PIC16F874A-E/L - 8-bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip | PLCC-44
MPN: PIC16F874A-E/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.81 | $681.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.55 | $5,550.00 |
PIC16F874A-E/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16F874A belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller family, which sits inside the broader mid-range PIC16 sub-family. The 'F' prefix denotes Flash program memory, 'A' indicates the enhanced flash generation, '874A' identifies the specific part with 7 KB Flash / 192 B RAM / 128 B EEPROM, and the 'E' suffix denotes the extended industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C). The 'L' package code designates a 44-lead PLCC.
Key differentiating features include nanoWatt Technology for power-managed sleep modes, an ICD (In-Circuit Debug) interface, and 20 MHz operation from a 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply. The 10-bit ADC supports 8 input channels at up to approximately 12-15 ksps, while the CCP modules deliver 10-bit PWM resolution suitable for motor, lighting, and analog control loops. Internal RC oscillator options reduce BOM cost when precision is not required.
Typical applications include industrial sensor conditioning, motor control, low-end human-machine interfaces, automotive body modules, and educational/development platforms. The wide operating temperature range and 33 I/O make it well suited for distributed embedded nodes in factory automation.
When designing with this part, ensure the MCLR reset circuit uses the proper pull-up topology and that the configuration word (oscillator, watchdog, brown-out, code protection) is set before code execution. Decouple VDD with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each power pin, and respect the 5.5 V absolute maximum supply rating.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F874A-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 PIC16F874A-E/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Operating Temperature, Instruction Cycle Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F874A-I/L
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View Datasheet →PIC16F874AT-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16F877A-E/L
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View Datasheet →PIC16F874A-E/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 7 KB Flash (self-programming) |
| RAM | 192 B |
| EEPROM | 128 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C (E suffix = extended) |
| Digital I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 × 8-bit + 1 × 16-bit |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 CCP modules, 10-bit PWM |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI / I²C / USART |
| Package | PLCC-44 (L) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per manufacturer product page) |
| Low-Power Mode | nanoWatt Technology |
PIC16F874A-E/L plcc-44 (l) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16F874A-E/L (plcc-44 (l) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16F874A-E/L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16F874A-E/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Motor Control (Brushed DC / Stepper), Automotive Body Electronics, Human-Machine Interface Panels, Smart Home / IoT Edge Nodes, Educational / Development Platforms.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16F874A-E/L is well suited for industrial sensor signal conditioning nodes thanks to its 8-channel 10-bit ADC (4.88 mV/LSB at 5 V) and 33 digital I/O lines, allowing multiple analog sensors and digital actuators to be aggregated on a single MCU. The PIC16F874A-E/L's 192 B RAM and 128 B EEPROM support calibration constants and look-up tables for sensor linearization. Typical placement is on a 24 V → 5 V regulator input rail, with the on-chip USART used to forward conditioned measurements to a PLC or gateway. The nanoWatt sleep modes let battery-backed remote sensor nodes achieve multi-year battery life.
Recommended
Motor Control (Brushed DC / Stepper)
The PIC16F874A-E/L drives brushed DC and stepper motors through its two 10-bit PWM/CCP modules, which deliver up to 10-bit duty-cycle resolution for smooth torque control. With 20 MHz CPU clock, the firmware loop runs at 200 ns/instruction allowing sub-microsecond control updates; the 16-bit timer provides a high-resolution timebase for trapezoidal commutation. Typical placement is on a 5 V logic rail with MOSFET drivers downstream, with the comparator inputs used for back-EMF sensing on brushed DC motors.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16F874A-E/L's -40°C to +125°C extended industrial temperature grade supports automotive body-electronics modules like seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting nodes. Its 33 I/O handle multiple LED drivers, switch inputs, and LIN-bus transceivers via the USART. The PIC16F874A-E/L's 7 KB Flash with self-programming supports OTA-style bootloader updates via the CAN/LIN interface; the 128-byte EEPROM stores per-unit trim and diagnostic counters that survive battery disconnects.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface Panels
The PIC16F874A-E/L interfaces with character LCDs, keypads, and rotary encoders using its 33 digital I/O and SPI peripheral for display refresh. At 20 MHz, the firmware can refresh a 16x2 character LCD at >100 Hz without visible flicker; the I²C peripheral can drive LED-driver expanders such as the MCP23017 for additional indicators. Typical placement is on a front-panel PCB with a 5 V rail and ESD-protected key inputs, with the on-chip EEPROM storing user preferences and menu state.
