PIC16LC77-04I/L - 8-bit 4MHz 14KB OTP MCU 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC77-04I/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.92 | $7.92 |
| 10 | $7.21 | $72.10 |
| 100 | $6.43 | $643.00 |
| 500 | $5.78 | $2,890.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.15 | $5,150.00 |
PIC16LC77-04I/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one die. The PIC16C7X family specifically adds on-chip 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) channels, making these parts popular for mixed-signal embedded designs. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU belongs to the embedded processor class, which in turn sits under digital ICs and ultimately semiconductors. The "PIC" architecture uses a RISC-style Harvard design with separate program and data buses, which historically delivered higher code density than competing 8-bit CISC architectures for the same instruction count.
Key features of the PIC16LC77-04I/L include 14KB OTP program memory (sufficient for moderate firmware complexity), 368 bytes of data RAM, three timer/counter modules, a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C, a USART for asynchronous serial communication, a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, and an 8-channel 8-bit ADC. The mid-range core uses a 14-bit instruction word with 35 single-cycle instructions, and the device executes most instructions in a single clock cycle, giving an effective throughput close to 4 MIPS at 4 MHz.
Typical applications for the PIC16LC77-04I/L span industrial control, automotive body electronics, appliance controllers, sensor interfaces, and low-power embedded products where moderate compute and on-chip ADC suffice. The wide operating voltage range (2.5V to 6.0V) makes the part particularly attractive for battery-backed equipment and 3.3V/5V mixed-rail designs.
When designing with this device, engineers should plan for OTP memory constraints: code cannot be field-updated. For prototyping, consider a windowed CERDIP variant, and for production redesign, evaluate flash-based successors such as the PIC16F877A family. Always derate the oscillator for temperature and use decoupling capacitors as recommended in the manufacturer datasheet.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for engineers evaluating the PIC16LC77-04I/L against modern flash-based replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC77-04I/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 PIC16LC77-04I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Mounting Type, Timers, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC77-04/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC77T-04I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC77-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877-20I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877A-I/LG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC77-04I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16C (8-bit RISC, Harvard) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial grade) |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit (on-chip) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Peripherals | SSP (SPI/I2C), USART |
| CCP Modules | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Instruction Word Size | 14-bit |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-cycle instructions |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC77-04I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 2 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 3 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / voltage reference |
| Pin 8 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 22 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / clock in |
| Pin 23 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 24 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 25 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 26 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 27 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 28 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 29 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 30 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 31 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 32 | RD0/PSP0 — Port D bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 33 | RD1/PSP1 — Port D bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RD2/PSP2 — Port D bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RD3/PSP3 — Port D bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RD4/PSP4 — Port D bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RD5/PSP5 — Port D bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RD6/PSP6 — Port D bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 39 | RD7/PSP7 — Port D bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Port E bit 0 / read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 43 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Port E bit 1 / write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 44 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Port E bit 2 / chip select / Analog input 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC77-04I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Home Appliance Controllers, Battery-Powered Sensor Hubs, Educational and Development Platforms, Legacy Embedded System Maintenance.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16LC77-04I/L fits industrial process control because its 8-channel 8-bit ADC and 33 I/O pins handle multiple sensor inputs and actuator outputs in a single chip. At 4 MHz the part executes sensor-polling loops and PID control tasks within tight cycle budgets, while the 2.5V to 6.0V supply range accepts 24V-derived 5V or 3.3V rails without level shifting. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade allows deployment in factory cabinets where ambient temperatures vary widely. Engineers typically pair the MCU with opto-isolated inputs and relay-driver outputs, leveraging the SSP and USART peripherals for serial communication with supervisory PLCs or HMIs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LC77-04I/L is well matched to automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting where its 33 I/O pins interface with multiple switches, motors, and LEDs. The 14KB OTP program memory stores the body-control firmware, and the PWM capability from the CCP module drives LED dimming or small DC motors. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade covers under-dash environments, and the 2.5V to 6.0V supply tolerates 12V battery transients after regulation. For under-hood deployment, however, an AEC-Q100 qualified part such as the PIC16F877A-I/L is preferred over the LC77.
