PIC16LC774/L - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB OTP MCU 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC774/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.1354 | $10.14 |
| 10 | $9.2 | $92.00 |
| 100 | $7.85 | $785.00 |
| 500 | $6.6 | $3,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
PIC16LC774/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, executing one byte per instruction cycle. The PIC architecture is a Harvard RISC design with separate program and data buses, only 35 single-word instructions, and most instructions completing in one instruction cycle. PIC16C-series MCUs sit in the product hierarchy as: MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. PIC16LC774 specifically adds a 12-bit ADC, making it suitable for instrumentation-grade analog sensing.
Key features include 12-bit A/D conversion (vs. the typical 8- or 10-bit on competing MCUs of the era), 256 bytes of data RAM, 33 I/O pins (one of the highest pin counts in the PIC16 family), and OTP program memory allowing one-time field programming. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and is supported by the MPLAB development environment.
Typical applications include industrial process control, instrumentation with analog sensor inputs, motor control, and consumer embedded products. The high I/O count and 12-bit ADC differentiate this part from lower-pin PIC16 variants.
When designing with PIC16LC774/L, ensure proper decoupling (0.1uF ceramic near each VDD pin) and verify ADC acquisition timing for high-impedance sources. Use the /L grade only in commercial-temperature environments; choose /I for industrial (-40C to +85C) and /E for extended (-40C to +125C) ranges.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC774/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 PIC16LC774/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Operating Temperature, Communication Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C774/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC18C452-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC773-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC771T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC717T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC774/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C |
| Core | 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| A/D Converter | 12-bit |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Operating Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature (L grade) | 0C to +70C |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead), 16.59 x 16.59 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
PIC16LC774/L 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 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / UART TX / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / UART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (5V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 29 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 30 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 31 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 32 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 33 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 34 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 35 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 36 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / read control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 37 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / write control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 38 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / chip select for parallel slave port |
| Pin 39 | AVDD — Analog positive supply |
| Pin 40 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 41 | VREF+ — ADC positive voltage reference |
| Pin 42 | VREF- — ADC negative voltage reference |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC774/L is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Control, Precision Instrumentation with 12-bit ADC, Motor Control Systems, Consumer Embedded Products, Security and Access Control Systems, Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy).
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16LC774/L fits industrial process control loops requiring 33 I/O pins for multi-channel sensor interfacing and a 12-bit ADC for precise process variable measurement. With 7KB of OTP program memory, the MCU can store PID control algorithms, communication stacks, and fault handling routines. Its 20 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle enable fast loop rates, while the 256-byte RAM supports local data buffering. The PIC16C Harvard RISC architecture ensures deterministic interrupt latency for safety-critical shutdown logic. Engineers typically pair this MCU with external 4-20 mA current loop transceivers and digital isolators to build complete PLC-style subsystems for factory automation.
Recommended
Precision Instrumentation with 12-bit ADC
The PIC16LC774/L's integrated 12-bit A/D converter provides 4096 discrete steps for high-resolution analog measurement in instrumentation applications like digital multimeters, weigh scales, and environmental sensors. The 33 I/O pins allow multiplexing multiple analog sources to the ADC input, while the 20 MHz CPU performs linearization, calibration, and display driving in real time. The 12-bit ADC accuracy is critical for instruments requiring better than 1% full-scale precision. Compared with PIC16C parts featuring 8-bit ADC, the PIC16LC774/L offers 16x the resolution, dramatically reducing quantization error in low-level signal measurement chains.
Recommended
Motor Control Systems
The PIC16LC774/L is well suited to motor control applications including DC motor speed control, stepper motor sequencing, and small BLDC motor commutation. Its 33 I/O pins drive H-bridge gate signals, hall-effect sensor inputs, and PWM outputs simultaneously, while the 20 MHz clock generates the high-resolution PWM frequencies needed for smooth torque control. The 12-bit ADC samples motor current for closed-loop control, and the 256-byte RAM stores control loop state. The PIC16C architecture's deterministic interrupt latency ensures reliable commutation timing, which is critical for sensorless BLDC schemes where commutation must occur within tight electrical-angle windows.
