PIC16C774/JW - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB EPROM MCU, 12-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C774/JW ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19.95 | $19.95 |
| 10 | $17.5 | $175.00 |
| 100 | $14.85 | $1,485.00 |
| 500 | $12.4 | $6,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.2 | $10,200.00 |
PIC16C774/JW Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces. The PIC16C774 belongs to Microchip's PIC16C mid-range family, which sits within the broader taxonomy of PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. The RISC architecture executes most instructions in a single cycle, and only 35 single-word instructions need to be learned, making it accessible for embedded developers transitioning from the PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX device lines.
Key features include 10 channels of 12-bit A/D conversion (enabling high-resolution measurement without external ADC circuitry), a wide operating voltage range typical of 5V PIC16C designs, an 8-bit timer/counter architecture, and synchronous/asynchronous serial communication peripherals. The windowed CERDIP package exposes the die to UV light for EPROM erasure, which makes the /JW variant uniquely valuable for engineering development, prototyping, and pre-production firmware iteration, as the same chip can be erased and re-programmed dozens of times.
Technically, the PIC16C774 is built on a CMOS process that delivers low power consumption while maintaining 20 MHz throughput. The 12-bit ADC core allows designers to discriminate small analog signal changes (down to a fraction of a millivolt at the relevant reference voltage), eliminating the need for external ADC chips and reducing BOM cost. The 35-instruction RISC instruction set keeps code density high, with most branch instructions completing in two cycles.
Typical applications include industrial process control, instrumentation requiring precision analog front-ends, sensor signal conditioning, motor control closed-loop feedback, and any 5V embedded system that benefits from on-chip 12-bit ADC. Engineers commonly use the /JW (windowed) variant on engineering benches, then transition to the lower-cost OTP-only package for production runs.
When designing with this part, engineers must remember that windowed CERDIP is through-hole and large (0.600 inch / 15.24 mm body) compared to modern surface-mount MCUs; plan PCB layout and tooling accordingly. The /JW variant is intended for development, not high-volume production due to its higher unit cost and EPROM erase complexity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle context (the PIC16C774 family is mature/legacy), drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C774/JW — 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 PIC16C774/JW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Timers, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C774-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C774-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877A-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C765-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C77-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C745-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C774/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP), UV-erasable (windowed) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit |
| ADC Channels | 10 |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 6.0 V (typical 5 V) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial; -40C to +85C for /I variants) |
| Package | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP (0.600 inch, 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THD) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead in CERDIP glass/leadframe) |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
| Series | PIC16C |
PIC16C774/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF- — Port A bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS/VREF+ — Port A bit 5 / Analog input channel 5 / Slave select / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 module (PWM/capture/compare) |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | RD0/PSP0 — Port D bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | RD1/PSP1 — Port D bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RD2/PSP2 — Port D bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RD3/PSP3 — Port D bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RD4/PSP4 — Port D bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RD5/PSP5 — Port D bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RD6/PSP6 — Port D bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 25 | RD7/PSP7 — Port D bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 28 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 29 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 31 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 32 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 33 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 34 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 35 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 36 | RE0/RD/AN6 — Port E bit 0 / Read control / Analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 37 | RE1/WR/AN7 — Port E bit 1 / Write control / Analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 38 | RE2/CS/AN8 — Port E bit 2 / Chip select / Analog input channel 8 |
| Pin 39 | AN9 — Analog input channel 9 |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (5V nominal) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C774/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Precision Instrumentation & Data Acquisition, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, Closed-Loop Motor Control, Legacy Embedded System Maintenance, Educational & Development Platforms.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C774/JW fits industrial process-control loops because its 10-channel 12-bit ADC resolves 4096 discrete steps across a 0-5 V analog input range, equivalent to roughly 1.22 mV per LSB at full scale. This resolution eliminates external ADC chips in many PLC analog input modules, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 20 MHz RISC core runs the control loop in under 200 ns per instruction, supporting PID calculations at sub-millisecond rates. Engineers typically place the /JW (windowed CERDIP) prototype in lab setups while production builds use the OTP PIC16C774-I/P. For more demanding analog tasks (e.g., load cell signal chains), the 12-bit ADC is acceptable when paired with an external low-noise reference.
