PIC16LF74T-I/L - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 7KB Flash, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF74T-I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.42 | $6.42 |
| 10 | $5.84 | $58.40 |
| 100 | $5.21 | $521.00 |
| 500 | $4.62 | $2,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.08 | $4,080.00 |
PIC16LF74T-I/L Overview
What is a PIC16F microcontroller? The PIC16F family is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit RISC microcontroller line, sitting in the broader hierarchy of 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor IC. It is widely used in cost-sensitive, low-power embedded designs where deterministic interrupt response, easy in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and a stable peripheral set matter more than raw CPU throughput.
The LF suffix denotes the extended low-voltage operating range, allowing the PIC16LF74T-I/L to run reliably from 2.0V to 5.5V, which simplifies battery-powered and energy-harvesting designs. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and on-chip brown-out reset (BOR), watchdog timer, and power-on reset ensure robust operation in noisy environments. In-system programming via two pins allows firmware updates after PCB assembly, reducing field-service cost.
Typical applications include industrial control, sensor interface boards, low-power remote monitoring nodes, and human-machine interface (HMI) front panels. The 33 I/O pins accommodate multiple pushbuttons, LED indicators, character LCDs, and rotary encoders in a single-chip solution without external glue logic. Five 8-bit I/O ports (PORTA through PORTE) provide flexible mixed-signal routing including analog input channels for direct sensor reading.
When designing with the PIC16LF74T-I/L, ensure decoupling with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of VDD, and respect the 44-PLCC socket or land pattern dimensions during PCB layout. Note that the PLCC package requires either a PLCC socket for socketing or precise reflow profiling; for tape-and-reel pick-and-place, the 44-PLCC is generally more challenging than QFP packages, so confirm the assembly process capability before finalizing the BOM.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in 44-PLCC alternatives (including the QFP-package sibling PIC16LF74T-I/PTG), and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet or single distributor listings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF74T-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 PIC16LF74T-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, PWM Modules.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF74-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74-I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877A-I/LG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF74T-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit RISC Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Series | PIC PIC 16F |
| Core | PIC16 |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | FLASH |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package | 44-PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm), J-Lead, Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, I) |
| ADC | 8-channel 8-bit (per family datasheet) |
| PWM Modules | Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules |
| Serial Interfaces | Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) supporting SPI / I2C, USART |
| Timers | Three 16-bit timers (TMR0, TMR1, TMR2) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Special Features | Brown-out Reset (BOR), Watchdog Timer, Power-on Reset |
PIC16LF74T-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal/ceramic resonator input or external clock input |
| Pin 2 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal output or 1/4 CPU clock output |
| Pin 3 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, programming voltage input |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 8 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 10 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel port read / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 11 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel port write / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 12 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel port chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V - 5.5V) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/RC0 — Crystal input (alternate) / PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/RC1 — Crystal output (alternate) / PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 output |
| 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 reference |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V - 5.5V) |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt 0 |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / Low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data (programming) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per PLCC pinout) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per PLCC pinout) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per PLCC pinout) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per PLCC pinout) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF74T-I/L is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control & Sensor Interface Boards, Low-Power Remote Monitoring Nodes, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Front Panels, Educational & Hobby Microcontroller Kits, Automotive Aftermarket & Telematics, Legacy System Maintenance & Repair, Motor Control & PWM Driver Boards.
Industrial Control & Sensor Interface Boards
The PIC16LF74T-I/L fits industrial sensor interface boards where 33 I/O pins, on-chip ADC, and 2.5V-5.5V supply tolerance matter. With 7KB Flash and 192B RAM, it reads up to 8 analog sensors via PORTA ADC channels while driving status LEDs, optocouplers, and a UART-linked PLC backplane. The -40C to +85C industrial grade handles factory-floor temperature swings, and ICSP lets the factory or service tech reprogram the unit without desoldering. Compared to discrete logic plus a separate ADC IC, this single-chip MCU cuts BOM cost by ~30% and PCB area by ~50%.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Monitoring Nodes
Battery-powered remote monitoring nodes leverage the LF suffix's 2.0V-5.5V supply range to run directly from 2x AA cells or a single Li-ion pack without boost regulation. The 20MHz PIC16F core wakes periodically, reads a sensor via the on-chip ADC, transmits over the USART or SSP, then returns to sleep. Brown-out reset protects against weak cells, and the watchdog timer guards against code lockup in unattended installations. The 44-PLCC allows field-replaceable servicing - swap a node in 10 seconds instead of desoldering.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Front Panels
HMI front panels with character LCDs, 7-segment displays, keypads, and rotary encoders benefit from the PIC16LF74T-I/L's 33 I/O pins: enough to drive a 16x2 character LCD in 4-bit mode while scanning a 4x4 matrix keypad and reading two encoder channels. The CCP modules generate PWM for backlight dimming, and the SSP talks to an external SPI EEPROM for menu storage. The 44-PLCC package accommodates test sockets during manufacturing and field replacement of legacy panels.
