PIC16F84-10I/P - 8-bit Flash MCU, 10MHz, 1.75KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F84-10I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.77 | $10.77 |
| 10 | $9.42 | $94.20 |
| 100 | $7.95 | $795.00 |
| 500 | $6.85 | $3,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.92 | $5,920.00 |
PIC16F84-10I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals into a single device, optimized for embedded control tasks. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16F84 sits in the hierarchy: 8-bit microcontroller -> flash microcontroller -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. It executes one instruction per instruction cycle (400 ns at 10 MHz), which is more deterministic than accumulator-based CISC architectures and is well suited to deterministic real-time control.
Key features of the PIC16F84-10I/P include a wide 4.0 V to 5.5 V operating range, industrial-grade -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range, an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator (with external oscillator options), a 15-bit program counter, eight-level hardware stack, and a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for autonomous recovery. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for field updates and includes code protection to safeguard firmware IP.
The PIC16F84-10I/P uses a Harvard architecture that separates program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and data access to occur in the same cycle. This separation delivers higher throughput than von Neumann designs at the same clock rate and is the foundation of the PIC family's deterministic interrupt latency.
Typical applications include hobbyist and educational projects, simple sensor interfaces, low-cost consumer appliances, and legacy industrial control retrofits. The 18-pin PDIP form factor remains popular for breadboarding and through-hole assembly, while the PIC16F84A is the recommended migration path for new designs.
When designing with the PIC16F84-10I/P, ensure MCLR is pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor and that VDD is bypassed with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin. For designs requiring more memory or peripherals, migrate to PIC16F84A-04/P or PIC16F628A, both pin-compatible in PDIP-18.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F84-10I/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 PIC16F84-10I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F84-10/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.19 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F83-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F83-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84-10I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1792 bytes) |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 68 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 64 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 400 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 13 (PORTA: 5, PORTB: 8) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) + WDT |
| Package | PDIP-18 (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Stack Depth | 8 levels (hardware) |
PIC16F84-10I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/RTCC — Bidirectional I/O (open-drain) / TMR0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal/Resonator connection 2 or clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/Resonator connection 1 or clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input AN1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F84-10I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Educational and Hobbyist Projects, Simple Sensor Interface and Data Logging, Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, Legacy Industrial Control Retrofits, Remote Control and IR Transmitter Designs, Automotive Interior Lighting Controllers, Battery-Powered Timer and Watchdog Applications.
Educational and Hobbyist Projects
The PIC16F84-10I/P's 18-pin PDIP through-hole package remains the de facto teaching platform for embedded systems courses and DIY microcontroller learning. The combination of 35 single-word instructions, 1.75 KB flash, 13 digital I/O, and ICSP support lets beginners flash a 'Hello World' LED-blink program in minutes using a PICkit 3 or comparable ICSP programmer, while the 400 ns instruction cycle at 10 MHz gives predictable timing for stopwatch and metronome demonstrations. Per the Microchip datasheet, the on-chip EEPROM provides 64 bytes of non-volatile storage for student-defined calibration constants across power cycles. This positions the PIC16F84-10I/P as a textbook companion to popular PIC microcontroller primers and lab kits worldwide.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface and Data Logging
With 13 digital I/O, 64 bytes of EEPROM, and a hardware 8-level stack, the PIC16F84-10I/P serves well as a front-end controller for low-rate sensor reading and event counting applications such as temperature/humidity sensors, mechanical counters, and weather stations. The 8-bit TMR0 combined with the watchdog timer's internal RC oscillator enables autonomous data-acquisition cycles without an external real-time clock. According to the Microchip datasheet, EEPROM endurance of 1 million write cycles per cell is sufficient for periodic logging of sensor snapshots every few minutes over multi-year deployments. The 10 MHz instruction rate lets the MCU bit-bang simple protocols like 1-Wire or I2C at standard 100 kHz rates while still servicing timing-sensitive interrupts.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16F84-10I/P powers simple consumer products like desk-fan speed controllers, washing-machine timer boards, and decorative lighting sequencers where 13 I/O lines suffice for relays, LEDs, and pushbuttons. Its 4.0 V to 5.5 V operating range is compatible with common 5 V regulator rails, and its -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature span tolerates appliance enclosures. The flash-based program memory allows late-stage firmware tweaks during production ramp-up, while code protection prevents unauthorized cloning of appliance behavior. Per the Microchip datasheet, low-power Sleep mode reduces quiescent current to a few microamps, suitable for battery-backed appliances that spend most of their time idle.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Retrofits
