PIC16CR76-I/SO - 8-Bit CMOS ROM MCU, 14KB, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16CR76-I/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.16 | $71.60 |
| 100 | $6.36 | $636.00 |
| 500 | $5.73 | $2,865.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.09 | $5,090.00 |
PIC16CR76-I/SO Overview
Background: A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash), working memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. The PIC16C family is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit architecture, sitting between the baseline PIC10/14/16 and the enhanced PIC17/18 families. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with 35 single-word instructions, an accumulator-based ALU, and a small fixed instruction set that delivers predictable timing, easy code migration across family members, and strong compiler support.
Key features of the PIC16CR76-I/SO include a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating range, low-power operation with brown-out detection, an internal/external oscillator option, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and a programmable code-protection scheme. The 'CR' suffix indicates mask-ROM program memory (factory programmed), which differs from the flash-based 'F' variant. Industrial-grade (-I) temperature range is -40C to +85C.
The device architecture combines an 8-bit ALU with a 14-bit instruction word, providing compact code density and deterministic execution. Its enhanced mid-range core supports hardware multiply, prioritized interrupts, and direct/indirect addressing modes for both program and data memory, enabling efficient C and assembly code generation.
Typical applications include industrial control, instrumentation, sensor interfacing, motor control signal sequencing, low-cost embedded consumer products, and educational/development platforms. The mask-ROM variant suits high-volume production where the firmware is final and cost-per-unit matters more than field re-programmability.
When designing with the PIC16CR76-I/SO, verify that the mask-ROM variant matches your production strategy. For prototypes or low-volume builds, prefer the PIC16F76 (Flash) which provides identical peripherals and pinout. Use MPLAB X IDE with MPASM or XC8 compilers, and the PICkit 3/4 or ICD programmer for in-circuit debugging.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16 family alternatives, and practical design notes - combining manufacturer datasheet parameters with engineering guidance not typically bundled on a single product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16CR76-I/SO β 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 PIC16CR76-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Type, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F76-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C76-20I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.74 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C76-10I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.3 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C76-04I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F76T-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CR76-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C (Mid-Range 8-bit CMOS) |
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | Mask ROM |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 368 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 0 bytes (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz, 5V) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 16-bit x 1 + 8-bit x 2 |
| Communication | SPI, I2C, USART |
| PWM Channels | Yes (CCP module) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes |
PIC16CR76-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 β Port A bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 β Port A bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 β Port A bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF β Port A bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI β Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS β Port A bit 5 / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β Port C bit 2 / CCP1 (PWM/capture/compare) |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO β Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16CR76-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Monitoring and Control, Embedded Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Motor Control Signal Sequencing, Educational and Development Platforms, Smart Home and IoT Edge Nodes.
Industrial Sensor Monitoring and Control
The PIC16CR76-I/SO is well-suited for industrial sensor monitoring applications thanks to its 10-bit ADC with 5 input channels, 2.0V-5.5V supply range, and industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade. The on-chip ADC handles up to 5 analog sensor inputs (temperature, pressure, flow, level) directly without external signal conditioning for low-impedance sources, while 22 digital I/O drive indicator LEDs, relay drivers, and discrete control signals. The 14 KB mask-ROM program memory holds substantial sensor-fusion logic, calibration tables, and Modbus or proprietary industrial protocols. Compared with the PIC16F76 drop-in replacement, the CR76 suits very-high-volume OEM panels where per-unit BOM cost dominates the design decision.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
For compact bench-top instrumentation and data-acquisition front-ends, the PIC16CR76-I/SO provides a precise 10-bit ADC, hardware USART for PC comms, and 14 KB ROM for measurement state machines and calibration curves. The 20 MHz instruction rate supports 200 ns cycle times, enabling real-time sampling of slow-to-medium analog signals without software bottlenecks. The 28-SOIC package is easy to hand-solder and reflow on a 2-layer PCB, ideal for prototype instruments. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer improve field reliability in unattended measurement nodes. Migrating to the flash-based PIC16F76 keeps the design alive when the CR76 mask-ROM variant goes out of stock.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
High-volume consumer appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, HVAC controls) benefit from the PIC16CR76-I/SO's mask-ROM cost advantage: in 100k+ unit production runs, mask-ROM parts can save $1-3 per unit versus flash equivalents. The 22 I/O drive triac interfaces, buzzer, LED indicators, and keypad matrix directly. Hardware CCP/PWM generates precise motor-control signals for small BLDC or stepper drivers, and USART links the appliance board to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module for IoT-connected products. Industrial -40C to +85C grade handles under-cabinet heat. According to the Microchip PIC16 family datasheet, the CR76 is intended specifically for mature, fixed-firmware high-volume SKUs.
Recommended
Motor Control Signal Sequencing
The PIC16CR76-I/SO is widely used as a sequencer for small motor-control boards: it generates PWM via the CCP module, monitors current feedback through the 10-bit ADC, and orchestrates start-up, run, and brake sequences for low-power DC, BLDC, or stepper drives. The 16-bit timer provides accurate commutation timing, while the USART feeds telemetry back to a host controller or display. The 368-byte RAM handles state-machine tables and PID loop variables efficiently. According to the Microchip datasheet, the 28-SOIC variant fits compact motor-driver PCBs alongside gate drivers like the IR2104 or DRV8871.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
Although End-of-Life, the PIC16CR76-I/SO remains a teaching example in PIC mid-range architecture courses, exposing students to mask-ROM vs flash trade-offs, 14-bit instruction encoding, and classic PIC peripheral registers. The 28-SOIC package is breadboard-friendly via SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards, and the on-chip USART makes serial debug output trivial. MPLAB X IDE with MPASM and XC8 compilers supports the part, and PICkit 3/4 programmers can attach via ICSP. For hands-on learning with active supply, instructors prefer the PIC16F76-I/SO, which mirrors the CR76 instruction set and peripherals without EOL supply concerns.
