PIC16F876A-E/SS - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F876A-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.2 | $9.20 |
| 10 | $8.27 | $82.70 |
| 100 | $6.96 | $696.00 |
| 500 | $6.21 | $3,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.62 | $5,620.00 |
PIC16F876A-E/SS Overview
An MCU (Microcontroller Unit) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces on one die. The PIC16F876A belongs to the PIC16 family (8-bit Harvard RISC architecture), which sits within the broader category of microcontrollers in Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, alongside PIC12 and PIC18 lines. The "F" suffix denotes Flash program memory suitable for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), while the "A" revision adds self-programming support and improvements to the original PIC16F876.
Key features include instruction execution at 200 ns (200 nanosecond instruction execution), wide 2.0V to 5.5V operating voltage, self-programming for bootloader-style updates, programmable code protection, an integrated watchdog timer, and brown-out reset. The -E suffix designates the -40C to +125C extended industrial temperature grade, suitable for harsh-environment applications, while the /SS package designator indicates a 28-pin SSOP for surface-mount assembly.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, sensor interfaces, low-end consumer electronics, motor control, lighting ballast, automotive body electronics, and educational/development platforms. The integrated 10-bit ADC and two comparators allow direct connection to analog sensors, while SPI/I2C enables communication with external EEPROMs, sensors, displays, and other microcontrollers.
When designing with this device, ensure decoupling capacitors are placed within 1 cm of VDD, and unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs and tied low to minimize power consumption. The device can be programmed in-circuit via ICSP using a Microchip PICkit or ICD debugger.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and design guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F876A-E/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 PIC16F876A-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Serial Interfaces, Comparators, I/O Pins, Core Architecture, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F876A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F873A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-E/SSG
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8192 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of Instructions | 35 (single-word) |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, up to 5 channels |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 CCP modules |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI and I2C (MSSP peripheral) |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended "E" grade) |
| Self Programming | Yes |
| In-Circuit Debug (ICD) | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F876A-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2/Vref- — Digital I/O / Analog input 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — Digital I/O / Analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 6 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Digital I/O / SPI slave select / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/Resonator input / External clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal/Resonator output / Clock output |
| 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 |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 module |
| 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 programming |
| Pin 21 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 24 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 27 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet - no internal connection) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F876A-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Sensor Hub, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), LED Lighting Ballast and Dimming Control, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Educational and Development Platform, Motor Control and Brushless DC Drive.
Industrial Control Sensor Hub
The PIC16F876A-E/SS fits industrial sensor hubs because its extended -40C to +125C operating range and 5-channel 10-bit ADC directly support multi-signal PCB-front-end designs. The integrated 14KB Flash stores PID control loops and calibration tables, while 256 bytes EEPROM retains user-setpoints across power cycles. Placed near thermistors, pressure sensors, and 4-20 mA loop receivers, it converts analog signals to digital outputs and triggers relays via its two CCP/PWM modules. The 368-byte RAM buffer is sufficient for interleaved sampling of three to five sensors at modest rates. Designers value its in-circuit serial programming for field firmware updates without dismantling the enclosure.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16F876A-E/SS can be used inside automotive body-electronics modules that do not require AEC-Q100 qualification, such as interior lighting controllers and seat adjustment logic. Its 14KB Flash fits state-machine firmware for body controllers, the SPI/I2C MSSP peripheral links to LIN transceivers and dashboard displays, and the two analog comparators enable over-current detection on motor drivers. The +125C operating range covers under-dash temperatures while the SSOP package accepts standard reflow profiles. Note that safety-critical automotive modules (airbags, ABS, ADAS) require AEC-Q100-qualified parts - this part is not qualified for that tier of automotive design.
