PIC16F88-E/ML - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F88-E/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.36 | $336.00 |
| 500 | $2.94 | $1,470.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.65 | $2,650.00 |
PIC16F88-E/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, low-power computer-on-a-chip built around an 8-bit data path. The PIC16F88 belongs to the mid-range PIC16 family of microcontrollers from Microchip, which sits within the broader power-management and embedded-control hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The PIC16F88-E/ML is the "E" (extended temperature, -40C to +125C) speed grade, packaged in the surface-mount 28-QFN variant.
Key features include an internal 8 MHz oscillator, 16 I/O pins, one Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, an Addressable USART, a Master Synchronous Serial Port configurable as SPI or I2C, a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with 7 channels, and nanoWatt technology for ultra-low power consumption. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, allowing firmware updates after PCB assembly.
The PIC16F88 uses a Harvard RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions, providing deterministic interrupt response and code efficiency. The integrated EEPROM supports >1M erase/write cycles, while Flash endurance is rated at 100K cycles minimum. The exposed thermal pad on the QFN package lowers junction-to-ambient thermal resistance for improved reliability in space-constrained industrial designs.
Typical applications include sensor interface modules, industrial control subsystems, low-power remote sensor nodes, automotive body electronics (non-safety), HVAC controllers, and consumer white-goods user interfaces. The integrated ADC and USART simplify designs that require analog monitoring and serial communication to a host processor.
When designing with the PIC16F88-E/ML, note that the exposed pad (pin 29) must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both thermal and electrical performance. The internal oscillator accuracy is typically +/-1% over voltage and temperature after calibration, but for timing-critical protocols such as RS-485 or LIN, an external crystal is recommended for tighter tolerance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16F family and PIC18F migration path, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet for engineers evaluating PIC16F88-E/ML.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F88-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 PIC16F88-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, RoHS Status, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F88-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F87-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F87T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F882-I/ML
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F88-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended "E" grade) |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 7 channels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 2 x 16-bit (Timer0/1/2) |
| CCP Modules | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | Addressable USART, SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (calibrated, software tunable) |
| Package | 28-VQFN (QFN-EP, 6x6 mm) with exposed pad |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Flash Endurance | 100K erase/write cycles minimum |
| EEPROM Endurance | 1M erase/write cycles minimum |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes |
PIC16F88-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/CVREF/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / ADC channel 2 / comparator voltage reference output / VREF- |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / ADC channel 3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/TOCKI — PORTA bit 4 / ADC channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/SS/LVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / ADC channel 5 / SPI slave select / LVD input |
| Pin 5 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO — PORTA bit 6 / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 6 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI — PORTA bit 7 / oscillator input / clock input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 9 | RB0/INT/CCP1 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB1/SDI/SDA — PORTB bit 1 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 11 | RB2/SDO/RX/DT — PORTB bit 2 / SPI data out / USART RX |
| Pin 12 | RB3/SCK/SCL/TX/CK — PORTB bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock / USART TX |
| Pin 13 | RB4/PGM — PORTB bit 4 / low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 14 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 15 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / in-circuit debugger / ICSP clock |
| Pin 16 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / in-circuit debugger / ICSP data |
| Pin 17 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 18 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 21 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 22 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 23 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART asynchronous transmit / clock |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART asynchronous receive / data |
| Pin 25 | RE3/MCLR/VPP — PORTE bit 3 / master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 26 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to VSS (ground) for thermal dissipation |
Typical Applications
PIC16F88-E/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, HVAC Climate Controller, Low-Power Remote Sensor Node, Consumer White-Goods User Interface, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Battery Charger / Power Supply Monitor.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16F88-E/ML is well suited to industrial sensor interface modules because its 7-channel 10-bit ADC and 16 I/O pins allow direct connection to multiple analog sensors (temperature, pressure, flow) and digital outputs (relays, isolators) without external multiplexer ICs. The integrated Addressable USART and SSP (SPI/I2C) enable simple communication to a host PLC or display controller over RS-485 or I2C. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range ensures reliable operation in factory-floor cabinets and outdoor enclosures. A typical implementation samples 4 analog inputs at 1 kHz each, processes the data with on-chip ADC averaging, and transmits results via USART at 9600 baud.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Controller
