PIC16F88-E/SS - 8-bit MCU 7KB Flash 20MHz 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F88-E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.95 | $5.95 |
| 10 | $5.4 | $54.00 |
| 100 | $4.78 | $478.00 |
| 500 | $4.2 | $2,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.74 | $3,740.00 |
PIC16F88-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a CPU, memory (Flash/RAM/EEPROM), and peripherals on a single die. MCUs sit at the lowest tier of the embedded computing hierarchy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. The PIC16F88 family belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16 architecture, which uses a Harvard-style RISC core with 35 single-word instructions and is upwards-compatible with PIC16C7x, PIC16C62xA, PIC16C5X, and PIC12CXXX devices.
Key features include a built-in 8 MHz internal oscillator (eliminating the need for an external crystal in cost-sensitive designs), a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with up to 7 channels, an Addressable USART, a master Synchronous Serial Port configurable as 3-wire SPI or 2-wire I2C, a Capture/Compare/PWM module, and nanoWatt Technology power management with multiple low-power Sleep modes. The device operates across 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, low-cost motor control, battery-powered remote controls, smart sensor nodes, automotive body electronics (non-safety), consumer white goods, and home-automation peripherals. The wide operating range and integrated peripherals allow designers to minimize external component count, which reduces BOM cost and PCB area.
When designing with this part, ensure the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface is accessible for firmware updates, and place the internal oscillator calibration value (OSCCAL register) into the configuration bits to maintain frequency accuracy across temperature. Compared to the legacy PIC16C7x series, the PIC16F88's Flash memory eliminates UV-erase windows and simplifies inventory management.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F88-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 PIC16F88-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, ADC, Internal Oscillator.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F88-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F88T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F88T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F87-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F882-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F883-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F88-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit RISC Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| CPU Core | PIC16 mid-range (35 instructions) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz (factory calibrated) |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 7 channels |
| Communication Interfaces | USART (Addressable), SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| PWM Modules | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended grade "E") |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16F88-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — GPIO RA5 / Master Clear (reset) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/CVREF — GPIO RA2 / Analog input channel 2 / Comparator voltage reference output |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — GPIO RA3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC positive voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / Analog input channel 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS — GPIO RA5 / Analog input channel 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / External clock input / GPIO RA7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / Clock output / GPIO RA6 |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO — GPIO RC0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI — GPIO RC1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — GPIO RC2 / Capture/Compare/PWM output 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCL — GPIO RC3 / I2C clock line |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDA — GPIO RC4 / I2C data line |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — GPIO RC5 / SPI data output |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — GPIO RC6 / USART transmit / I2C clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — GPIO RC7 / USART receive / I2C data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F88-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery-Powered Remote Control, Low-Cost BLDC or DC Motor Controller, Smart Home Sensor Node, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Consumer White Goods Control Board.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16F88-E/SS excels in industrial sensor-interface modules where its -40C to +125C extended temperature grade, 10-bit ADC, and 16 GPIO lines handle analog and digital sensors side by side. Its built-in USART (Addressable) and configurable SSP (SPI/I2C) connect to RS-485 transceivers or I2C sensor chains without external glue logic. The 8 MHz internal oscillator eliminates the crystal cost and the long-vibration failure mode in motor-cabinet installations. With 7 KB Flash and 256 bytes of EEPROM, it stores both the protocol stack and per-unit calibration constants, and the nanoWatt Sleep modes extend battery life in wireless sensors reporting every few seconds.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control
The PIC16F88-E/SS is a strong fit for handheld battery-powered remote controls thanks to its 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, integrated 8 MHz oscillator (no external crystal drain), and Sleep currents measured in nanoAmps when nanoWatt Technology is enabled. The Capture/Compare/PWM module generates IR-modulated carrier signals for consumer-TV or set-top-box remote protocols. The 368 bytes of RAM and 256-byte EEPROM easily buffer learned-device code tables. Compared to discrete logic or ASIC solutions, the PIC16F88-E/SS keeps BOM cost, PCB area, and firmware upgradability all in one chip.
