PIC16C774/P - 8-Bit MCU, 12-bit ADC, 20MHz, CERDIP-18 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C774/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16.5 | $16.50 |
| 10 | $14.85 | $148.50 |
| 100 | $12.5 | $1,250.00 |
| 500 | $10.2 | $5,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.85 | $8,850.00 |
PIC16C774/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and programmable peripheral interfaces. Microcontrollers fall into the broader category of microprocessors and embedded processors, which in turn belong to the Integrated Circuits > Microcontrollers family. The 8-bit PIC architecture uses a RISC-based Harvard design with only 35 single-word instructions, executing most instructions in 200 ns at 20 MHz, making it well-suited for deterministic real-time control.
Key features include 10 channels of 12-bit A/D conversion (4096 discrete steps), 16 digital I/O ports organized across multiple ports, 256-byte RAM, 7 KB program memory, and three timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2). The instruction set is highly orthogonal and the architecture supports interrupts, watchdog timer, and an in-circuit debugger interface. The CERDIP windowed package enables erasure via UV exposure, ideal for development and code revision workflows.
The PIC16C774 belongs to the PICmicro mid-range MCU family and is code- and pin-compatible with other 40-pin members of the PIC16C7xx family. It is well-suited for embedded control applications where integrating high-resolution analog measurement reduces BOM cost and PCB area. The PIC16C7xx series is supported by Microchip's MPLAB IDE and the PICmicro Mid-Range Reference Manual (DS33023), making firmware development straightforward for engineers familiar with the toolchain.
Typical applications include industrial process control, sensor signal acquisition, instrumentation, motor control, and battery-powered measurement systems. The 12-bit ADC allows the part to detect small analog changes without external signal conditioning, while the 16 I/O pins support keypad scan, LED drive, and parallel communication. The /P CERDIP variant is most commonly used in development, prototyping, and legacy through-hole designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the supply voltage stays within 4.0 V to 5.5 V and provide adequate decoupling on VDD/AVDD pins. The windowed CERDIP package is NOT recommended for high-volume production - use the -I/P (PDIP-40) or surface-mount variants for production runs. Brown-out reset configuration bits must be set appropriately for the application's power-supply ramp characteristics.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated on the manufacturer datasheet alone. Engineers evaluating EOL risk should review the lifecycle status and consider the PIC16F877A-I/P as a flash-memory migration path with a compatible 40-pin PDIP footprint.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C774/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 PIC16C774/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C774-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C774/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C773-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C765-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877A-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C774/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC (8-bit RISC) |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (UVPROM, windowed) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Clock Speed (Max) | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit |
| ADC Channels | 10 |
| I/O Ports | 16 |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Package Type | CERDIP-18 (windowed, through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Lifecycle Status | ACTIVE (per DigChip datasheet record) |
PIC16C774/P cerdip-18 (windowed, through-hole) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16C774/P (cerdip-18 (windowed, through-hole) package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16C774/P.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16C774/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Precision Sensor Signal Acquisition, Battery-Powered Measurement Instruments, Educational and Development Platforms, Legacy Industrial Control Retrofit, Motor Control and PWM Drive.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C774/P fits industrial process control applications through its integrated 10-channel 12-bit ADC, which directly digitizes sensor signals from thermocouples, pressure transducers, and 4-20 mA loops without external signal conditioning. At 20 MHz the MCU executes instructions in 200 ns, enabling deterministic control loops for PID regulation at sub-millisecond update rates. The 16 digital I/O pins drive relays, solenoid valves, and indicator LEDs directly, while the three hardware timers generate PWM outputs for proportional valve control. Engineers select this MCU when BOM consolidation is critical and the OTP memory's code-protection prevents unauthorized firmware readback in deployed industrial equipment.
