PIC16LF870T-I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF870T-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.18 | $5.18 |
| 10 | $4.66 | $46.60 |
| 100 | $4.14 | $414.00 |
| 500 | $3.73 | $1,865.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.31 | $3,310.00 |
PIC16LF870T-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash/ROM), volatile working memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces (ADC, timers, UART, I/O pins) into one IC. The PIC16F family sits in the low-to-mid pin-count tier of Microchip's 8-bit portfolio, positioned above the PIC12/PIC14 baseline and below the 16-bit dsPIC/PIC24 families. The PIC16LF870T-I/SO belongs to the PIC16F87x sub-family, which is widely used in cost-sensitive embedded control designs.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions for fast code development, an industrial -40C to +85C operating temperature grade, an integrated ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface, and 5 channels of 10-bit ADC for sensor and analog signal acquisition. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply voltage range allows battery-powered operation and direct interface to 5V systems. The 22 I/O pins support up to 25 mA source/sink per pin, enabling direct LED and relay drive.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand read in the same cycle. The internal Flash supports self-programming for field-upgradeable firmware, and 64 bytes of EEPROM are available for non-volatile data storage. The 20 MHz oscillator with a 4x PLL option delivers deterministic interrupt latency, which simplifies real-time control loops.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, HVAC control, low-end motor control, LED lighting controllers, battery chargers, and consumer appliances. The integrated 10-bit ADC and ample I/O count make it a fit for any design that requires analog sensing plus digital actuation in a single chip.
When designing with this part, derate I/O source/sink current when multiple pins switch simultaneously to stay within the package thermal limit. The ICD pins are shared with general-purpose I/O and must be re-mapped when not used for debugging. The 28-SOIC package offers a wider footprint than QFN alternatives, easing hand-prototyping and rework.
This page synthesizes drop-in alternatives, distributor pricing, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers shorten the BOM validation cycle.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF870T-I/SO — 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 PIC16LF870T-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF870-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F870-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF870T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) 7.50 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 | Not qualified |
PIC16LF870T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RA5 — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5 — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal 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/PWM1 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| 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/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock (programming) |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICD data (programming) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF870T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface, HVAC Control Systems, LED Lighting Controllers, Battery Chargers and Portable Devices, Low-End Motor Control, Consumer Appliance Controllers.
Industrial Sensor Interface
The PIC16LF870T-I/SO suits industrial sensor interface boards where 22 I/O pins and 5 channels of 10-bit ADC enable direct connection to temperature, pressure, and flow sensors. The 2.0-5.5V supply range tolerates 24V industrial rails stepped down by simple regulators. Per Microchip datasheet 30414D, the 200 ns instruction cycle supports deterministic 1 kHz sensor sampling loops, while the integrated 10-bit ADC removes the need for an external converter. Combined with the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade, the part handles factory-floor environments. Recommended companion parts include the MCP6002 op-amp for signal conditioning and the MCP9700 analog temperature sensor.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
