PIC16LF83-04/P - 8-bit PIC MCU, 896B Flash, 4MHz, 18-DIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF83-04/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.96 | $2.96 |
| 10 | $2.78 | $27.80 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.39 | $1,195.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.2 | $2,200.00 |
PIC16LF83-04/P Overview
A microcontroller (microcontroller unit, MCU) is a single-chip computer integrating a CPU, RAM, program memory, I/O peripherals and interrupt logic. The PIC16F8X family employs an advanced RISC Harvard architecture with only 35 single-cycle instructions, making it one of the simplest and most deterministic 8-bit MCU platforms. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> microprocessors -> digital logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors, and are widely used as embedded controllers.
Key features of the PIC16LF83-04/P include a 14-bit instruction word, 8-level deep hardware stack, 4 oscillator options (RC, LP, XT, HS), an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, power-up timer, and brown-out reset, plus an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface. The 'LF' prefix denotes the low-power (LF) process variant optimised for battery operation at 2.0V to 6.0V, while the '04' speed suffix denotes the 4 MHz maximum clock at 5V.
Technically, the device features separate 13-bit program and 8-bit data buses (Harvard), allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. Each instruction executes in one oscillator cycle (4 clock periods), giving an effective 1 MIPS throughput at 4 MHz. The high-current sink/source capability on PORTB (25 mA per pin) allows direct LED drive, while PORTA supports analog comparator inputs.
Typical applications include low-power remote controls, sensor interface nodes, consumer appliance controllers, battery-backed instruments, simple LED drivers, and educational/development boards. Its through-hole 18-DIP package remains popular for hobbyist prototyping, breadboarding, and legacy industrial controllers.
When designing with this MCU, ensure the configuration word selects an oscillator mode matching the external crystal or RC network. Use ICSP for firmware updates and observe minimum Vdd rise time to avoid power-on reset issues. The PIC16LF83-04/P is functionally a precursor to the PIC16F84A and shares most peripherals but lacks the latter's enhanced USART.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings, parametric comparisons and engineering guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF83-04/P — 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 PIC16LF83-04/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, Peripherals.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F84A-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F83-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16CR83-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF84A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF627-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF83-04/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 896 bytes (512 x 14) FLASH |
| Data RAM | 36 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-cycle instructions, 14-bit opcode |
| Digital I/O Pins | 13 (PORTA 5, PORTB 8) |
| I/O Sink/Source | 25 mA per pin on PORTB |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset / Power-up Timer | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | Yes (ICSP) |
| Oscillator Modes | RC, LP, XT, HS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 6.0 V (LF process) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Terminal Count | 18 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF83-04/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, analog comparator input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O, Timer0 external clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master clear (reset), active low, programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O, external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change, ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, interrupt-on-change, ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply, 2.0V to 6.0V |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output, clock output Fosc/4 |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input, external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, analog comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, analog comparator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF83-04/P is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Remote Control, LED Driver / Lighting Controller, Sensor Interface Module, Consumer Appliance Controller, Hobby / Educational Development Board, Industrial Timing / Pulse Generator, Automotive Aftermarket Accessory.
Battery-Powered Remote Control
The PIC16LF83-04/P is well-suited to battery-powered infrared or RF remote controls thanks to its LF process variant, which operates down to 2.0V from a single Li coin cell or two AA cells. The 4 MHz CPU clock provides 1 MIPS throughput, sufficient to debounce button inputs, drive an IR LED via PWM on PORTB (25 mA per pin), and execute simple encoding routines. With 896 bytes of FLASH and 36 bytes of RAM, the LF83 can hold common protocols like NEC, RC5, or Sony SIRC with room for proprietary extensions. Engineers benefit from the low-power sleep modes and brown-out reset to keep the controller below 1 uA quiescent current when idle.
Recommended
LED Driver / Lighting Controller
The PIC16LF83-04/P drives LED matrices and animated lighting fixtures via its 25 mA sink/source capable PORTB pins, eliminating the need for external transistor drivers in many simple designs. The 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler generates accurate PWM channels for dimming and color mixing, while 13 I/O lines multiplex up to 8 individual LED channels with a 3-to-8 decoder. At 5V, the part dissipates negligible power at 4 MHz, allowing fan-less compact fixtures. The 2.0V minimum Vdd also supports battery-powered decorative lighting strings that require seasonal runtime from a USB supply or two AA cells.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Module
Sensor interface boards with analog front-ends, like thermistor bridges or photodiode amplifiers, use the PIC16LF83-04/P to digitize signals and perform linearisation in firmware. While the LF83 lacks a built-in ADC, the on-chip analog comparator (PORTA) implements sigma-delta or dual-slope conversion when paired with an external RC integrator. The ICSP interface allows field firmware updates as calibration tables evolve, and the watchdog timer ensures unattended sensor nodes recover from software faults. Brown-out reset protects against battery droop in remote solar-powered monitoring installations.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controller
White-goods controllers in coffee makers, toasters, washing machines, and small kitchen appliances historically use 18-pin PIC microcontrollers for their low cost, deterministic interrupt response, and robust hardware watchdog. The PIC16LF83-04/P fits this role with 13 I/O for relay drivers, button inputs, buzzer PWM, and triac firing zero-cross detection. Its commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade covers indoor appliance environments, and EEPROM endurance (1 million erase/write cycles per Microchip datasheet DS30430D) supports user-configurable settings like brew strength or toast darkness.