Recommended
Home Appliance Controllers
The PIC16LC77-04I/L fits home appliance controllers including washing-machine front panels, microwave ovens, and dishwasher control boards where its 8-channel ADC reads temperature, water level, and humidity sensors. The CCP module generates PWM outputs for motor-speed control and heater regulation, while the USART connects to user-interface displays or wireless modules. OTP program memory at 14KB holds the appliance firmware with simple state machines, and the 5V supply rail aligns with most appliance power architectures. The wide -40C to +85C range supports garage and outdoor installations.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Hubs
The PIC16LC77-04I/L operates from 2.5V to 6.0V, making it directly compatible with 3.3V and 5V battery-powered sensor hubs. The PIC16LC7X mid-range core uses CMOS technology with low active current and supports sleep modes for battery-conserving duty-cycled operation. The on-chip ADC handles analog sensors such as thermistors and photodiodes, while the SSP peripheral reads digital sensors over SPI or I2C. The 368 bytes of RAM hold real-time data samples before transmission. For modern low-power designs, the PIC16LF877A or PIC18F equivalent may be preferred, but the LC77's low-voltage capability remains attractive for legacy or cost-sensitive nodes.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
The PIC16LC77-04I/L is used in mid-range PIC educational kits and university embedded-systems courses because the 44-pin PLCC package is socketed for easy replacement, and the 14KB OTP memory is large enough for substantive student projects without the cost of higher-end parts. The PIC16C7X instruction set with 35 single-cycle instructions is the same as the modern PIC16F family, so code written for the LC77 ports directly to flash successors. The 8-channel 8-bit ADC supports laboratory exercises in sensor interfacing, and the USART enables serial-port debugging on a PC. Engineering curricula benefit from the part's historical significance as a stepping stone between 8-bit PICs and 32-bit ARM Cortex designs.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Maintenance
The PIC16LC77-04I/L is still purchased as a maintenance and spare-parts replacement for installed industrial controllers, scientific instruments, and avionics subsystems that were designed around the PIC16C7X family in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The 44-pin PLCC package can be socketed so that field replacements require no soldering, and the OTP program memory matches the original design files. Engineering teams maintaining these systems value the LC77 for its long-term availability through Microchip's product-life-cycle extension programs and authorized distributor inventory.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC77-04I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC77-04/L | PIC16LC77T-04I/L | PIC16LC77-04I/P | PIC16F877-20I/L | PIC16F877A-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Architecture | PIC 16C (8-bit RISC) | PIC 16C (8-bit) | PIC 16C (8-bit) | PIC 16C (8-bit) | PIC 16F (8-bit) | PIC 16F (8-bit) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz (+400%) | 20 MHz (+400%) |
| Program Memory | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB Flash (reprogrammable) | 14 KB Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 10-bit (+25%) | 10-bit (+25%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| 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 | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.5V to 6.0V supply range with OTP memory (vs PIC16F877-20I/L)
- Same 44-pin PLCC footprint as flash successors (vs PIC16F877A-I/L)
- Industrial temperature grade from -40C to +85C (vs PIC16LC77-04/L)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC77-04I/L uses OTP (One-Time-Programmable) memory, which means the program memory can be written exactly once. According to the Microchip datasheet (document 30391e), there is no field-upgrade path - any code bug in the shipped firmware requires a physical part replacement. For prototypes and development, use a windowed CERDIP variant or a PIC16F877A flash equivalent to enable iterative debugging before locking the production image into the OTP part.
The PIC16LC77-04I/L supply voltage range of 2.5V to 6.0V covers 3.3V and 5V rails directly, but the brown-out reset and power-on reset thresholds must be respected. Estimated: a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on each VDD pin (pins 11, 21, 31, 41) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU supply entry point is sufficient for typical 4 MHz operation. For battery-backed designs where VDD can drop below 2.5V, add an external voltage supervisor because the LC77's internal BOR can be imprecise at the low-voltage edge.
The 44-pin PLCC package is designed for socketed insertion, making field replacement straightforward without soldering. Reserve a PLCC-44 socket footprint on the PCB and place decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair. Place the 4 MHz crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1 and OSC2 (pins 1 and 2), and keep the MCLR pull-up resistor close to pin 3 to minimize noise pickup. For ICSP programming, expose RB6/PGC (pin 18) and RB7/PGD (pin 19) on a 0.1-inch header.
When migrating from the PIC16LC77-04I/L to the PIC16F877-20I/L on the same 44-PLCC footprint, review the oscillator configuration bits because the F-series parts default to a higher oscillator gain setting. Estimated: a 4 MHz crystal that worked fine on the LC77 may oscillate unreliably on the F877 without changing the capacitor load values; consult Microchip's PIC16C7X-to-PIC16F87X migration guide (DS33023) for the recommended HS vs XT mode selection.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part is not recommended for new automotive designs; consider PIC16F877A-I/L or a dsPIC33 AEC-Q100 part instead.
