PIC16CR74-I/ML - 8-bit 7KB ROM MCU, 20MHz, QFN-44 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16CR74-I/ML β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.75 | $9,750.00 |
PIC16CR74-I/ML Overview
What is a microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and a set of peripheral blocks such as timers, communication ports, and analog inputs. Within the broader category, the PIC16CR74 falls into the 8-bit MCU segment (PIC16 mid-range family -> 8-bit RISC MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded computing IC), making it appropriate for deterministic real-time control rather than high-throughput digital signal processing.
Key features of the PIC16CR74-I/ML include 33 single-word instructions, a 14-bit instruction word, a 20 MHz oscillator giving 5 MIPS throughput, three timers (Timer0/Timer1/Timer2), a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, a USART, an SPI/I2C MSSP port, two analog comparators, and a brown-out reset. The integrated 12-channel 8-bit ADC simplifies mixed-signal designs by eliminating an external converter. The 44-pin QFN (ML) package is a low-profile surface-mount option for space-constrained boards.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, which allows most instructions to complete in a single instruction cycle and gives predictable interrupt latency for real-time control loops. The ROM program-memory variant is selected when firmware is fully frozen and the design is moving to high-volume mask-ROM production.
Typical applications include industrial control, sensor conditioning with on-chip ADC, small appliances, automotive body controllers, and embedded instrumentation. The wide operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.0 V and the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C for the 'I' suffix) make it well suited to factory-floor and automotive cabin environments.
When designing with this part, plan the I/O pin map carefully against the QFN-44 land pattern and ensure programming tooling is available for the ROM variant (mask ROM requires an NRE charge and minimum order quantity). Verify brown-out and watchdog timer settings in the configuration word.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not collected in any single place on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16CR74-I/ML β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F74-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C74B-04I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C74B-20I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CR74-I/PT
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877A-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CR74-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory Type | ROM (mask-programmed) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz (5 MIPS) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions, 14-bit wide |
| ADC | 12-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| CCP Module | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART (SCI), MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) surface mount |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16CR74-I/ML 44-pin qfn (ml) surface mount Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16CR74-I/ML (44-pin qfn (ml) surface mount package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16CR74-I/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16CR74-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip ADC, Small Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Embedded Instrumentation and Data Logging, HVAC Control Systems, Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16CR74-I/ML fits industrial process control where deterministic 5 MIPS execution handles PID loops and sensor polling within millisecond budgets. The on-chip 12-channel 8-bit ADC multiplexes thermocouple, pressure transducer, and 4-20 mA conditioned signals directly into the MCU without an external converter, cutting BOM cost. The 2.5-6.0 V supply range and -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade allow deployment in factory cabinets. The CCP module generates PWM outputs for valve and motor actuator control with hardware-based timing that does not burden the CPU. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against brown-out-induced firmware corruption on long industrial supply lines.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip ADC
The PIC16CR74-I/ML's integrated 12-channel 8-bit ADC simplifies multi-sensor designs by directly digitizing strain gauge bridges, photodiodes, and potentiometer wipers without external signal-chain components. At 20 MHz, the ADC completes a conversion in roughly 20 microseconds, sufficient for sampling temperatures, pressures, and positions at 1 kHz aggregate rates. The MSSP (SPI/I2C) port adds a digital sensor bus for accelerometers or EEPROM, while USART provides wired communication to a host PLC. The 192-byte RAM is enough to buffer conversion results and run a moving-average filter inline.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
Small appliances such as coffee makers, washing machines, and microwave ovens are a natural fit for the PIC16CR74-I/ML, where the 7 KB ROM holds the entire control program and the on-chip peripherals drive relays, triacs, and displays. The CCP module generates zero-crossing-triac PWM for heater elements, while Timer0 multiplexes a 7-segment LED display without external logic. The USART enables diagnostic connectivity to factory test jigs during production. Mask-ROM pricing suits high-volume SKUs that ship tens of thousands of units per year, where per-unit MCU cost is a meaningful share of the BOM.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Inside the automotive cabin, the PIC16CR74-I/ML is suitable for body controllers running window regulators, mirror adjustments, seat heaters, and interior lighting. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade covers cabin thermal conditions, and the 2.5-6.0 V supply tolerates load-dump transients when paired with a TVS clamp. The 12-channel ADC multiplexes switch-position, current-sense, and temperature inputs, while the USART connects to the body controller network. Designers targeting AEC-Q100 qualified systems should migrate to PIC16F74-I/ML with automotive-grade screening rather than rely on this obsolete mask-ROM part.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation and Data Logging
