PIC16C77-20E/L - 8-Bit CMOS MCU, 14KB EPROM, 20MHz, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C77-20E/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.85 | $1,385.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
PIC16C77-20E/L Overview
What is an 8-bit CMOS microcontroller? It is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals on one die. The PIC16C7x family belongs to the mid-range PIC microcontroller hierarchy, sitting between base-line PIC10/12 devices and enhanced PIC17/18 devices. The PIC16C77 is the higher-pin-count, higher-memory sibling of the PIC16C73/74/76 series, offering more I/O lines and more program memory for embedded control.
Key features include 33 digital I/O lines, a wide operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.0 V, high sink/source current capability of 25 mA/25 mA per pin, low standby current of 1 µA typical at 3 V / 32 kHz, and 35 single-word instructions to learn. The device uses a Harvard RISC architecture with single-cycle instruction execution except for program branches, which take two cycles, giving predictable deterministic timing that is highly valued in real-time control applications.
The PIC16C77 architecture combines a precision 8-bit ALU, a 14-bit instruction word, hardware stack, and dedicated peripheral registers. The integrated A/D converter with 8 channels simplifies mixed-signal designs by eliminating an external ADC chip. Two PWM modules support motor and power-control loops directly. The 'E' suffix denotes the extended industrial temperature range (-40 °C to +125 °C), while the 'L' suffix indicates the windowed CERDIP-44 package variant (per the manufacturer part-number decoder), though the verified data confirms the 44-pin PLCC form factor in production.
Typical applications include industrial process control, motor control, instrumentation, automotive body electronics, and consumer appliances. The device's rich peripheral set and 14 KB EPROM program memory make it suitable for moderate-complexity firmware with mixed-signal and serial-communication needs.
When designing with this part, note that EPROM devices require a UV-erase window for reprogramming; for in-system reprogrammability, choose the Flash-based PIC16F877 equivalent. Always place 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors on VDD/VDD2 and provide a stable MCLR reset network with a 10 kΩ pull-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible PIC16C7x drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C77-20E/L — 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 PIC16C77-20E/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Maximum Clock Frequency, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C77-10/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C77-04/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C77-10I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C77-10E/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C77-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C77-20E/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (14 KB / 8K x 14) |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions (mid-range) |
| Instruction Cycle | Single-cycle (4 clock periods), 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V (operating), up to 6.0 V max |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| A/D Converter | 8 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 CCP modules |
| Serial Interfaces | SSP (SPI/I2C) + USART (SCI) |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA / 25 mA |
| Standby Current | 1 µA typical at 3 V / 32 kHz; < 5 µA at 5 V / 4 MHz |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended, 'E' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C77-20E/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLRbar/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Voltage reference + |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SSbar — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 29 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | RE0/RDbar/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 38 | RE1/WRbar/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 39 | RE2/CSbar/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 41 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C77-20E/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, DC Motor Speed Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, Consumer Appliance Control, Remote Sensor Monitoring (IoT Edge Node).
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C77-20E/L fits industrial process control because its 8-channel 8-bit ADC samples multiple sensor inputs simultaneously (thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters) without external ADC hardware. Its 14 KB EPROM supports complex PID loop firmware, while the 20 MHz clock provides deterministic 200 ns instruction cycles for time-critical control loops. The two CCP/PWM modules drive valve actuators and heater controls directly via the 25 mA sink/source I/O capability, and the USART interfaces to HMI displays or PLC networks. The wide 4.0-5.5 V operating range and -40C to +125C extended temperature rating (E suffix) handle factory-floor environments with temperature swings and unregulated supply rails.
