PIC16F876A-E/ML - 8-bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F876A-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.93 | $6.93 |
| 10 | $6.2 | $62.00 |
| 61 | $5.65 | $344.65 |
| 250 | $5.15 | $1,287.50 |
| 500 | $4.85 | $2,425.00 |
PIC16F876A-E/ML Overview
What is an 8-bit flash microcontroller? An 8-bit flash MCU is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, with non-volatile program memory (flash), volatile working RAM, and on-chip peripherals. It belongs to the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. Microchip's PIC16 mid-range family is one of the longest-lived 8-bit architectures, valued for its 35-instruction RISC core, deterministic 200 ns instruction execution, and upward code compatibility with the PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, and PIC16C7X families.
Key features of the PIC16F876A include in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and self-programmability for field firmware updates, two analog comparators, five channels of 10-bit analog-to-digital conversion, two capture/compare/PWM (CCP) modules, and a master synchronous serial port configurable as either 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C. The 14 KB flash supports up to 8K single-word instructions.
Technically, the device is built on a CMOS flash/EEPROM process and integrates a precision bandgap reference, brown-out reset (BOR), watchdog timer (WDT), and a wide operating voltage range suitable for both 3.3 V and 5 V rails. Its 22 I/O pins give designers generous headroom for mixed-signal designs.
Typical applications include industrial automation, sensor interfacing, motor control via the CCP/PWM channels, battery management front-ends, automotive body electronics, and consumer device controllers. The 28-QFN (ML) package is well suited to space-constrained layouts where PCB real estate is at a premium.
When designing with the PIC16F876A-E/ML, note that the -E suffix designates the -40C to +125C extended-temperature grade; choose the -I suffix (-40C to +85C) if your application is commercial. The 6x6 mm QFN footprint requires thermal vias under the exposed pad for reliable heat dissipation at maximum clock rate.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the PIC16F876A-E/ML against modern 8-bit and 32-bit alternatives for new designs and legacy maintenance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F876A-E/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 PIC16F876A-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Serial Interfaces, Supply Voltage, Mounting Type, ADC.
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/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →ATMEGA8A-MUR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Program Flash Memory | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Comparators | 2 |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | 1x MSSP (SPI or I2C), USART |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML), 6x6 mm |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), self-programming |
| On-chip Features | Brown-out Reset, Watchdog Timer, ICD |
| Tube Quantity | 61 per tube |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F876A-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS/C2OUT — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 9 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 module I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 17 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 18 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / Low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 21 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 24 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 25 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F876A-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Node, Automotive Body Electronics Controller, Battery-Powered Remote Monitoring, White-Goods and Consumer Appliance Control, PWM Motor Speed Controller, LED Lighting and Signage Controller.
Industrial Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16F876A-E/ML is well suited to industrial sensor-interface nodes that read 4-20 mA analog signals and digital inputs and forward them over RS-485 or I2C. Its 5-channel 10-bit ADC delivers adequate resolution for temperature, pressure, and flow transducers, while 22 I/O pins allow multi-sensor multiplexing. The -40C to +125C extended temperature grade supports factory-floor and outdoor installations. The 6x6 mm QFN footprint suits compact PCB modules mounted inside sensor housings, and the on-chip USART plus MSSP (SPI/I2C) enables seamless integration with industrial fieldbus bridges and gateways.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Controller
In automotive body-electronics applications, the PIC16F876A-E/ML's -40C to +125C extended temperature grade and CCP/PWM modules make it an ideal controller for seat-position actuators, mirror-fold motors, lighting dimmers, and HVAC flap motors. The two CCP channels generate complementary or dead-band-controlled PWM for H-bridge drivers, while the 10-bit ADC reads position-feedback potentiometers and current-sense shunts. Its 14 KB flash comfortably accommodates state-machine plus LIN-slave firmware stacks for non-safety-critical body modules, and the small QFN package allows integration directly behind switch panels.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Monitoring
For battery-powered remote-monitoring endpoints such as wireless environmental sensors, utility meters, or asset trackers, the PIC16F876A-E/ML's deep-sleep current and 2.0 V minimum supply voltage extend operating life on lithium primary cells. The 256-byte EEPROM provides non-volatile storage of calibration coefficients, event logs, and identity credentials without battery backup. The MSSP can interface directly to a sub-GHz transceiver like the Microchip MRF89XA, while sleep-mode wake-up on watchdog timer or external interrupt preserves energy. The compact 28-QFN leaves room for coin-cell holders in wearable form factors.