Recommended
Consumer Embedded Products
The PIC16LC774/L enables consumer products like appliances, toys, and home electronics requiring low-cost 8-bit computing with sufficient I/O for user interfaces, sensors, and actuator drives. The 7KB OTP supports complex state machines and user-interface logic, while the 12-bit ADC handles battery voltage monitoring, temperature sensing, and potentiometer inputs for user controls. Its commercial 0C to +70C operating range covers indoor consumer environments. The PIC16C family's well-established toolchain (MPLAB X, XC8 compiler) reduces time-to-market for high-volume consumer designs where engineering cost dominates BOM cost.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Systems
The PIC16LC774/L supports security systems including alarm panels, access controllers, and keypad interfaces, where its 33 I/O pins drive keypads, LEDs, relays, and sensors simultaneously. The 12-bit ADC monitors backup battery voltage and sensor signal levels with high precision, while the 7KB OTP stores encrypted credential tables and event logs. Its deterministic PIC16C interrupt structure ensures no missed events during simultaneous sensor polling. The commercial temperature range and surface-mount 44-PLCC package support indoor installations where mechanical robustness matters more than extended temperature ranges.
Recommended
Sensor Hub and Data Acquisition
The PIC16LC774/L serves as a sensor hub aggregating multiple analog and digital sensors in data acquisition systems, leveraging its 12-bit ADC and 33 I/O pins to interface thermocouples, pressure transducers, and digital communication lines. The 7KB OTP accommodates sensor linearization tables and protocol stacks, while 256 bytes RAM buffers raw data before transmission. Engineers typically use the 20 MHz clock to drive UART, SPI, or I2C communication to a host controller. The PIC16C architecture supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for firmware updates in deployed sensor nodes without disassembly.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
The PIC16LC774/L has been used in legacy automotive body electronics such as lighting controllers, HVAC interfaces, and seat control modules where commercial-temperature-range parts in surface-mount packages fit interior cabin environments. The 33 I/O pins drive multiple loads, while the 12-bit ADC reads position sensors and temperature probes with adequate resolution for comfort and convenience functions. For under-hood or safety-critical automotive applications, an AEC-Q100-qualified PIC18 family MCU should be substituted. This is a legacy fit only; new automotive designs should use active PIC18 or dsPIC33 families.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC774/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C774/L | PIC18C452-I/L | PIC16LC773-I/SO | PIC16LC771T-I/SO | PIC16LC717T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC | PIC16C 8-bit RISC | PIC18C 8-bit enhanced RISC | PIC16C 8-bit RISC | PIC16C 8-bit RISC | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 16 KB OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 768 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| A/D Converter | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 40 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 34 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Operating Temperature (L grade) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC with 33 I/O pins in single MCU (vs PIC16LC773-I/SO)
- Upgraded PIC18C architecture as same-footprint upgrade (vs PIC18C452-I/L)
- Commercial temperature grade optimized for indoor use (vs PIC16LC717T-I/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple each VDD/AVDD pin pair with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the main supply rail. For ADC accuracy, AVSS must be tied directly to VSS at a single point near the MCU to avoid ground-loop noise coupling into analog measurements. The PIC16LC774/L draws approximately 15 mA at 20 MHz with all peripherals active, so verify your regulator has adequate headroom.
The 44-PLCC J-Lead package requires a socket footprint compatible with standard PLCC sockets, allowing easy firmware development swaps. Keep analog signal traces short and isolated from digital switching traces to prevent ADC noise injection. Place the 20 MHz crystal or resonator within 10 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins with ground guard traces on either side, and ensure the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) is connected to VDD with a decoupling capacitor.
Do not exceed the 5V supply voltage - the PIC16LC774/L is not 3.3V tolerant. The 12-bit ADC requires a minimum acquisition time of about 20 us for 10 kohm source impedance; use a smaller source impedance or longer acquisition time for higher accuracy. When migrating from PIC16LC773 (28-pin) to PIC16LC774 (44-pin), note that additional I/O ports (PORTD, PORTE) require separate TRISx configuration. For ICSP programming, ensure PGC/PGD lines are not loaded with excessive capacitance (keep below 30 pF).
Estimated: at maximum operating conditions (5V, 20 MHz, all I/O toggling), the PIC16LC774/L dissipates approximately 250 mW. With the 44-PLCC package theta-JA of approximately 50 C/W, this results in a 12.5C junction temperature rise above ambient - well within the 0C to +70C commercial range. No heatsinking is required, but ensure adequate airflow for high-density designs where multiple PLCC packages are stacked.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not explicitly stated in the verified web data; /L grade denotes commercial temperature range. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not suitable for automotive safety applications.
