PIC16LC77-04I/P - 8-Bit 4MHz 14KB OTP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC77-04I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.92 | $8.92 |
| 10 | $7.95 | $79.50 |
| 100 | $6.45 | $645.00 |
| 500 | $5.2 | $2,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC16LC77-04I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip processor that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory (here OTP), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, and serial interfaces. MCUs sit at the bottom of the embedded computing hierarchy - above discrete logic, below microprocessors - and are the workhorse of industrial, automotive, appliance, and consumer electronics control loops. The PIC16LC77 specifically belongs to the mid-range PIC family, balancing code density, peripheral integration, and low-power "LC" operation in ASIC design.
Key features include the 4 MHz maximum clock speed, 14KB OTP program memory, 368 bytes of SRAM, 33 digital I/O lines, on-chip I2C/SPI/UART serial interfaces, and the 40-pin PDIP package with 15.24 mm (0.600") row spacing suited for breadboard and through-hole prototyping. The "LC" designation indicates low-power CMOS operation, and the "I" suffix marks the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). The "04" speed suffix corresponds to the 4 MHz oscillator rating.
The PIC16LC77-04I/P uses a Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path. Its RISC-like instruction set provides deterministic execution and tight code density for C and assembly firmware. The integrated peripherals - capture/compare/PWM, 8-bit ADC, and synchronous/asynchronous serial - support motor control, sensor acquisition, and human-interface applications without external glue logic.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation, HVAC and appliance controllers, motor drive sequencing, instrumentation front-ends, and legacy embedded designs. The PDIP-40 package is preferred for development, hobby, and low-volume production where socketed or hand-reworked parts simplify firmware iteration. The OTP memory suits low-cost production runs where the program is finalized at first programming.
When designing with this MCU, plan firmware bank-switching carefully because the 14KB program memory limits image size for larger C codebases, and select the appropriate oscillator mode (RC, XT, HS) to match your crystal or resonator. Engineers replacing this part should consult Microchip's PIC16F877A migration guide if FLASH reprogrammability is required in production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same PDIP-40 footprint, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC77-04I/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 PIC16LC77-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, Mounting Type, Package, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F877A-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC77-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC Harvard |
| Series | PIC® 16C |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 14KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 368 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600", 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Operating Voltage | 5 V (typical LC core) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, "I" suffix) |
| Peripherals | PWM, Capture/Compare, ADC, Timers, Brown-out Reset |
| Speed Grade | 04 (per MPN suffix) |
PIC16LC77-04I/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/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read control / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip Select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (+5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock out |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM1 |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / UART transmit / clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / UART receive / data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (+5V) |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC77-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Controllers, HVAC and Appliance Control Boards, Motor Drive Sequencing and Control, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Front-Ends, Legacy Embedded and Hobby Prototyping, Security and Access Control Panels.
Industrial Process Controllers
The PIC16LC77-04I/P's 8-bit RISC core at 4 MHz, 14KB OTP program memory, and 33 digital I/O lines make it well-suited for industrial process controllers managing discrete sensors, relays, and actuator drivers. Its industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating handles factory-floor thermal stress without derating, while the integrated I2C/SPI/UART interfaces connect directly to sensor modules, HMI displays, and supervisory PLCs. Engineers value the OTP memory for security: once programmed, firmware cannot be reverse-read, protecting proprietary control algorithms. The PDIP-40 package simplifies field service - technicians can swap a programmed chip without specialized rework tools, reducing MTTR for legacy process lines. Estimated: at 4 MHz, the 1 MIPS throughput supports typical PID loop execution plus serial telemetry without processor starvation.
Recommended
HVAC and Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC77-04I/P's 8-bit Harvard architecture and integrated peripherals (PWM, capture/compare, ADC) deliver the right feature mix for HVAC control boards, washing machines, and small appliance controllers. Its 14KB OTP program memory accommodates typical appliance firmware - temperature profiles, motor sequencing, user-interface state machines - within a single chip, eliminating external memory cost. The 33 I/O pins drive keypad matrices, LED indicators, triac interfaces, and sensor inputs directly without external multiplexers. Low-power CMOS "LC" operation reduces standby consumption for energy-rated appliances, while the 5V supply aligns with traditional appliance power rails. The PDIP-40 package eases conformal coating and through-hole manufacturing processes common in white goods.
