PIC16F870T-I/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip | 28-SSOP
MPN: PIC16F870T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16F870T-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, program and data memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16F870 belongs to Microchip's PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC architecture family, which uses a 14-bit instruction word and Harvard bus structure. Within the broader taxonomy, this MCU is an 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. Its position in the PIC16 family tree provides backwards compatibility with PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, and PIC16C7X devices, easing migration of legacy code.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16F870 include Microchip's nanoWatt Technology for active and sleep power management, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface for in-system programming and debugging, a 10-bit ADC with 5 input channels supporting reference voltages from VDD to VSS, and a USART module for asynchronous or synchronous serial communication. The device operates from 4.0V to 5.5V supply and supports an instruction clock of 20 MHz DC.
Architecturally, the PIC16F870 uses a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit program word width and separate program/data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. The 35 single-word instruction set simplifies coding while delivering deterministic execution. Self-programming capability permits Flash updates in the field without external programmers, and the integrated ICD interface uses RB6/RB7 pins for two-wire debug, eliminating the need for expensive in-circuit emulators.
Typical applications for the PIC16F870T-I/SS include industrial control nodes, sensor interface modules, low-power remote sensing platforms, motor control boards, and consumer appliance controllers. Engineers select this part when 8-bit code density, deterministic timing, and a long-lived Microchip platform matter more than raw MIPS.
When designing with this device, ensure the MCLR pin is properly biased, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD, and respect the 5.5V absolute maximum supply. For low-power operation, leverage nanoWatt sleep modes and configure unused peripherals to OFF. This page consolidates verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F870T-I/SS — 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 PIC16F870T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Self-Programming, ADC, Instruction Set, Package, EEPROM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F871-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F870-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.47 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F870T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F870T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F870T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16F |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 B |
| EEPROM Size | 64 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5-channel 10-bit |
| Communication Interface | USART |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| In-Circuit Debug (ICD) | Yes |
| Self-Programming | Yes |
| Power Technology | nanoWatt Technology |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F870T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock out (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM/Capture/Compare |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock (programming/debug) |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICD data (programming/debug) |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 28 | RE0/AN5/RD — PORTE bit 0 / Analog input 5 / Read control (parallel port) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F870T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Node, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Battery-Powered Remote Sensor, Motor Control and PWM Driver, HMI Front Panel Controller, Educational Microcontroller Trainer.
Industrial Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16F870T-I/SS fits industrial sensor interface nodes because its 5-channel 10-bit ADC supports direct analog sampling from thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, and 4-20 mA current loops common on factory floors. With 22 digital I/O pins, the MCU can multiplex multiple sensor inputs and drive indicator LEDs or relay outputs simultaneously. Operating from -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range and a 4.0V to 5.5V supply, it tolerates the noisy 24V-to-5V industrial backplanes after a TVS-protected buck regulator. The USART module enables MODBUS RTU communication over RS-485 transceivers, while nanoWatt sleep modes keep quiescent current low for battery-backed remote telemetry units. Compared to a discrete op-amp + ADC approach, the integrated PIC16F870T-I/SS cuts BOM count, simplifies firmware scheduling through a 200 ns deterministic instruction cycle, and shortens time-to-market. Engineers frequently pair this MCU with a TVS-protected 5V rail, an RS-485 transceiver, and a 2x16 character LCD for on-machine HMI displays.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16F870T-I/SS is widely adopted in consumer appliance control boards, including washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and air conditioners, where cost-sensitive 8-bit processing is sufficient. Its 3.5 KB Flash easily fits appliance state-machine firmware (often under 2 KB), and 22 I/O pins drive keypads, seven-segment displays, buzzer drivers, and triac-gate optocouplers for motor/valve control. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range covers kitchen and laundry environments, while the 5V supply aligns with rectified mains-rail LDO designs. With 200 ns deterministic instruction cycles, the MCU can scan key matrices at sub-10 ms intervals without missing contact debounce. The integrated ICD interface enables in-circuit firmware updates during production, reducing rework cost. Compared to higher-priced 32-bit MCUs, the PIC16F870T-I/SS delivers appliance-grade control at roughly one-third the unit cost and a much simpler PIC assembly toolchain.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensor
For battery-powered remote sensors (soil moisture, environmental, parking occupancy), the PIC16F870T-I/SS provides a balance of low cost and acceptable power consumption. Microchip's nanoWatt Technology supports multiple sleep modes where the core draws microampere-level current, allowing the MCU to spend most of its time in Sleep between ADC samples and wake on a Watchdog Timer overflow or external interrupt. A single 3-cell AA battery pack or a 3.6V Li-SOCl2 primary cell, regulated to 5V, can power the device for multi-year deployments with a duty-cycled sensor read every few minutes. The 5-channel 10-bit ADC supports temperature, humidity, light, and battery voltage monitoring in the same package. The USART enables LoRa or sub-GHz transceiver control for long-range wireless telemetry. Compared to a discrete sleep timer + op-amp solution, the integrated PIC16F870T-I/SS reduces standby current, BOM size, and PCB area in weatherproof IP67 enclosures.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Driver
The PIC16F870T-I/SS serves as a low-cost motor controller for brushed DC, small stepper, and low-voltage BLDC applications such as fans, pumps, and small robot drive stages. Its 22 I/O pins include the CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) module that generates PWM signals up to 10-bit resolution at 20 MHz, sufficient for controlling MOSFET gate drivers in H-bridge topologies. The 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF, current shunt, and potentiometer feedback for closed-loop speed or position control. With 3.5 KB Flash, the firmware fits state-machine commutation tables for sensorless trapezoidal BLDC commutation. Compared to dedicated motor-driver ICs, this MCU offers flexibility to tune acceleration profiles and protection thresholds in firmware rather than hardware. Engineers commonly pair this MCU with gate drivers and N-channel MOSFETs for 12V to 24V motor control up to a few hundred watts.
