PIC16LF74-I/PTG - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 7KB Flash 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF74-I/PTG ✓ Active| 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 | $5.45 | $5,450.00 |
PIC16LF74-I/PTG Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU core, program memory (ROM/FLASH), working RAM, digital I/O, and on-chip peripherals such as timers, capture/compare modules, and communication interfaces. The 8-bit MCU category sits beneath the broader semiconductor hierarchy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The PIC16F mid-range family specifically uses a 14-bit instruction word and Harvard architecture, and the PIC16LF74 belongs to this family.
Key differentiating features include 7KB of in-system self-programmable FLASH (4K x 14 words), 192 bytes of data RAM, three timers, dual analog comparators, and a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 channels (per family datasheet). The 'LF' prefix denotes an extended low-voltage variant (2.0V VDDmin), distinguishing it from the standard PIC16F74 (4.0V VDDmin). The 44-pin TQFP package exposes 33 I/O lines plus oscillator, reset, and power pins, supporting a broad peripheral footprint.
Technical depth: the PIC16LF74 uses an enhanced mid-range 8-bit core with 35 instructions, single-cycle execution at 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle), and a hardware multiplier unavailable in baseline PIC cores. The device supports In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) via two pins (RB6/RB7) and In-Circuit Debugger (ICD) on the same pins, simplifying field updates and development without removing the chip.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, low-cost motor-driver sub-controllers, automotive body and lighting controllers, and embedded data-acquisition nodes where a low-voltage, low-pin-count 8-bit MCU suffices. The 7KB FLASH supports moderate control-loop code plus a small protocol stack.
Design consideration: at 20 MHz from 5V, power dissipation remains modest (tens of mW), but adequate decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF near VDD/AVDD) and a stable clock source (crystal or internal RC) are required for reliable ADC accuracy. Watchdog timer and brown-out reset (BOR) should be enabled for industrial environments.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF74-I/PTG — 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/PTG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F74-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF747-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF77-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F874A-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF74-I/PTG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F (mid-range 8-bit) |
| Core | 8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word, Harvard |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF low-voltage family) |
| I/O Pins | 33 digital I/O |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels (per family datasheet) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Communication Peripherals | AUSART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) (per family datasheet) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| ICSP / ICD | Yes (RB6/RB7) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free) |
PIC16LF74-I/PTG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage / PORTE bit 3 |
| 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 reference negative |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC reference positive |
| 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 / Parallel port read / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel port write / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel port chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| 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 / CCP2 module |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 module |
| 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 / AUSART transmit / clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / AUSART 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 |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock / ICD clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data / ICD data |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (no internal bond) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF74-I/PTG is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel PLCs, Automotive Body and Lighting Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends, Low-Cost Motor Driver Sub-Controllers, Embedded Data Acquisition Nodes, HVAC and Building Automation Sub-Systems.
Industrial Control Panel PLCs
The PIC16LF74-I/PTG fits industrial control panels where 7KB FLASH and 33 I/O pins drive relays, sensors, and HMI keypads. Its 2.0V-5.5V VDD supports 24V->5V regulated rails common in PLC backplanes. The AUSART and MSSP peripherals handle Modbus RTU (RS-485) master communication via an external transceiver, while the 10-bit ADC reads 4-20mA loopback sensors through a current-sense amplifier. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and brown-out reset (BOR) deliver the reliability demanded by IEC 61131-2 environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF74-I/PTG is well suited to interior body and lighting modules - seat controllers, mirror adjusters, ambient lighting drivers, and CAN/LIN sub-nodes. Its 20 MHz core and 7KB FLASH handle LIN protocol stacks and PWM lighting routines within automotive electrical transient envelopes. The industrial-grade -40C to +85C temperature range covers cabin environments; for under-hood modules migrate to AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F equivalents. The 33 I/O lines drive multiple LED channels via MOSFET drivers and read switch matrix inputs through pin-change interrupts.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends
The PIC16LF74-I/PTG serves as a low-cost analog front-end MCU, reading 4-20mA current loops, RTD/thermocouple amplified signals, and bridge sensor outputs via its 8-channel 10-bit ADC. Its 192B RAM and 7KB FLASH fit digital filtering (moving average, Kalman-lite) plus linearization routines. The 2 analog comparators enable threshold detection for alarm outputs without CPU overhead, while the AUSART streams conditioned data to upstream PLCs or IoT gateways at 9600-115200 baud. Low-voltage operation (2.0V-5.5V) suits battery-powered remote sensor nodes.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Driver Sub-Controllers
The PIC16LF74-I/PTG drives small BLDC, stepper, and DC motors as a sub-controller offloading commutation and PID from a higher-tier MCU. Its 3 timers provide time bases for PWM generation at up to 20 MHz / 2 = 10 MHz PWM clock, sufficient for 20 kHz switching frequencies. The CCP module captures encoder feedback for closed-loop speed control, while 33 I/O drive H-bridge gate drivers, current sense amplifiers, and tachometer inputs. The 7KB FLASH fits trapezoidal commutation tables and soft-start ramps.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition Nodes
The PIC16LF74-I/PTG powers battery-operated remote data loggers reading temperature, humidity, and vibration sensors with sample rates up to 100 kSps aggregate. Its 8-channel ADC and 192B RAM buffer sensor bursts before AUSART transmission, while 7KB FLASH accommodates SD card FAT16 drivers or simple compression algorithms. Sleep current in the microamp range enables multi-year battery life on 2x AA cells. ICSP on RB6/RB7 permits field firmware updates without disassembly.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation Sub-Systems
The PIC16LF74-I/PTG operates as a zone controller for HVAC dampers, VAV boxes, and thermostat sub-systems, where its 33 I/O lines drive TRIAC controls, read NTC thermistors, and communicate via Modbus or BACnet MS/TP over RS-485. Industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) handles unconditioned mechanical rooms. The PIC16LF74's 2.0V VDDmin permits 3.3V-only designs, reducing power consumption versus 5V PIC16F74 in always-on building controllers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF74-I/PTG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F74-I/PT | PIC16LF747-I/PT | PIC16LF77-I/PT | PIC16F873A-I/PT | PIC16F874A-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-TQFP (10x10) | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same | 44-TQFP (10x10) - same |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 36 | 33 | 28 | 33 |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 11 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Extended low-voltage operation (2.0V-5.5V) (vs PIC16F74-I/PT)
- Pin-compatible upgrade path within Microchip PIC16F family (vs PIC16F873A-I/PT)
- Mature, well-documented 8-bit mid-range core (vs PIC16LF77-I/PT)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pin pair (pins 11/12 and 31/32) to suppress switching noise on the digital supply. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor near the MCU for transient response during ADC bursts. Estimated: with 33 I/O toggling at 10 MHz and an internal oscillator, average supply current stays below 25 mA at 5V - well within the chip's 250 mW power budget.
At 20 MHz, 5V, all I/O toggling, power dissipation is approximately 100 mW. The 44-TQFP package has a theta_JA around 50 C/W, yielding a junction temperature rise of only 5C above ambient. No heatsink is required for normal industrial operation; ensure ambient does not exceed 85C to preserve the industrial-grade spec. Estimated: based on typical PIC16F7x datasheet power tables.
Always configure the MCLR pin with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; floating MCLR causes spurious resets in noisy industrial environments. Enable the Brown-Out Reset (BOR) in the configuration word to protect against VDD brown-outs during motor inrush events. For ADC accuracy, place the analog reference (VREF+/VREF-) traces away from switching digital lines and use a guard ring around analog input pins to reduce digital crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Pb-free 'G' suffix on order code. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications use PIC16F equivalent from Microchip automotive portfolio.