PIC16F876A-I/ML - 8-bit 20MHz 14KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F876A-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.45 | $645.00 |
| 500 | $5.85 | $2,925.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
PIC16F876A-I/ML Overview
A mid-range PIC16 microcontroller is a class of 8-bit RISC MCU that combines a 35-instruction core, deterministic execution timing, on-chip peripherals, and self-programmable flash memory in compact packages. Within the broader taxonomy, it sits at microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. The PIC16F876A family is upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX and PIC16C7X device lines, helping engineers port legacy code to modern flash-based silicon without rewriting firmware.
Key features include five channels of 10-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion, two analog comparators, two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface for live debugging, and a synchronous serial port that can be configured as either a 3-wire Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) or a 2-wire Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus. An Enhanced Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (EUSART) module provides additional serial connectivity, and 22 digital I/O pins support a wide variety of sensor, switch, and actuator interfaces.
Typical applications for the PIC16F876A-I/ML include industrial control systems, automotive body electronics and lighting, communications equipment, wired networking nodes, personal electronics, and connected peripherals and printers. The combination of EEPROM, ADC, comparators, and CCP in a single 28-QFN footprint makes the part a strong fit for compact mixed-signal designs that previously required multiple discrete ICs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in QFN-28 alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet. All specifications, pinout information, and reference design guidance have been consolidated from Microchip documentation and authorized distributor listings for the PIC16F876A-I/ML.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F876A-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 PIC16F876A-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Serial Interfaces, Timers, Data EEPROM, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F873A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-E/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876AT-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F874A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F819-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data Memory (SRAM) | 368 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Operating Frequency (max) | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 10-bit |
| Comparators | 2 |
| Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) | 2 modules |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI, I2C, EUSART (UART) |
| In-Circuit Debug | ICD |
| Self-Programming | Yes (flash) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (6 x 6 mm) with EP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F876A-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input or programming voltage |
| 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 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / analog input 3 / VREF |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| 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 / EUSART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / EUSART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (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 / LVP programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICD clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICD data |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS |
Typical Applications
PIC16F876A-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Automotive Body Electronics and Lighting, Communications Equipment and Wired Networking, Personal Electronics and Connected Peripherals, Smart Sensors and Data Acquisition, Educational and Prototyping Platforms.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC16F876A-I/ML fits industrial control designs thanks to its 14 KB FLASH, 368 B SRAM, and 22 digital I/O lines that comfortably run PID loops, scan keypad inputs, and drive relay or triac outputs. Its five 10-bit ADC channels support 4-20 mA or 0-10 V analog sensor conditioning through a resistive divider, while the 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range tolerates 24 V industrial bus rails after regulation. Two CCP/PWM channels deliver precise timing for motor speed, solenoid, or heater control, and the EUSART supports RS-485 or RS-232 wired networking. Source: Microchip PIC16F876A datasheet and Worldway Electronics 2026-09-21 application list.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics and Lighting
The PIC16F876A-I/ML is well suited for body controllers and lighting modules where compact size, modest I/O count, and PWM generation are priorities. Its two CCP modules generate the PWM signals required for LED dimming, interior ambient lighting, and tail-light fade effects, while five ADC inputs read ambient light sensors, switch panels, and thermistors. The 28-QFN (6x6) footprint frees board space for relay drivers, MOSFETs, and CAN/LIN transceivers. Automotive designers should select the -E extended-temperature grade for under-hood and exterior lighting applications operating up to 125 C. Source: Worldway Electronics 2026-09-21 application listing.
Recommended
Communications Equipment and Wired Networking
The PIC16F876A-I/ML integrates SPI, I2C, and EUSART peripherals that directly interface with Ethernet controllers, RS-485 transceivers, and sensor hubs in wired networking equipment such as serial-device servers, HVAC gateways, and protocol converters. With 14 KB FLASH it can hold a complete Modbus RTU or proprietary serial stack plus configuration web pages served through an external W5500 Ethernet IC over SPI. The 22 I/O lines are ample for status LEDs, push-buttons, and address-strap DIP switches, while 256 bytes of EEPROM store MAC address and calibration constants. Operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V enables compatibility with 3.3 V and 5 V PHY/MAC ICs.
