PIC16LF74T-I/ML - 8-bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 44-QFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF74T-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.2 | $9.20 |
| 10 | $8.45 | $84.50 |
| 100 | $7.62 | $762.00 |
| 500 | $6.88 | $3,440.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.15 | $6,150.00 |
PIC16LF74T-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces into one package. PIC microcontrollers from Microchip occupy the mid-range PIC16 family branch, sitting between baseline PIC10/12/16F5x devices and the high-performance PIC18 and dsPIC families. They are widely used in cost-sensitive and power-constrained embedded designs where deterministic interrupt latency and ultra-low standby current are critical. PIC16F7x MCUs in particular add hardware peripherals such as 8-channel 8-bit ADC, two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, a USART, and a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C.
Key features of the PIC16LF74T-I/ML include 7 KB (4 K x 14 words) Flash program memory with self-programming capability, 192 bytes of data RAM, 33 digital I/O pins multiplexed with peripheral functions, an 8-channel 10-bit (rescaled) Analog-to-Digital Converter, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and an enhanced USART. Brown-out Reset (BOR), Power-on Reset (POR), and low-power Sleep mode with sub-1 µA typical standby current make the LF variant especially attractive for battery-powered designs.
Typical applications include small-form-factor consumer electronics, sensor interface modules, low-power remote controls, LED driver controllers, battery chargers, HVAC auxiliary controls, and industrial sensor hubs where a small QFN footprint and wide operating voltage are required. The 44-pin QFN (ML) package measures only 8 mm x 8 mm, making it suitable when PCB real estate is tight and a PLCC or TQFP footprint cannot be used.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the MCLR reset line has a proper pull-up and decoupling network, and place a 100 nF bypass capacitor close to each VDD/VSS pair. Programming/debugging is done via ICSP using two pins (RB6/ICSPCLK, RB7/ICSPDAT), so leave these accessible. Compared with PIC16F73/74 parts, the LF variant extends operation down to 2.0 V at the cost of maximum CPU frequency (4 MHz at 2 V vs 20 MHz at 5 V).
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF74T-I/ML — 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/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF73T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.17 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF76T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF77T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.77 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF74-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF74-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF74T-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 enhanced 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4 K x 14-bit words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) 8x8 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz (at 5 V), 4 MHz (at 2 V) |
| Timers | 2x 8-bit + 1x 16-bit Timer/Counter |
| CCP Modules | 2 Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Communication | Enhanced USART, SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "I") |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF74T-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| 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 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/ICSPCLK — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/ICSPDAT — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 32 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 33 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 34 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 35 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 (alt, redundant) |
| Pin 36 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 37 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 38 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 41 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel read |
| Pin 42 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel write |
| Pin 43 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel chip select |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF74T-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, Industrial Sensor Hub Module, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, LED Driver and Lighting Controller, HVAC Auxiliary Control Board, USB / Serial Bridge Device, Battery Charger and Fuel Gauge.
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC16LF74T-I/ML is well suited for battery-powered sensor interface nodes because its 2.0 V minimum VDD allows direct connection to a single Li-ion cell (3.0 V nominal) or 2x AA cells (3.0 V), while Sleep current under 1 µA extends battery life to years. The 8-channel ADC interfaces with analog sensors (temperature, pressure, light) without an external analog front end, and the 33 I/O pins handle digital sensors and indicators. Compared to PIC16F74, the LF variant saves approximately 30-40% energy per measurement cycle.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Hub Module
In industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor hubs, the PIC16LF74T-I/ML's 2.0 V minimum operation enables direct interface to loop-powered regulators without boost conversion. The enhanced USART and SSP peripherals support RS-485 or I2C sensor networks, while 192 bytes of RAM buffer real-time readings. The 44-pin QFN (ML) package measures only 8 mm x 8 mm, fitting dense DIN-rail modules where PCB area is constrained. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C matches process environment requirements.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
For consumer remote controls and IR transmitter designs, the PIC16LF74T-I/ML provides 33 I/O to drive IR LEDs, matrix keypads, and indicator LEDs without external glue logic. The two CCP modules generate precise 38 kHz / 56 kHz carrier frequencies for IR protocols (RC5, NEC, SIRC) while the 16-bit timer captures incoming signals. Wide 2.0 V-5.5 V operation supports 2x AAA cells at 3.0 V, and Sleep current under 1 µA delivers multi-year battery life on shelf.
