PIC16C74A-10E/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 7KB ROM, 10MHz, 40-DIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C74A-10E/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.28 | $9.28 |
| 10 | $8.42 | $84.20 |
| 100 | $7.55 | $755.00 |
| 500 | $6.71 | $3,355.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.94 | $5,940.00 |
PIC16C74A-10E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, I/O peripherals, and timers onto one piece of silicon. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C74A belongs to the PIC16 mid-range 8-bit MCU family, which itself sits under 8-bit microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> microcontrollers and microprocessors -> semiconductors -> integrated circuits. PIC16 mid-range parts are RISC-based, Harvard-architecture devices with separate program and data buses, and they target cost-sensitive embedded control applications.
Key features of the PIC16C74A-10E/P include two 8-bit timer/counters and one 16-bit timer/counter with capture/compare/PWM, a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C, a USART for asynchronous serial communication, an 8-bit ADC with 8 input channels, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and 25 mA source/sink current capability per I/O pin suitable for direct LED driving. It supports 14-bit wide instruction words with 35 single-word instructions, an 8-level deep hardware stack, and power-managed sleep mode with 1 uA typical standby current at 3V/32 kHz.
The PIC16C74A architecture uses an OTP EPROM program memory cell which is one-time-programmable by the user, making the part well suited to mature production runs where firmware has stabilized. Unlike the flash-based PIC16F74 successor, the 'C' (CMOS EPROM) variant cannot be electrically erased, so each die is committed at first programming. Brown-out reset, power-on reset, and code-protection fuses round out the safety features.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, HVAC control boards, motor control front-ends, automotive body and chassis ECUs, appliance control boards, sensor signal conditioning, and simple user-interface controllers. The 33 I/O and integrated ADC allow direct interface to keypads, switches, potentiometers, thermistors, and other analog sensors without external glue logic.
Design consideration: ensure the OTP programming step is executed at the contract manufacturer with locked code-protection bits, because OTP memory cannot be re-balled once sealed. When designing for automotive AEC-Q100, source the /P extended-temperature grade from approved lots only and confirm PPAP documentation with Microchip.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, OTP MCU replacement strategies, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - including a side-by-side comparison with the recommended flash-based successor PIC16F74-I/P and warnings on OTP programming logistics.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C74A-10E/P — 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-10E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Timers, Core Architecture, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F74-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C74B-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C74A-10/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C74A-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C74A-10E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range, 8-bit RISC, Harvard |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP EPROM |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present on OTP 'C' family variant |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 8 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Instruction Word Width | 14 bits |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word instructions |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "E" suffix) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600 in / 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit Timer/Counter, 1 x 16-bit Timer/Counter with CCP |
| Communication Peripherals | SSP (SPI / I2C), USART (Asynchronous Serial) |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA / 25 mA per pin |
| Standby Current (3V, 32 kHz) | 1 uA typical |
| Active Current (5V, 4 MHz) | 15 uA typical |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| MSL Level | 1 (not moisture-sensitive - dry-pack not required) |
PIC16C74A-10E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF- — Port A bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Port E bit 0 / parallel slave port read / analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Port E bit 1 / parallel slave port write / analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Port E bit 2 / parallel slave port chip select / analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — Port D bit 0 / parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — Port D bit 1 / parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — Port D bit 2 / parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — Port D bit 3 / parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — Port D bit 4 / parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — Port D bit 5 / parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — Port D bit 6 / parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — Port D bit 7 / parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/PGM — Port B bit 3 / low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C74A-10E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, HVAC Control Boards, Appliance Control Panels, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, Simple User Interface Controllers.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16C74A-10E/P fits industrial PLC and machine-control front-ends because its 33 I/O and 8-channel 8-bit ADC can read pushbuttons, encoders, and 0-10V sensor signals directly. With OTP EPROM the firmware is fused and tamper-proof, and the extended -40C to +125C grade survives cabinet and chassis environments. A typical design uses the 16-bit CCP module to generate PWM for motor speed reference while the USART connects to a Modbus RTU master. The PIC16C74A-10E/P's 25 mA source/sink capability eliminates external drivers for relay coils under 50 mA.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C74A-10E/P is commonly deployed in body-control modules (lighting, mirror, wiper, HVAC blend door) where its 10 MHz core and 192-byte RAM handle discrete I/O scans without RTOS overhead. The extended temperature grade meets cabin thermal requirements. Designers should note the part is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical or powertrain functions migrate to a Q-1 suffix PIC16F or dsPIC family. The PIC16C74A-10E/P's brown-out reset and watchdog timer cover the electrical hazards typical of 12V automotive rails.