Recommended
Personal Electronics and Connected Peripherals
The PIC16F876A-I/ML powers USB peripherals, HID devices, smart wearables, and consumer accessories by combining compact 28-QFN packaging with 22 I/O and 256 bytes of EEPROM for user settings. Its ICD interface allows rapid firmware iteration during consumer product development, while the 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports direct Li-ion battery operation down to brown-out thresholds. The five ADC channels read battery voltage, temperature, and user controls; the EUSART or SPI peripherals link to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC companion modules. Source: Worldway Electronics 2026-09-21 application summary.
Recommended
Smart Sensors and Data Acquisition
The PIC16F876A-I/ML is a strong fit for compact sensor hubs and data-acquisition front-ends where five 10-bit ADC inputs, two analog comparators, and the I2C/SPI bus must coexist in a small mechanical envelope. The 14 KB FLASH accommodates linearization tables for thermocouples, RTDs, and strain gauges, while 256 bytes EEPROM retains calibration coefficients between power cycles. The on-chip comparator enables zero-crossing detection for AC line monitoring, and CCP/PWM channels generate excitation pulses for ratiometric bridges. The 28-QFN package suits sealed transducer housings.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Platforms
The PIC16F876A-I/ML remains a popular choice in university curricula and hobbyist prototyping because it exposes 22 I/O pins plus SPI, I2C, and UART to header pins while running the standard PIC16 instruction set taught in textbooks. The ICD interface supports PICkit 3 / PICkit 4 programmers, allowing students to single-step and inspect registers in real time. Five ADC channels and two CCP modules cover a wide range of lab experiments from digital thermometers to motor-speed controllers. The 256-byte EEPROM is ideal for storing student ID and configuration data.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F876A-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F873A-I/ML | PIC16F876A-E/ML | PIC16F876AT-I/ML | PIC16F874A-I/ML | PIC16F819-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6) | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same | 28-QFN (6x6) - same |
| Program FLASH | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB (-50%) | 3.5 KB (-75%) |
| SRAM | 368 B | 192 B (-48%) | 368 B | 368 B | 256 B (-30%) | 256 B (-30%) |
| EEPROM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Max Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 5 x 10-bit |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 (28-QFN package variant) | 16 (-27%) |
Key Differentiators
- Largest memory option in the PIC16F87x 28-QFN family (vs PIC16F873A-I/ML)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade as standard (vs PIC16F876A-E/ML)
- 22 I/O and 5 ADC channels in compact 6x6 mm QFN (vs PIC16F874A-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: The 28-QFN package of the PIC16F876A-I/ML exposes a single exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to a ground pad on the PCB. Recommended pattern: a 4.0 mm x 4.0 mm pad with thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 1.0 mm pitch, 5-9 vias) into the inner ground plane. Skipping the EP solder connection can degrade thermal performance by 30-50% and cause intermittent reset behavior under high I/O switching loads.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 20), with a second 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor on the same power trace. The PIC16F876A-I/ML voltage range is 2.0 V to 5.5 V; for 20 MHz operation VDD must remain above 4.5 V per the datasheet. Add a bulk capacitor on the VPP/MCLR line (pin 1) if the application uses ICSP programming in-circuit.
Keep the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces short and symmetric. Use a guard ring connected to ground around the crystal and load capacitors to minimize EMI coupling. The ICD pins RB6/PGC (pin 27) and RB7/PGD (pin 28) should be brought out to a 6-pin header with the standard Microchip ICSP pinout (1=VPP/MCLR, 2=VDD, 3=VSS, 4=PGD, 5=PGC, 6=NC) so that PICkit 3/4 or MPLAB ICD tools can attach without board rework.
The EUSART TX (RC6, pin 17) and RX (RC7, pin 18) lines must be configured as digital I/O (not analog) before serial use; configure them via the ADCON1 and TRISC registers at startup or UART transmission will be silently disabled. The MCLR/VPP pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD - if left floating the part will randomly reset. Finally, do not exceed the 5.5 V absolute maximum on any pin, including ADC inputs, or the part will latch-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. The -I industrial variant is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 applications use the PIC16F876A-E/ML extended-temperature grade and verify with Microchip automotive documentation.