Recommended
Low-Cost BLDC or DC Motor Controller
For entry-level brushless-DC or brushed-DC motor controllers, the PIC16F88-E/SS provides a Capture/Compare/PWM peripheral capable of switching MOSFET gates at 20 kHz with 10-bit resolution, plus a 7-channel 10-bit ADC for back-EMF, current, and temperature feedback. The -40C to +125C extended grade lets the MCU sit beside the motor FETs without thermal derating. The USART allows firmware updates and telemetry, while the 7 KB Flash accommodates sensorless start-up algorithms. This part is widely used in small appliance pumps, fans, and e-bike dashboard boards where cost is critical but reliability matters.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Node
The PIC16F88-E/SS serves well as the brain of a low-cost smart-home sensor node (temperature, humidity, contact, or motion pre-processing). Its nanoWatt Technology puts the core into Sleep at nanoAmp currents between transmissions, and the built-in SSP port drives SPI NRF24 radios or I2C sensor ICs directly. The 16 GPIO lines cover keypad, RGB LED feedback, and multiple push-button inputs without external I/O expanders. With 256 bytes of EEPROM available, the device can store non-volatile user preferences and device-pairing credentials across battery swaps.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16F88-E/SS extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) makes it a candidate for non-safety automotive body applications such as lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, seat-position memory modules, and accessory interfaces. It integrates an Addressable USART for LIN-bus-compatible firmware update flow, plus PWM channels for LED dimming. Note that this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical or formal automotive designs, Microchip offers PIC16F18855-E/SS (AEC-Q100 Grade 1) in the same SSOP-20 footprint family.
Recommended
Consumer White Goods Control Board
In washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators, the PIC16F88-E/SS provides a cost-effective main controller with 7 KB of Flash to hold user-interface logic, motor-control state machines, and safety monitoring. Its 10-bit ADC reads water-level sensors, NTC temperature probes, and motor current; the USART drives LED/LCD display modules. The -40C to +125C grade survives the high-ambient inside an appliance housing. Compared to the older PIC16C7x family, the Flash-based PIC16F88-E/SS eliminates UV-erase windows and simplifies factory firmware update procedures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F88-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F88-I/SS | PIC16F88T-E/SS | PIC16F87-I/SS | PIC16F882-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 3.5 KB (-50%) |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended "E") | -40C to +85C (Industrial "I") | -40C to +125C (Extended "E") | -40C to +85C (Industrial "I") | -40C to +125C (Extended "E") |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 7 channels (10-bit) | 7 channels (10-bit) | 7 channels (10-bit) | 6 channels (10-bit) | 11 channels (10-bit) |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest temperature grade in the 20-SSOP PIC16F88 family (vs PIC16F88-I/SS)
- Larger Flash and ADC channel count than PIC16F87 family members (vs PIC16F87-I/SS)
- Smaller footprint and tighter thermal envelope than 40-pin PIC16F877A (vs PIC16F877A-E/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5.0 V and CPU active at 20 MHz, the PIC16F88-E/SS draws approximately 10 mA; at 4 MHz it drops to roughly 2 mA. In Sleep mode the typical current is < 1 uA (nanoWatt Technology). For battery-powered designs, gate the analog peripheral power by turning off the ADC (ADCON1 register) and using Sleep between events. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pin 20, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor at the regulator output.
Route the MCLR/VPP pin to a programming header that pulls cleanly to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor, with a 100 nF decoupling cap to ground right at the pin to suppress ESD-induced resets. The ICSP clock and data lines (RB6/RB7 on 28-pin variants; here PGD/PGC use dedicated ICSP pins) must be brought out to a 6-pin header for in-circuit serial programming. Avoid routing analog traces next to PWM-driven switching nodes; the 10-bit ADC has 60 dB PSRR but cannot reject 100 mV common-mode switching edges.
Three pitfalls to avoid: (1) When migrating from PIC16C7x assembly code, remember PIC16F88's Flash configuration bits must be set in the IDE before first programming - otherwise the device starts with default oscillator = RC and the code may not execute. (2) The internal 8 MHz oscillator is factory-trimmed, but the OSCCAL register is NOT auto-loaded; load it from the calibration constant stored at 0x3FFF in Flash at production programming time. (3) The ADC voltage reference input (RA3/VREF+) must be tied to VDD if unused - leaving it floating produces noisy ADC readings.
Place a 10 uF decoupling capacitor on VDD within 5 mm of pin 20, with the ground return running directly to the VSS pin (pin 19) before any high-current traces. For SSOP-20 layouts, use a star-ground topology: all analog and digital ground returns converge at the VSS pin, and the exposed thermal pad (if any) of the regulator above the MCU is not electrically bonded. A solid 0.5 oz copper pour under the device improves thermal performance and reduces EMI susceptibility on the ADC channels.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page DS30487D. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety applications, migrate to PIC16F18855-E/SS (AEC-Q100 Grade 1) in the same SSOP-20 footprint family.