Recommended
HVAC Control Boards
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning controllers benefit from the PIC16C74A-10E/P's 8-channel ADC, which directly digitizes thermistor networks for supply/return air, mixed-air, and outdoor temperature sensing. The CCP module drives triac gating for blower speed control and PWM valve positioning. With OTP EPROM, the firmware is fixed at production, which protects OEM calibration data. The 15 uA active current at 5V/4 MHz keeps wall-powered HVAC boards within standby efficiency budgets.
Recommended
Appliance Control Panels
The PIC16C74A-10E/P is widely used in washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens, where its 33 I/O drive 7-segment or matrix LED displays, keypads, and indicator LEDs while the ADC reads water level, door switch, and temperature. The 25 mA per-pin drive removes the need for external transistors on most LEDs. The OTP EPROM locks the appliance's safety logic against firmware tampering. The 10 MHz clock is sufficient for non-real-time user-interface task scheduling without an RTOS.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
The PIC16C74A-10E/P works well as a multi-channel sensor aggregator: 8 ADC channels digitize strain gauge, thermistor, and pressure sensor bridges while the SSP feeds the readings upstream over SPI or I2C. The 192-byte RAM buffers up to 64 12-bit-equivalent samples before transmission, and the USART provides a parallel RS-232/485 diagnostic port. The OTP EPROM secures calibration coefficients against field modification. The 33 I/O handle discrete sensor enable and fault flag lines without external logic.
Recommended
Simple User Interface Controllers
The PIC16C74A-10E/P is ideal for keypad-plus-LCD user-interface controllers in test equipment, instruments, and access panels. Its 33 I/O multiplex a 4x4 matrix keypad and a parallel HD44780 LCD, while the USART reports button events to a host processor. The integrated ADC reads potentiometers for analog menu adjustments. Because OTP EPROM locks the UI logic, manufacturers protect proprietary menu structures. The 25 mA per-pin drive is sufficient to backlight LEDs through current-limiting resistors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C74A-10E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F74-I/P | PIC16C74B-20I/P | PIC16C74A-10/P | PIC16C74A-10I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600 in) | 40-PDIP (0.600 in) | 40-PDIP (0.600 in) | 40-PDIP (0.600 in) | 40-PDIP (0.600 in) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | Flash (7 KB, electrically erasable) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit | 8-channel, 8-bit |
| Number of I/O | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.0V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V |
Key Differentiators
- Microchip-official flash replacement available with full pin compatibility (vs PIC16F74-I/P)
- Higher throughput alternative in identical 40-DIP footprint (vs PIC16C74B-20I/P)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16C74A-10/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C74A-10E/P uses OTP EPROM, which can be programmed only once - there is no electrical erase. Lock the code-protection bits at the contract manufacturer BEFORE programming, because post-programming firmware changes are impossible without re-spinning the silicon. For prototype and low-volume runs, prefer the Flash-based PIC16F74-I/P in the same 40-DIP footprint to allow firmware iteration.
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pin pair (pins 11/12 and pins 32/31). For the analog ADC reference AVdd/AVss pins, add a 10 uF tantalum plus 0.1 uF ceramic for ADC noise suppression. The PIC16C74A draws up to 15 mA active at 10 MHz/5V, so budget the regulator for at least 30 mA to handle in-rush during startup.
The 40-pin PDIP (0.600 in / 15.24 mm row spacing) routes MCLR (pin 1) directly to the reset circuit; do not place long traces that would pick up noise. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces short and surround them with a ground pour for EMI immunity. Leave room for an in-system programming (ICSP) header connecting to MCLR/VPP, VDD, VSS, RB6/PGC, and RB7/PGD so that OTP programming can be performed after PCB assembly.
Estimated: The PIC16C74A-10E/P dissipates roughly 75 mW at 10 MHz / 5 V with 33 I/O switching (15 mA core + 25 mA source per pin). At -40C to +125C ambient the junction remains well below the 150C silicon limit because the 40-DIP package has a thermal resistance of approximately 40 C/W in still air. No heatsink is required for typical industrial-control duty cycles.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status were not present in the verified web data; check Microchip's product environmental compliance page for the latest declaration. The PIC16C74A-10E/P is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified per Microchip's product family - the "E" suffix only indicates extended temperature grade.
