PIC16LC74BT-04/L - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU, 7KB OTP, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC74BT-04/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.47 | $10.47 |
| 10 | $9.42 | $94.20 |
| 100 | $8.38 | $838.00 |
| 500 | $7.33 | $3,665.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.28 | $6,280.00 |
PIC16LC74BT-04/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus, optimized for embedded control tasks such as motor control, sensor reading, and human-machine interface handling. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU is a subset of microcontrollers, which themselves belong to the broader class of processors and finally to integrated circuits. The PIC16CXX mid-range family occupies the position between PIC10/12/16 baseline devices and PIC17/18 high-performance devices, offering an attractive balance of instruction simplicity, code efficiency, and integrated peripherals for cost-sensitive consumer and industrial designs.
Key features include hardware peripherals such as a 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, an 8-channel 8-bit A/D converter, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, brown-out reset, power-on reset, and an in-circuit serial programming interface. The Harvard architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word with a reduced instruction set, yielding compact, low-power-density execution models that allow deterministic interrupt response in real-time control applications.
The architecture separates program and data memory using distinct buses: 7KB of OTP program memory (4K x 14) is accessed via a 14-bit program bus, while 192 bytes of data RAM are accessed via an 8-bit data bus. Integrated peripherals reduce external component count - for example, the on-chip A/D converter eliminates a separate ADC IC, and the on-chip brown-out detector eliminates an external voltage supervisor.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, white-goods and appliance controllers, automotive body and chassis subsystems, smart-card and security peripherals, and general-purpose embedded control platforms. Designers choose this family when deterministic interrupt response, compact code size, and integrated peripherals outweigh the throughput advantages of 16-bit or 32-bit MCUs.
When designing with this device, ensure the supply voltage stays within 2.5V to 5.5V, observe the maximum 4 MHz oscillator frequency at the L (low-power) speed grade, and reserve one I/O pin for in-circuit serial programming if field firmware updates are required. Use the on-chip brown-out reset to prevent code execution at unsafe supply voltages.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package details, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16C7X family, and practical design notes that are not duplicated on the Microchip datasheet portal.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC74BT-04/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 PIC16LC74BT-04/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package, Program Memory Size, RAM Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC74AT-04/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC74A-04/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC74A-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.79 / 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 →PIC16LC74BT-04/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Family | PIC16CXX mid-range |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| A/D Converter | 8 channels x 8-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP/PWM Module | 16-bit Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset / POR | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | Yes (ICSP) |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (J-Lead) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16LC74BT-04/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / Voltage Reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / UART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / UART RX / Digital pin |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / Read control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 42 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / Write control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 43 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select for parallel slave port |
| Pin 44 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC74BT-04/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, White-Goods and Appliance Controllers, Automotive Body and Chassis Electronics, Smart Card and Security Peripherals, General Embedded Control Platforms, Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition Front-Ends.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC16LC74BT-04/L fits factory automation and process control applications because of its 33 I/O pins, 8-channel 8-bit ADC, and integrated peripherals (PWM, I2C, SPI, UART) that interface directly with sensors, relays, and HMI panels. With 7KB OTP program memory and 4 MIPS throughput at 4 MHz, it executes deterministic PID loops for motor speed and temperature regulation. The 2.5V to 5.5V supply tolerates industrial 24V bus systems after regulation. Comparator power with brown-out reset ensures safe operation in electrically noisy factory environments.
Recommended
White-Goods and Appliance Controllers
The PIC16LC74BT-04/L fits washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwave oven controllers because of its integrated 16-bit CCP/PWM module for motor speed control, 8-bit ADC for temperature and water-level sensing, and UART for service diagnostics. The 7KB OTP memory holds appliance firmware at low cost, and the 44-pin PLCC package is socket-friendly for production-line programming. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator ensure recovery from power glitches and software lockups without external components.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Electronics
The PIC16LC74BT-04/L fits automotive body controllers (window lift, seat control, mirror adjustment, interior lighting) and simple chassis subsystems because of its deterministic interrupt response, hardware PWM for motor drive, and integrated ADC for current sensing. The 'LC' low-voltage variant operates across automotive cranking profiles (down to 2.5V). The 44-pin PLCC package withstands automotive vibration when socketed or glued. For under-hood applications above +85C, choose the /04I/L industrial-temperature variant.