Recommended
White-Goods and Consumer Appliance Control
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and microwave ovens use the PIC16F876A-E/ML to drive user-interface keypads, multiplex seven-segment or LCD displays, and control triac-fired heater elements or brushless DC motors. The 22 I/O pins comfortably handle 4x4 key matrices and 4-digit displays simultaneously, while two PWM channels vary motor speed or heater duty cycle. Its 200 ns deterministic instruction execution ensures clean zero-crossing triac firing, reducing EMI on the AC mains, and its wide 2.0-5.5 V supply range simplifies integration with rectified 5 V or 3.3 V rails.
Recommended
PWM Motor Speed Controller
The PIC16F876A-E/ML drives brush-DC, brushed servo, or small three-phase inverter control loops via its dual CCP/PWM modules and 20 MHz instruction rate, which yields a 200 ns PWM tick resolution suitable for sub-100 Hz switching frequencies and active braking. The on-chip comparators provide hardware over-current protection by instantaneously shutting down PWM outputs, while the 5-channel 10-bit ADC samples shunt current, back-EMF, and speed-command inputs. The 28-QFN footprint fits inside compact integrated motor modules for fans, pumps, and small appliances.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Signage Controller
RGB and white-LED lighting strips, architectural dimmers, and pixel-art signage are well served by the PIC16F876A-E/ML's two CCP/PWM channels plus software-driven PWM on remaining I/O pins - sufficient to drive four to six channels of 16-bit-color LEDs at refresh rates above 200 Hz. The MSSP serial interface accepts DMX-512 or SPI-fed pixel data, while the 14 KB flash stores calibration tables for gamma-correct brightness. The -40C to +125C grade handles outdoor enclosure temperatures in commercial signage, and the small QFN package is easily embedded in DIN-rail or junction-box controllers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F876A-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F873A-E/ML | PIC16F876A-I/ML | PIC16F873A-I/ML | PIC16F876A-E/SP | ATmega8A-MU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (Atmel) |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML), 6x6 mm | 28-QFN (ML), 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML), 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML), 6x6 mm - same | 28-SPDIP - through-hole | 28-QFN/MLF - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 14 KB (8K x 14) | 7 KB (-50%) | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) | 14 KB | 8 KB (-43%) |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 192 bytes (-48%) | 368 bytes | 192 bytes (-48%) | 368 bytes | 1 KB (+172%) |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 128 bytes (-50%) | 256 bytes | 128 bytes (-50%) | 256 bytes | 512 bytes (+100%) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 16 MHz (-20%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (-E grade) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C (-I grade) | -40C to +85C (-I grade) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC (35 instructions) | PIC16 8-bit RISC | PIC16 8-bit RISC | PIC16 8-bit RISC | PIC16 8-bit RISC | AVR 8-bit RISC (requires code recompile) |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 23 |
Key Differentiators
- 14 KB flash - twice the code space of the PIC16F873A in the same footprint (vs PIC16F873A-E/ML)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16F876A-I/ML)
- Compact 6x6 mm QFN footprint (vs PIC16F876A-E/SP)
- 5-channel 10-bit ADC plus 2 hardware comparators on-chip (vs PIC16F873A-E/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to a corresponding copper pad on the PCB for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Use an array of 5x5 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch) connecting the top pad to an inner ground plane. The exposed pad is internally bonded to VSS, so keep it on the ground net and away from switching signals routed on inner layers.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 26) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same net to suppress switching noise from the 20 MHz oscillator. The PIC16F876A's ADC is sensitive to VDD ripple; for best ADC accuracy (under 1 LSB error), add a 10 uH ferrite bead between VDD and AVDD and isolate the AVSS/AVDD pins if available. Brown-out reset should be enabled in the configuration words to prevent code runaway below 2.0 V.
Configuration-word programming is the most common mistake when starting a new PIC16F876A project. The CONFIG1 and CONFIG2 registers must be set BEFORE code execution to disable or enable features like watchdog timer, low-voltage programming, brown-out reset, and code protection. Use the __CONFIG macro in MPLAB XC8 to set these fuses at compile time. Failing to set the oscillator configuration bits (HS for 20 MHz crystal) will prevent the device from starting.
Route the ICSP signals (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) so they are accessible from an in-circuit programming header on the PCB edge. Keep these traces short and avoid running noisy signals next to them. The MCLR pin must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor and include a 100 nF capacitor to ground for proper reset behavior; some debuggers also use this pin for high-voltage programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. The PIC16F876A family is widely used in automotive subsystems; for AEC-Q100 qualified variants, contact Microchip directly for the specific automotive part number.
