PIC16LF74-I/L - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB Flash MCU | Microchip 44-PLCC
MPN: PIC16LF74-I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.48 | $64.80 |
| 100 | $5.65 | $565.00 |
| 500 | $4.95 | $2,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.32 | $4,320.00 |
PIC16LF74-I/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (FLASH/ROM), working memory (RAM), and configurable peripherals (timers, communication interfaces, ADC, GPIO) into one IC. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, the PIC16LF74 sits under 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> integrated circuit. The 'LF' suffix denotes the low-voltage family, which extends battery life compared to standard PIC16F parts while retaining the same peripheral set and pinout.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, single-cycle execution except for program branches (2 cycles), brown-out detect/reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer (WDT), PWM module, and on-chip connectivity peripherals: I2C, SPI, and UART/USART. The wide operating voltage range (2.0V minimum at 4 MHz) allows direct connection to 2-cell battery stacks or regulated 3.3V rails.
Typical applications include industrial control front-ends, sensor interface boards, motor control PWM drivers, low-power remote sensor nodes, and home appliance user-interface controllers. The 33 I/O pins provide generous headroom for keypad scanning, LED multiplexing, and parallel bus interfacing. Designers should consult Microchip application notes for timer configuration, CCP/PWM setup, and ICD (in-circuit debug) wiring when developing firmware.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF74-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 PIC16LF74-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F74-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF874A-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF877A-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF74-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Architecture | RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) FLASH |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF series, 2.5 V/3.3 V/5 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead, 16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity Peripherals | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| On-chip Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Packaging | Tube |
PIC16LF74-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 / 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 for parallel slave port / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write control for parallel slave port / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select for parallel slave port / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal 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 / CCP2 module |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 module (PWM) |
| 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 TX / SPI clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / UART RX / SPI 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 |
| 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 / In-circuit debugger clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / In-circuit debugger 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
PIC16LF74-I/L is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Panel Front-End, Battery-Powered Sensor Interface Board, Motor Control PWM Driver, Home Appliance User-Interface Controller, Automotive Body Electronics (non-safety), Educational and Hobby Embedded Development, Remote Control and RF Transmitter.
Industrial Control Panel Front-End
The PIC16LF74-I/L fits industrial control panels where its 33 I/O pins scan keypads, drive 7-segment LED multiplex displays, and read sensor inputs. With 7KB FLASH and 192B RAM, it hosts typical PLC-style ladder logic for machine state machines. The 20 MHz core provides 5 MIPS throughput for real-time control loops. The 44-PLCC package mounts in a socket for easy firmware iteration in production. Brown-out detect/reset and the watchdog timer (WDT) protect against supply brown-outs in factory environments, while the -40 to +85C industrial temperature rating handles unheated cabinet locations. Pair with the PIC16LF747-I/PT for projects needing a 44-PLCC alternative with more memory.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16LF74-I/L suits battery-powered sensor nodes due to its low-voltage 2.0-5.5V supply range and the LF family's reduced quiescent current versus standard PIC16F parts. With 7KB FLASH and 192B RAM, the MCU can run a sleep-loop firmware reading I2C sensors (temperature, humidity) every few seconds while drawing microamp-level sleep current. The 20 MHz maximum clock allows burst reads and radio packet encoding, after which the CPU returns to sleep. The wide voltage range supports 2xAA, 2xAAA, Li-ion (3.7V), and regulated 3.3V rails. Pair with a low-power radio module on the SPI bus; the PIC16LF722A-I/SO offers a modern low-pin-count companion for cost-down daughter designs.
Recommended
Motor Control PWM Driver
The PIC16LF74-I/L drives DC brushed motors and small brushless DC fans via its on-chip PWM module and 33 I/O pins. With 20 MHz / 200 ns instruction cycle, the firmware can update PWM duty cycles at 20 kHz switching frequency while servicing encoder feedback interrupts and over-current protection. The brown-out detect/reset and watchdog timer add safety against supply glitches that could otherwise latch the motor driver. The 44-PLCC package dissipates enough heat for moderate gate-driver loads. The PIC16LF720-I/SO is a lower-pin companion for cost-reduced motor sub-modules; the PIC16LF18855-I/SO is a modern PIC16 upgrade with 14 PWM channels and configurable logic cells.
