PIC16LF84A-04I/P - 4MHz 1.75KB Flash 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF84A-04I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.49 | $3.49 |
| 10 | $3.14 | $31.40 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16LF84A-04I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory (Flash/ROM/EEPROM), and peripherals on one silicon die. The PIC16 mid-range family uses Microchip's RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions, where every instruction executes in a single instruction cycle (200 ns at 4 MHz) except for program branches which take two cycles. This positions the PIC16LF84A in the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor IC.
Key features include 13 digital I/O pins, 64 bytes of EEPROM data memory, a 15-bit programmable timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, a watchdog timer for reliable unattended operation, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for field updates, and power-on reset with brown-out detection. The 04 speed grade designates a 4 MHz maximum oscillator input, distinguishing it from the 20 MHz 20-grade variants. The LF suffix guarantees 1.8V to 3.6V operation across the industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C, I grade).
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor interfaces, simple control logic, low-speed automation nodes, automotive body modules, and educational/hobbyist platforms where the PIC's RISC architecture and broad compiler support (MPASM, XC8) minimize firmware complexity. The wide operating voltage makes the LF84A particularly suited for 2-cell battery or regulated 3.3V rails.
When designing with this MCU, ensure your code fits within the 1K x 14 word Flash and that interrupts use the single-vector scheme typical of mid-range PICs. For higher speed, larger memory, or modern peripherals, migrate to the PIC16F1xx or PIC16F18xx families; for ultra-low-power, consider the PIC16LF153xx.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement, rather than duplicate, the Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF84A-04I/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 PIC16LF84A-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F84A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF84A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF84A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.59 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F84A-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.43 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84A-10I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F84A-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF84A-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 4 MHz (04 speed grade) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 68 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 64 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (independent RC oscillator) |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Halogen-Free Status | Compliant (per GlobalSpec datasheet listing) |
PIC16LF84A-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port A bit 2) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port A bit 3) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input (Port A bit 4) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / External interrupt (Port B bit 0) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port B bit 1) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port B bit 2) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port B bit 3) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port B bit 4) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port B bit 5) |
| Pin 12 | RB6/ICCK — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock (Port B bit 6) |
| Pin 13 | RB7/ICDAT — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data (Port B bit 7) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock out (crystal mode) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port A bit 0) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin (Port A bit 1) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF84A-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Industrial Control Logic Replacement, Automotive Body Electronics, Educational & Hobbyist Development, Simple LED Display Driver, Remote Control Transmitter (RF/IR).
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16LF84A-04I/P is well suited for battery-powered sensor nodes because of its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range and low-power CMOS design. The LF grade allows operation from two alkaline or NiMH cells or a single 3 V coin cell, eliminating boost converters. Its 1.75 KB Flash comfortably fits typical sensor-firmware state machines, while the 64-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants across power cycles. Compared with newer PIC16F1xxx parts, the LF84A's modest 4 MHz clock limits sample rates, but for 1 Hz to 1 kHz thermal, optical, or contact sensors, the part excels. Engineers typically pair it with low-power peripherals on a sleep/idle cycle and rely on the watchdog timer for unattended wake-up.
Recommended
Industrial Control Logic Replacement
Engineers use the PIC16LF84A-04I/P as a drop-in modernization for legacy 8-bit logic controllers in industrial equipment. Its 13 digital I/O pins and 8-bit PIC16 mid-range core replicate discrete 74HC logic while adding firmware flexibility. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature grade handles factory-floor environments. The part's 4 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle suit slow-control loops such as relay sequencing, conveyor interlocks, and simple HMI keypads. ICSP enables field firmware updates without removing the MCU from the board, reducing downtime. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer provide the reliability features industrial applications demand.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LF84A-04I/P appears in low-end automotive body modules such as lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, and seat-position modules where its 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply range tolerates automotive voltage drops during cranking. The 13 I/O pins directly drive small solenoids, LEDs, and switches through external MOSFETs. Its 1.75 KB Flash supports typical 35-instruction PIC code for state-machine control. Designers rely on the watchdog timer and brown-out reset to recover from transients on the 12 V automotive bus. For safety-relevant modules, however, prefer automotive-qualified parts like PIC16F1823-I/P or PIC16F15313 with AEC-Q100 qualification.