In HVAC control boards, the PIC16LF870T-I/SO drives relays, triacs, and LED indicators while sampling thermistor and pressure transducer inputs. The 22 I/O count allows fan-speed relay control plus LCD interface without external logic, and the 20 MHz CPU executes PID control loops within 1 ms per iteration per the 200 ns instruction cycle specification. The wide 2.0-5.5V supply range supports 24V AC-derived rails. The 10-bit ADC provides 9.8 mV resolution at 5V reference, which is adequate for thermistor linearization. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade covers rooftop and basement equipment. Recommended companion parts: ULN2003 driver array and MCP1700 LDO.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LF870T-I/SO works well in dimmable LED drivers and architectural lighting controllers, where its 22 I/O pins drive multiple MOSFET high-side switches and read zero-cross detector signals for TRIAC phase-cut dimming. The 200 ns instruction cycle enables 10 kHz PWM resolution, exceeding the typical 1 kHz PWM requirement for flicker-free LED dimming. Per Microchip datasheet 30414D, the 10-bit ADC enables ambient light sensor feedback for closed-loop brightness control. The wide supply range supports both 12V DC and 24V AC LED driver topologies. The 128-byte RAM accommodates color-mixing tables for RGBW fixtures. Recommended companion parts: IRF540N N-MOSFET and MCP73831 Li-Ion charger for backup battery.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Portable Devices
In battery chargers and portable devices, the PIC16LF870T-I/SO benefits from its 2.0V minimum supply, allowing operation directly from a single Li-Ion cell down to cutoff voltage. The 128-byte RAM stores charging profile state machines, while the 64-byte EEPROM retains learned battery capacity parameters across power cycles. The 20 MHz CPU executes Coulomb-counting algorithms at 100 Hz sample rate within 30 percent of CPU budget per Microchip datasheet 30414D. The 10-bit ADC reads battery voltage and current sense resistors with adequate resolution for charge termination. Recommended companion parts: MCP73831 single-cell Li-Ion charger and MCP9700 temperature sensor for thermal protection.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control
Brush DC and small stepper motor control applications benefit from the PIC16LF870T-I/SO's 22 I/O pins (each capable of 25 mA sink), which can directly interface with H-bridge drivers and encoder inputs. The 20 MHz instruction cycle produces 50 kHz PWM frequency with 10-bit duty resolution, smooth enough for low-vibration stepper operation. The 10-bit ADC reads back-EMF or current sense for closed-loop torque control, with 5 input channels supporting multi-axis coordination. The -40C to +85C industrial grade covers motor ambient temperatures. Recommended companion parts: DRV8871 motor driver and AS5048A magnetic encoder.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
In consumer appliances such as coffee makers, washing machines, and small kitchen devices, the PIC16LF870T-I/SO provides enough I/O for keypad input, 7-segment or LCD display drive, and triac-based heating element control. The 3.5 KB Flash stores menu state machines and timing profiles, while the 64-byte EEPROM retains user preferences across power cycles. The integrated 10-bit ADC reads temperature sensors, water level sensors, and weight sensors with adequate accuracy for appliance-grade control. The wide 2.0-5.5V supply range supports both mains-derived and battery backup designs. Recommended companion parts: HT1621 LCD driver and MOC3021 optoisolator for triac drive.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF870T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF870-I/SO | PIC16F870-I/SO | PIC16LF870T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC (tube) | 28-SOIC | 28-SSOP (footprint differs) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Carrier Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Same SOIC-28 package with same die as PIC16LF870-I/SO tube variant (vs PIC16LF870-I/SO)
- Wider supply voltage range than PIC16F870-I/SO (vs PIC16F870-I/SO)
- Smaller SSOP footprint option available as same-brand drop-in (vs PIC16LF870T-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF870T-I/SO requires a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor on VDD within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor on the supply rail. The 2.0-5.5V supply tolerates both 3.3V and 5V operation but the MCLR pull-up voltage should match VDD for predictable reset behavior. When powering from a switching regulator, place an additional LC pi-filter on the MCU supply line to suppress PWM-frequency ripple that can couple into the ADC measurements.
The 28-SOIC footprint is 7.5 mm wide, much wider than the 28-QFN alternative. Route the ICSP clock and data pins (RB6/RB7) directly to a 0.1 inch header for in-circuit programming access. Keep ADC traces away from high-current switching nodes to minimize digital noise coupling. Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 and keep the oscillator traces short and surrounded by ground pour.
Do not leave the MCLR pin floating - a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD is mandatory to prevent spurious resets from noise. When using the internal oscillator, disable the OSC1/OSC2 pins as GPIO to prevent contention. For ADC readings, allow at least 2 us acquisition time by setting the appropriate ACQT bits in ADCON2 per Microchip datasheet 30414D. Avoid setting all 22 I/O pins to high current simultaneously, which can exceed the package thermal limit.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select PIC16F or dsPIC automotive-grade parts for vehicular applications. Lead-free matte-tin finish on 28-SOIC leads.