Recommended
Home Appliance User-Interface Controller
The PIC16LF74-I/L handles capacitive-touch and matrix-keypad scanning in washing machines, microwave ovens, and HVAC thermostats. Its 33 I/O pins drive up to 11x4 keypad matrices or multiplex 4-digit 7-segment displays with minimal external logic. The 7KB FLASH accommodates localizable UI strings; the 192B RAM holds transient state for menu navigation. The -40 to +85C industrial temperature range tolerates the elevated ambient inside appliance enclosures. The UART/USART interfaces report status to the main appliance controller or Wi-Fi module. Use the PIC16LF628A-I/P as a companion for simple sub-display modules; the PIC16LF1906-I/SP is a modern upgrade with on-chip LCD driver for appliance displays.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (non-safety)
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF74-I/L is used in non-safety body-electronics nodes such as interior lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, and seat-position memories in aftermarket and accessory modules. The 33 I/O pins handle multi-channel LED PWM dimming and position feedback; the UART/USART interfaces link to a CAN/LIN bridge chip. The 44-PLCC package tolerates the moderate thermal environment of interior cabins; -40 to +85C spans automotive interior requirements. Designers requiring AEC-Q100 should choose the PIC18F family instead; for hobby automotive retrofits the PIC16LF74-I/L remains a cost-effective option.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Embedded Development
The PIC16LF74-I/L is widely used in university microcontroller courses and hobby projects thanks to its 35-instruction PIC16 RISC architecture and extensive documentation. The 44-PLCC package fits standard PLCC sockets that simplify breadboarding and chip swapping; the ICSP interface supports PICkit 3/4 programmers and MPLAB X IDE development. The 7KB FLASH accommodates full lesson projects including PWM, ADC-free timer applications, and UART printf demos. The 33 I/O pins give students generous room for parallel experiments. For entry-level courses the PIC16F84A-I/P is often paired; the PIC16LF18855-I/SS is a modern PIC16 successor with more peripherals at comparable cost.
Recommended
Remote Control and RF Transmitter
The PIC16LF74-I/L builds low-cost 433 MHz / 315 MHz ASK/OOK RF transmitters for remote controls, garage door openers, and simple telemetry links. The 7KB FLASH stores rolling-code or fixed-code encryption tables; 192B RAM holds the transmit buffer. The PWM module can synthesize the carrier at low BOM cost; the UART/USART supports direct interface to serial RF modules. The 2.0-5.5V supply range works directly from 2xAA batteries. Brown-out detect prevents transmission errors at low battery voltage. Pair with the PIC16LF627-04I/P for cheaper sub-100 kHz sub-systems; the PIC16LF1938-I/ML is an XLP upgrade for battery-life-sensitive remote nodes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF74-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F74-I/L | PIC16LF874A-I/L | PIC16LF877A-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 44-PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 6.0 V (F) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| ADC | None (external or via analog comparator) | None | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| PWM Modules | CCP x 2 | CCP x 2 | CCP x 2 | CCP x 2 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.0-5.5V LF family variant for battery designs (vs PIC16F74-I/L)
- Native PLCC-44 package for socket-based development and field service (vs PIC16LF1938-I/SO)
- Balanced cost-vs-performance for legacy 7KB/192B designs (vs PIC16LF877A-I/L)
- Hardware PWM/CCP and parallel slave port for legacy designs (vs PIC16LF627A-I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 20 MHz and 5.0 V supply, the PIC16LF74-I/L draws approximately 10-15 mA active current. At 3.3 V and 4 MHz, supply current drops to roughly 2 mA. The LF variant benefits from explicit power-down (SLEEP mode) between sensor reads in battery designs - quiescent current can fall below 1 uA with the watchdog disabled. Per Microchip DS30374B, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12 and 31/32).
The 44-PLCC (J-Lead) package requires a PLCC socket or hand-soldering of J-leads to PCB pads. Per Microchip app note TB001, allocate a continuous ground plane under the MCU and route VDD with at least 0.25 mm trace width to handle the 15 mA peak active current. Place the decoupling caps on the same side as the MCU, never under it, and keep the MCLR/VPP trace short to avoid false resets in noisy environments.
Do not exceed the maximum absolute supply voltage (6.0 V for LF, 6.5 V for F); reverse-voltage on VDD will permanently damage the part. The ICSP programming pins (RB6/PGD, RB7/PGC) must not be pulled low at reset or the part enters programming mode. According to Microchip DS30374B, the MCLR pin needs a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation - leaving it floating causes intermittent resets.
The PIC16LF74-I/L lacks internal pull-ups on PORTD; external 10-47 kohm pull-ups are required for I2C bus stability when used as a slave. The I2C/SPI pins (RC3/RC4) source only 25 mA maximum per pin and 200 mA total VDD current - budget carefully when driving multiple peripherals. For 20 MHz operation use a fundamental-mode crystal or ceramic resonator; the internal oscillator is not present on this part, so an external clock source is mandatory.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant lead-free 44-PLCC per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC18F family for automotive safety applications. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.
