PIC16F77-E/L - 8-bit 20MHz MCU 14KB Flash 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F77-E/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.05 | $9.05 |
| 10 | $8.4 | $84.00 |
| 100 | $7.55 | $755.00 |
| 500 | $6.8 | $3,400.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.05 | $6,050.00 |
PIC16F77-E/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, program memory (FLASH/ROM), data memory (RAM), and peripherals (timers, ADC, communication interfaces) into a single IC. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F77 belongs to the mid-range PIC16 family, which sits above the baseline PIC10/12/16 families in capability and below the high-performance PIC18 and dsPIC families. These devices are typically used as embedded controllers in industrial, automotive, and consumer products where deterministic behaviour, low power, and ease of programming matter more than raw compute throughput.
Key features include 14KB (8K x 14) of self-programmable FLASH, 368 bytes of data RAM, 33 I/O, 8 channels of 8-bit A/D, two PWM modules, hardware USART, and Master SSP supporting SPI and I2C. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating range and the extended (-40°C to +125°C) temperature grade (the -E suffix) make the PIC16F77-E/L suitable for harsh-environment industrial control.
Architecturally, the PIC16F77 uses Microchip's Harvard RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, separate program and data buses, and a hardware multiplier-free ALU. The advanced peripherals are addressable through a uniform SFR map, and the FLASH is in-circuit serial-programmable (ICSP) via two pins, simplifying field updates without removing the part from the application.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation, motor drive (stepper and DC brushed), HVAC controls, instrumentation, security systems, and consumer white goods. The 8-bit ADC and dual PWM make it a common fit for closed-loop feedback control of analogue plant variables such as temperature or pressure.
When designing with this MCU, derate I/O sink current per pin and per port per the datasheet's absolute maximum ratings (currently I/Os are constrained by the IR limits), and always reserve two pins for ICSP. The internal oscillator mode can be selected, but external crystal operation gives more accurate UART baud rates in noise-sensitive industrial environments.
This page synthesises current distributor pricing for the PIC16F77-E/L, drop-in alternatives that share the 44-PLCC footprint, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F77-E/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 PIC16F77-E/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Serial Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F77-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74-E/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74-I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F74T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$5.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F747-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F77-E/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 Harvard RISC, 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 8 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 modules |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (extended, -E grade) |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC, J-lead, 16.59 x 16.59 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (2-wire) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F77-E/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC Vref- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC Vref+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip Select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (PWM/capture/compare) |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 20 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 21 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 22 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 23 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 24 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 25 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 33 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 36 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 39 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| 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
PIC16F77-E/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, HVAC Control Systems, Motor Drive (Stepper / Brushed DC), Security and Access Control Panels, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Consumer White Goods Control.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16F77-E/L fits industrial process control applications where deterministic 8-bit execution and a wide 2.0V-5.5V supply range are critical. Its 8 channels of 8-bit ADC are adequate for closed-loop sensing of temperature (via thermistor or RTD front-end), pressure (bridge + op-amp), and flow rate (pulse input). The 5 MIPS at 20 MHz comfortably handles PID loops at typical 100 ms sample rates. Two PWM modules drive triac-firing circuits or DC brushed motor H-bridges for valve and damper actuators. Extended -40 C to +125 C operation allows mounting near motor enclosures without additional thermal shielding, and the 44-PLCC J-lead package is socket-compatible for fast field replacement in legacy installations.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
In HVAC control, the PIC16F77-E/L serves as the supervisory MCU reading multiple analogue temperature sensors (return air, supply air, outdoor ambient, coil), driving PWM outputs for fan speed control and triac-fired compressor/heat-stage switching, and communicating with a building management system via the hardware USART. The 14 KB FLASH holds the full state-machine scheduler and fault-logging routines. Its 33 I/O pins expose the relays, keypads, and LCD interfaces typically found in rooftop units and air-handlers. ICSP support allows OEM firmware updates in the field without opening the unit, which is critical for warranty cost reduction. Lower-cost variants like the PIC16F74-E/L cover entry-tier thermostats where 7 KB of FLASH is sufficient.