Recommended
Educational & Hobby Microcontroller Kits
The PIC16LF74T-I/L remains a teaching favorite because it packs enough peripherals (ADC, PWM, SPI, I2C, USART) into a single 44-pin chip to support comprehensive assembly and C programming exercises. Universities and makers appreciate the 44-PLCC's through-hole-socket compatibility - beginners can plug the chip into a breadboard adapter and swap it without soldering. ICSP support lets instructors flash firmware updates during lab sessions. The mature, free MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler toolchain shorten the learning curve.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket & Telematics
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF74T-I/L serves in non-safety automotive aftermarket modules such as OBD-II adapters, GPS telematics loggers, and lighting controllers where the industrial -40C to +85C range, brown-out protection, and watchdog timer meet under-hood or cabin requirements. Its 33 I/O pins handle multiple sensor inputs (temperature, voltage, RPM), and the USART bridges to GSM/Bluetooth/GPS modules. For OEM automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, use the PIC16LF74T-I/PT automotive variant instead.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance & Repair
The PIC16LF74T-I/L keeps decades-old PIC16F7X-based industrial systems running without requiring PCB redesigns. With identical 44-PLCC pinout and PIC16F74 silicon, it serves as a verified maintenance replacement for end-of-life assemblies where a system redesign is uneconomical. Distributors maintain pipeline stock because the part is still actively produced, simplifying MRO procurement. For discontinued predecessors like the PIC16C74, it is a functional upgrade to Flash-based in-circuit reprogrammable memory.
Recommended
Motor Control & PWM Driver Boards
The PIC16LF74T-I/L's two CCP modules generate complementary PWM signals for DC motor and small stepper motor control, while the 8-channel ADC reads current-sense shunts and tachometer feedback. Its 20MHz clock supports PWM frequencies up to ~78kHz (8-bit resolution) or ~19kHz (10-bit resolution), sufficient for brushed DC and unipolar stepper drivers. The 33 I/O pins accommodate direction logic, brake control, fault inputs, and encoder feedback. Add an external gate driver for higher-current MOSFET/IGBT switching.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF74T-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF74-I/L | PIC16F74-I/L | PIC16F877A-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59) | 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59) - same | 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59) - same | 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59) - same |
| 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 Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5V - 5.5V (LF) | 2.5V - 5.5V (LF) | 4.5V - 5.5V (non-LF) | 2.0V - 5.5V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube |
| 1-Piece Price (USD, as of 2026-09-25) | $6.42 | ~$6.20 | ~$5.85 | ~$7.40 |
Key Differentiators
- Wider operating voltage range than the legacy PIC16F74 (vs PIC16F74-I/L)
- Same 44-PLCC footprint, doubled memory with PIC16F877A upgrade (vs PIC16F877A-I/L)
- Tape-and-reel packaging variant for SMT assembly (vs PIC16LF74-I/L)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF (0.1 uF) ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD pin (pin 13 and pin 32 on the 44-PLCC); add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor on the main VDD rail. The PIC16LF74T-I/L has two VDD pins to reduce supply noise; never connect only one. For battery-powered designs, route the BOR threshold configuration bits to match the battery end-of-discharge voltage to avoid spurious resets.
The 44-PLCC J-lead package requires a 44-PLCC SMT land pattern with proper pad geometry (typically 1.0 mm x 2.0 mm pads on 1.27 mm pitch). Keep-out zones around the chip body must accommodate the plastic body overhang. For prototype/swap-friendly designs, use a 44-PLCC through-hole socket (e.g., 3M 8444 series) - this allows field replacement and avoids PLCC reflow soldering, which has a steeper learning curve than QFP.
Estimated: at 20MHz with 5.0V supply, active current is ~13 mA per the datasheet DC characteristics; at 3.3V it drops to ~5 mA. Sleep current is below 1 uA typical, so wake-on-interrupt designs should confirm Sleep-mode wake latency (4 Tosc + wake-up delay) is acceptable. Watch out for the parallel slave port (PSP) on PORTE/RE0-RE2 - if unused, set TRISE bits to make them inputs and tie to a defined level to avoid floating-pin noise on ADC channels AN5-AN7.
Keep the crystal or external clock traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and routed away from high-noise traces such as PWM outputs and ADC inputs. Place a guard trace around the crystal traces to ground if PCB density allows. When using the internal RC oscillator instead, OSC1/OSC2 pins can be reassigned as RA7/RA6 general-purpose I/O (varies by configuration), freeing two extra pins but losing crystal accuracy - acceptable for UART baud rates up to 9600 but not for precise timing.
The PIC16LF74T-I/L's ADC is unipolar and shares its sample-and-hold capacitance with the analog input pin. Add a source impedance under 10 kohm (preferably under 2.5 kohm) and a 100 nF bypass on each analog input for accurate conversions at 20MHz. Switching large loads (relays, motors) on adjacent digital pins can inject noise - add a small RC filter (1 kohm + 100 nF) on sensitive analog channels.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; not AEC-Q100 qualified - use PIC16LF74T-I/PT automotive variant for OEM automotive applications. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available web data - marked unknown.
