB modifications are required for mechanical or electrical compatibility.

Q: What is the primary advantage of the PIC16LF72-I/SS over the original part?

A: The substitute uses FLASH program memory instead of OTP, allowing multiple reprogramming cycles. Additionally, it supports higher clock speeds (20MHz vs. 4MHz) and operates across a wider temperature range (-40°C to 85°C vs. 0°C to 70°C).

Q: Are there any supply voltage compatibility concerns?

A: No. The PIC16LF72-I/SS supply voltage range (2V to 5.5V) encompasses the original part's range (2.5V to 5.5V). Existing power supply designs require no modification.

Q: Does the higher speed rating of the substitute part affect software compatibility?

A: Software written for the original 4MHz device will execute on the PIC16LF72-I/SS without modification. The substitute's 20MHz capability provides headroom for performance-critical applications but does not mandate code changes.

Q: Are both parts equally available for procurement?

A: The PIC16LC72A-04/SS is obsolete with limited remaining inventory. The PIC16LF72-I/SS is an active product with standard manufacturer availability and supply chain support.

Q: What certifications apply to both parts?

A: Both devices are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified under ECCN EAR99. Moisture sensitivity level is 1 (unlimited) for both parts, indicating no special storage or handling requirements.