Recommended
LED Lighting Ballast and Dimming Control
The PIC16F876A-E/SS is well suited to LED lighting ballasts and constant-current drivers where digital dimming and diagnostics matter. Its two CCP/PWM modules generate 0-100% duty PWM up to approximately 20 kHz without CPU overhead, while the 10-bit ADC monitors LED string current via a sense resistor for closed-loop dimming. The Flash holds DMX-512 or DALI protocol stacks, and the EEPROM retains scene presets during power-down. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply lets designers run the MCU directly from PFC pre-regulator rails. Its self-programming mode supports firmware updates in installed luminaires.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
Inside small consumer appliances (coffee machines, blenders, slow cookers, electronic thermostats), the PIC16F876A-E/SS provides a single-chip solution integrating ADC, comparators, PWM, and serial comms in a compact 28-SSOP footprint. The 14KB Flash holds state machines, safety interlocks, and user-interface logic. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature probes, water-level sensors, and button matrix voltages, while the comparators detect AC zero-cross for TRIAC timing. The extended temperature grade ensures reliability in oven-mounted or garage environments where temperatures can spike.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platform
The PIC16F876A-E/SS is widely used in educational kits because it offers a full PIC16 mid-range feature set - ADC, PWM, comparators, SPI, I2C - in a breadboard-friendly 28-SSOP package with Microchip's MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and PICkit programmers supporting it natively. The 35 instruction set is approachable for teaching RISC fundamentals, while 14KB Flash comfortably hosts a textbook's worth of C programs and example projects. Self-programming demonstrations teach students bootloader concepts and field-update workflows.
Recommended
Motor Control and Brushless DC Drive
The PIC16F876A-E/SS fits small brushed and brushless DC motor controllers using its two CCP/PWM modules for complementary PWM outputs or single-direction motor drive. The 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF, current sense, and potentiometer speed demand simultaneously. SPI/I2C lets it communicate with external gate drivers (e.g. MCP16331) or display modules, and the comparators implement hardware over-current protection that can shut down the PWM in microseconds without software delay. The 256-byte EEPROM stores motor calibration parameters across power cycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F876A-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F876A-I/SS | PIC16F873A-I/SS | PIC16F873A-E/SS | PIC16F876A-E/SSG | PIC16F876AT-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (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 |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Provides 14KB Flash while keeping the same 28-SSOP footprint as PIC16F873A (vs PIC16F873A-I/SS)
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature (vs PIC16F876A-I/SS)
- Self-programming capability for bootloader firmware updates (vs PIC16F876-20/SP)
- 256-byte EEPROM for persistent data storage (vs PIC16F818-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 1 cm of the VDD pin, and add a bulk 1-10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor adjacent to it. The PIC16F876A-E/SS draws up to approximately 25 mA at full clock speed; power-supply rejection degrades without adequate bypassing and may cause ADC errors in noise-sensitive designs. For battery-powered designs below 3 V, account for the brown-out reset voltage threshold rising with decreasing clock speed - program BOR appropriately in CONFIG register.
Route the ICSP clock and data lines (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) away from switching nodes such as oscillator pins and PWM outputs. Series termination resistors of 100 ohms on PGC and PGD reduce ringing when driving the PICkit ICD header through long traces. The OSC1/OSC2 traces should be kept short and surrounded by a ground guard ring to minimize EMI. Avoid running digital signals directly under the analog AVdd/Vref traces, as cross-coupling can degrade ADC readings by several LSBs.
The PIC16F876A-E/SS's 10-bit ADC performs conversions in approximately 19.5 us at 20 MHz, with acquisition time programmable via ADCON2 - misconfiguring the acquisition time causes ADC inaccuracy of 1-2 LSBs at high-impedance source impedances greater than 10 kohm. Insert a buffer amplifier (e.g., MCP6001) if your analog source impedance exceeds 1 kohm. Use the digital I/O buffer disable (ANSEL register) on unused analog-capable pins to keep digital noise out of the analog mux.
Ensure the MCLR pin is tied through a 10-100 kohm pull-up to VDD - leaving it floating causes intermittent resets and unreliable behavior. Also note that the PIC16F876A-E/SS is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive safety designs must use PIC16F variants with -VAO suffixes (e.g., PIC16F876A-E/SSVAO for automotive). The 'E' extended grade applies only to operating temperature range, not to automotive qualification, and confusing the two can cause field failures.
Compliance Information
Microchip's QS-9000 quality system covers all PICmicro 8-bit MCUs. PIC16F876A-E/SS is RoHS-compliant per Microchip product page but is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications use a variant with -VAO suffix (e.g., PIC16F876A-E/SSVAO).
