PIC16LF871-I/P - 8-bit 20MHz 3.5KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF871-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.77 | $4.77 |
| 10 | $4.31 | $43.10 |
| 100 | $3.86 | $386.00 |
| 500 | $3.49 | $1,745.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.12 | $3,120.00 |
PIC16LF871-I/P Overview
What is a PIC16 microcontroller? The PIC16 family is Microchip's mid-range 8-bit RISC microcontroller line, sitting between the baseline PIC10/PIC12/PIC16F5x family and the high-performance PIC18/PIC24 families. The mid-range architecture provides 14-bit instruction words, a hardware stack, peripheral-rich I/O, and standardized peripherals (timers, ADC, USART) that have made PIC16 the workhorse MCU for industrial control, consumer appliances, and embedded learning kits for decades.
Key features of the PIC16LF871 include 33 digital I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with up to 8 input channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a USART module for serial communication, an ICD (In-Circuit Debug) interface, and 64 bytes of EEPROM data memory. The part supports self-programming of its flash memory, enabling field firmware updates. The 35 single-word instruction set makes it approachable for engineers transitioning from PIC12/PIC16C5X designs.
From an architectural standpoint, the PIC16LF871 uses Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, an 8-level hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing modes. The 200 ns instruction execution at 20 MHz allows deterministic real-time control loops. Internal oscillator and watchdog options, combined with nanoWatt power management, allow sleep currents low enough for always-on sensor applications.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, appliance controls (washing machines, microwave ovens), HVAC thermostats, automotive body modules (non-safety), battery chargers, and educational embedded platforms. The PIC16LF871's combination of low voltage operation, generous I/O count, and proven toolchain (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler) makes it a frequent choice for designs transitioning from legacy PIC16C7X silicon.
When designing with this part, ensure the ICSP/ICD programming header is accessible for production programming and field updates. The 40-pin PDIP package is convenient for prototype and through-hole assembly, but for volume production the TQFP-44 or QFN-44 variants of the same die are recommended to reduce board area and improve thermal performance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF871-I/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 PIC16LF871-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Mounting Type, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F871-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF871-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF871-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF871T-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F884-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF871-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| EEPROM | 64 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (LF) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 8 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication | USART (SCI), I2C/SPI (SSP) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (DIP-40) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I') |
| In-Circuit Debug | ICD supported |
| Self-Programming | Yes (Flash) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF871-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / ADC input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / parallel-port RD / ADC input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / parallel-port WR / ADC input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / parallel-port CS / ADC input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM/capture/compare |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / parallel slave port data bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / parallel slave port data bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / parallel slave port data bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / parallel slave port data bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / parallel slave port data bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / parallel slave port data bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / parallel slave port data bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / parallel slave port data bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF871-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel, Home Appliance Controller (washing machine, microwave), Battery-Powered Sensor Node, HVAC Thermostat, Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Platform, Automotive Body Module (non-safety).
Industrial Control Panel
The PIC16LF871-I/P fits industrial control panels thanks to its 33 digital I/O pins that interface directly with relay drivers, optocouplers, and 24 V signal-conditioning front ends while running from 3.3 V internal rails. The 10-bit ADC handles analog sensor inputs (temperature, pressure, current shunt) without external conversion. Its 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range supports battery-backed RTC and brownout recovery designs in factories.
Recommended
Home Appliance Controller (washing machine, microwave)
The PIC16LF871-I/P is a proven workhorse in washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwashers where the 40-pin PDIP is easy to assemble and field-service. Its 35-instruction RISC core delivers deterministic real-time control of motors, valves, and display drivers, while the USART/SSP modules connect to user-interface boards and triac-fired heater controls. The industrial -40 C to +85 C rating covers appliance environments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
Battery-powered sensor nodes benefit from the PIC16LF871-I/P's extended 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range, allowing direct operation from 2x AA alkaline (3 V nominal) without boost regulation. The nanoWatt sleep modes drop quiescent current into the microamp range, enabling multi-year coin-cell deployments. The 10-bit ADC captures battery voltage and sensor data, while the USART wakes periodically to transmit over a connected radio.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat
The PIC16LF871-I/P runs HVAC thermostats by reading 10-bit ADC temperature inputs from thermistor or analog sensor bridges, driving triac outputs for heating/cooling stages, and managing the LCD user interface. Its 64-byte EEPROM stores user schedules and calibration values across power cycles. The industrial temperature range ensures reliable operation in attics and equipment closets.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Platform
The PIC16LF871-I/P remains a staple on educational development boards and hobbyist platforms because its 40-pin PDIP drops into breadboards, its 35-instruction set is easy to teach, and free MPLAB X IDE plus XC8 compiler support it. Students learn timers, ADC, USART, and EEPROM basics on this part before migrating to PIC18 or dsPIC. Its low cost and broad availability make it ideal for university labs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Module (non-safety)
In non-safety automotive body electronics (interior lighting, seat controllers, accessory modules) the PIC16LF871-I/P can interface with LIN slaves via its USART and drive MOSFETs through its I/O pins. The industrial -40 C to +85 C range covers cabin environments, and the 40-pin PDIP is convenient for low-volume accessory modules. For safety-critical ECUs, AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F variants must be used instead.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF871-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F871-I/P | PIC16LF871-I/PT | PIC16LF871-I/L | PIC16F884-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-40 | PDIP-40 (same) | TQFP-44 (different footprint) | PLCC-44 (different footprint) | PDIP-40 (same) |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 36 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 14 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Extended low-voltage operation down to 2.0 V (vs PIC16F871-I/P)
- Same die and pinout in surface-mount packages (vs PIC16LF871-I/PT (TQFP-44))
- 33 I/O pins and 8-channel 10-bit ADC in 40-pin PDIP (vs PIC16F884-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor between VDD (pin 11 and pin 32) and VSS (pin 12 and pin 31), routed with short traces to the package pins to suppress switching noise on the analog rails. Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the main VDD rail near the MCU. The PIC16LF871 has two VDD/VSS pairs; both must be decoupled to ensure stable operation during ADC conversions.
The MCLR pin (pin 1) must be pulled up to VDD through a resistor (typically 10 kohm) for normal operation. Leaving MCLR floating prevents the MCU from exiting reset. For ICSP programming, route the PGC (pin 39) and PGD (pin 40) signals directly to a programming header without series resistors that exceed 4.7 kohm, otherwise ICSP communication may fail.
When running from 3.3 V or below, confirm any peripherals used have 3.3 V-tolerant variants. The PIC16LF871's I/O pins are 5 V tolerant only when VDD is at 5 V; at 3.3 V supply the I/O pins output a maximum of VDD. For ADC accuracy, enable the ADC in the configuration bits and acquire at least 20 microseconds after channel switching to allow the sample capacitor to settle.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not suitable for safety-critical automotive ECUs.
