PIC16F87-I/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F87-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.42 | $5.42 |
| 10 | $4.85 | $48.50 |
| 100 | $4.1 | $410.00 |
| 500 | $3.55 | $1,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.12 | $3,120.00 |
PIC16F87-I/ML Overview
A PIC16F microcontroller is part of Microchip's mid-range 8-bit RISC architecture family. PIC microcontrollers are Harvard-architecture devices that execute single-word instructions in as little as 200 ns, with a small instruction set (35 instructions for PIC16F87) and deterministic timing. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16F87 sits as: 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC16 family -> PIC16F87 sub-family -> nanoWatt enhanced Flash MCU -> CMOS Flash-based MCU. nanoWatt Technology is Microchip's branding for low-power operating modes such as Sleep and the ability to run the CPU and peripherals from the internal RC oscillator, drastically reducing quiescent current versus earlier PIC16 parts.
Key features include a wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, ICD (In-Circuit Debug) support, and Flash program memory endurance of 100,000 erase/write cycles. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, allowing firmware updates without removing the MCU from the board. The internal 8 MHz RC oscillator with software-selectable frequency scaling gives designers flexibility when external crystals are undesirable.
The PIC16F87 architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word with separate code and data buses, optimizing instruction fetch while still permitting byte-level data access. The peripheral set is well suited to mixed-signal embedded designs: the Addressable USART supports RS-232/RS-485 links, the CCP module generates PWM or captures timing events, and the 10-bit ADC enables direct sensor interface. nanoWatt modes such as Sleep and Timer1 oscillator run on as little as a few microamperes.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, automotive interior subsystems, white-goods control boards, low-end consumer appliances, and battery-powered measurement instruments where the 256-byte EEPROM provides convenient non-volatile parameter storage. The 28-QFN exposed-pad package enables compact PCB layouts. A leading design consideration is that the 28-pin QFN shares its footprint with other PIC16F8x family members, simplifying upgrade paths. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F87-I/ML — 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 PIC16F87-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Internal Oscillator, Core, Operating Temperature, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F87-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F88-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F87-I/ML-ICD
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF87-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F819-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F87-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F |
| Core | 8-bit RISC (PIC16) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (industrial 4.0-5.5 V) |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (software-selectable) |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 5 channels |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) | 1 module |
| Communication | Addressable USART |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1 (with external gate), Timer2 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Power-on Reset (POR) | Yes |
| In-Circuit Debug | ICD support |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | ICSP via 2 pins |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6x6 mm) with EP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology | nanoWatt CMOS Flash |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F87-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 3, ADC reference positive |
| Pin 2 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O, Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA5/AN4/SS — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 4, SPI slave select |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Bidirectional I/O, analog channel 2, ADC reference negative |
| Pin 7 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0-5.5 V industrial) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 oscillator output or clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O, Timer1 oscillator input, CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O, CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Bidirectional I/O, SPI clock, I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O, external interrupt |
| Pin 16 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | RB3/PGM — Bidirectional I/O, low-voltage programming |
| Pin 19 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 21 | RB6/PGC — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 22 | RB7/PGD — Bidirectional I/O, ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 23 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O, SPI data in, I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO — Bidirectional I/O, SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O, USART async TX / sync clock |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O, USART async RX / sync data |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16F87-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Node, Automotive Interior Control Module, White Goods Control Board, Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument, Low-End Consumer Appliance Controller, RS-232/RS-485 Sensor Concentrator.
Industrial Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16F87-I/ML fits industrial sensor-interface nodes because its 10-bit ADC with up to 5 channels and 256 bytes of EEPROM support direct transducer digitisation and persistent calibration storage. The wide 4.0-5.5 V supply matches 5 V industrial bus rails, while the 20 MHz / 5 MIPS throughput is enough for digital filtering and HART or Modbus framing. Its nanoWatt Sleep mode at single-digit microamp quiescent current lets battery-backed remote nodes survive for years. Compared with the PIC16F88, the F87 trades one ADC channel for lower cost in volume.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Control Module
The PIC16F87-I/ML suits automotive interior control modules such as HVAC flap drivers and seat-position controllers thanks to its 16 I/O lines for switch-matrix scanning, the CCP module for PWM-driven actuators, and the Addressable USART for body-network communication. Operating over the industrial -40 C to +85 C range, the part handles cabin-temperature extremes. The PIC16F87-E/ML (-40 C to +125 C) is the natural choice for under-hood modules. Drop-in compatibility between I and E grades lets designers standardise PCBs across both thermal zones.
