PIC16F874T-20I/PQ - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip | MQFP-44
MPN: PIC16F874T-20I/PQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.42 | $11.42 |
| 10 | $10.27 | $102.70 |
| 100 | $9.14 | $914.00 |
| 500 | $8.21 | $4,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.46 | $7,460.00 |
PIC16F874T-20I/PQ Overview
Background Knowledge: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data-path CPU core, integrating program memory, RAM, digital I/O, and on-chip peripherals. The PIC16F family sits within Microchip's PIC16 mid-range taxonomy: PIC10/12/16/18 families -> 8-bit MCUs -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. These MCUs are commonly used as the main system controller in cost-sensitive embedded products where deterministic instruction timing and low power consumption are priorities. The 200 ns instruction cycle time of PIC16F874 enables tight loop control in applications such as motor drive and instrumentation.
Key features include 7KB self-programmable Flash program memory supporting in-application updates, 128 bytes of EEPROM data memory (per the PIC16F874 datasheet family), a 10-bit multi-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) communications, and three hardware timers (Timer0/Timer1/Timer2) for event capture and PWM generation. The 20MHz maximum clock rate enables 5 MIPS throughput, while the industrial-grade -40C to +85C temperature range supports operation in factory-floor and outdoor equipment.
Technical depth: The PIC16F874 implements a RISC Harvard-architecture core with 35 single-word instructions, 8-level deep hardware stack, and orthogonal instruction set enabling efficient code generation. Brown-out Detect/Reset holds the device in reset when VDD drops below the BOR threshold (typically 4V), preventing code execution from corrupted memory at low supply voltages. The PWM module, Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) peripherals, and 10-bit ADC allow direct interface with sensors and actuators without external glue logic. The wide operating voltage range (typically 2.0V to 5.5V for the LF variant, 4.0V to 5.5V for the standard F variant) supports both battery-powered and line-powered designs.
Typical applications include industrial process control and instrumentation, motor control boards (BLDC, stepper), HVAC system controllers, security alarm panels, consumer appliance control boards, automotive body electronics (non-safety), and embedded data-acquisition front-ends. The PIC16F874's 33 I/O lines make it especially well suited to designs that need many discrete control signals without external I/O expanders.
When designing with the PIC16F874T-20I/PQ, reserve two I/O pins for the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface (RB6/RB7) and ensure the MCLR pin has the proper reset-network topology. The 44-pin MQFP package has a 10x10 mm body with 0.8 mm lead pitch, requiring standard SMT reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020. Note that Microchip recommends the PIC16F884 as a newer active alternative to the PIC16F874 for new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F874T-20I/PQ — 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 PIC16F874T-20I/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Serial Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F874-20I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F874AT-20I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F874T-20I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874T-20/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874T-10E/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874T-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874T-20I/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (8-bit RISC Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes (192 x 8) |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Number of ADC Channels | 8 (10-bit) |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Timers | 3 x (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| PWM Modules | 2 x CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V (F-series) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I suffix) |
| Package / Case | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm), 0.8 mm pitch (PQ) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| On-chip Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F874T-20I/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low; hold low to reset the device |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O or AN0 analog input) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O or AN1 analog input) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O or AN2 analog input) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O or AN3 analog input or VREF+) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (digital I/O or AN4 analog input or T0CKI clock input) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (digital I/O or AN5 analog input or SS-bar) |
| Pin 8 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 (digital I/O or AN6 read enable) |
| Pin 9 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 (digital I/O or AN7 write enable) |
| Pin 10 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 (digital I/O or CS-bar chip select) |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive power supply (4.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1 — External oscillator input or crystal connection |
| Pin 14 | OSC2 — External oscillator output or crystal connection |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O or T1OSO timer1 oscillator) |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O or T1OSI timer1 oscillator) |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O or CCP1 PWM output) |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O or SCL I2C clock) |
| Pin 19 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O or SDA I2C data) |
| Pin 20 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O or SDO SPI data out) |
| Pin 21 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O or TX USART transmit) |
| Pin 22 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O or RX USART receive) |
| Pin 23 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 24 | VDD — Positive power supply (4.0-5.5V) |
| Pin 25 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (digital I/O or INT external interrupt) |
| Pin 26 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O or PGM programming low-voltage) |
| Pin 29 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 30 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 31 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O or PGC ICSP clock) |
| Pin 32 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O or PGD ICSP data) |
| Pin 33 | AVDD — Analog positive supply for ADC |
| Pin 34 | AVSS — Analog ground reference for ADC |
| Pin 35 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 36 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 37 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 38 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 39 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 40 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 41 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 42 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 43 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive power supply (4.0-5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F874T-20I/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control & Instrumentation, Motor Control & PWM Drive, HVAC & Building Automation, Security & Alarm Panel Control, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Embedded Data Acquisition Front-End.
Industrial Process Control & Instrumentation
The PIC16F874T-20I/PQ is well suited for industrial process controllers, panel meters, and data-acquisition front-ends thanks to its 33 digital I/O lines, 8-channel 10-bit ADC, and USART/MSSP serial interfaces. With 7KB Flash and 192 bytes SRAM, the MCU can run PID control loops, Modbus RTU master/slave stacks, and HMI keyscan routines without external memory. The industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range supports factory-floor enclosures, and the 44-MQFP package is compatible with standard SMT reflow lines. Brown-out Detect/Reset and the Watchdog Timer add fault-resilience required in unattended industrial deployments.
