PIC16F88T-E/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU 28-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F88T-E/ML β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.69 | $36.90 |
| 100 | $3.28 | $328.00 |
| 500 | $2.92 | $1,460.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.62 | $2,620.00 |
PIC16F88T-E/ML Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die. The PIC16F88 belongs to Microchip's mid-range 8-bit PIC family, which sits in the taxonomy: PIC16F family -> PIC16 mid-range core -> 8-bit PIC -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. The MCU category enables digital logic control in nearly every modern electronic product from appliances to industrial automation.
Key features include 35 digital I/O pins, an internal 8MHz oscillator with calibration, USART, SPI, and I2C (MSSP) connectivity, a 10-bit ADC with up to 7 channels, two analog comparators, and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module. The nanoWatt technology suite provides power-managed sleep modes with currents as low as a few microamps, while the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface allows field reprogramming without removal.
Architecturally, the PIC16F88T-E/ML uses a 14-bit instruction word RISC core with hardware stack and 35 single-word instructions, plus an enhanced flash program memory cell. The 'T' suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly, while 'E/ML' indicates the extended automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) in QFN-ML package. This combination delivers reliable operation in harsh thermal environments.
Typical applications include industrial automation sensor nodes, automotive body and climate control modules, white-goods control boards, low-power remote sensor transmitters, and battery-backed instrumentation. The integrated ADC and PWM peripherals make it ideal for closed-loop control of fans, lighting dimmers, and small motor drivers.
When designing, ensure decoupling with 100nF + 10uF on VDD, configure the configuration word (oscillator, WDT, code protection, brown-out) before programming, and avoid leaving unused comparator inputs floating. Operating voltage is restricted to 4.5V-5.5V; for 3.3V systems, consider PIC16F88-I/ML variants.
This page combines distributor pricing, package-level alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F88T-E/ML β 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 PIC16F88T-E/ML (same form factor and footprint) β differing in I/O Pins, Package, ADC, RoHS Status, Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F88-E/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F88T-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F88-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F882T-I/ML
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F883T-I/ML
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F886T-I/ML
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F88T-E/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 35 |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (Automotive) -40C to +125C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 7 channels |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Connectivity | USART, SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| PWM/CCP Modules | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Lead-Free) |
| MSL Level | 3 (per package moisture sensitivity) |
| Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16F88T-E/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF-/CVREF β GPIO RA2 / ADC channel 2 / negative voltage reference / comparator voltage reference output |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β GPIO RA3 / ADC channel 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI β GPIO RA4 / ADC channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN β GPIO RA5 / ADC channel 5 / SPI slave select / high/low voltage detect input |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA7/OSC1/CLKI β GPIO RA7 / crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO β GPIO RA6 / crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β GPIO RC0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β GPIO RC1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 β GPIO RC2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCK/SCL β GPIO RC3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDI/SDA β GPIO RC4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO β GPIO RC5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK β GPIO RC6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT β GPIO RC7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 16 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 17 | RB7/PGD β GPIO RB7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC β GPIO RB6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB5/AN11 β GPIO RB5 / ADC channel 11 |
| Pin 20 | RB4/AN10 β GPIO RB4 / ADC channel 10 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/AN9/PGM β GPIO RB3 / ADC channel 9 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 22 | RB2/AN8 β GPIO RB2 / ADC channel 8 |
| Pin 23 | RB1/AN7 β GPIO RB1 / ADC channel 7 |
| Pin 24 | RB0/AN6/INT β GPIO RB0 / ADC channel 6 / external interrupt |
| Pin 25 | VSS β Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 26 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1 β GPIO RA1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 28 | RA0/AN0 β GPIO RA0 / ADC channel 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC16F88T-E/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Control Module, Industrial Sensor Node, White Goods Control Board, Battery-Backed Remote Sensor, LED Lighting Dimmer Controller, HVAC Climate Control, Small Motor Speed Controller.
Automotive Body Control Module
The PIC16F88T-E/ML is engineered for automotive body electronics, where its Extended automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and 28-QFN compact footprint enable reliable operation in door modules, seat controllers, and lighting drivers. The 7 KB Flash and 256 bytes EEPROM provide ample room for LIN-based stack and BCM logic, while the USART supports LIN 2.x slave communication. NanoWatt sleep modes reduce quiescent current below 10uA, critical for parked-vehicle quiescent current budgets. The 10-bit ADC with up to 7 channels handles multi-sensor inputs (door position, temperature, current sensing), and the single CCP module drives PWM for LED dimming or motor speed control. AEC-Q100 formal qualification requires the PIC16F88T-E/MLVAO variant, but the standard part supports most non-safety body electronics with appropriate derating.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Node
For industrial 4-20mA sensor transmitters and Modbus RTU nodes, the PIC16F88T-E/ML delivers integrated SPI/I2C and USART connectivity without external transceivers for short-haul links. The 10-bit ADC supports 0.1% resolution over a 4.5-5.5V input range, suitable for ratiometric pressure, temperature, and flow sensing. Extended temperature rating ensures operation near motors and heaters, while the 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package fits inside M12 sensor heads. NanoWatt sleep modes with WDT wake-up enable battery-powered wireless sensor nodes that operate for years on a single lithium cell. The 35 I/O pins permit direct drive of status LEDs, buttons, and 4-20mA DAC interfaces without external multiplexers.
