PIC16C74A-04E/PQ - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB OTP, 4MHz, 44-MQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C74A-04E/PQ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.92 | $89.20 |
| 100 | $7.74 | $774.00 |
| 500 | $6.95 | $3,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.2 | $6,200.00 |
PIC16C74A-04E/PQ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU, program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash/OTP), data RAM, I/O ports, timers, and often analog and serial peripherals on one die. The PIC16C7X mid-range architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path, offering higher code density than 8/12-bit competitors at moderate complexity. The MQFP (Metric Quad Flat Pack) family is a surface-mount plastic-leaded package standardized for mid-pin-count MCUs and is itself part of the broader QFP -> SMD plastic-IC package family.
Key features include 33 digital I/O lines, 25 mA sink/source current per pin, wide operating voltage (2.5V to 6.0V), and typical active current of 15 uA at 5V/4MHz with standby current down to 1 uA at 3V/32 kHz, supporting battery-friendly embedded designs. Brown-out Reset, Power-on Reset, and a programmable code-protection mechanism simplify field deployment of firmware.
The device employs a Harvard RISC architecture with a two-stage pipeline, 35 single-word instructions, and interrupt-driven I/O, allowing deterministic real-time response for control loops and human-interface firmware.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, automotive body/comfort modules, HVAC controls, instrumentation front-ends, and embedded sensor hubs that benefit from on-chip A/D conversion and standard serial buses.
When migrating designs, note that Microchip recommends the Flash-based PIC16F74 as a newer pin-compatible successor with in-circuit programmability.
This page consolidates distributor stock, parametric drop-in alternatives, and design considerations that complement but do not replace the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C74A-04E/PQ — 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 PIC16C74A-04E/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, Program Memory Type, A/D Converter, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C74A-04/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C74A-10E/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$8.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C74A-20E/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$8.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C74A-04I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74-I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C74A-04E/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit CMOS Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Family | PIC16C7X (mid-range) |
| Core | PIC16C RISC (14-bit instruction, 8-bit data path) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| A/D Converter | 8 channels, 8-bit |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + one 16-bit |
| Serial Interfaces | I2C, SPI, USART |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA / 25 mA |
| Typical Active Current | 15 uA at 5 V, 4 MHz |
| Standby Current | 1 uA typical at 3 V, 32 kHz |
| Package / Case | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Extended ("E" suffix) |
PIC16C74A-04E/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / A/D reference |
| Pin 8 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 22 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 23 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 24 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 25 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 26 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 27 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 28 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 29 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 41 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 42 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 43 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 44 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
Typical Applications
PIC16C74A-04E/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Automotive Body and Comfort Modules, HVAC Control Systems, Embedded Instrumentation Front-Ends, Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition Nodes, User Interface Keypad and Display Controllers.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ fits industrial automation because it offers 33 25 mA sink/source I/O lines that can directly drive relays, solenoids, and indicator LEDs, plus an integrated 8-channel 8-bit A/D converter for reading 4-20 mA or 0-10V process signals without an external ADC. Its 4MHz PIC16C RISC core executes deterministic real-time control loops in motor starters, conveyor sequencers, and PLC-style I/O modules, while the 2.5V to 6.0V supply range accepts 24V-derived industrial rails after regulation. Brown-out Reset and Power-on Reset support reliable cold-start in factory-floor environments where line glitches are common.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ is well suited to automotive body and comfort modules (window lifters, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, interior lighting) because its 33 high-current I/O lines can drive small DC motors and lamp loads directly, while its extended temperature grade ("E") tolerates under-hood and cabin thermal swings. The integrated I2C/SPI/USART peripherals let the device talk to BCM master controllers and sensor nodes, and the 8-bit A/D monitors analog sensors such as position potentiometers and battery voltage. The 2.5V to 6.0V supply range aligns with 12V automotive rails after clamping.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ suits HVAC control boards where its 8-channel 8-bit A/D converter reads thermistor temperature sensors, pressure transducers, and humidity probes, while 25 mA I/O lines switch triac drivers or relay coils that actuate fans, dampers, and compressors. The 7KB OTP program memory stores the full PID control firmware plus the user-interface lookup tables for fan curves and setpoint scheduling. Operating from 2.5V to 6.0V, the device runs directly from a 5V regulated supply common in HVAC control boards, and the extended temperature grade handles equipment-room thermal conditions.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation Front-Ends
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ serves as an instrumentation front-end because its 8-channel 8-bit A/D converter digitizes sensor signals at up to 4MHz system clock and the USART peripheral streams results to a host PC, PLC, or display controller at standard baud rates. The PIC16C RISC core runs scaling and linearization routines on each conversion while the 192-byte RAM holds temporary sample buffers. The 44-MQFP package keeps the design compact for handheld or panel-mount instruments, and the 15 uA typical active current at 5V/4MHz supports battery-powered portable meters.