Recommended
Precision Instrumentation & Data Acquisition
The PIC16C774/JW's 12-bit ADC and 33 digital I/O pins make it suitable for compact bench-top instrumentation where the 10 analog channels can be multiplexed into thermocouple, RTD, or strain-gauge front-ends. The 256-byte RAM limits sample buffer depth, so applications typically store averaged or peak-detected values rather than raw ADC streams; pair the MCU with an external SRAM or EEPROM for long captures. The windowed CERDIP package allows firmware iteration in the lab - erase with UV light, reprogram, retest - which is invaluable during sensor calibration development. Use the 5V supply with low-noise LDO regulators (e.g., MCP1700) to keep ADC reference stable.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
Sensor hubs aggregating multiple analog sensors (e.g., pressure transducers, flow meters, gas sensors) benefit from the PIC16C774/JW's 10-channel 12-bit ADC, which digitizes each channel directly without an external multiplexer. The 5V supply typical of legacy industrial sensors connects directly to the ADC inputs, simplifying the analog front-end. The 20 MHz instruction throughput handles median filtering, linearization, and serial reporting (UART/SPI) without taxing the core. For mixed-signal systems requiring both analog inputs and PWM outputs (e.g., proportional valve control), the CCP module and 12-bit ADC coexist on the same die. Production migration should use PIC16F877A-I/P for flash reprogrammability in the field.
Recommended
Closed-Loop Motor Control
Closed-loop DC motor or stepper control benefits from the PIC16C774/JW's 10-channel 12-bit ADC for current sensing (via shunt resistors) and position feedback (via potentiometers or encoders), combined with the CCP module for PWM generation. The 200 ns instruction cycle allows PID control loops to run in tens of microseconds, well within the bandwidth requirement of small brushed or brushless DC motors. The 33 digital I/O pins drive direction signals, enable lines, and fault inputs. For low-voltage motor drives (under 24 V), the PIC16C774 directly interfaces to logic-level gate drivers; for higher-voltage systems, add HCPL-3120 or similar gate drivers. Engineers should derate the ADC's input range to 0-5 V and use 5V-referenced current-shunt amplifiers.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Maintenance
Long-life industrial equipment designed in the late 1990s and early 2000s often shipped with PIC16C774-based controllers; the /JW windowed CERDIP variant was the standard development vehicle for that era. Modern maintenance engineers and contract manufacturers still source the PIC16C774/JW to refurbish existing field units without redesigning the entire control board. The 12-bit ADC is sufficient for legacy analog sensors, and the 35-instruction RISC core preserves firmware behavior identical to the original. For new programs, Microchip recommends migrating to PIC16F877A-I/P, but for service repairs the original /JW part remains the authentic replacement, ensuring behavior-equivalent operation.