Recommended
LED Driver and Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF74T-I/ML controls multi-channel LED drivers via its two CCP modules, generating PWM dimming signals at frequencies above 100 Hz to avoid visible flicker. With 33 I/O pins, the MCU can drive up to 16 channels of constant-current LED drivers through external shift registers. The 8-channel ADC monitors LED current and temperature for closed-loop thermal derating, while the 7 KB Flash stores dimming curves, color-mixing algorithms, and DMX-512 protocol handlers.
Recommended
HVAC Auxiliary Control Board
In HVAC systems, the PIC16LF74T-I/ML serves as an auxiliary controller for damper actuators, fan speed control, and air-quality sensor reading. Its 8-channel ADC interfaces with NTC thermistors and pressure transducers; the USART communicates with the main thermostat over RS-485 or UART; and the wide 2.0 V-5.5 V range tolerates 24 VAC-derived unregulated supplies. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade covers rooftop and basement installations without derating.
Recommended
USB / Serial Bridge Device
For low-cost USB-to-UART or USB-to-SPI bridge applications, the PIC16LF74T-I/ML uses its enhanced USART plus SSP (SPI) peripherals to interface with an external USB controller like the MCP2200 or MCP2221A. The MCU acts as the protocol translator, command processor, and GPIO controller, with 7 KB Flash storing USB HID class descriptors and command handlers. The 44-pin QFN (ML) footprint is small enough for thumb-drive form factors.
Recommended
Battery Charger and Fuel Gauge
The PIC16LF74T-I/ML implements single-cell Li-ion or NiMH charge controllers using its ADC to monitor battery voltage, charge current, and temperature. The two CCP modules drive PWM charging waveforms with smooth current regulation, while the USART reports state-of-charge to a host system. Wide 2.0 V-5.5 V range supports direct connection to battery nodes without a boost regulator, and Sleep current under 1 µA preserves standby charge during storage.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF74T-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF73T-I/ML | PIC16LF76T-I/ML | PIC16LF77T-I/ML | PIC16F74T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin QFN (ML) | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same | 44-pin QFN (ML) - same |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB | 4 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Minimum VDD | 2.0 V (LF) | 2.0 V (LF) | 2.0 V (LF) | 2.0 V (LF) | 4.0 V (no LF) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0 V-5.5 V operating range (LF family) (vs PIC16F74T-I/ML)
- 44-pin QFN (ML) ultra-small footprint (vs PIC16LF74-I/P (40-pin PDIP))
- On-chip enhanced USART and SSP peripherals (vs PIC16LF73T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to each VDD/VSS pair (the 44-pin QFN has 4 VDD/VSS pairs). Add a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail. For battery-powered designs, place a reverse-polarity protection diode (Schottky or P-FET) at the input and consider a 4.7 µF reservoir capacitor on the high-impedance VDD node to support voltage dips during transmit bursts.
The 44-pin QFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside that MUST be soldered to a PCB pad of at least equal area for mechanical reliability and thermal dissipation. Connect the EP to a quiet ground pour (VSS) using multiple thermal vias (typically 4-9 vias, 0.3 mm drill) to reduce ground impedance. QFN packages are more challenging to inspect than QFP, so use solder paste inspection and AOI to detect solder defects.
Do not exceed 20 MHz CPU frequency when VDD is below 4.5 V; the Fosc vs VDD derating curve in the datasheet shows 4 MHz at 2.0 V, 10 MHz at 3.0 V, and 20 MHz only at 4.5 V or higher. Configure the configuration bits (CONFIG1) for the correct oscillator mode (HS, XT, LP, or RC) before programming. Leaving the MCLR pin floating may cause spurious resets; always use a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for noise immunity.
When using the ADC, place a 100 nF capacitor close to AVdd (which on PIC16F7x shares the digital VDD pin). For high-impedance analog sources, add an op-amp buffer or sample-hold extension. Route analog traces away from digital switching lines (PWM outputs, oscillator) to avoid crosstalk. The 8-channel ADC has a recommended input impedance below 10 kΩ for full accuracy at the chosen sampling rate.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Lead-free reflow-compatible. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F74 automotive variants for vehicle applications. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.
