PIC16LC74A-04I/L - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU, 7KB OTP, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC74A-04I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.81 | $5.81 |
| 10 | $5.32 | $53.20 |
| 100 | $4.74 | $474.00 |
| 500 | $4.21 | $2,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.79 | $3,790.00 |
PIC16LC74A-04I/L Overview
Key features include 33 digital I/O lines, an integrated multi-channel analog-to-digital converter, and a wide operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.0 V that makes it suitable for battery-powered and industrial applications. The device is built on Microchip's mid-range 8-bit core architecture with a fully-static design, allowing the clock to be stopped without losing register state for low-power sleep modes. An industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) and on-chip peripherals such as timers, a synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART/SCI), and capture/compare/PWM modules make it a versatile embedded controller.
The PIC16LC74A-04I/L utilizes an enhanced Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, and a 14-bit wide instruction word that improves arithmetic and bit-handling density. OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory enables low-cost production for high-volume, fixed-code applications where field re-programmability is not required. The 'LC' suffix indicates the low-power CMOS process variant that supports the 2.5 V minimum supply voltage, lower quiescent current, and reduced switching noise compared with the standard EPROM-based PIC16C74 family.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, instrumentation front panels, motor-control interface boards, and consumer appliances. The integrated ADC and ample I/O count also make this device well suited to sensor interfaces, smart-card readers, and embedded human-machine interface (HMI) controllers.
When designing with this part, ensure that the OTP memory programming environment matches production volume economics, and validate oscillator stability at the application's extremes of voltage and temperature. For prototypes or low-volume builds, consider a flash-based PIC16F equivalent in the same PLCC-44 footprint to ease firmware iteration.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PLCC-44 alternatives, and practical engineering guidance beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC74A-04I/L — 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 PIC16LC74A-04I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Mounting Type, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C74B-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC74A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC74AT-04I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF74-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC64AT-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC662-04/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC74A-04I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit |
| Family | PIC16C7x |
| Architecture | Harvard, 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4 K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 (per distributor listing) |
| ADC | Integrated multi-channel |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit |
| Communication | USART/SCI, SPI, I2C |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC, 16.59 x 16.59 mm (J-Lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ROM Type | OTP |
| Lifecycle Stage | Active |
PIC16LC74A-04I/L 44-pin plcc, 16.59 x 16.59 mm (j-lead) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LC74A-04I/L (44-pin plcc, 16.59 x 16.59 mm (j-lead) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16LC74A-04I/L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LC74A-04I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, Instrumentation Front Panels, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Motor Control and PWM Drives, Sensor Interface Hubs, Embedded HMI Controllers.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC16LC74A-04I/L is well suited to industrial control PLCs and machine-interface boards where deterministic 8-bit performance and ruggedized operation matter. Its 33 I/O pins drive relays, optocouplers, and discrete transistor switches for solenoid and motor-control signaling. The wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply and -40 °C to +85 °C industrial range tolerate 24 V-bus-derived rails after regulation. Onboard timers and PWM modules drive triac-firing controls. The 4 MHz clock is sufficient for slow control loops at millisecond rates.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front Panels
Bench instruments, signal generators, and multimeters rely on the PIC16LC74A-04I/L's integrated ADC and USART for measurement and host communication. The 7 KB OTP program memory holds calibration tables, button-debounce routines, and LCD-driving state machines. The 44-pin PLCC socket-mount form factor eases prototype swap to late prototyping HMI designs. The 2.5 V minimum supply allows single-cell battery or 3.3 V regulated powering, while the integrated peripherals drive character LCDs and rotary switches with no decoder chain.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