Recommended
Educational & Development Platforms
University embedded-systems courses and hobbyists historically use the PIC16C774/JW as a teaching vehicle because the windowed CERDIP package allows students to erase and re-program their own chip dozens of times, reinforcing EPROM-vs-flash memory concepts. The 40-pin DIP form factor is breadboard-friendly, and the 12-bit ADC provides a meaningful analog exercise (vs simpler 8-bit ADC variants). Modern curricula have largely migrated to PIC16F or PIC18F flash parts, but PIC16C774/JW remains in use for legacy coursework and for engineers learning the historical PIC16C5X-to-PIC16C77x migration path. The 35-instruction RISC set remains the canonical introduction to Microchip's mid-range architecture.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C774/JW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C774-I/P | PIC16C774-I/L | PIC16F877A-I/P | PIC16C773-I/SS | PIC16C745-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-pin Windowed CERDIP | 40-pin PDIP (same 40-pin footprint) | 44-pin PLCC (different footprint, 4 extra pins) | 40-pin PDIP (same 40-pin footprint) | 28-pin SSOP (different footprint, lower pin count) | 40-pin SPDIP (same 40-pin footprint, narrow body) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB EPROM (4K x 14) | 7 KB EPROM (same) | 7 KB EPROM (same) | 14 KB Flash (+100%) | 7 KB EPROM (same) | 16 KB EPROM (+128%) |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) | 368 bytes (+44%) | 256 bytes (same) | 256 bytes (same) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 24 MHz (+20%) |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit (same) | 12-bit (same) | 10-bit (lower -17%) | 12-bit (same) | 8-bit (lower -33%) |
| ADC Channels | 10 | 10 (same) | 10 (same) | 8 (-20%) | 6 (-40%) | 5 (-50%) |
| Memory Type | EPROM (UV-erasable windowed) | EPROM (OTP) | EPROM (OTP) | Flash (in-circuit programmable) | EPROM (OTP) | EPROM (OTP) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 (same) | 33 (same) | 33 (same) | 22 (-33%) | 33 (same) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) | NRND | NRND | Active (recommended for new designs) | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC resolution with 10 channels - higher accuracy than PIC16F877A successor (vs PIC16F877A-I/P)
- UV-erasable windowed package for prototyping iteration (vs PIC16C774-I/P)
- 33 digital I/O pins in 40-pin DIP - breadboard-friendly (vs PIC16C773-I/SS)
Design Notes
The 40-pin windowed CERDIP package has a 0.600 inch (15.24 mm) body width with 100 mil (2.54 mm) pin pitch; allow at least 0.8 inch of vertical clearance above the package to accommodate the quartz window during UV erasure. Standard 40-pin DIP IC sockets (e.g., Mill-Max 110-99-640-41-000000 or 3M 4804-40) work for development. Production designs should migrate to PIC16F877A-I/P in PDIP or PIC16F877A-I/SP in SPDIP to avoid the CERDIP cost premium.
Do not exceed 6.0 V on VDD or drop below 4.0 V; the PIC16C774 EPROM is rated for the standard PIC16C 4.0-6.0 V range, and brownout below 4.0 V can corrupt EPROM reads during in-circuit programming. The A/D converter requires a stable VREF - tie VREF+ to a clean 5V reference (e.g., MCP1541) or directly to VDD if 5V accuracy is sufficient. Without a low-noise reference, the 12-bit ADC's claimed resolution will be degraded by reference ripple. Estimated: with VDD=5V +/-5% and no external reference, effective ADC accuracy is approximately 10 bits, not 12 bits.
The PIC16C774/JW in CERDIP has thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W (typical for 40-pin CERDIP per Microchip package data). At 20 MHz clock and full peripheral activity, core current draw is around 15-20 mA, so power dissipation is approximately 75-100 mW at 5V. Estimated: junction temperature rise is roughly 5-7 C above ambient at room temperature, well within the 70 C commercial limit. No heatsink is required for typical embedded applications, but ensure adequate airflow in sealed enclosures if multiple CERDIP devices are stacked.
The PIC16C774's 12-bit ADC achieves its rated performance only when source impedance is below 2.5 kohm per Microchip's acquisition-time specification; sensors with higher output impedance (e.g., bare thermocouples, high-resistance strain gauges) require a low-offset op-amp buffer (e.g., MCP6002 or MCP6V01 zero-drift) ahead of the ADC input. Decouple VDD with 100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum within 1 cm of the IC pins, and place a small ferrite bead on the analog VDD rail if digital switching noise couples into the analog readings.
Compliance Information
CERDIP package contains lead in glass/leadframe and is non-compliant with RoHS directive 2011/65/EU. The PIC16C774 silicon die itself is lead-free. REACH compliance per Microchip product statements. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not intended for automotive applications.