Recommended
Motor Drive (Stepper / Brushed DC)
The PIC16F77-E/L is well-suited to stepper and brushed-DC motor control in industrial and embedded products. Its two CCP/PWM modules can drive H-bridge gate signals directly with MOSFET driver ICs, while the 16-bit timer provides accurate step pulse generation for stepper motors. The USART interfaces to absolute encoders or to a host controller reporting torque/speed telemetry. With 368 bytes of RAM the MCU holds the commutation table and current setpoint without external memory. The extended temperature grade supports under-hood automotive and outdoor industrial deployments where the part must operate reliably above +85 C, and the 44-PLCC package's generous thermal pad helps dissipate the small (~50 mA active) dissipation of this CMOS part.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
Security alarm panels and access-control readers benefit from the PIC16F77-E/L's 33 I/O, which natively scan a 4x4 keypad matrix, drive a 16-segment LCD, interface to magnetic reed and PIR sensors, and switch siren/relay outputs - all without external glue logic. The hardware USART connects to a digital communicator for central-station reporting (Contact ID, SIA), and the SSP in I2C mode interfaces to external EEPROM for event-log retention. The 14 KB FLASH comfortably holds menu state machines and tamper-detection routines. Wide 2.0-5.5 V operation lets the part run from a regulated 5 V rail shared with sensors, simplifying the backup-battery management circuit.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top instruments such as handheld multimeters, calibrators, and process-meter displays can use the PIC16F77-E/L as the main controller. The 8-channel ADC reads multiple measurement ranges switched by analogue mux, the USART links to a host PC for data logging, and the SPI port drives a high-resolution LCD or external DAC for stimulus generation. The 200 ns instruction time supports real-time RMS calculation at audio bandwidths for true-RMS meters. The PIC16F77-E/L's extended temperature grade makes it appropriate for outdoor or industrial calibration tools. For higher-precision alternatives in the same family, the PIC16F777-I/ML adds a 12-bit ADC with the same peripheral set.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Control
Washing machines, dishwashers, and other white goods use the PIC16F77-E/L as the supervisory controller coordinating motor drive (often a 3-phase inverter), water valves, door locks, and user-interface boards. Its 33 I/O directly drive triac opto-isolators, read level/pressure switches, and scan the user key matrix. The 14 KB FLASH accommodates the full wash-cycle state machine and diagnostic firmware. The USART links to inverter boards or displays, and ICSP allows factory-line programming plus field firmware updates. Cost-sensitive designs can drop to the PIC16F74-E/L (7 KB FLASH, 5 ADC) while keeping the same 44-PLCC PCB layout and toolchain.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F77-E/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F77-I/L | PIC16F74-E/L | PIC16F74-I/L | PIC16F74T-I/PT | PIC16F747-E/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-TQFP - different package, listed for info | 44-QFN - different package, listed for info |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| Data RAM | 368 B | 368 B | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 36 |
| ADC | 8 x 8-bit | 8 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 8 x 10-bit |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C (I grade) | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Largest FLASH in the PIC16F7X 44-PLCC family at this temp grade (vs PIC16F74-E/L)
- Extended -40 C to +125 C operating-temperature grade (vs PIC16F77-I/L)
- Wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range (vs PIC16F74-E/L)
Design Notes
The PIC16F77-E/L operates from 2.0V to 5.5V and draws approximately 5-15 mA active at 20 MHz depending on I/O loading. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (the part has multiple VDD pins on the 44-PLCC) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum on the main supply rail. Decouple AVdd separately if the ADC is used, with a ferrite bead between VdAVDG and VDD to reject digital switching noise on the analogue reference.
Reserve two pins (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) for ICSP and route them to a 2x3 or 1x6 header with 0.1 inch pitch; MCLR/VPP must also be accessible for high-voltage programming. For the 44-PLCC footprint, use a socket (e.g., 3M Textool) on prototype boards to allow easy firmware swaps. Keep crystal traces short and surrounded by a ground pour to reduce EMI; place the load capacitors within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins.
Do not exceed the per-pin current limit of 25 mA source/sink or the per-port limit of 200 mA on the PIC16F77-E/L, or latch-up may occur. When migrating code from PIC16F77 to PIC16F74, note the reduced FLASH (7 KB), smaller RAM (192 B), and fewer ADC channels (5 vs 8); some code will not fit and will need trimming. Always configure unused I/O as outputs low to minimise current consumption and EMC emissions.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications use the PIC16F77T-E/L or contact Microchip for automotive-grade variants. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance data.
