PIC16F873A-I/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip 28-QFN
MPN: PIC16F873A-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.06 | $30.60 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.51 | $1,255.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.32 | $2,320.00 |
PIC16F873A-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program and data memory, I/O peripherals, and often communication interfaces. The PIC16 family belongs to Microchip's mid-range 8-bit portfolio, positioned between the baseline PIC10/12/16 families and the higher-performance PIC18/dsPIC families, serving cost-sensitive embedded applications that require low power, deterministic interrupt response, and small code footprint.
Key differentiators of the PIC16F873A include self-programmability (Flash In-Circuit Serial Programming, ICSP), In-Circuit Debugger (ICD) support for hardware breakpoints, nanoWatt technology for power management with multiple idle/sleep modes, and a wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage range enabling both 3.3V and 5V systems. The 10-bit ADC supports 5 channels for direct sensor interfacing without external mux ICs.
The architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word with separate 8-bit data path, a hardware multiplier option, and Harvard bus structure for deterministic timing. ICSP and ICD allow code updates and live debugging without removing the MCU from the PCB, reducing NRE cost for prototypes and field upgrades.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, low-cost motor control (fans, small BLDC), consumer appliance user interfaces, and battery-powered measurement instruments such as thermometers and data loggers. The QFN-28 footprint makes it suitable for compact PCBs where SOIC alternatives would consume excessive board area.
Designers should provide adequate decoupling (0.1uF ceramic plus 10uF bulk) on VDD, route MCLR through a 10k pull-up for ICSP, and use the nanoWatt sleep modes for battery duty-cycled designs to extend runtime. The 6x6 mm QFN pad requires a thermal via array to the inner ground plane for proper heat spreading during high-MIPS operation.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16F87xA family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F873A-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 PIC16F873A-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Serial Interfaces, Core Architecture, Timers, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F873A-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-E/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F737-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit instruction word |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit (TMR1 with dedicated gate) |
| CCP/PWM Modules | 2 |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, SSP (SPI master/slave or I2C master/slave) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| In-Circuit Debug | Yes (ICD via PGC/PGD) |
| Self-Programming | Yes (ICSP) |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt (sleep, idle, oscillator switchover) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F873A-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS/C2OUT — Digital I/O / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 I/O (PWM) |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART async transmit / USART sync clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART async receive / USART sync data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / ICSP LVP enable |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM — Digital I/O / ICSP LVP enable |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock (ICD clock) |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data (ICD data) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F873A-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Cost BLDC / DC Motor Control, Consumer Appliance User Interface, Battery-Powered Data Logger / Thermometer, Automotive Interior Body Electronics (non-safety), Educational / Hobbyist Development Platforms.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F873A-I/ML fits industrial sensor signal conditioning because its built-in 5-channel 10-bit ADC directly digitizes analog sensor outputs (load cells, thermistors, pressure bridges) without an external mux IC, while its 22 digital I/O pins drive indicator LEDs, relay coils, and isolated digital outputs. The 7 KB Flash holds the calibration lookup tables and linearization routines, and the 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range lets a single design serve both 3.3 V and 24 V industrial bus systems via a pre-regulator. Compared to a discrete op-amp + ADC chain, the integrated MCU reduces BOM by 5-7 parts and the QFN-28 footprint keeps the PCB under 25 x 25 mm.