Recommended
Smart Card and Security Peripherals
The PIC16LC74BT-04/L fits smart card readers, electronic access keys, and secure peripherals because of its 7KB OTP program memory (one-time programmable for security), integrated UART for ISO 7816 contact-card communication, and hardware SPI for contactless RFID front-ends. The Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses supports secure code execution. Low-power operation from 2.5V to 5.5V enables battery-powered access-control devices. Brown-out detection prevents partial-code execution during battery decay.
Recommended
General Embedded Control Platforms
The PIC16LC74BT-04/L fits general-purpose embedded control platforms (educational kits, hobbyist projects, OEM controllers) because of its low cost, abundant I/O, integrated peripherals, and 7KB OTP that supports substantial firmware. The 44-pin PLCC is breadboard-compatible via PLCC-to-DIP adapter, easing prototype development. The PIC mid-range instruction set with 35 instructions is well-documented and supported by MPLAB X IDE, allowing rapid firmware development and in-circuit serial programming for field updates.
Recommended
Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition Front-Ends
The PIC16LC74BT-04/L fits sensor hub and data acquisition front-end applications because of its 8-channel 8-bit ADC that scans multiple analog sensors (temperature, pressure, light, voltage) and its UART/SPI/I2C interfaces that forward aggregated data to a host processor. The 4 MIPS throughput supports periodic scanning at 100 Hz to 1 kHz per channel. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator ensure long-term unattended operation in remote sensor deployments. Low-voltage operation enables solar or battery-powered sensor nodes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC74BT-04/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC74AT-04/L | PIC16LC74A-04/L | PIC16LC74A-04I/L | PIC16LC64AT-04I/L | PIC16LC662-04/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-pin PLCC | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 27 |
| A/D Converter | 8 channels x 8-bit | 8 channels x 8-bit | 8 channels x 8-bit | 8 channels x 8-bit | None | 8 channels x 8-bit |
| Industrial Temperature Range | No (commercial 0C to +70C) | No | No | Yes (-40C to +85C) | Yes (-40C to +85C) | No |
Key Differentiators
- Mid-range PIC architecture with abundant peripherals (vs PIC16C505 baseline MCU)
- 44-pin PLCC socket-friendly package (vs PIC16F877A-I/P in 40-pin PDIP)
- Same PLCC footprint as PIC16LC74A revision (vs PIC16LC73B in 28-pin SOIC)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC74BT-04/L operates from 2.5V to 5.5V. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 20, 30, 44) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IC. The on-chip brown-out reset should be enabled in the configuration bits to assert a reset when VDD drops below the user-selectable threshold. In battery-powered designs, switch to SLEEP mode and use the watchdog timer or external interrupt to wake the MCU; the on-chip watchdog RC oscillator keeps time without the main oscillator running.
The 44-pin PLCC footprint requires a socket or careful solder paste application. Place the crystal or resonator (or external clock source) within 1 cm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize parasitic capacitance. Keep analog AVDD/VSS traces short and away from digital switching traces to reduce ADC noise. If the ICSP interface (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD) is used, route those pins to an in-circuit programming header with 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR to VDD.
Do not exceed 5.5V on any VDD pin; the 'LC' low-voltage variant does not have the same 6.0V or 6.5V tolerance as the 'C' standard variant. When migrating firmware from PIC16C74B to PIC16C74A silicon, verify the ADC configuration registers - the 'A' revision has slightly different ADC acquisition timing. For in-circuit serial programming, ensure MCLR is pulled to VDD through a resistor (typically 10 kohm) and not driven low during programming. The configuration bits must be set correctly for oscillator selection and watchdog timer enable.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial-temperature /04I/L variants are not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive under-hood applications; for AEC-Q100, consider PIC18F or dsPIC families.