The PIC16CR74-I/ML supports low-cost embedded instrumentation such as hand-held multimeters, environmental loggers, and laboratory signal conditioners. The 7 KB ROM fits calibration routines, ADC sequencing, and a UART-based command interpreter, while 192 bytes of RAM buffer instantaneous readings before flushing to external EEPROM over the MSSP I2C bus. The Capture mode on the CCP module measures frequency or pulse width with 200 ns resolution at 20 MHz, sufficient for tachometer and event-counter front ends. Brown-out reset ensures that a low battery does not corrupt the logging state machine mid-write.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning controllers are a strong fit for the PIC16CR74-I/ML, which can read multiple thermistor inputs through the 12-channel ADC, drive triac-based fan speed controllers via the CCP PWM output, and talk to a remote thermostat display over the USART. The 5 MIPS throughput executes a full PID loop across all zones within a few hundred microseconds, leaving CPU headroom for safety checks. The 192-byte RAM accommodates working variables for 4 to 6 zones simultaneously. The wide 2.5-6.0 V supply range simplifies powering from a 24 VAC transformer-rectified rail.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Nodes
For battery-powered remote sensor nodes, the PIC16CR74-I/ML can run from a 3.3 V or 5 V supply at low duty cycle to maximize battery life. The watchdog timer wakes the MCU from sleep on overflow, the ADC samples the sensor, the result is transmitted over USART or stored in external EEPROM, and the MCU returns to sleep. Brown-out reset prevents corrupted writes during end-of-battery voltage sag. Note that mask-ROM production volumes are required to make this part economical versus the flash-based PIC16F74-I/ML; for prototype and low-volume battery nodes, the flash variant is more cost-effective despite higher unit price.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16CR74-I/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F74-I/ML | PIC16C74B-04I/ML | PIC16C74B-20I/ML | PIC16CR74-I/PT | PIC16F877A-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - different lead style, same die | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB ROM (4K x 14) | 7 KB flash | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB ROM | 14 KB flash |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes |
| ADC | 12-channel 8-bit | 12-channel 8-bit | 12-channel 8-bit | 12-channel 8-bit | 12-channel 8-bit | 8-channel 10-bit |
| Memory Type | Mask ROM | Flash | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Mask ROM | Flash |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Mask-ROM variant for lowest per-unit cost at high volume (vs PIC16F74-I/ML)
- Identical 44-pin QFN footprint to flash-based successor (vs PIC16F74-I/ML)
- 12-channel 8-bit ADC integrated (vs PIC16F877A-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5 V supply with all peripherals enabled, the PIC16CR74-I/ML core draws roughly 10 mA; with brown-out reset and watchdog enabled this rises to 12 mA. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor directly between VDD and VSS as close to the pins as possible, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the supply rail. For sleep-mode designs, the MCU draws typically under 5 uA, allowing battery operation with a wake-on-watchdog cycle. Brown-out reset should be enabled in the configuration word to prevent corrupted EEPROM writes during supply sag.
The 44-pin QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that must be soldered to the PCB to meet mechanical reliability and thermal targets. The land pattern should follow IPC-7351 nominal-density guidelines with a center pad approximately 6.5 mm x 6.5 mm. Place the 20 MHz crystal within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 to avoid stray capacitance, and route the MCLR reset line away from PWM outputs to reduce injected noise. The analog AVdd pin should be filtered with a ferrite bead from Vdd and decoupled with its own 100 nF capacitor.
Do not confuse the 'CR' ROM variant with the 'C' EPROM variant; both share the same datasheet but only the 'CR' is mask-programmed and cannot be re-programmed in-circuit. When migrating from prototype (PIC16C74 EPROM) to production (PIC16CR74 ROM), plan a 6-12 week mask-ROM NRE and a minimum-volume commitment, otherwise the flash-based PIC16F74-I/ML is more economical. Also note that the 192-byte RAM is small; large lookup tables or buffers must be moved to external EEPROM over the I2C MSSP bus.
The USART pins (RC6/RC7) and MSSP pins (RC3/RC4/RC5) are 5V TTL-level CMOS outputs with limited drive strength; for cables longer than 200 mm or in noisy industrial environments, add series resistors of 22-100 ohm at the driver output and place a buffer such as a MAX232 or MAX485 if RS-232/RS-485 levels are required. The ADC inputs are high-impedance and susceptible to sample-and-hold charge kick; add a 100 ohm source resistor or an external op-amp buffer when the source impedance exceeds 2.5 kohm to avoid ADC gain error.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not present in the verified web data and therefore marked unknown. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this is an industrial-grade mask-ROM part. Microchip participates in the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT); conflict-minerals status presumed compliant per Microchip's published policy.
