PIC16LC774T-I/L - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB OTP, 20MHz, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC774T-I/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.5 | $9.50 |
| 10 | $8.55 | $85.50 |
| 100 | $7.6 | $760.00 |
| 500 | $6.85 | $3,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.1 | $6,100.00 |
PIC16LC774T-I/L Overview
What is an 8-bit microcontroller (MCU)? A microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral interfaces (timers, ADC, communication ports). The "8-bit" designation refers to the width of the data path and ALU: instructions and data are processed 8 bits at a time. Within the broader taxonomy, a microcontroller belongs to the semiconductor family -> integrated circuit -> logic IC -> microcontroller. Microchip's PIC16 family uses a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture, and the "LC" prefix denotes the low-voltage CMOS variant optimized for battery-powered applications.
Key features of the PIC16LC774T-I/L include the high-performance PIC16 RISC CPU with 35 single-word instructions, where all instructions execute in a single cycle except program branches (two cycles). The 20MHz operating speed delivers 5 MIPS (million instructions per second) throughput. Peripherals typically include multiple timers, a 10-bit or 12-bit ADC, USART/SCI, SPI, and I2C, with 33 I/O pins supporting direct interfacing to sensors, switches, and displays.
The device is built on a CMOS process with low-power design techniques, making it well-suited for battery-powered or energy-conscious industrial equipment. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) is indicated by the "I" suffix. The 44-pin PLCC package supports through-hole-style reflow soldering and socket-based prototyping, simplifying field replacement.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, HVAC control systems, sensor signal conditioning nodes, consumer electronics with user interfaces, and embedded control boards. The combination of OTP memory, robust peripherals, and the legacy PLCC footprint has made this part a long-life choice for designs that need predictable supply and field-replaceable microcontrollers.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the oscillator circuit matches the chosen clock source (crystal, resonator, or external clock) per datasheet recommendations. Use ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) headers for development; note that OTP parts cannot be re-programmed, so development typically uses a windowed or flash equivalent (e.g., PIC16F877) for prototyping.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to support sourcing and design decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC774T-I/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 PIC16LC774T-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Maximum Clock Frequency, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC774-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C774T-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877T-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC774T-I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$11.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC774T-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (5 MIPS) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle | 1 cycle (2 cycles for branches) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Package / Case | 44-pin PLCC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC774T-I/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/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / voltage reference + |
| 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 (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| 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 transmit / clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART 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 (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| 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 |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC774T-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, HVAC Control Systems, Sensor Signal Conditioning Nodes, Consumer Electronics with User Interfaces, Embedded Control Boards with Field-Replaceable MCUs, Legacy System Maintenance and Repair.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16LC774T-I/L is well-suited for industrial automation controllers due to its 33 I/O pins, 20MHz processing speed, and 2.5V to 5.5V supply range. The wide voltage tolerance accommodates 24V industrial rails stepped down to 5V, while the 5 MIPS throughput handles multi-loop PID control, sensor polling, and relay actuation. The 7KB OTP memory fits typical ladder-logic replacement firmware. Use the USART for Modbus RTU master/slave communication to PLCs or HMIs, and the ADC for analog sensor inputs.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
HVAC control boards benefit from the PIC16LC774T-I/L's combination of 33 I/O pins and integrated peripherals. The MCU can drive multiple temperature/humidity sensors via ADC channels, control damper motors through PWM outputs, and communicate with thermostats over SPI or I2C. The 20MHz speed provides responsive control loop execution, while the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) ensures reliable operation in plant rooms. The 44-pin PLCC package simplifies service and replacement in field-installed equipment.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Nodes
Distributed sensor nodes leverage the PIC16LC774T-I/L's low-power CMOS design and 256-byte RAM for buffering sensor readings. The MCU aggregates data from multiple analog and digital sensors, applies calibration algorithms, and transmits results via USART or SPI to a central controller. With 33 I/O pins, a single MCU can interface to several sensor types simultaneously. The 2.5V minimum supply supports battery-backed sensor installations with extended operational life.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics with User Interfaces
Consumer devices requiring keypads, LCD displays, and indicator LEDs benefit from the PIC16LC774T-I/L's 33 I/O count and integrated peripherals. The MCU drives character or graphic LCDs, scans matrix keypads, controls LED indicators, and manages user input feedback. The 5 MIPS throughput delivers responsive UI updates, while the small 7KB OTP holds typical appliance control firmware. Industrial temperature rating ensures reliability across home and light-commercial environments.