Recommended
Educational & Hobbyist Development
The PIC16LF84A-04I/P remains popular in hobbyist and educational kits because of its simple 35-instruction RISC architecture, breadboard-friendly 18-pin PDIP package, and abundant free tools (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler). Students learn embedded C and assembly on a through-hole package that fits standard 0.1 inch pitch protoboards. The 4 MHz clock is slow enough to observe timing with a logic analyzer, and the 1.75 KB Flash is large enough for textbook examples such as PWM motor control, UART communication, and interrupt-driven state machines. Many legacy PIC16F84A training boards use this exact part.
Recommended
Simple LED Display Driver
The PIC16LF84A-04I/P drives 7-segment or dot-matrix LED displays by multiplexing digits through its 13 I/O pins, exploiting its 4 MHz instruction cycle for stable refresh without flicker. Internal EEPROM stores display patterns and brightness settings across power cycles. The 1.8 V to 3.6 V supply lets the design run from 2 x AA cells in portable scoreboards or signage. Code fits comfortably in 1.75 KB Flash for marquee scrolling, counters, and clocks. The brown-out reset prevents corrupted EEPROM writes during low battery conditions, and ICSP allows in-field pattern updates.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter (RF/IR)
The PIC16LF84A-04I/P serves as the controller in simple RF or IR remote transmitters for toys, consumer electronics, and garage door openers. Its low-voltage operation extends battery life on 3 V coin cells. The 13 I/O pins interface to tactile keypads and encoder ICs; 1.75 KB Flash holds encoding tables for multiple protocols. The watchdog timer prevents lockups during long idle standby. ICSP allows manufacturers to update encoding tables without tooling changes. For modern designs with encryption, migrate to PIC16F15313 or PIC24F for hardware AES support.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF84A-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F84A-04I/P | PIC16LF84A-04I/SO | PIC16F84A-04I/SO | PIC16F84A-20I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin SOIC - surface-mount | 18-pin SOIC - surface-mount | 18-pin PDIP - same |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.6 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 1.8 V to 3.6 V - same | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz (-04 grade) | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 20 MHz - upgrade |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14) | 1.75 KB - same | 1.75 KB - same | 1.75 KB - same | 1.75 KB - same |
| RAM | 68 bytes | 68 bytes - same | 68 bytes - same | 68 bytes - same | 68 bytes - same |
| Digital I/O Pins | 13 | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same |
| ICSP Programming | Yes | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same | Yes - same |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 1.8 V operation extends battery life in 2-cell designs (vs PIC16F84A-04I/P)
- Same PIC16 mid-range architecture with broadest toolchain support (vs PIC16F1827 (modern upgrade))
- Through-hole PDIP package for breadboard-friendly prototyping (vs PIC16LF84A-04I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF84A-04I/P operates from 1.8 V to 3.6 V; exceeding 3.6 V can damage the part. For designs above 3.6 V, use the PIC16F84A-04I/P (2.0 V to 6.0 V) instead. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin, plus a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum on the supply rail. Power-on reset and brown-out reset are integral - verify the BOR voltage is configured in the configuration word for your application.
For the 18-pin PDIP package, keep trace lengths under 25 mm from VDD/VSS to the decoupling caps. Place the 100 nF VDD bypass cap as close as possible to pin 14, with a short, wide ground return to pin 5. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) needs a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; for ICSP, route RB6/ICCK and RB7/ICDAT to a 5-pin header with VDD, VSS, and MCLR/VPP for in-circuit programming.
Do not assume oscillator start-up time - the PIC16LF84A has a two-speed start-up option. When using a low-frequency crystal (e.g. 32.768 kHz), configure the OSC configuration bits for LP mode. Watchdog timer must be cleared (CLRWDT) periodically; otherwise the MCU resets unexpectedly. The 13 I/O pins are NOT 5 V tolerant on the LF part when VDD is below 5 V; do not apply 5 V signals to any pin without level shifting.
The PIC16LF84A's 13 I/O pins share limited drive strength (typically 20 mA source/sink per pin, 100 mA total). For switching heavier loads, use an external MOSFET or driver like ULN2003. Place series resistors (100 ohm) on clock output traces (OSC2/CLKOUT) if driving external circuitry. Avoid running long parallel traces next to OSC1/OSC2 to prevent coupled noise from disturbing the oscillator.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant and halogen-free per third-party datasheet listings (GlobalSpec). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs use AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F15313 or similar. Conflict-minerals compliance standard per Microchip policy.
