PIC16F87T-I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F87T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.82 | $1.82 |
| 10 | $1.65 | $16.50 |
| 100 | $1.45 | $145.00 |
| 500 | $1.28 | $640.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.12 | $1,120.00 |
PIC16F87T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and configurable peripherals. The PIC16F87T belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16 family, sitting in the taxonomy PIC16F87 -> PIC16F8x -> PIC16 mid-range 8-bit MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> embedded processor. Its RISC architecture executes 35 single-word instructions, and it is source-code compatible with PIC16C7x, PIC16C62xA, PIC16C5X and PIC12Cxxx devices, easing legacy migration.
Key features include 8-bit core width, 20 MHz maximum clock, 200 ns instruction cycle, 16 I/O, 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels, Capture/Compare/PWM modules, USART, MSSP (I²C/SPI), brown-out detect, power-on reset, watchdog timer, ICD in-circuit debugging, and nanoWatt sleep modes drawing microamp-level currents. The wide 4 V to 5.5 V Vcc range targets industrial 5 V systems.
Typical applications include industrial control, sensor interfacing, low-power remote sensor nodes, consumer appliance control, and battery-backed instrumentation. The 18-SOIC package provides a wide 0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body suitable for hand-soldered prototypes and through-hole-compatible socket adapters, while the -I temperature grade covers -40 °C to +85 °C.
When designing with this MCU, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD and reserve MCLR as a reset input per datasheet recommendations. The T-suffix tape-and-reel variant is supplied in 18-SOIC wide-body packages identical in pinout to the 18-pin PDIP, allowing PCB layout reuse.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives drawn from the same PIC16F87/88 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F87T-I/SO — 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 PIC16F87T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Internal Oscillator, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F87T-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F87-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F87-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F87-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F87-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877T-20I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F87T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16F 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) FLASH |
| RAM Size | 368 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 256 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc/Vdd) | 4 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Connectivity | I²C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Data Converters | A/D 10x8b (10-bit, up to 8 channels) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External; Internal (nanoWatt) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16F87T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / negative reference / comparator reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input / comparator 1 output |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage ICSP programming entry |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F87T-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Node, Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Backed Remote Sensor, Educational / Hobby Microcontroller Platform, Automotive Interior Accessory Module, Low-Cost Medical Device Sub-System, Smart Home Sensor / Actuator Hub.
Industrial Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16F87T-I/SO fits industrial sensor nodes through its 16 digital I/O, 10-bit ADC (up to 8 channels), and USART/MSSP (I²C/SPI) connectivity. At 20 MHz it samples analog inputs at sub-microsecond rates, while nanoWatt sleep modes keep quiescent current below 1 µA, extending battery life in remote installations. The 4 V to 5.5 V Vcc range supports regulated 5 V industrial rails. Brown-out detect and watchdog timer ensure deterministic recovery from supply glitches and code lockups typical of factory-floor EMI. The 18-SOIC wide-body (7.50 mm) eases hand-soldering and rework during prototyping, and the same footprint is shared with the 18-pin PDIP, allowing dual-format PCB layouts.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Consumer appliances such as coffee makers, washing machines, and microwave ovens rely on the PIC16F87T-I/SO for low-cost keypad scanning, LED or relay driving, and PWM motor control. The Capture/Compare/PWM module produces precise timing signals for triac-fired heater elements and brushless DC motor commutation, while 7 KB of Flash accommodates user-interface state machines and EEPROM stores user preferences across power cycles. The 35-instruction RISC core yields compact code, fitting complex appliance logic into the 4K x 14 word program memory.
Recommended
Battery-Backed Remote Sensor
The PIC16F87T-I/SO suits battery-backed remote sensors because nanoWatt sleep currents fall into the microamp range, allowing multi-year operation from coin cells or 2xAA packs. The on-chip 10-bit ADC reads thermistor, photodiode, or other analog sensors with 8-channel multiplexing, while the USART interfaces to wireless modules such as the MRF24J40 or sub-GHz transceivers. The wide 4 V to 5.5 V supply range accepts direct LiFePO4 or regulated Li-ion rails, and 256 bytes of EEPROM preserves calibration tables without external memory.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Microcontroller Platform
Universities, makers, and hobbyists adopt the PIC16F87T-I/SO because of its 35-instruction RISC core, free MPLAB X IDE toolchain, low-cost PICkit programmers, and abundant tutorial ecosystem. The 18-SOIC wide-body is breadboard-friendly with SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards, and the 200 ns instruction execution provides tangible timing demonstrations for assembly classes. In-circuit debugging (ICD) over PGD/PGC pins allows real-time code stepping, and the 7 KB Flash comfortably holds sample programs for ADC, PWM, UART, and I²C exercises.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Module
Non-safety automotive interior accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, USB charging hubs, and seat-position memories use the PIC16F87T-I/SO for its PWM channels, ADC inputs, and USART diagnostics link. The PIC16F87T-I/SO is specified for -40 °C to +85 °C; for harsher under-hood applications, the PIC16F87T-E/SO extended-temperature variant (up to +125 °C) is the appropriate drop-in upgrade. The wide 4 V to 5.5 V supply tolerates automotive load-dump events when paired with external TVS clamping, and the 16 I/O drive multiplexed RGB LED arrays or relay outputs.