The PIC16F84-10I/P is widely used as a replacement controller in legacy industrial equipment where original 8051 or PIC16C5X parts have gone obsolete but the PCB and firmware are fixed. Its DIP-18 footprint matches many older reference designs, and its PIC16C5X-compatible instruction set (with two-cycle branches) eases manual code porting. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature rating and 5 V tolerance suit factory-floor cabinets with moderate thermal stress. According to the Microchip datasheet, the watchdog timer with dedicated internal RC oscillator provides autonomous recovery from brown-out and software lockup events, critical for unattended industrial installations.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter Designs
The PIC16F84-10I/P, with 13 I/O and 10 MHz timing, easily generates 38 kHz carrier-frequency IR remote control signals using a single timer and software modulation. Its flash memory stores multiple device codes, and EEPROM holds user preferences like channel memory and volume. The PIC16F8X instruction set supports BSF/BCF bit manipulation needed for protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC). The 5 V I/O drives IR LEDs through a single transistor stage without level shifters, keeping BOM cost minimal. Per the Microchip datasheet, the Sleep mode with interrupt-on-change on PORTB enables wake-on-button-press battery operation for handheld remotes.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting Controllers
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16F84-10I/P has historically been used in non-safety automotive interior accessories such as ambient LED strips, door-logo projectors, and footwell lighting, where the 13 I/O pins drive multiple MOSFETs or LED driver chips. The industrial temperature rating handles cabin temperatures, and the 5 V operation matches automotive 12 V regulated rails. EEPROM retains last brightness and color settings across ignition cycles. Per the Microchip datasheet, the 1000-cycle minimum flash endurance and watchdog-driven fault recovery suit accessory controllers that may see firmware updates in service.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Timer and Watchdog Applications
The PIC16F84-10I/P's low-power Sleep mode and on-chip watchdog timer with independent RC oscillator make it a natural fit for battery-powered periodic timer applications such as garden irrigation valves, pet feeders, and HVAC zone controllers. The watchdog can wake the MCU at fixed intervals, run a short actuation routine, and return to Sleep - extending coin-cell battery life to months. The 64-byte EEPROM stores schedule entries that survive battery swaps. According to the Microchip datasheet, the WDT has its own dedicated 4 MHz internal RC source, allowing timekeeping without an external 32 kHz crystal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F84-10I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F84-10/P | PIC16F84-04I/P | PIC16F84-10I/SO | PIC16F84-04I/SO | PIC16F83-04/P | PIC16F83-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-18 (P) | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | SOIC-18 wide - SMD variant | SOIC-18 wide - SMD variant | PDIP-18 - same | SOIC-18 wide - SMD variant |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Program Memory | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB - same | 1.75 KB - same | 1.75 KB - same | 1.75 KB - same | 0.875 KB - half | 0.875 KB - half |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz - same | 4 MHz - slower | 10 MHz - same | 4 MHz - slower | 4 MHz - slower | 4 MHz - slower |
| RAM | 68 bytes | 68 bytes - same | 68 bytes - same | 68 bytes - same | 68 bytes - same | 36 bytes - smaller | 36 bytes - smaller |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same |
| Operating Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.0 V to 5.5 V - same |
| Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) - same | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) - same | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) - same | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes | 64 bytes - same | 64 bytes - same | 64 bytes - same | 64 bytes - same | 64 bytes - same | 64 bytes - same |
Key Differentiators
- Highest clock rate in the PIC16F84 family (vs PIC16F84-04I/P)
- Industrial temperature rating in PDIP-18 (vs PIC16F84-10/P)
- Doubled flash and RAM versus the PIC16F83 sibling (vs PIC16F83-04/P)
- Through-hole PDIP-18 form factor for breadboarding (vs PIC16F84-10I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) with the ground lead returning directly to VSS (pin 5). For designs with significant switching noise, add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the main 5 V rail near the MCU. Per the Microchip datasheet, MCLR must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor (not directly) to allow in-circuit programming and proper reset behavior; do not add a capacitor on MCLR unless a slow power-on-reset is required.
Route the crystal or resonator traces from OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) as short as possible and keep them away from high-current switching nodes. Place a ground guard ring around the oscillator area for noise-sensitive designs. For designs using the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, OSC2 can be configured as CLKOUT or as a general-purpose I/O - but the pin must not be left floating if not used, as the datasheet warns this can increase current consumption.
Do not assume code protection is enabled by default - the CONFIG word must be explicitly programmed to set the CP bit. Watch out for read-modify-write hazards on PORTB when interrupt-on-change is enabled: clear the mismatch condition by reading PORTB before re-enabling interrupts. The PIC16F84 does not have a true brown-out reset; for reliable operation in noisy 5 V supplies, consider migrating to the PIC16F84A which adds BOR circuitry.
Estimated: assuming a 4-layer 1.6 mm FR4 PCB with 1 oz copper, the PIC16F84-10I/P dissipates under 50 mW even at full I/O switching load, so no thermal copper pour is required. However, ensure the VDD and VSS traces are at least 0.4 mm wide to handle the brief supply current spikes during EPROM programming. Keep ICSP programming connector traces (RB6/RB7/MCLR/VDD/VSS) accessible and isolated from any motor or relay driver stages.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety applications, use AEC-Q100 qualified parts like PIC16F18446. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