Recommended
Motor Drive Sequencing and Control
The PIC16LC77-04I/P's integrated capture/compare/PWM peripherals and 4 MHz CPU enable brushless DC (BLDC) and stepper motor sequencing in robotics, CNC sub-systems, and small industrial drives. Its 14KB OTP memory stores lookup tables for commutation sequences and acceleration profiles, while the 33 I/O lines handle Hall-sensor inputs, enable signals, and fault interrupts. The 8-bit ADC reads current shunts for torque monitoring and protection. PDIP-40 packaging supports development and prototyping where motor control firmware is iteratively tuned. Engineers should note that for high-speed FOC algorithms, the 1 MIPS throughput is the limiting factor - but for trapezoidal commutation at moderate RPM, this PIC is a cost-disciplined choice with the legacy toolchain support.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition Front-Ends
The PIC16LC77-04I/P serves effectively as a low-cost instrumentation front-end for laboratory equipment, environmental loggers, and portable test gear. Its on-chip 8-bit ADC, 14KB OTP program memory for calibration constants and acquisition routines, and I2C/SPI/UART interfaces connect to external sensors and display modules without external logic. Industrial temperature rating supports field-deployed environmental monitors. The deterministic instruction execution of the PIC Harvard core simplifies timing-critical acquisition loops where sample jitter matters. Engineers designing portable instruments value the LC low-power operation for battery life. For 12-bit or higher resolution requirements, pair with an external ADC via SPI; the PIC16LC77 remains the supervisory controller.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded and Hobby Prototyping
The PIC16LC77-04I/P remains in use for legacy embedded maintenance and educational/hobby prototyping where the 40-pin PDIP breadboard-friendly package, mature MPLAB X IDE support, and abundant example code are valued. Hobbyists and educators use this MCU for robotics projects, retro computing, and digital electronics curricula. The 14KB OTP memory accommodates reasonably complex student projects - line-following robots, alarm systems, custom protocols - while forcing good firmware design discipline (no field updates). Pin-compatible FLASH parts like PIC16F877A-I/P enable smooth migration when projects mature to deployable form. The PIC16LC77-04I/P's mature, well-understood instruction set makes it a reliable teaching vehicle.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
The PIC16LC77-04I/P is well-suited for legacy access control panels, alarm systems, and simple security monitoring where OTP memory provides firmware anti-tamper protection. Its 14KB program memory handles keypad scanning, RFID reader interfaces (via UART/SPI), relay outputs for door strikes, and event logging protocols. The 33 I/O lines accommodate multi-zone alarm panels with direct sensor wiring without external multiplexers. Industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation in unheated entryways and equipment rooms. While modern networked security panels favor ARM Cortex-M parts with Ethernet, the PIC16LC77-04I/P continues to serve in standalone and retrofitted installations where reliability and simplicity outweigh the need for TLS or OTA updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC77-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F877A-I/P | PIC16F877-04/P | PIC16C711-04/P | PIC16F74-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | FLASH (reprogrammable) | FLASH (reprogrammable) | OTP | FLASH (reprogrammable) |
| Program Memory Size | 14KB (8K x 14) | 14KB | 14KB | 1.75KB (-87.5%) | 7KB (-50%) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 20 MHz (+400%) | 4 MHz (same) | 4 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (+400%) |
| RAM Size | 368 bytes | 368 bytes (same) | 368 bytes (same) | 68 bytes (-82%) | 192 bytes (-48%) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 (same) | 33 (same) | 13 (-61%) | 22 (-33%) |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART | I2C, SPI, UART, USB-ready | I2C, SPI, UART/USART | I2C, SPI | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active (recommended) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial-grade OTP memory with secure one-time programming (vs PIC16F877A-I/P (FLASH))
- Mature 8-bit PIC architecture with abundant legacy support (vs PIC16F877A-I/P (same family))
- 33 I/O pins with full peripheral mapping (vs PIC16C711-04/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC77-04I/P operates from a single +5V supply (VDD pins 11 and 32) with VSS (pins 12 and 31) tied to ground. Both VDD/VSS pin pairs must be connected for proper operation - leaving one floating causes erratic behavior or programming failure. Add 100nF decoupling ceramic capacitor close to each VDD pin and a 10uF bulk tantalum or electrolytic at the board supply input. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) requires a 10k pull-up to VDD for normal operation and is pulled low for external reset; during ICSP programming, VPP (13V typical) is applied to this pin.
Place the 4 MHz crystal or resonator close to pins 13 (OSC1/CLKIN) and 14 (OSC2/CLKOUT), with load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF for HC-49 crystals) to ground. Keep the oscillator traces short and surround them with ground pour to minimize EMI. For RC oscillator operation, connect a precision resistor from OSC1 to VDD and capacitor from OSC1 to ground; consult datasheet for R/C values. Avoid routing high-frequency switching signals (PWM, clock) near the crystal traces to prevent jitter.
OTP memory is one-time programmable - any bit programming error or code bug requires a new chip, not a re-flash. Design with a careful code-review process and prototype with the FLASH equivalent PIC16F877A-I/P first to validate firmware before committing to OTP. The 14KB program memory is organized as 8K x 14 instruction words - C compilers report this in bytes, so a 14KB C image consumes the full memory. Watch the configuration bits (fuses) - wrong oscillator or watchdog settings can lock the device until MCLR reset.
The PIC16LC77-04I/P is rated -40C to +85C industrial operating range. Power consumption at 4 MHz is approximately 5 mA active / 1 uA standby typical, so self-heating is negligible (< 10 mW). However, in enclosed housings with no airflow, ambient temperature near other heat-dissipating components can push the MCU close to its limit - derate by 10C if mounted adjacent to power resistors or voltage regulators. PDIP packages handle thermal cycling better than SMT for low-volume production.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance not stated in verified distributor data. PIC16LC77 family is older than widespread RoHS mandates - confirm with Microchip for current lead-free / RoHS status. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial -40C to +85C only).