Recommended
Smart Home and IoT Edge Nodes
The PIC16CR76-I/SO can serve as the local control MCU in smart-home edge nodes (thermostats, lighting controllers, security panels, irrigation valves), where it manages sensors, drives actuators, and communicates with a higher-level host via USART/SPI to a Wi-Fi/BLE module. The 2.0V minimum supply enables direct battery operation from 2x AA cells or a small Li-ion pack, while the integrated brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure clean recovery from power glitches. The 14 KB ROM fits ZCL/Zigbee or Matter application-layer command sets. For active IoT programs, designers migrate to PIC16F76-I/SO to enable OTA firmware updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16CR76-I/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F76-I/SO | PIC16C76-20I/SO | PIC16C76-10I/SO | PIC16C76-04I/SO | PIC16F76T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) |
| Program Memory | 14 KB Mask ROM | 14 KB Flash | 14 KB OTP-EPROM | 14 KB OTP-EPROM | 14 KB OTP-EPROM | 14 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 368 x 8 bytes | 368 x 8 bytes | 368 x 8 bytes | 368 x 8 bytes | 368 x 8 bytes | 368 x 8 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Programmability | Mask ROM (factory) | Flash (field/ICSP) | OTP-EPROM (programmer) | OTP-EPROM (programmer) | OTP-EPROM (programmer) | Flash (field/ICSP) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Lifecycle Status | End of Life | Active | EOL | EOL | EOL | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Mask-ROM cost advantage at very high volumes (vs PIC16F76-I/SO)
- Explicitly recommended successor is flash-based (vs PIC16C76-20I/SO)
- Faster clock than slower grade OTP variants (vs PIC16C76-04I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 8 and 20) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board's main supply rail. The PIC16CR76-I/SO has two VDD pins (8 and 20) and two VSS pins (7 and 19) which must both be connected for correct operation. For battery-powered designs (2x AA or Li-ion), use a low-quiescent LDO such as MCP1700 (1.6 uA Iq) and ensure VDD never falls below 2.0V without invoking brown-out reset. Brown-out reset threshold is hardware-fixed on this family; verify in firmware that critical variables are re-initialized after a BOR event.
Do not confuse the PIC16CR76 (mask ROM) with the PIC16F76 (flash) when ordering: the CR variant cannot be field-programmed and requires Microchip factory mask-ROM setup with a minimum order quantity. For prototypes, evaluation, or low-volume production, always order the PIC16F76-I/SO. Also note that the 28-SOIC pin 1 dot must be oriented correctly; pin 1 (RA0/AN0) is closest to the dot mark. According to the Microchip PIC16CR7X datasheet, ICSP programming uses RB6 (PGC) and RB7 (PGD) - do not reassign these pins to general I/O if ICSP is required for production programming.
Route the crystal/oscillator traces (OSC1, OSC2) short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring if possible, to reduce EMI and clock jitter. Keep ADC analog traces (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching signals (RB, RC port lines) to minimize crosstalk into measurements. Use a separate analog ground island if the design mixes sensitive analog inputs with noisy digital drivers. The 28-SOIC package benefits from a small copper pour under the IC tied to ground for thermal dissipation and EMI shielding. Place the ICSP connector (RB6/RB7/MCLR/VDD/VSS) on the board edge for production programming access.
For SPI communication at high speeds (>1 MHz), keep SCK, SDI, SDO traces short and matched in length to avoid setup/hold violations on the slave device. Add 10-100 ohm series resistors near the MCU pins if reflections are observed on long traces. I2C lines (RC3/SCL, RC4/SDA) require external pull-up resistors (typically 4.7 kΞ© at 100 kHz, 2.2 kΞ© at 400 kHz). The USART pins (RC6/TX, RC7/RX) should connect through a level shifter (such as MAX3232) for RS-232 or a transceiver (MAX485) for RS-485 industrial comms. According to Microchip datasheet guidance, the CCP1 PWM output on RC2 can drive MOSFET gate drivers directly up to ~20 mA.
The PIC16CR76-I/SO in 28-SOIC has a typical theta_JA around 80-90 C/W on a 2-layer FR4 board with modest copper pour. At maximum clock (20 MHz, 5V) the device draws ~15 mA active, so power dissipation is roughly 75 mW - well below thermal limits for industrial temperature operation. In enclosed housings without airflow, derate ambient temperature by 5-10 C to account for self-heating and adjacent component heat. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer should both be enabled in firmware to ensure clean recovery from thermal or supply transients in field installations.
Compliance Information
RoHS, lead-free, and halogen-free status for PIC16CR76-I/SO were not explicitly stated in the verified web data and are marked unknown. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for general-purpose industrial microcontrollers. Conflict-minerals compliance is assumed per Microchip corporate policy but should be confirmed via the manufacturer's declaration.
