PIC16LC774-I/PQ - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 7KB OTP, 44-MQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC774-I/PQ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.5 | $5,500.00 |
PIC16LC774-I/PQ Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a single-chip computer that uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing the CPU to fetch an instruction and read data in the same clock cycle. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. Compared to 8051 and AVR 8-bit cores of the same era, the PIC16's 14-bit instruction word and 35 single-word instruction set give it exceptionally compact code density and deterministic 200 ns instruction execution, ideal for latency-sensitive control loops.
Key features of the PIC16LC774 include 7KB OTP program memory, 256 bytes of data RAM, an 8-channel 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), a USART, an SSP module compatible with SPI and I2C, capture/compare/PWM modules, and a programmable 8-bit watchdog timer. The -I suffix indicates the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). The 44-MQFP (Metric Quad Flat Pack) provides 33 usable I/O plus power and ground pins, supporting designs that demand more GPIO than 28- or 40-pin PIC16 variants can deliver.
The architecture combines a 14-bit program counter, an 8-level hardware stack, and dedicated peripheral interrupt logic. The internal RC oscillator option (with external crystal fallback) provides flexibility for cost-sensitive applications. The ADC's analog input multiplex supports up to 8 channels with 8-bit resolution, suitable for sensor readout, while the CCP/PWM modules can drive motor control or lighting. The OTP program memory means the part is one-time programmable, making it most suitable for mature, high-volume production where firmware is finalized.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, building automation sensor hubs, automotive body controllers, HVAC actuators, small appliance controls, and embedded data-acquisition front-ends. The wide I/O count makes it well suited to systems replacing multiple 28-pin PICs with a single 44-pin MCU.
A key design consideration is OTP memory: code must be fully validated before programming, since the IC cannot be erased. Designers should keep a flash-based PIC16F77x variant in the same pinout available for prototyping, then drop in the LC version for production cost-down.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in PIC16 alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC774-I/PQ — 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 PIC16LC774-I/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Instruction Set, ADC, Package, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C774-I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877A-I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC771-I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C771-I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC774-I/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC (14-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (LC variant) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 8-channel, 8-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2, Watchdog Timer |
| CCP/PWM Modules | Yes (Capture / Compare / PWM) |
| Package | 44-MQFP (10 x 10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PQ suffix = MQFP tray) |
| Operating Temperature (I grade) | -40 C to +85 C |
| Oscillator Modes | External crystal, external RC, internal RC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
PIC16LC774-I/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input or programming high voltage |
| 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 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| 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 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read control / Analog 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control / Analog 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip Select / Analog 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5-5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock in |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| 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 / USART TX / Clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / 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 |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| 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 |
| Pin 41 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 42 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC774-I/PQ is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Building Automation Hubs, Consumer Appliance Controls, Automotive Body Controllers (NRND note), HVAC Actuator Nodes, Embedded Data-Acquisition Front-Ends, Small-Appliance Sensor Hubs.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC16LC774-I/PQ fits industrial control panels because its 33 I/O lines drive multiple relay drivers, optocouplers, and status LEDs from a single MCU. The 2.5-5.5 V LC supply allows operation directly from 24V industrial rails stepped down through a low-cost linear regulator. The 8-channel 8-bit ADC reads analog sensor signals (temperature via NTC, pressure via bridge, position via potentiometer), and the on-chip USART connects to Modbus transceivers. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade supports factory-floor deployment. Designers should validate firmware on the PIC16F877A-I/PQ first, then drop in the LC variant for cost-down once the code is frozen into OTP.
Recommended
Building Automation Hubs
Building-automation gateways benefit from the PIC16LC774-I/PQ's 33 GPIO pins, which drive keypad matrices, LCD interfaces, multiple relay outputs for HVAC damper control, and one-wire sensor buses. The OTP 7 KB program memory holds full thermostat state machines and communications stacks. The SSP module supports SPI peripherals (RF modules, EEPROM) and I2C sensors (temperature, humidity). The 20 MHz CPU plus 35-instruction PIC16 RISC core executes deterministic control loops with predictable jitter. Pair the MCU with a 32.768 kHz crystal for Timer1-based real-time clock, and use the watchdog timer to recover from brownout conditions common in long-run building systems.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controls
Washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave front-panel controllers frequently use the PIC16LC774-I/PQ because it offers enough I/O for keypad scanning, seven-segment or LCD displays, relay and triac drivers, plus a serial interface to the main appliance board. The 7 KB OTP is sufficient for fixed-cycle appliance firmware; the 256-byte RAM tracks transient state. The two CCP/PWM modules drive variable-speed motor commutation or proportional valve control. Operating from 5 V via a small buck regulator keeps standby power low, and the WDT ensures the controller recovers from power-line transients. Engineers verify the firmware on PIC16F877A-I/PQ and final-program the LC OTP version at high-volume.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controllers (NRND note)
Although the LC-grade -40C to +85C temperature range covers automotive interior modules (instrument cluster displays, climate-control head units, mirror controllers), the PIC16LC774-I/PQ is NRND. For new automotive designs, Microchip recommends the PIC16F877A-I/PQ or newer AEC-Q100-qualified PIC18 devices. Existing automotive platforms built around the LC774 can still source the part from authorized distributors; the LC774's 7 KB OTP suits fixed-function body electronics where firmware changes are rare. Power-supply 5 V tolerance allows direct connection to a regulated 5 V automotive rail after reverse-battery and load-dump protection.