Recommended
Hobby / Educational Development Board
The PIC16LF83-04/P is a staple on classic PIC development boards and training kits because of its breadboard-friendly 18-pin PDIP package, simple instruction set (only 35 opcodes), and inexpensive PICkit programmer compatibility via ICSP. Beginners benefit from the deterministic single-cycle execution model that allows timing calculations by counting instruction cycles. The 0.1 inch pin pitch accepts standard IC sockets and breadboard insertion, supporting rapid prototyping of state machines, timers, and serial bit-banging projects without surface-mount soldering.
Recommended
Industrial Timing / Pulse Generator
In industrial control panels and test fixtures, the PIC16LF83-04/P serves as a programmable pulse generator, watchdog, or simple PLC logic block. The hardware TMR0 prescaler creates microsecond-to-minute timing intervals, while PORTB high-current outputs directly drive optocouplers for 24V logic isolation. Its -40C to +85C industrial variant (PIC16LF84A-04I/P) extends the same architecture into harsher enclosures. The ICSP port allows field re-flash without desoldering, valuable for machines with long service lives where firmware bug fixes must be applied in place.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessory
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16LF83-04/P appears in many automotive aftermarket accessories such as alarm LED indicators, alarm chirp generators, and aftermarket gauge dimmers where the operating environment stays within commercial-grade temperature. Its 25 mA per-pin drive capability directly sinks automotive relay coils without external transistors, and the brown-out reset prevents erratic behaviour during cranking transients. For OE automotive designs the PIC16F84A-04I/P or PIC16F722A-I/P with AEC-Q100 qualification is recommended instead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF83-04/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F84A-04/P | PIC16F83-04/P | PIC16F84A-04I/P | PIC16LF84A-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B (512 x 14) | 1.75 KB (1024 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 1.75 KB (1024 x 14) | 1.75 KB (1024 x 14) |
| Data RAM | 36 B | 68 B | 36 B | 68 B | 68 B |
| Data EEPROM | 64 B | 64 B | 64 B | 64 B | 64 B |
| Maximum Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 4.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest operating voltage in the PIC16F8X family (vs PIC16F83-04/P)
- Through-hole 18-PDIP package supports prototyping (vs PIC16F818-I/P)
- Pin-compatible code upgrade path to PIC16F84A (vs PIC16LF84A-04/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF83-04/P supports a wide 2.0V to 6.0V supply range thanks to the LF process variant. For battery operation, add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to Vdd (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply input. Brown-out reset (BOR) is enabled via the configuration word; without BOR set, the part can execute erratically during supply droop. Estimated: at 4 MHz and 5V, typical Idd is approximately 2 mA, dropping to under 1 uA in sleep mode.
The 18-pin PDIP footprint uses standard 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) through-hole pitch, breadboard-friendly but unsuited to vibration-prone environments without socket locking. Decoupling (100 nF X7R) must be placed within 5 mm of Vdd. For oscillator stability, keep the crystal/ceramic resonator leads short and surround them with a ground guard ring; do not route signal traces directly under the OSC1/OSC2 traces. MCLR (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd and a 100 nF cap to ground for noise immunity, unless internal MCLR is selected via the configuration word.
Common pitfalls include (1) forgetting to set the oscillator configuration bits to match the external clock source (RC vs XT vs HS vs LP) - mismatched bits prevent startup; (2) using the LF83 where the PIC16F83 is needed (F83 requires 4.0V minimum and will not run on 3V coin cells); (3) exceeding EEPROM write endurance beyond the datasheet-rated 1M erase/write cycles per byte. Always read-modify-write EEPROM with interrupts disabled to avoid partial writes. ICSP programming requires RB6/RB7 to remain free of any load that exceeds 25 mA during programming.
At 4 MHz and 5V, the PIC16LF83-04/P draws approximately 2 mA, dissipating about 10 mW - well within the thermal envelope of the 18-PDIP package. Estimated: with theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W for PDIP-18 (typical), the junction temperature rise is below 1 C above ambient, so no heatsinking is required. Designers targeting commercial temperature (0C to +70C) need not derate; for industrial variants use the PIC16F84A-04I/P specified to -40C to +85C.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive OE applications use AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F84A or PIC16F722A derivatives. Lead-free matte-tin terminations.