The PIC16F88-E/ML provides HVAC controller functionality through its CCP/PWM module for fan-speed or valve-position control, the 10-bit ADC for thermistor and humidity sensor inputs, and the USART for communication with the system master controller. The 8 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the external crystal in cost-sensitive residential HVAC nodes, while still maintaining accurate PWM timing for TRIAC-driven compressor control. nanoWatt power-down modes allow battery-backed thermostat operation during power interruptions. The 28-QFN package fits inside wall-thermostat enclosures where PCB area is limited to roughly 25x25 mm.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Sensor Node
The PIC16F88-E/ML is ideal for battery-powered remote sensor nodes because its nanoWatt technology supports sleep currents below 1 uA and wake-up via Watchdog Timer or external interrupt, allowing years of operation on a single coin cell. The internal 8 MHz oscillator removes the need for an external crystal, reducing BOM cost and quiescent draw. The 7-channel ADC can multiplex multiple environmental sensors (light, temperature, motion), while the SSP port drives a low-power radio module like the MRF89XA or RN2483. A typical duty-cycled application wakes every 30 seconds, takes 3 ADC readings, transmits via SPI to the radio, and returns to sleep.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods User Interface
The PIC16F88-E/ML handles user-interface duties in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens by scanning keypads through its PORTB interrupt-on-change feature, driving 7-segment LED displays via the SSP port, and controlling motor/valve actuators through PWM outputs. The 16 I/O pins suffice for typical 12-key keypads plus 8-digit display drive. The extended temperature grade handles the heat inside appliance cabinets near motors and heating elements. Compared to discrete logic, this single-chip implementation reduces assembly cost and improves reliability by eliminating dozens of interconnections.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body modules such as seat-position controllers, mirror-adjust drivers, interior lighting dimmers, and HVAC blend-door actuators, the PIC16F88-E/ML provides the extended -40C to +125C temperature range, on-chip LIN-compatible USART (with external transceiver), and PWM outputs for motor control. The 7-channel ADC reads potentiometer inputs from user controls. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, it is widely used in cost-sensitive body applications where the OEM's qualification process accepts industrial-grade temperature components. Typical designs draw under 15 mA active and switch to sleep when the vehicle ignition is off.
Recommended
Battery Charger / Power Supply Monitor
The PIC16F88-E/ML serves as the supervisory microcontroller in smart battery chargers and DC power supplies by using its 10-bit ADC to monitor charge current, battery voltage, and temperature thermistor inputs. The CCP module generates PWM control signals for a switch-mode charger or linear regulator pass element. The USART or I2C port reports state-of-charge to a system host or LCD display. The 7KB Flash accommodates complex charging algorithms (CC/CV, Li-ion taper detection, temperature compensation) and the 256-byte EEPROM stores user-configurable parameters across power cycles. The 28-QFN package fits inside compact charger bricks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F88-E/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F88-I/ML | PIC16F87-I/ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | |
| Package | 28-VQFN (QFN-EP) | 28-VQFN (QFN-EP) - same | 28-VQFN (QFN-EP) - same | 28-VQFN (QFN-EP) - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Max CPU Speed | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS |
| ADC | 10-bit, 7 channels | 10-bit, 7 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 24 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16F88-I/ML)
- 7-channel ADC vs 5 channels on PIC16F87 family (vs PIC16F87-I/ML)
- Smaller 28-QFN footprint vs 40-pin PIC16F877A (vs PIC16F877A-I/P)
Design Notes
The 28-VQFN package on PIC16F88-E/ML features an exposed thermal pad (pin 29) that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane. The exposed pad reduces junction-to-ambient thermal resistance to approximately 40 C/W with a 4-layer PCB and adequate copper area. For applications drawing continuous high current from multiple I/O pins (close to the 200 mA package limit), provide at least 1 square inch of top-layer copper connected to the EP for thermal dissipation. Failing to solder the EP results in poor thermal performance and may trigger thermal shutdown under sustained loads.
Ensure the MCLR pin (pin 25) is tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; leaving MCLR floating causes unreliable resets. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) must not be loaded with low-impedance capacitance that exceeds 30 pF total, as this prevents reliable in-circuit programming. For low-voltage ICSP (LVP) mode, leave RB5/PGM pin floating or tied to VDD through a resistor; never tie RB5 directly to ground or VDD, as this can prevent entry into programming mode.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 8), with the ground return directly to the VSS pin (pin 7) or the EP ground plane. For designs using the ADC, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the VDD pin to reduce supply-induced ADC noise. Route analog signals (AN0-AN5) away from high-current digital outputs to minimize crosstalk. The internal 8 MHz oscillator accuracy is +/-1% after calibration, but for timing-critical protocols (RS-485, LIN, SPI master) use an external crystal with appropriate load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF).
Compliance Information
PIC16F88-E/ML is RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. It is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical automotive applications, choose an automotive-qualified PIC16/18 variant. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip packaging materials disclosure.