Recommended
Embedded Control Boards with Field-Replaceable MCUs
Industrial and medical embedded systems that require field-replaceable MCUs benefit from the PIC16LC774T-I/L's 44-pin PLCC socket compatibility. PLCC sockets allow technicians to swap microcontrollers without desoldering, simplifying service. The OTP memory prevents unauthorized firmware reverse-engineering, providing IP protection. With 33 I/O and rich peripherals, the MCU serves as the central controller in motor drives, pump controllers, and instrumentation front-ends.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance and Repair
Long-life industrial equipment installed in the 1990s and 2000s often relies on PIC16LC774T-I/L or compatible OTP microcontrollers. The part's NRND status makes it a critical maintenance component for factories, power plants, and transportation systems that cannot easily redesign control boards. Distributors maintain limited stock specifically for these service scenarios. Replacement boards should migrate to flash equivalents like PIC16F877T-I/L when possible to extend system life.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC774T-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC774-I/L | PIC16C774T-I/L | PIC16F877T-I/L | PIC16F877T-I/PT | PIC16LC774T-I/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | 44-pin PLCC - same | TQFP-44 - pin-compatible via adapter | 44-pin PLCC - same |
| Program Memory | 7KB OTP | 7KB OTP | 7KB ROM | 14KB Flash | 14KB Flash | 7KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Obsolete | Active | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible flash upgrade path with PIC16F877T-I/L (vs PIC16LC774-I/L)
- Larger program memory in same package (vs PIC16C774T-I/L)
- Reprogrammable memory type (vs PIC16C774T-I/L)
Design Notes
PIC16LC774T-I/L uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory that cannot be erased or re-programmed. A single firmware bug during production programming results in a bricked MCU costing the full unit price. Mitigate this risk by developing and debugging on a flash-based equivalent such as PIC16F877T-I/L or PIC16F877-I/P, then porting verified firmware to the OTP device only for production. Always use Microchip's ICD2/ICD3 or PICKit3 with a known-good prototype board before committing to OTP programming.
The PIC16LC774T-I/L requires careful power supply design. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 11 and 32), with a 10uF bulk capacitor at the board's power entry. The MCU draws up to 20mA active at 20MHz, so regulator headroom matters. For battery applications, the LC variant's low-voltage operation (down to 2.5V) extends battery life compared to standard PIC16C parts. Use MCP1700 or MCP1825 LDOs for stable 3.3V or 5V rails.
The 44-pin PLCC package requires a socket or careful reflow profile. For socketed designs (recommended for field serviceability), use machine-pin PLCC sockets with retention clips. For reflow soldering, follow J-STD-020 profile with peak temperature 245C for lead-free assemblies. The exposed die pad on the bottom of the PLCC should not contact the PCB - maintain at least 0.5mm clearance. Route oscillator traces short and surround with ground pour to minimize EMI pickup.
When using the PIC16LC774T-I/L's ADC for precision measurements, add a 100nF bypass capacitor directly at each analog input pin (RA0-RA5, RE0-RE2). Source impedance should be below 10kohm to avoid acquisition time errors. Use the AVdd pin (if present in your package variant) separately filtered from digital Vdd, or share Vdd with adequate bulk capacitance. For high-speed SPI communication above 5MHz, keep trace lengths under 50mm and use series damping resistors near the driver.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only). Lead-free reflow compatible per J-STD-020.