Recommended
Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition Nodes
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ works as a multi-sensor hub because its I2C and SPI peripherals interface to external temperature sensors, accelerometers, and EEPROM memory, while the on-chip 8-bit A/D digitizes analog channels at rates adequate for environmental monitoring. The 7KB program memory stores sensor drivers and averaging algorithms, and the 33 I/O lines provide discrete control of LED indicators and actuators. Brown-out Reset and Power-on Reset handle noisy industrial sensor-bus power conditions gracefully, and the low 1 uA standby current extends battery life in remote monitoring nodes.
Recommended
User Interface Keypad and Display Controllers
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ is a strong fit for keypad-scanning and display-refresh controllers because it offers 33 I/O pins to matrix-scan up to 64 keys or refresh multiplexed LED/LCD segments, while 25 mA sink/source current directly drives LED displays without external buffers. The 16-bit Timer1 provides accurate debounce and refresh timing, and the USART peripheral can relay key events to a host processor. The 7KB OTP holds full key-mapping and display-font lookup tables, and the extended temperature grade supports appliance, kiosk, and industrial panel environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C74A-04E/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C74A-04/PQ | PIC16C74A-10E/PQ | PIC16C74A-20E/PQ | PIC16C74A-04I/PQ | PIC16F74-I/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10 mm | 44-MQFP (PQ) - same | 44-MQFP (PQ) - same | 44-MQFP (PQ) - same | 44-MQFP (PQ) - same | 44-MQFP (PQ) - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM, 7KB | OTP EPROM, 7KB | OTP EPROM, 7KB | OTP EPROM, 7KB | OTP EPROM, 7KB | Flash, 7KB |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 4.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V (extended) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended ("E") | Commercial | Extended ("E") | Extended ("E") | Industrial ("I") | Industrial ("I") |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade ("E") over commercial variant (vs PIC16C74A-04/PQ)
- Flash memory with ICSP support (vs PIC16F74-I/PQ)
- Higher maximum clock frequency (vs PIC16C74A-20E/PQ)
Design Notes
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ uses OTP-EPROM program memory, so firmware cannot be field-upgraded. Designers planning firmware revisions should select the Flash-based PIC16F74 in the same 44-MQFP package instead, otherwise a software bug forces mechanical replacement of every programmed part. When migrating, verify that the PIC16F74 oscillator configuration bits, ICSP programming pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD), and A/D converter registers match your firmware intent before committing to layout.
Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic) on each VDD/VSS pin pair as close to the IC body as possible to suppress digital switching noise that could couple into the A/D converter channels. Add a 10 uF bulk electrolytic or tantalum at the supply entry point. For applications that digitize low-level analog signals, separate the analog AVDD/AVSS pins with their own ferrite-bead-isolated supply and connect AVSS to VSS at a single star ground to minimize digital noise in the A/D readings.
The PIC16C74A-04E/PQ typically draws 15 uA at 5V/4MHz active and 1 uA in standby at 3V/32 kHz, per the PIC16C7X datasheet. Brown-out Reset is configured via configuration fuses; set the BOR voltage threshold above the minimum operating voltage required by analog peripherals to avoid ADC reference collapse during brown-out. For battery-powered designs, leverage the 1 uA standby mode plus the Watchdog Timer wake-up interval to extend battery life while still maintaining system supervision.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status were not present in the verified web data and are marked unknown. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because the PIC16C74A-04E/PQ is not specifically marketed as an automotive-qualified part; the "E" suffix is a temperature grade, not an automotive qualification.
