PIC16LF871-I/L - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 3.5KB Flash, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF871-I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.32 | $532.00 |
| 500 | $4.78 | $2,390.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.21 | $4,210.00 |
PIC16LF871-I/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral set into one IC. 8-bit MCUs sit at the entry level of the microcontroller hierarchy, below 16-bit and 32-bit cores, and are commonly categorized as microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The PIC16F/PIC16LF family from Microchip is part of this 8-bit class and uses a Harvard RISC architecture that is well known for deterministic interrupt response and small code footprint.
Key features of the PIC16LF871 include an 8-channel 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), a USART with addressable SPI/I2C support, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM, a parallel slave port, an ICD (In-Circuit Debug) interface, and self-programming capability. The 'LF' suffix indicates an extended low-voltage core operating from 2.0 V to 5.5 V (versus the standard F variant 4.2 V-5.5 V), enabling battery-friendly designs without sacrificing peripheral set.
The PIC16LF871 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, 14-bit wide instruction words, and only 35 single-word instructions, which simplifies code generation and reduces firmware complexity. On-chip in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) eliminates the need for an external programmer socket, and the parallel slave port allows direct connection to an external host bus for data exchange.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, HVAC sensor nodes, low-power remote sensor interfaces, automotive body modules, and consumer appliance controllers. The wide 2.0 V-5.5 V operating range and 33 I/O pins also make it a strong fit for legacy replacement of PIC16C7X and PIC16F87X designs.
When designing with this MCU, ensure decoupling of VDD/VSS pairs with 100 nF ceramics placed within 5 mm of each pin pair, and respect the MCLR rise-time specification for reliable reset. The 'LF' core's lower VDD minimum enables Li-ion direct supply but requires re-validation of ADC and USART timing at the lowest operating voltage.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not aggregated in a single view on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF871-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 PIC16LF871-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F871-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874A-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877A-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877-20/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF871T-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF871-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF871-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 8-channel, 10-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit (CCP) |
| Communication | USART (SPI/I2C slave capable) |
| Parallel Slave Port | Yes (8-bit PSP) |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (J-lead) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16LF871-I/L 44-pin plcc (16.59 x 16.59 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16LF871-I/L (44-pin plcc (16.59 x 16.59 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16LF871-I/L.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16LF871-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, HVAC Sensor Nodes, Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Interfaces, Automotive Body Modules, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Legacy Industrial Module Replacement.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC16LF871-I/L fits industrial control panels because its 8-channel 10-bit ADC digitizes analog sensor inputs (temperature, pressure, current shunt) while 33 digital I/O drive relays, contactors, indicator LEDs, and keypad matrices. The 2.0-5.5V VDD range supports 24V-bus derived rails with simple linear regulation, and the 20 MHz core executes 200 ns instructions deterministically for PLC ladder-logic replacement. According to Microchip PIC16F871 datasheet, the USART connects to RS-485 transceivers for multi-drop fieldbus. Pin-compatible upgrades to PIC16F874A/F877A expand code space without PCB redesign.
Recommended
HVAC Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF871-I/L is well matched to HVAC sensor nodes where 8 ADC channels monitor thermistor / humidity / pressure transducers and 33 I/O drive triac interfaces, fan PWM outputs, and LCD data buses. The LF core's 2.0V minimum VDD allows battery-backed operation during power dips, and the 64-byte EEPROM stores calibration constants without external memory. The 200 ns deterministic instruction cycle supports time-critical triac zero-crossing control. According to Microchip application notes, PIC16F871 family designs commonly implement PID loops in firmware with sub-millisecond response.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16LF871-I/L supports battery-powered remote sensor nodes because its LF core draws sub-mA active current down to 2.0V VDD, enabling direct connection to a single 18650 Li-ion cell or 2xAA pack. The ADC samples low-level analog signals and the USART transmits via a serial radio module. Sleep current is dominated by the regulator, not the MCU, so the LF variant is the lowest-power option in the 44-pin PLCC pinout family. According to Microchip datasheet, the parallel slave port allows direct connection to an external host CPU for sensor-hub bridging.