Recommended
White Goods Control Board
The PIC16F87-I/ML is well matched to white-goods control boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances where it must drive triac-controlled loads via opto-isolated outputs, read user-panel keypads, and run brushless-DC motor algorithms. Its 7 KB Flash holds application code plus a small bootloader for in-field firmware updates via ICSP, and the 368-byte RAM supports the table-driven state machines typical of appliance firmware. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) is small enough to fit behind a display module.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument
For battery-powered handheld measurement instruments such as digital calipers, multimeters, and medical-grade spot monitors, the PIC16F87-I/ML offers nanoWatt Sleep at single-digit microamperes, fast wake-up via interrupts, and a wide 2.0-5.5 V supply that lets the device run from a single lithium coin cell. The 10-bit ADC captures sensor readings, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants across power cycles. Compared with the PIC16LF88, the F87's lower cost makes sense when the design does not need the F88's extra ADC channels.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Appliance Controller
The PIC16F87-I/ML is a strong fit for low-end consumer appliances such as coffee machines, toasters, and humidifiers where its 7 KB Flash, 16 I/O lines, single CCP PWM channel, and integrated USART support all the typical control and user-interface functions. The exposed-pad 28-QFN keeps the PCB small and thermally robust, while ICSP programming via two pins eliminates a programming header on production boards. The F87's tiny instruction set (35 instructions) lowers firmware complexity for cost-sensitive designs.
Recommended
RS-232/RS-485 Sensor Concentrator
The PIC16F87-I/ML works as a low-cost sensor concentrator that polls local analog and digital sensors and relays data over an Addressable USART configured for RS-485 multi-drop. The 256-byte EEPROM stores node address and calibration, while the 5 MIPS core handles the polling loop, checksum, and Modbus framing. The industrial -40 C to +85 C range covers factory-floor deployments. The 28-QFN footprint and pinout allow reuse across multiple product variants that share the same concentrator PCB.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F87-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F87-E/ML | PIC16F88-I/ML | PIC16F87-I/ML-ICD | PIC16LF87-I/ML | PIC16F819-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) with EP | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 368 B | 368 B | 368 B | 368 B | 368 B | 256 B (-30%) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 3.6 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible upgrade path to PIC16F88 in same 28-QFN (vs PIC16F88-I/ML)
- Extended-temperature variant for harsh environments (vs PIC16F87-E/ML)
- Smaller memory footprint than PIC16F873A while keeping pinout (vs PIC16F873A-I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN package exposes its die through a thermal pad on the underside, which must be soldered to a ground copper pour with multiple thermal vias to keep junction temperature within Microchip's -40 C to +85 C (industrial) range. At 20 MHz the PIC16F87-I/ML dissipates roughly 25 mW worst case; without a thermal pad the QFN's theta_JA would exceed 80 C/W and the device could self-heat above ambient. Estimated junction rise = 25 mW x 80 C/W = 2 C above ambient without proper PCB copper, which is normally acceptable, but a 1 square-inch copper pour is still recommended to maintain margin across the full -40 C to +85 C range.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD bypass capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 7) and the VSS pin (pin 8) with a short, wide trace to the ground plane. Add a bulk 1 uF to 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the same rail for switching transients. For multi-rail designs, route each VDD/VSS pair with its own decoupling capacitor. The ICSP pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD need a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR/VPP for proper reset behaviour during programming.
Do not assume the device operates below 4.0 V on the I (Industrial) grade; the LF variant is required for 2.0-3.6 V operation. Confusing I and LF grades is a frequent cause of brown-out reset behaviour on low-voltage rails. Avoid enabling the watchdog timer without first clearing it in the main loop, since WDT reset at 18 ms (typical) will reboot the MCU mid-cycle. Use the CONFIG register to disable unused peripherals and reduce current draw.
The 20 MHz clock and USART at 115.2 kbps are within the QFN package's signal-integrity limits, but the analog AN0-AN4 inputs must be kept away from switching traces such as PWM outputs on RC1/RC2. Add a small RC filter (10 kohm + 100 pF) on each analog input to attenuate switching noise. The exposed thermal pad should be tied to VSS with a star-ground connection to avoid ground loops that would corrupt ADC readings.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; PIC16F87-E/ML is the extended-temperature variant. Industrial operating range -40 C to +85 C.