Recommended
Low-Cost Medical Device Sub-System
Non-critical medical sub-systems such as pill dispensers, infusion pump user interfaces, and patient monitoring front-ends leverage the PIC16F87T-I/SO for its 10-bit ADC, I²C/SPI peripheral set, and deterministic interrupt latency. While IEC 60730 Class B software safety classification requires additional firmware and verification effort, the part's brown-out detect, watchdog timer, and built-in self-testability features support functional safety architectures. The wide supply range accommodates battery-backed designs with redundant power-path diodes, and the 18-SOIC package is widely accepted by medical-device EMS partners.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor / Actuator Hub
Smart-home gateways and edge nodes use the PIC16F87T-I/SO as a low-cost local controller that bridges wired sensors to Wi-Fi/BLE modules. Its 16 I/O monitor reed switches, PIR motion detectors, and pushbuttons, while the USART hosts ESP32 or RN4871 wireless co-processors. The PIC's nanoWatt sleep modes complement wireless module sleep patterns, achieving system-level standby currents well under 100 µA. EEPROM stores last-known device state for restoration after power-loss, and the small 18-SOIC package fits behind wall switches or inside appliance housings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F87T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F87T-E/SO | PIC16F87-I/SO | PIC16F87-I/SS | PIC16F87-E/SO | PIC16F87-I/ML | PIC16F877T-20I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295") | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SSOP (0.209") - narrower | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) - differs | 44-PLCC - differs |
| Program Memory | 7 KB FLASH | 7 KB FLASH | 7 KB FLASH | 7 KB FLASH | 7 KB FLASH | 7 KB FLASH | 14 KB FLASH (larger) |
| RAM Size | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 33 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V | 4 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Same silicon die with extended -40 °C to +125 °C temperature range (vs PIC16F87T-E/SO)
- Tube packaging variant for high-volume assembly (vs PIC16F87-I/SO)
- Compact 18-SSOP narrow-body option for space-constrained designs (vs PIC16F87-I/SS)
- Drop-in upgrade path to PIC16F88 family for more RAM (vs PIC16F88-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or aluminum capacitor near the supply entry point. The PIC16F87T-I/SO's nanoWatt Technology sleep currents are specified with VDD stable; noisy rails force the brown-out detector to wake the part unnecessarily. For battery-backed designs, use a low-leakage LDO such as MCP1700 and a series Schottky to allow primary/backup switching without back-feeding the battery. Keep digital supply traces short and away from analog AVdd-style references even though this part does not have a separate AVdd pin.
The 18-SOIC wide-body is 7.50 mm wide, so reserve at least 8.5 mm of board width for the footprint plus 0.5 mm clearance. Pin pitch is 1.27 mm (50 mil). For prototypes, use SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards that share the same pinout as the 18-pin PDIP. Keep the ICSP pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD, MCLR/VPP) accessible for in-circuit programming - do not route them through vias only; leave a 2.54 mm header footprint for the PICkit clip. Use a ground plane under the MCU for thermal spreading and EMI suppression, especially in industrial environments.
Do not leave MCLR floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kΩ pull-up or drive it directly from a supervisor. Floating MCLR causes spurious resets in noisy environments. Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs (not inputs) to eliminate shoot-through current; never leave them floating. When using the internal RC oscillator, calibrate the frequency via OSCTUNE if UART communication is required, as factory-calibrated accuracy is ±1 % to ±2 % over temperature. Finally, do not exceed 5.5 V on any pin; the absolute maximum VDD rating is 6.5 V and over-voltage will damage the Flash endurance.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric when using a crystal, with the load capacitors within 5 mm of the pins and a ground guard ring for noise immunity. Keep high-speed digital lines (PWM, USART) away from analog inputs (RA0-RA3) to minimize digital switching noise coupling into ADC readings. Place the ICSP connector or test pads on the same board edge as the MCU to allow the PICkit clip to attach without mechanical interference. For SSOP/ML variants in mixed-assembly boards, verify the land pattern matches the chosen package width to avoid tombstoning during reflow.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; halogen-free status not explicitly stated in supplied data. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose AEC-Q100 grade PIC variants for automotive safety applications.