Recommended
HVAC Actuator Nodes
HVAC zone damper and valve actuators use the PIC16LC774-I/PQ to drive TRIACs, read potentiometer feedback via the 8-bit ADC, and communicate over RS-485 to a central building controller. The 33 I/Os simplify multi-actuator PCBs where one MCU drives two or three zones. The LC variant's 2.5-5.5 V supply aligns with linear post-regulator outputs common in 24 VAC-powered actuators, and the -40C to +85C range covers rooftop mechanical rooms. OTP memory is acceptable because zone firmware rarely changes once installed. The CCP/PWM channels generate the soft-start ramp on the TRIAC to reduce inrush.
Recommended
Embedded Data-Acquisition Front-Ends
Cost-sensitive multi-channel data loggers deploy the PIC16LC774-I/PQ to read 8 analog sensors and stream them through the USART or SSP-to-SD-card. The 256-byte RAM acts as a circular sample buffer for low-rate applications; designers can DMA-equivalent serial transfer in firmware using the USART interrupt. The PIC16 mid-range core's 200 ns instruction cycle samples 8 channels at reasonable rates within software timing budgets. OTP memory keeps unit cost low for high-volume deployment. The same 44-MQFP package drop-in compatibility with PIC16F877A-I/PQ allows field firmware updates where required.
Recommended
Small-Appliance Sensor Hubs
Coffee machines, rice cookers, and small kitchen appliances integrate the PIC16LC774-I/PQ as a sensor hub that reads thermistor or thermocouple inputs via the 8-bit ADC and drives the user interface and motor relays. The 33 I/Os handle multiple push-buttons, LEDs, buzzers, and triac outputs without external I/O expansion. OTP memory suits the fixed cooking programs, and the LC supply runs from a small buck converter fed by the appliance mains. Once the firmware is finalized on the F877A, the drop-in LC774 delivers cost savings at scale.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC774-I/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C774-I/PQ | PIC16F877A-I/PQ | PIC16LC771-I/PQ | PIC16C771-I/PQ | PIC16C773-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-MQFP (10x10) | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 40-DIP/44-MQFP family |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (7 KB / 4K x 14) | OTP (7 KB) | Flash (14 KB) | Flash (5V variant) | OTP (5V variant) | OTP (4 KB) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 368 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 22 (40-pin variant) |
| ADC | 8 ch, 8-bit | 8 ch, 8-bit | 8 ch, 10-bit | 6 ch, 8-bit | 6 ch, 8-bit | 6 ch, 8-bit |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Lower voltage supply range from LC process (vs PIC16C774-I/PQ)
- Flash reprogrammability for field updates (vs PIC16F877A-I/PQ)
- Full 8-channel 8-bit ADC at LC voltage (vs PIC16LC771-I/PQ)
Design Notes
The OTP program memory cannot be erased, so production code must be fully validated on the PIC16F877A-I/PQ before programming LC774 units. Build one or two LC774 prototypes after F877A verification, electrically test them in the target system, then release the firmware image to the OTP programmer. This avoids scrapping programmed LC774s due to latent bugs.
Decouple AVDD/AVSS and VDD/VSS with separate traces back to a single ground star point; the 8-bit ADC's reference accuracy depends on clean analog supply routing. Place a 10 uF bulk tantalum and 0.1 uF ceramic across each power pin pair. Use short, symmetric traces between the MCLR pin and the reset supervisor to avoid false resets during ESD events.
The MCLR pin must not be left floating. Tie MCLR through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD with a 100 nF cap to ground to provide a stable reset; floating MCLR can cause intermittent code execution failures especially in noisy industrial environments. Additionally, never pull MCLR low while programming is in progress or the OTP array can be corrupted.
Power the LC774 from a regulated 5 V or 3.3 V supply; the LC variant tolerates 2.5-5.5 V, but brownout thresholds are not as low as the F877A flash variant. Add an external voltage supervisor (e.g., MCP100 or equivalent) if the input rail can sag below 4.5 V under motor inrush; the internal BOR on the LC774 is calibrated for ~4.0 V typical.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance data not present in the verified web data; please consult Microchip's product compliance statements portal for the latest compliance certificates. Part is not AEC-Q100 qualified and is NRND - do not use in new automotive designs.