Recommended
Precision Sensor Signal Acquisition
The PIC16C774/P is well matched to precision sensor acquisition through its 12-bit ADC providing 4096 discrete steps, sufficient to resolve millivolt-level signals from strain gauges, RTDs, and load cells. The 10 ADC channels allow multiplexing of multiple sensors with software-selectable acquisition time. Engineers use this MCU for battery-powered data loggers where the integrated peripherals eliminate the need for an external ADC, reducing quiescent current draw. The 256-byte RAM supports circular buffering of ADC samples before batch transfer via UART or SPI, simplifying firmware architecture for low-duty-cycle measurement applications.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Instruments
The PIC16C774/P suits battery-powered measurement instruments due to its 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, accepting a single lithium cell stack or 4 x AA alkaline batteries with a low-dropout regulator. The OTP memory and integrated peripherals minimize external component count, preserving battery life. SLEEP mode current drops to microamp levels, and the 20 MHz clock can be gated down via software to reduce active current for energy-constrained duty-cycled measurement. The windowed CERDIP /P package is ideal for development of low-power instrument prototypes where firmware may need revision.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
The PIC16C774/P is well-suited for embedded systems education through its windowed CERDIP package enabling repeated UV erasure and reprogramming in academic lab environments. The standard 35-instruction PICmid-range instruction set is widely documented in Microchip's PICmicro Mid-Range Reference Manual (DS33023), with abundant example code and tutorial material. Students gain hands-on exposure to ADC programming, interrupt handling, timer configuration, and UART communication. The 40-pin DIP form factor is breadboard-friendly, and MPLAB IDE support enables in-circuit debugging and simulation workflows essential for teaching.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Retrofit
The PIC16C774/P supports legacy industrial retrofit designs where existing equipment was originally designed around OTP PIC microcontrollers and the firmware has been validated over years of deployment. Engineers retain the proven code base and timing behavior while replacing failed units on legacy production lines. The 40-pin CERDIP package matches legacy through-hole PCB layouts without requiring board redesign. When end-of-life concerns arise, the PIC16C774-I/P (plastic PDIP) or PIC16F877A-I/P (flash) serve as long-term production alternatives within the same pinout.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drive
The PIC16C774/P handles DC motor and stepper motor control through its three hardware timers generating PWM signals, plus the 10-channel ADC for back-EMF and current sensing. At 20 MHz the MCU provides sufficient throughput for closed-loop PID control at 10 kHz update rates. The 16 I/O pins drive H-bridge gate signals, encoder inputs, and fault-detection interlocks. Engineers use this MCU in low-cost brushed DC and stepper applications where integration reduces gate-driver interface components, and OTP memory prevents unauthorized tuning of motor control parameters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C774/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C774-I/P | PIC16C774/JW | PIC16C773-I/P | PIC16C765-I/P | PIC16F877A-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | CERDIP-18 (windowed, 40-pin) | PDIP-40 (plastic) | CERDIP-18 (windowed) | PDIP-40 | PDIP-40 | PDIP-40 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP + USB SIE | 14 KB Flash |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, 10 channels | 12-bit, 10 channels | 12-bit, 10 channels | 12-bit, 8 channels | 12-bit, 8 channels + USB | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Ports | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Memory Type | OTP/UVPROM | OTP | UVPROM (windowed) | OTP | OTP + USB | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Erasure Method | UV (windowed) | OTP (one-time) | UV (windowed) | OTP | OTP | Flash (in-circuit) |
Key Differentiators
- Windowed UV-erasable package supports repeated firmware revision during development (vs PIC16C774-I/P (plastic PDIP-40))
- 12-bit ADC with 10 channels integrated, vs 10-bit on most Flash PIC16F counterparts (vs PIC16F877A-I/P)
- OTP/UVPROM memory provides code protection against read-back, ideal for secure industrial designs (vs PIC16F877A-I/P (Flash))
Design Notes
Place 100 nF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to each VDD/AVDD pin and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. Keep analog and digital ground planes separated and joined at a single point near the MCU's VSS pin. Analog inputs (AN0-AN9) should be routed away from digital switching lines to minimize ADC crosstalk. For the 40-pin CERDIP /P variant, ensure the socket allows UV erasure access if repeated reprogramming is intended.
Do not use the /P windowed CERDIP variant in high-volume production - the package is intended for development and prototyping only. For production runs, switch to PIC16C774-I/P (plastic PDIP) or PIC16F877A-I/P (flash). When using OTP variants, ensure code is fully validated before programming, as OTP parts cannot be erased. Brown-out reset configuration bits (BOREN) must be enabled if the supply voltage ramp is slow or uncertain.
The 12-bit ADC achieves specified accuracy only when acquisition time is sufficient for the source impedance. With 10 kohm source impedance, allow at least 20 ADC clock cycles of acquisition. Use an input buffer (MCP6002 or similar) for higher-impedance sources. ADC voltage reference selection (VREF+ / VREF-) impacts conversion linearity - use a low-noise reference for highest-precision applications and decouple the VREF pin with 10 uF + 100 nF.
Estimated: at 20 MHz clock and 5 V supply, the PIC16C774/P typical operating current is approximately 13 mA, yielding about 65 mW dissipation. CERDIP packages have higher thermal resistance than plastic DIP (theta_JA approx 50-70 C/W vs 40-50 C/W for PDIP). At 25 C ambient, junction rise is 3-5 C - well within limits. No heatsink required, but ensure ambient temperature stays within the 0C to +70C commercial range.
Compliance Information
CERDIP /P windowed variants typically contain lead (Pb) in the ceramic package body and the quartz window frit - RoHS exemption may apply for legacy through-hole parts. Compliance status not stated in verified web data - consult Microchip product environmental compliance documents for definitive certification.