Recommended
Motor Control & PWM Drive
The PIC16F874T-20I/PQ's two CCP PWM modules and 20 MHz clock (5 MIPS) make it a strong fit for low-cost motor drive boards controlling brushed DC, unipolar stepper, and small BLDC motors. The PWM resolution and frequency are derived from Timer2 and can drive MOSFET gate drivers directly through the 33 I/O pins. The 10-bit ADC reads back current-sense amplifiers for closed-loop current control, while the USART enables RS-485 command interfaces to a higher-level controller. For new designs, the PIC16F874A successor adds enhanced PWM but the PIC16F874 remains cost-effective for established products.
Recommended
HVAC & Building Automation
In HVAC zone controllers, thermostat panels, and building automation nodes, the PIC16F874T-20I/PQ provides the I/O count and peripheral mix required for multi-relay outputs, analog temperature/humidity sensing, and LCD keypad interfaces. The MSSP peripheral drives I2C temperature/humidity sensors directly, while the 10-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors and 4-20 mA loops. The 7KB Flash accommodates standard HVAC control algorithms and seasonal scheduling logic. Industrial temperature grading ensures reliable operation in equipment closets and rooftop units across wide ambient ranges.
Recommended
Security & Alarm Panel Control
The PIC16F874T-20I/PQ suits intrusion alarm panels, access-control keypads, and fire-alarm annunciators where multiple supervised zones (33 I/O) and reliable firmware execution are required. The 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage and zone-loop resistance, while the PWM module drives piezo sounders and LED strobes. Brown-out Detect/Reset ensures clean recovery from power dips during alarm events. Flash-based program memory supports field firmware upgrades over ICSP, critical for installed security equipment that must remain up to date without board swap.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
For washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwasher control boards, and small kitchen appliances, the PIC16F874T-20I/PQ delivers enough Flash (7KB) and I/O (33 pins) for the main control loop plus user-interface handling. The PWM drives solenoids and pump motors, the ADC reads temperature and water-level sensors, and the USART interfaces with display modules or wireless modules. Tape-and-reel (T suffix) supports high-volume SMT assembly lines typical in consumer appliance manufacturing.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition Front-End
Use the PIC16F874T-20I/PQ as a low-cost data-acquisition front-end that aggregates 8 analog inputs (10-bit ADC) and multiple digital lines, then forwards packets over RS-485, RS-232, or I2C/SPI to a host. The MSSP supports both SPI and I2C master/slave operation, enabling connection to external ADCs, sensors, or to a host MCU. The 192-byte SRAM is sufficient for circular sample buffers at moderate sample rates, and the Flash holds calibration tables and Modbus or custom protocols. Industrial temperature grading supports outdoor or cabinet-mounted deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F874T-20I/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F874-20I/PQ | PIC16F874AT-20I/PQ | PIC16F874T-20I/PT | PIC16F874T-20/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10mm | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10mm - same | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10mm - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - thinner body, requires PCB adapter | 44-MQFP (PQ) 10x10mm - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels (enhanced) | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Silicon Revision | Original (F) | Original (F) | Active (F-A with nanoWatt) | Original (F) | Original (F) |
Key Differentiators
- 33 I/O pins in MQFP-44 with 7KB Flash and 10-bit ADC integrated (vs PIC16F874-20I/PQ)
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade with full speed operation (vs PIC16F874T-20/PQ)
- Active-revision silicon availability in same 44-MQFP footprint (vs PIC16F874AT-20I/PQ)
Design Notes
The PIC16F874T-20I/PQ operates from 4.0V to 5.5V VDD. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 11, 24, 44) and a single 10 uF bulk capacitor on the board near the MCU. For ADC accuracy, place a separate ferrite bead or RC filter on AVDD (pin 33) and tie AVSS (pin 34) to VSS at a single star point to avoid digital switching noise coupling into analog conversions.
The 44-MQFP (PQ) package has 0.8 mm lead pitch, requiring careful land pattern design per IPC-7351 nominal-density guidelines. Reserve the MCLR pin (pin 1) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for clean reset behavior; do not leave MCLR floating. The ICSP pins RB6/PGC (pin 31) and RB7/PGD (pin 32) should be accessible on the PCB as a 5-pin header (including VDD, VSS, MCLR) to enable in-circuit firmware updates during production and field service.
Two common pitfalls with the PIC16F874: (1) forget to configure the CONFIG bits (oscillator, WDT, BOR, code-protect) before programming, which can lock the device into an unexpected oscillator mode or disable the reset - always set CONFIG1H and CONFIG2L per Microchip AN869. (2) PORTA pins default to analog-input mode on reset; if you intend to use them as digital I/O, clear the ADCON1 register early in your init code (e.g., ADCON1 = 0x06) to enable digital mode on RA0-RA5.
The 20 MHz external oscillator on OSC1/OSC2 (pins 13/14) should be routed as a short differential pair with ground guard on both sides, kept away from analog lines. For crystal operation, use a fundamental-mode crystal with two 15-33 pF load capacitors to ground per Microchip AN588. If using an external clock module instead of a crystal, drive OSC1 from a CMOS clock source with series 100 ohm resistor and leave OSC2 floating to avoid double-driving the oscillator pin.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade MCU not specifically certified for automotive safety applications. For automotive designs, consider PIC16F874A-E/PQ extended-temperature variants.