Recommended
DC Motor Speed Control
The PIC16C77-20E/L fits DC and stepper motor control because its dual Capture/Compare/PWM modules deliver hardware-generated PWM signals up to 10-bit resolution, freeing the CPU for feedback-loop calculations. Its 20 MHz MIPS budget executes PID algorithms in microseconds while sampling back-EMF via the 8-channel ADC. Per Microchip application note AN532, the 25 mA I/O sink/source current directly drives opto-isolated gate-driver inputs or small MOSFETs for sub-1A motor applications. The integrated Timer1 with external capture pin enables precise tachometer feedback for closed-loop speed regulation, while the USART reports status to a master controller.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C77-20E/L fits automotive body-control modules because its extended -40C to +125C temperature rating handles under-hood and cabin thermal extremes, while the 4.0-5.5 V operating range tolerates 12 V battery transients when paired with a 5 V regulator. Its 33 I/O pins multiplex numerous switch inputs (door, window, mirror controls) and PWM outputs (lamp dimming, seat motors), while the 8-channel ADC monitors battery voltage and current sensing. Per Microchip automotive qualification documentation, the PIC16C7x family is widely deployed in non-safety-critical body modules, though AEC-Q100 Grade 0 parts are preferred for new designs.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
The PIC16C77-20E/L fits bench-top instrumentation because its 14 KB EPROM stores calibration coefficients and complex measurement routines, while the 8-channel 8-bit ADC scans multiple analog inputs at 20 µs per channel. Its synchronous serial port (SSP) interfaces to external 12-bit or 16-bit ADCs for higher-resolution measurements, and the USART streams data to PC-based logging software. Per the datasheet, the 1 µA standby current extends battery life in portable meters, while the deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle provides accurate timing references for frequency counters and capacitance meters.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C77-20E/L fits consumer appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) because its OTP EPROM offers low per-unit cost at high volumes versus Flash equivalents. Its two CCP/PWM modules control motor speeds and heating elements via zero-crossing triac drivers, while the 8-channel ADC monitors temperature sensors (NTC thermistors), water level, and door switches. Per Microchip appliance reference designs, the 33 I/O pins handle multi-button user interfaces with seven-segment LED or LCD displays. The 'E' extended temperature grade survives the thermal environment of motor-compressor compartments.
Recommended
Remote Sensor Monitoring (IoT Edge Node)
The PIC16C77-20E/L fits IoT edge-node sensor monitoring because its 1 µA standby current at 3 V / 32 kHz enables multi-year battery life on remote installations, while the 8-channel ADC polls multiple environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, light). Its SSP/USART interfaces to LoRa, XBee, or Wi-Fi modules for wireless telemetry. Per Microchip low-power application notes, the watchdog timer and Sleep mode with peripheral wake-up extend battery life significantly versus always-on operation. The 14 KB EPROM supports sensor-fusion algorithms and local data logging before transmission bursts.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C77-20E/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C77-10/L | PIC16C77-04/L | PIC16C77-10I/L | PIC16C77-10E/L | PIC16C77-04I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin PLCC | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 14 KB EPROM | 14 KB EPROM | 14 KB EPROM | 14 KB EPROM | 14 KB EPROM | 14 KB EPROM |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| A/D Converter | 8ch x 8-bit | 8ch x 8-bit | 8ch x 8-bit | 8ch x 8-bit | 8ch x 8-bit | 8ch x 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
Key Differentiators
- Higher clock speed within PIC16C7x family (vs PIC16C77-10/L)
- Extended industrial temperature range (vs PIC16C77-10I/L)
- Larger program memory than PIC16C76 family (vs PIC16C76-20E/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD pins (20 and 40) with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each pin, plus a 10 µF tantalum bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail. Per Microchip datasheet DS30292D, the PIC16C77 has two VDD pins that must both be decoupled for stable operation. AVdd/AVss pins (if used for ADC reference) require separate analog-ground routing to avoid digital switching noise coupling into ADC readings. Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5 V, supply current is approximately 25 mA; plan regulator headroom accordingly.
Use a star-ground topology with the PIC16C77's VSS pin (8) as the central star point. Keep analog input traces (AN0-AN7) short and routed away from digital switching signals to preserve ADC accuracy. For 44-pin PLCC socket installation, use a machined-pin socket for reliable production programming and field replacement. Per Microchip layout guidelines, place a 4.7 kΩ pull-up on MCLRbar (pin 1) and a series resistor/diode network for in-circuit programming.
Do not assume ADC accuracy at full 20 MHz throughput without adequate acquisition time - configure ADC clock source to derive from Fosc/16 or slower, with minimum 20 µs acquisition time per datasheet. The PIC16C77's EPROM is OTP (one-time-programmable) - verify firmware with a PIC16F877 or PIC16C77/JW windowed prototype before committing to OTP production parts. Watchdog timer must be cleared in the main loop or disabled in CONFIG to avoid unintended resets in long-latency routines.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 9-10) as short as possible with a ground guard ring to prevent EMI radiation. For high-speed designs (20 MHz), place the crystal within 10 mm of the MCU. If using an external clock source, the CLKOUT pin (10) can drive other devices but should be buffered if more than one load is present. Avoid routing the parallel slave port (PORTD, pins 29-36) signals near the oscillator traces to prevent coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral status for PIC16C77-20E/L not present in verified web data; PIC16C7x OTP EPROM family predates many of these compliance mandates. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this part number; PIC16F877 automotive variants exist separately.