Washing machines, microwave ovens, and air-conditioner control boards frequently use the PIC16LC74A-04I/L as the main MCU thanks to its OTP cost-effectiveness at high volume. The integrated ADC reads thermistor and voltage-sense signals for closed-loop control. The 33 I/O lines drive seven-segment displays, keypads, and triac outputs for heater and compressor switching. The 4 MHz core delivers responsive user-interface feedback at low BOM cost. The 2.5 V to 6.0 V range simplifies universal power-supply designs.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drives
Stepper-motor and small DC brushless drivers benefit from the PIC16LC74A-04I/L's capture/compare/PWM peripherals and quadrature-encoder reading capability. The 4 MHz instruction cycle supports closed-loop commutation at moderate mechanical speeds. The 33 I/O lines interface to gate drivers and current-sense amplifiers with minimal external logic. OTP cost-effectiveness makes it suitable for high-volume integrated motor-control modules. Industrial temperature grade supports under-hood automotive accessory motors and pump controllers.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Hubs
Sensor-hub boards aggregating temperature, pressure, and switch inputs leverage the PIC16LC74A-04I/L's integrated multi-channel ADC and serial peripherals. The I2C/SPI interfaces connect to external digital sensors and EEPROM for data logging. The 192-byte RAM supports short buffer histories. Low-voltage operation supports battery-powered sensor nodes. The 44-pin PLCC offers enough I/O for prototyping larger sensor arrays. Industrial-grade temperature tolerance handles outdoor and industrial environments.
Recommended
Embedded HMI Controllers
Human-machine interface controllers in elevators, kiosks, and access panels use the PIC16LC74A-04I/L to scan keypads, drive character LCDs, and serialize control traffic over UART. The 7 KB OTP holds keypad-debounce tables and menu state machines. 33 I/O lines scan 4x4 keypads plus LCD data, four state and color lines, and segment drivers. PIC16C mid-range architecture supports stable firmware in long-life HMI products. Industrial-grade temperature range tolerates field installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC74A-04I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C74B-04I/L | PIC16LC74A-04I/P | PIC16LC74AT-04I/L | PIC16LF74-I/L | PIC16LC64AT-04I/L | PIC16LC662-04/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC equivalent - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB EPROM/OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP | OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (also 20 MHz variants) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| ADC | Integrated multi-channel | Integrated multi-channel | Integrated multi-channel | Integrated multi-channel | Integrated multi-channel | Integrated multi-channel | Integrated multi-channel |
| Memory Type | OTP | EPROM/OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | OTP | OTP |
Key Differentiators
- Wider supply voltage range from 2.5 V (vs PIC16LC64A-04I/P)
- Lower per-unit cost for high-volume production (vs PIC16LF74-I/L)
- Larger 7 KB program memory vs PIC16C66 family (vs PIC16LC66-04I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC74A-04I/L accepts 2.5 V to 6.0 V on Vdd. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd pin, plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the main supply rail. For battery-powered designs, add a small RC filter on MCLR to suppress spurious resets during supply transients and brown-out conditions.
Because OTP program memory is not user-reprogrammable in-circuit, design teams should fully validate firmware on a flash-based PIC16LF74-I/L or windowed CERDIP PIC16C74A before committing to OTP for production. A single firmware bug in the final masked ROM requires a new wafer lot, leading to long re-quotes and weeks of inventory loss.
The 44-pin PLCC socket (e.g., 3M 8400-series) is recommended for prototyping because it allows quick device swaps between PIC16LC74A and PIC16LF74 flash variants. For surface-mount production, the PLCC J-lead footprint is also suitable for reflow soldering. Maintain at least 0.1 inch clearance around the PLCC outline for cleaning and inspection access.
The PLCC-44 package has a typical theta-JA of around 50 C/W in still air. At 4 MHz and 5 V supply, the device dissipates well under 100 mW even at full I/O toggling, so no heatsink is needed. For sealed IP67 enclosures, derate ambient temperature by 10-15 °C to account for reduced convection.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in the Verified Web Data; please consult the manufacturer datasheet for confirmed RoHS/lead-free status. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a general-purpose industrial MCU, not automotive-grade.
