PIC16LC74A-04I/P - 8-bit 4MHz MCU 7KB OTP 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC74A-04I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.98 | $5.98 |
| 10 | $5.45 | $54.50 |
| 100 | $4.95 | $495.00 |
| 500 | $4.72 | $2,360.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.5 | $4,500.00 |
PIC16LC74A-04I/P Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller is a self-contained computing IC that integrates a CPU, memory (program + RAM), and peripherals on a single die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program/data buses, enabling deterministic instruction timing of one instruction per cycle (4 clock cycles). The PIC16C7X family to which PIC16LC74A belongs is a mid-range family, sitting between the baseline PIC10/12/16 and the enhanced PIC18 family in capability and pin count.
Key features include 33 digital I/O lines, a 5-channel 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), 2 capture/compare/PWM (CCP) modules, a USART for serial communication, an SSP (Synchronous Serial Port), three timers, and 11 interrupt sources. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory means it can be programmed once and is intended for volume production, distinguishing it from windowed EPROM or flash-based siblings.
The architecture pairs a 14-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path, supporting 35 single-cycle instructions at 1 MIPS performance. The LC suffix denotes the low-voltage/low-power CMOS process, allowing operation down to 2.5V and reducing active power draw, suitable for battery-powered or power-budgeted designs.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, automotive body electronics (non-safety), appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, and embedded instrumentation. Its 40-pin PDIP form factor remains favored for legacy designs, educational platforms, and through-hole manufacturing lines.
When designing with PIC16LC74A-04I/P, ensure the OTP programming step is planned before PCB assembly. Use MPLAB IDE with a compatible programmer such as PICkit 3 or ICD for development; note that OTP parts are field-non-rewritable.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the PIC16LC74A-04I/P against modern flash-based equivalents for both new designs and legacy maintenance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC74A-04I/P — 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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C74A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC74A-04I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC74A-04/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC74A-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC (RISC, Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| EEPROM | 0 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| CCP Modules | 2 |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, SSP (Synchronous Serial Port) |
| Interrupt Sources | 11 |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (DIP-40) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Process Technology | CMOS, LC (low-power) variant |
PIC16LC74A-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SSP clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SSP data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SSP data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 18 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground (second pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 29 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | VSS — Ground (third pin) |
| Pin 38 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second pin) |
| Pin 39 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 40 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control / Analog input 6 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC74A-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control Systems, Appliance Control Boards, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Educational 8-bit Microcontroller Platforms, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), LED Display and Signage Controllers.
Industrial Process Control Systems
The PIC16LC74A-04I/P fits industrial process control applications thanks to its 5-channel 8-bit ADC, 33 I/O pins, and USART for SCADA/modem connectivity. The PIC16C7X architecture's deterministic 1-MIPS performance at 4 MHz ensures predictable control loop timing for closed-loop valve and actuator control. The LC process technology enables reliable 3.3 V operation from a 24V industrial bus with a simple linear regulator. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers factory floor and unheated enclosures.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC74A-04I/P's 2 CCP modules deliver PWM for motor speed control in washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC damper actuators. Its 33 I/O pins connect directly to LED indicators, keypads, and triac-driven AC loads with zero-cross optoisolators. OTP memory locks the firmware to prevent field tampering, while the 2.5 V to 6 V supply range works from 5 V regulated rails. The 192-byte RAM supports state-machine control loops without external memory.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC74A-04I/P's integrated 8-bit ADC and USART enable cost-efficient analog sensor hub designs for industrial 4-20 mA loops and bridge sensor interfaces. The 5 analog channels are adequate for multi-sensor PCB modules (temperature, pressure, humidity) where the MCU performs linearization and serial telemetry. The 4 MHz CPU supports 10 ms polling loops, the typical refresh interval for environmental sensors. The LC process keeps quiescent current low for solar-powered remote sensors.
Recommended
Educational 8-bit Microcontroller Platforms
The PIC16LC74A-04I/P serves as a learning platform in university embedded systems courses, where students program the OTP part with MPLAB XC8 and PICkit 3. Its 33 I/O pins and full peripheral set (ADC, USART, PWM, timers) provide exposure to the complete 8-bit MCU feature set without flash write-cycle complexities. The 40-pin PDIP form factor fits standard 0.1 inch pitch solderless breadboards, simplifying lab use.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16LC74A-04I/P is suited for non-safety automotive body modules including lighting controllers, seat position memories, and HVAC blend door actuators. The 33 I/O drive low-side MOSFETs for LED arrays and small DC motors directly, with PWM for fade-in/out dimming via the CCP modules. The -40C to +85C rating covers cabin and underhood-adjacent environments. For safety-critical modules, migrate to PIC18F family with automotive AEC-Q100 grade.
Recommended
LED Display and Signage Controllers
The PIC16LC74A-04I/P's 33 I/O drive multiplexed 7-segment LED matrices and dot-matrix signs without external drivers when brightness is moderate. The CCP modules generate multiplex refresh without CPU load, and the USART connects to upstream serial control busses (RS-485 or RS-232). OTP memory secures the message set from field tampering in commercial signage. The 192-byte RAM is sufficient for 16-character scrolling buffers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC74A-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C74A-04I/P | PIC16LC74A-04I/PQ | PIC16LC74A-04/P | PIC16F74-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (DIP-40) | 40-pin PDIP - same | 44-pin MQFP - same silicon, different footprint | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP (4K x 14) | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6 V (LC) | 3.5 V to 6 V (C) | 2.5 V to 6 V | 2.5 V to 6 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Memory Type | OTP - one-time write | OTP - one-time write | OTP - one-time write | OTP - one-time write | Flash - in-system reprogrammable |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage LC process enables 2.5 V operation (vs PIC16C74A-04I/P)
- Flash memory enables in-system reprogramming (vs PIC16F74-I/P)
- 33 I/O pins support widest mid-range connectivity (vs PIC16LC73A-04I/P)
Design Notes
PIC16LC74A-04I/P uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory that cannot be erased or rewritten after programming. Use windowed PIC16C74A-04I/P (with quartz window, suffix /JW) or PIC16F74-I/P for prototyping and firmware iteration. Once OTP bits are written, the only way to fix bugs is a new silicon revision, so test firmware thoroughly on flash or windowed equivalents before committing to OTP parts.
The LC (low-power CMOS) variant supports 2.5 V to 6 V supply, enabling direct 3.3 V operation from a low-dropout regulator. For sleep-mode designs, verify clock source on OSC1 is stopped or running from Timer1 with a 32.768 kHz crystal to retain time-of-day functionality. Brown-out reset (BOR) is recommended below 4.5 V VDD to prevent code runaway during battery droop. Use MCP1700 LDO for stable 3.3 V from a 5 V rail.
The 40-pin PDIP package requires standard 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) through-hole pads with at least 0.6 mm hole diameter for robust wave-soldering. Place VDD/VSS decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum) within 5 mm of pins 11/12 and 31/32 with short traces to ground plane. For analog ADC accuracy, separate AVdd/AVss is not present on this part; use a ferrite bead on VDD and a clean analog ground to improve ADC noise performance.
For reliable ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) via PICkit 3/ICD, expose the PGC (pin 27), PGD (pin 28), and MCLR/VPP (pin 1) signals on a 0.1 inch header. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to ground for noise immunity; do NOT omit the MCLR capacitor or the MCU may spontaneously reset in noisy environments. Reserve space for a through-hole crystal plus 22 pF loading capacitors on pins 8/9.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance status not specified in verified distributor data; Microchip typically marks legacy OTP PIC16C7X family as non-RoHS due to OTP process, but no certificate was verified. Part is not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety applications.