Recommended
Smart Home / IoT Edge Nodes
The PIC16F874A-E/L serves as a low-cost edge controller in smart-home products such as thermostats, irrigation controllers, and appliance sub-modules. Its nanoWatt modes drop quiescent current to microampere levels for battery-backed wireless sensor nodes, while its 33 I/O manage multiple relays, push-buttons, and LED indicators. The SPI peripheral connects to sub-GHz transceivers or Wi-Fi co-processors, and the USART links to BLE modules for smartphone pairing.
Recommended
Educational / Development Platforms
The PIC16F874A-E/L is widely adopted in university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist development boards because of its 35-instruction RISC core, built-in ICD, and broad peripheral set. The on-chip ICD allows real-time breakpoint debugging with PICkit 3/4, and 7 KB Flash provides ample room for teaching labs covering PWM, ADC, I²C, and interrupt-driven firmware. Microchip's MPLAB X IDE plus XC8 compiler offers a free toolchain, and the PIC16F874A-E/L is supported by the open-source SDCC compiler for portability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F874A-E/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F874A-I/L | PIC16F877A-E/L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PLCC-44 (L) | PLCC-44 (L) - same | PLCC-44 (L) - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB (+100%) |
| RAM | 192 B | 192 B | 368 B (+92%) |
| EEPROM | 128 B | 128 B | 256 B (+100%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
Key Differentiators
- Self-programming Flash with 100k erase/write cycles (vs OTP PIC16C774)
- nanoWatt low-power modes vs non-power-managed 8051 MCUs (vs Generic 8051 (e.g. AT89C51))
- Extended -40C to +125C industrial temperature range (vs PIC16F874A-I/L (-40C to +85C))
Design Notes
Decouple VDD/AVDD/VSS/AVSS with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each power pin; add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor at the regulator output. The PIC16F874A-E/L has separate analog (AVDD/AVSS) and digital (VDD/VSS) supply pins; tying AVSS to VSS is acceptable but for ADC accuracy route AVDD through a ferrite bead or small L-C filter from VDD to keep digital switching noise below 1 mV at the analog supply. Estimated: with 20 MHz CPU and all peripherals active, IDD is typically 10-15 mA; sleep mode reduces this to under 2 uA.
The 44-pin PLCC (L) package uses J-leads on a 1.27 mm pitch with a square socket footprint. Provide at least 1.5 mm clearance around the package outline for socket insertion, and avoid routing traces under the IC body. The exposed die paddle is not present on PLCC, so thermal dissipation is via the 44 lead frame to inner-layer copper pours - place a 4 mm² thermal via array beneath the package tied to GND. For production, hand-solder or socket the PLCC rather than reflow, as J-leads can be damaged by repeated thermal cycling.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating; tie it to VDD through a 10-47 kohm pull-up resistor and a 100 nF capacitor to ground to filter noise. Failing to do so will cause spurious resets. Also remember that the ICD pins (RB6/RB7) are shared with digital I/O - in production firmware you must clear the DEBUG configuration bit to free those pins. The brown-out reset (BOR) is configurable; enable it for automotive and industrial designs to avoid undefined behavior at slow VDD ramp-up. Per the datasheet, oscillator start-up timer (OST) and power-up timer (PWRT) must be enabled if the application uses an external crystal.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page. The 'E' suffix denotes extended industrial temperature grade; AEC-Q100 qualification is not declared for the standard PIC16F874A-E/L - consult Microchip automotive-grade PIC16 variants for qualified parts. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data and should be confirmed via the manufacturer declaration.