Recommended
Automotive Body Modules
The PIC16LF871-I/L is widely deployed in automotive body controllers (window lifters, mirror adjusters, lighting controllers) where its 33 I/O directly drive MOSFET half-bridges, hall-sensor inputs, and LIN bus transceivers. The 2.0-5.5V VDD tolerates crank-drop transients on 12V vehicle rails. According to the Microchip PIC16F871 datasheet, the CCP module generates the PWM required for seat-position and lighting-fade functions. Note that AEC-Q100 grade is NOT specified for the -I/L industrial-temperature variant; choose automotive-Q100 parts for OEM applications.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16LF871-I/L suits consumer appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) where its parallel slave port interfaces to a host display CPU while the 8-channel ADC monitors motor current, thermistors, and water level. The 35-instruction RISC architecture simplifies code maintenance for long lifecycle products. According to the Microchip application notes, the USART drives user-interface displays and EEPROM stores user presets across power cycles. PLCC package supports socketed field replacement in legacy appliance platforms.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Module Replacement
The PIC16LF871-I/L is the canonical replacement for end-of-life PIC16C7X and PIC16C8X designs where the 44-pin PLCC footprint and PIC16 instruction set must be retained. Its ICSP programming interface allows firmware update without removing the chip from its socketed PLCC pad. According to Microchip pin-and-code compatibility charts, the PIC16F871 family is upwards compatible with PIC16C7X, enabling drop-in code migration with minor register-name updates. This makes PIC16LF871-I/L a long-life supply node for industrial OEM service stock.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF871-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F871-I/L | PIC16F874A-I/L | PIC16F877A-I/L | PIC16F877-20/L | PIC16LF871T-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC (16.59x16.59 mm) | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same |
| Flash Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 7.2 KB (4K x 14) | 14.3 KB (8K x 14) | 14.3 KB (8K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 B | 128 B | 192 B | 368 B | 368 B | 128 B |
| EEPROM | 64 B | 64 B | 128 B | 256 B | 256 B | 64 B |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| VDD Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| ADC Channels | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 8 x 10-bit |
Key Differentiators
- Extended low-voltage 2.0 V - 5.5 V VDD range (vs PIC16F871-I/L)
- Half the Flash memory of PIC16F877A-I/L but at lower cost (vs PIC16F877A-I/L)
- 44-pin PLCC package retention for legacy drop-in replacement (vs PIC16LF871-I/PT (TQFP-44))
Design Notes
Decouple every VDD/VSS pin pair with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin. Add a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum-polymer cap at the regulator output. The PIC16LF871's wide 2.0-5.5V VDD range allows direct supply from a 3.3V regulator but requires the MCLR rise-time to remain below 1 us for reliable POR; place a 10 kohm pull-up and a 100 nF cap on MCLR if the source impedance is high.
PLCC-44 sockets are recommended for legacy field-replaceable designs. Ensure the socket is a true PLCC-44 with polarization notch and that the contact resistance stays below 30 mohm. If wave-soldering is used, hand-solder the MCLR pin and ICSP/PGD/PGC traces after reflow to avoid solder bridges. Keep crystal traces short (less than 10 mm) and shield them with a guard ring tied to ground.
Do not assume the PIC16F871 and PIC16LF871 are interchangeable at 3.3V - the standard PIC16F871 requires a minimum of 4.2V on VDD per datasheet DS30569C. The LF variant must be specified for sub-4.2V operation. Configuration-word settings (oscillator, watchdog, code-protect, Brown-out Detect voltage) must be set explicitly because the default configuration is RC oscillator with WDT enabled, which may surprise legacy firmware.
Estimated: at 20 MHz Fosc the instruction cycle is 200 ns. USART baud-rate divider (SPBRG) must be set to a value that keeps the error below 2.15% for reliable asynchronous communication; at 9600 baud from 20 MHz Fosc use BRGH=1 and SPBRG=129. The parallel slave port requires PORTD direction bits cleared during PSP read cycles to avoid bus contention with external host. ADC acquisition time must include 19.72 us Tacq plus 12 Tad conversion time per Microchip datasheet DS30569C.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C); not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-Q100 parts for OEM automotive deployments.