Recommended
White Goods Control Board
Washing machines, dishwashers, and ovens demand cost-effective MCU control with mixed-signal and motor-control capabilities. The PIC16F88T-E/ML's integrated 10-bit ADC reads water level, temperature, and turbidity sensors directly, while its CCP module generates PWM to drive triac-based heater and motor control circuits. The 256 bytes EEPROM stores cycle settings and error logs across power cycles - critical for warranty diagnostics. USART enables user-interface board communication, and I2C drives character LCD or button matrix ICs. The Extended temperature grade handles the thermal stress inside appliances during continuous operation. Total BOM cost is minimized by eliminating external ADC, EEPROM, and oscillator ICs.
Recommended
Battery-Backed Remote Sensor
Remote sensor nodes for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and HVAC benefit from the PIC16F88T-E/ML's nanoWatt technology. With sleep currents below 1uA in deep sleep and WDT wake-up intervals of seconds to hours, the MCU can run for 5+ years on two AA cells while periodically sampling and transmitting. The integrated 10-bit ADC and analog comparators handle soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and CO2 sensors directly. USART/SPI/I2C connectivity links to low-power wireless modules (LoRa, Sigfox, NB-IoT) without external glue logic. The 7 KB Flash fits LoRaWAN stack fragments and sensor fusion routines. The 28-QFN package's small footprint fits inside IP67 enclosures.
Recommended
LED Lighting Dimmer Controller
Architectural and stage LED dimming systems use the PIC16F88T-E/ML for its hardware CCP module that generates high-resolution PWM signals independent of CPU load. With a 20MHz clock, the PWM resolution reaches 10 bits at 20 kHz, eliminating flicker in dimming applications from 100% to <1%. The Extended temperature grade supports enclosed luminaire environments where ambient temperatures exceed 70C. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads 0-10V analog dimming inputs or DALI digital signals via I2C. Up to 35 I/O pins can drive multiple LED channels and status indicators. NanoWatt modes power down inactive channels in multi-zone controllers, reducing standby power below 0.5W.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Control
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) wall thermostats and zone controllers leverage the PIC16F88T-E/ML's mixed-signal integration. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistor temperature sensors with 0.25C resolution, while the analog comparators detect AC line zero-crossing for triac-fired compressor control. USART supports Modbus RTU communication with building management systems (BMS), and I2C drives character or graphical LCDs for user interfaces. The 256 bytes EEPROM retains setpoints and schedules through power outages. Extended temperature operation handles plenum-mounted controllers above ceiling tiles. The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package fits behind standard 2-gang electrical boxes without thermal concerns.
Recommended
Small Motor Speed Controller
Brushless DC (BLDC) and stepper motor controllers under 100W use the PIC16F88T-E/ML for cost-effective closed-loop control. The CCP module generates complementary PWM at up to 20 kHz for MOSFET gate drivers, while the 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF or shunt current for sensorless or sensored commutation. Hardware QEI (Quadrature Encoder Interface) on certain pins enables precise position control. NanoWatt modes power down the motor drive between commands, reducing standby power. Extended temperature grade supports motor-mounted controllers where ambient heat exceeds 85C. The 7 KB Flash accommodates field-oriented control (FOC) algorithms for premium fans and pumps.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F88T-E/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F88-E/ML | PIC16F88T-I/ML | PIC16F882T-I/ML | PIC16F886T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML | 28-QFN (6x6 mm) ML |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 128 bytes | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 35 | 35 | 35 | 24 | 28 |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-Reel format optimized for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16F88-E/ML)
- Extended automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC16F88T-I/ML)
- Larger memory footprint for complex applications (vs PIC16F882T-I/ML)
- Full 35 I/O pin count for sensor-dense designs (vs PIC16F882T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Estimated: Power dissipation at 20MHz, 5V, all peripherals active is approximately 25-30mW (5-6mA VDD current). Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the VDD pins, plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor. For battery applications, use the nanoWatt SLEEP mode (less than 1uA typical) and wake via WDT or external interrupt. Brown-out Reset must be enabled via the configuration word to protect against unstable supply voltages during motor or relay switching events.
The 28-QFN package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the bottom that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both thermal dissipation and electrical grounding. Per Microchip AN1251 (QFN Layout Guidelines), use an array of vias in the EP land to conduct heat to internal copper layers. Place decoupling capacitors as close as possible to VDD/VSS pins. Minimize trace length on the crystal/oscillator pins (OSC1/OSC2) to reduce EMI and ensure stable clock operation. Keep analog signals (ANx, VREF) routed away from digital switching traces to minimize ADC noise coupling.
Common pitfalls when designing with PIC16F88T-E/ML: (1) The configuration word MUST be set correctly - leaving the oscillator in HS mode without a crystal will prevent startup. (2) In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD must be accessible - either via dedicated header or ICSP footprint on production boards. (3) The MCLR reset pin should be pulled high via 10k resistor with optional 100nF cap for noise immunity. (4) Unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs low to minimize current consumption in SLEEP mode. (5) Analog inputs left floating inject noise into the ADC - tie unused ANx pins to VSS or VDD via 10k resistor.
Estimated: The 28-QFN (6x6 mm) package has a thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 40-50 C/W on a standard 2-layer JEDEC test board. At 20MHz active, with all peripherals on, the internal die dissipates 25-30mW. Maximum junction temperature is 150C (TJmax) for the Extended grade, so at 125C ambient, the design has only 25C margin. For high-temperature applications, increase PCB copper area under the EP or use a 4-layer board with dedicated thermal vias. Industrial-grade PIC16F88T-I/ML (85C max) is more appropriate when Extended temp operation is not required.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-Free package per JEDEC J-STD-020. AEC-Q100 formal qualification requires the PIC16F88T-E/MLVAO part number extension; standard PIC16F88T-E/ML is Extended temperature grade but not AEC-Q100 qualified.