Recommended
Low-Cost BLDC / DC Motor Control
The PIC16F873A-I/ML is a strong fit for small BLDC or DC motor control because its two CCP modules generate complementary PWM signals with dead-band control for half-bridge drivers, while the 16-bit Timer1 captures Hall-sensor feedback for closed-loop speed regulation. The 20 MHz CPU runs the FOC or trapezoidal commutation algorithm at 10 kHz with 200 ns resolution, well within the 7 KB Flash budget for typical motor-control firmware. The QFN-28 footprint fits inside the motor housing, and the nanoWatt sleep mode drops current below 1 uA when the motor is idle.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
The PIC16F873A-I/ML suits consumer appliance UI boards (washing machines, microwaves, coffee makers) because its 22 digital I/O pins drive 7-segment displays, button matrices, buzzer, and triac interfaces directly, while the USART links to a Wi-Fi/BLE daughter module for smart-appliance connectivity. The 5-channel ADC reads NTC temperature probes and line-voltage feedback, and the 7 KB Flash is ample for menu state machines plus capacitive-touch software. Operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V handles brownouts during motor inrush without resetting, improving field reliability.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Logger / Thermometer
The PIC16F873A-I/ML fits battery-powered data loggers because its nanoWatt technology drops sleep current to ~100 nA, extending 2xAA battery life past 2 years on duty-cycled sampling. The internal 31 kHz LFINTOSC keeps time-stamping accurate while the CPU sleeps, and the I2C master reads an external EEPROM for log storage. The 5-channel ADC measures temperature (NTC via MCP9700), battery voltage, and 3 auxiliary analog channels. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V range supports single-cell lithium chemistries directly.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Body Electronics (non-safety)
The PIC16F873A-I/ML fits non-safety automotive interior modules (ambient lighting, seat-position memory, mirror control) where its industrial -40C to +85C range covers cabin temperatures and the 5-channel ADC reads potentiometers and current-sense shunts. Two CCP modules generate PWM for LED dimming and small DC motor speed control, while the USART links to a CAN bridge IC (MCP2515) for body-network communication. The QFN-28 footprint integrates into compact modules behind dashboard trim.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist Development Platforms
The PIC16F873A-I/ML is a strong fit for educational microcontroller curricula because the 35-instruction RISC architecture is teachable in a single semester, MPLAB X IDE + XC8 compiler are free, and the ICSP/ICD interface allows in-circuit debugging on a $5 programmer. The 7 KB Flash holds reference projects (LED blinker, UART terminal, I2C scanner, ADC voltmeter) and the QFN-28 breakout boards are widely available on JLCPCB/PCBWay shared projects. The nanoWatt modes make it a natural teaching example for embedded power management.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F873A-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F873A-E/ML | PIC16F876A-I/ML | PIC16F873A-I/SO | PIC16F876A-E/ML | PIC16F737-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) - same | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) - same | 28-SOIC (SO, 7.50 mm) - different | 28-QFN (ML, 6x6 mm) - same | 28-SPDIP (SP, 7.50 mm) - different |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 192 B | 192 B | 368 B | 192 B | 368 B | 368 B |
| EEPROM | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B | 128 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 10-bit / 5 ch | 10-bit / 5 ch | 10-bit / 5 ch | 10-bit / 5 ch | 10-bit / 5 ch | 10-bit / 8 ch |
| Maximum Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Smaller QFN-28 footprint than SOIC-28 with same electrical specs (vs PIC16F873A-I/SO)
- Larger Flash and RAM for richer firmware without PCB change (vs PIC16F873A-E/ML)
- Extended temperature drop-in variant for harsh environments (vs PIC16F873A-I/SO)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN package has a central exposed pad (pin 29, EPAD) that MUST be soldered to a 4x4 via-array thermal pad tied to VSS for both electrical grounding and thermal dissipation. Skipping the EPAD soldering voids the -40C to +85C thermal rating and may cause latch-up at high temperatures. Recommended pad geometry per Microchip package drawing TB3013 (DS01049B): 0.4 mm via diameter, 1.0 mm pitch, 9 thermal vias minimum for the 6x6 mm QFN.
Place a 100 nF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of each VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 uF X5R bulk capacitor within 10 mm. Tie all VSS pins (8, 19) to a single ground plane with 0.5 mm-wide traces minimum. The PIC16F873A draws up to 30 mA at 20 MHz/5 V, so the supply trace must handle 50 mA peak; use a 0.2 mm-wide trace or pour connected directly to the bulk cap. Without proper decoupling the internal ADC will show 2-3 LSB noise at full sampling rate.
Do not connect MCLR (pin 1) directly to VDD without a pull-up - leave it floating or tie through a 10 kohm resistor to VDD for normal operation, and provide a path to VPP (13 V typical) for ICSP. For ICSP/ICD bring out PGC (RB6, pin 27), PGD (RB7, pin 28), MCLR (pin 1), VDD, and VSS to a 5-pin header to support PICkit programmers. Configuring RB3 as PGM (low-voltage programming) without disabling it in code can accidentally enter programming mode during EMI events.
Route the analog inputs (AN0-AN4, RA0-RA3, RA5) on a separate analog ground island if the board has noisy digital currents > 50 mA switching. Keep ADC traces short (<25 mm) and away from switching regulator feedback traces. The VREF+/VREF- pins (RA3/RA2) should each have a 100 nF ceramic directly to analog ground. Reference Microchip AN546 (DS00546) for ADC layout best practices.
When using the SPI master at 10 MHz, ensure the SCK trace is <50 mm and that SDI/SDO traces do not run parallel for more than 10 mm without a ground guard trace. The I2C master requires external 4.7 kohm pull-ups on SCL (RC3) and SDA (RC4) for 400 kHz Fast Mode operation. For long I2C buses (>200 mm), add 100 ohm series resistors at the master end to dampen ringing on rising edges.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade - not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive safety-critical applications use PIC16F873A-I/ML only in non-safety body electronics. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in source data.