Recommended
HMI Front Panel Controller
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) front panels for vending machines, kiosks, and small industrial displays commonly use the PIC16F870T-I/SS. The MCU scans 4x4 keypads or capacitive touch buttons via its 22 I/O pins, drives character LCDs (HD44780-compatible) through parallel ports, and handles serial commands from a master controller. The 200 ns instruction cycle allows sub-10 ms keypad scan cycles that catch fast key presses without debounce errors. The 10-bit ADC supports rotary encoder feedback or analog slider inputs for menu navigation. Industrial -40 C to +85 C operation covers indoor and semi-outdoor installations. With 3.5 KB Flash, the firmware fits elaborate menu trees, password logic, and error message libraries. Compared to a dedicated LCD controller, the integrated PIC16F870T-I/SS allows rich, updatable UI without external flash.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer
The PIC16F870T-I/SS is widely used in university embedded systems courses and electronics trainer boards because its 35-instruction RISC architecture is easy to learn yet powerful enough to teach real-time control, ADC sampling, and serial protocols. The integrated ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface over RB6/RB7 pins means students can single-step code directly from MPLAB X IDE without expensive in-circuit emulators. Its 28-SSOP package fits the breadboard-friendly SSOP-to-DIP breakout boards used in academic labs. The PIC16F870 family is supported by the free MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and extensive Microchip application notes, reducing the student learning curve. Operating from a 5V supply aligns with common lab power rails. Compared to ARM Cortex-M0 trainer boards, this part is a fraction of the cost, making it ideal for student kits and large lab sessions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F870T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F871-I/SS | PIC16F870-I/SS | PIC16F870T-I/SO | PIC16F870T-E/SS | PIC16F873A-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same die, wider | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 5.5 KB (4K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 7.2 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 B | 256 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 192 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube |
| Approximate Unit Price (Qty 1) | $4.20 | $4.85 | $4.10 | $4.20 | $4.60 | $5.10 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost Microchip 28-SSOP 8-bit MCU with nanoWatt sleep modes (vs PIC16F873A-I/SS)
- Full PIC16 mid-range instruction set with 5-channel 10-bit ADC integrated (vs PIC16F84A-20I/P)
- Same-die upgrade path within SSOP-28 footprint (vs PIC16F871-I/SS)
- Integrated ICD for in-circuit debug without external emulator (vs PIC16F84A-04I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16F870T-I/SS requires a clean 4.0V to 5.5V supply; place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 27) with a short, wide ground trace. Add a bulk 10 uF to 47 uF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor on the same rail if the load (radio, motor) draws pulsed current. The MCU has no internal voltage regulator; exceeding 5.5V will permanently damage the part, so choose a 5V LDO with TVS protection on the input side for noisy industrial environments.
The MCLR pin (pin 1) must NOT be left floating. Either tie it through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD or drive it with an open-drain supervisor / reset IC. A floating MCLR causes random resets and unreliable ICD programming. Also confirm that RB3/PGM (pin 21) is not driven low during normal operation if low-voltage programming is enabled, since this will put the part into programming mode unexpectedly.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 9 and 8) as short as possible and keep them away from switching signals to minimize EMI pickup. For crystal operation, place the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF depending on crystal spec) close to the crystal pins with a ground guard ring. The SSOP-28 footprint has a 0.65 mm pitch, so use a PCB with a minimum 0.1 mm trace/space rule and consider a 4-layer stack-up with a continuous ground plane under the MCU for best EMI/ESD performance.
The PIC16F870T-I/SS in 28-SSOP has a thermal resistance of approximately 85 C/W (junction-to-ambient on a 4-layer JEDEC test board). At 20 MHz clock and 5V supply, the active current is around 10 mA, dissipating only 50 mW worst case - well within thermal limits. For sleep-mode designs drawing under 1 uA, thermal management is trivial. No heatsink is required under normal operating conditions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free matte-tin finish. Standard industrial temp grade - not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety-critical applications. Conflict-minerals declaration on file with Microchip.
