PIC16LF873AT-I/SO - 8-bit PIC MCU, 7KB Flash, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF873AT-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.65 | $3.65 |
| 10 | $3.28 | $32.80 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.52 | $1,260.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.24 | $2,240.00 |
PIC16LF873AT-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (PIC MCU) is a member of the Harvard-architecture RISC microcontroller family, a class of single-chip microcontrollers that dominate cost-sensitive embedded designs. PIC MCUs sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductor ICs, and PIC16F-series parts are positioned as Microchip's mid-range x14 architecture offering a balance of peripherals, code density, and price.
Key features of the PIC16LF873AT-I/SO include a 10-bit ADC with up to 5 input channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a USART with addressable SPI/I2C support, an analog comparator, and 22 digital I/O pins. The device also provides in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), a watchdog timer with on-chip oscillator, and brown-out reset for reliable power-on behavior. Operating current is held low to suit battery-powered designs while still supporting five MIPS at 4 MHz from a 3 V supply.
From an architectural perspective, the PIC16LF873A uses a 14-bit instruction word with separate program and data buses (Harvard architecture), which allows instruction fetch and operand access to occur in a single cycle. The on-chip nanoWatt Technology power-management block enables multiple sleep modes with sub-microamp currents and switchable oscillator sources, allowing duty-cycled designs to extend battery life.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, low-power remote controls, smart metering, automotive body and accessory subsystems, white-goods motor control, and portable medical peripherals. The wide voltage range and integrated ADC make the part a frequent choice for 4 mA-to-20 mA loop transmitters and battery monitors.
When designing with this part, remember to enable the brown-out reset and watchdog timer for any unattended deployment and observe Microchip's in-circuit debug protocol recommendations to avoid contention on the PGC/PGD pins. The 28-pin SOIC footprint is shared across much of the PIC16F mid-range family, easing migration.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF873AT-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 PIC16LF873AT-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Timers, ADC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF873AT-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF873A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF876A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873AT-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16F (8-bit RISC) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit width |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 5 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| Analog Comparator | Yes (2) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO, 0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-Saving Modes | nanoWatt Technology (Sleep, Idle, multiple oscillator modes) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF873AT-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLRbar/VPP — Master clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/CVREF — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / comparator voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SSbar — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART async transmit / USART sync clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART async receive / USART sync data |
| Pin 18 | GND — Logic and I/O ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive logic supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / ICSP low-voltage programming |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (redundant with pin 19 for decoupling) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF873AT-I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface with 4-20 mA Loop, Low-Power Remote Control Transmitter, Smart Meter Data Logger, White Goods Motor Control Subsystem, Automotive Body and Accessory Modules, Portable Medical Peripheral Device, HVAC Thermostat Control Board.
Industrial Sensor Interface with 4-20 mA Loop
The PIC16LF873AT-I/SO fits industrial 4-20 mA loop transmitters because its 10-bit ADC resolves 4 mA span across 1024 steps (~3.9 uA/LSB), and its 2.0 V minimum Vdd lets it run from a 24 V loop-derived 3.3 V rail. The integrated analog comparator supports open-loop and over-current detection without external hardware. Placed on a 28-SOIC carrier with the ADC channels tied to a sense resistor, it samples loop current every 100 ms and drives the HART modem interface via the USART. Unlike higher-end Cortex-M0 parts, the PIC16F87XA keeps quiescent current under 1 uA in Sleep - critical for loop-powered designs where the MCU must not consume more than 3.5 mA.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16LF873AT-I/SO is well-suited to battery-powered remote-control transmitters because of nanoWatt Technology sleep currents below 1 uA and a 2.0 V minimum supply compatible with two AA alkaline cells. The USART drives the RF link at 38.4 kbaud while the timer wakes the part every 100 ms to sample the keypad matrix. At 3 V with 4 MHz Fosc the part draws about 1.2 mA active, allowing 6 months of life from a typical 1500 mAh coin cell in 1% duty-cycle use. Compared to an ATtiny equivalent, the PIC16LF873A offers more GPIO (22 vs 18) and EEPROM storage for user preferences.
Recommended
Smart Meter Data Logger
The PIC16LF873AT-I/SO serves smart-meter data loggers well thanks to its 128-byte EEPROM for non-volatile metering history and 10-bit ADC for accurate sensor reads. The 28-SOIC package fits standard smart-meter carrier boards, and the on-chip comparator supports tamper detection. At 3.3 V with the internal 4 MHz oscillator, power consumption stays below 5 mA active while the part logs readings every 30 seconds. Unlike an external RTC + EEPROM design, the integrated solution reduces BOM cost by approximately $1.50 per unit in volume.
Recommended
White Goods Motor Control Subsystem
The PIC16LF873AT-I/SO drives white-goods motor-control subsystems where the 22 GPIO pins map easily to relay drivers, triac firing circuits, and user-interface LED arrays. The 10-bit ADC samples motor current via a sense resistor to support soft-start and over-current protection. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range suits appliance environments behind the refrigerator compressor compartment. Compared to dedicated motor-control ICs, the PIC16LF873A integrates commutation logic with the user-interface firmware, eliminating one chip from the BOM.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Accessory Modules
The PIC16LF873AT-I/SO targets automotive body modules such as door-lock controllers, mirror-adjust drivers, and lighting dimmers. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers most cabin environments, and the 28-SOIC package is robust for through-the-connector assembly lines. The 10-bit ADC reads mirror position feedback and ambient light sensors; the PWM-driven timer handles LED dimming without external FET drivers. The PIC16LF873A is pin-compatible with the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F873A-I/SO variant for designs migrating to full automotive spec.
Recommended
Portable Medical Peripheral Device
The PIC16LF873AT-I/SO fits portable medical peripherals like glucose meters and pulse-oximeter front-ends thanks to its 2.0 V minimum supply (compatible with a single Li-ion or two AAA cells) and low sleep current enabling multi-month shelf life. The 10-bit ADC reads photodiode current through a transimpedance amplifier with sufficient resolution for SpO2 trending. The integrated MSSP peripheral drives an I2C OLED display, while the USART outputs data to a paired Bluetooth module. Compared to a Cortex-M0 solution, the PIC16LF873A reduces BOM cost and is supported by Microchip's IEC 60730 Class B safety library.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Control Board
The PIC16LF873AT-I/SO drives HVAC thermostat control boards with its 22 GPIO mapping directly to seven-segment display drivers, keypad matrix, and triac-trigger pins for furnace and AC control. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistor temperature sensors with 0.5 C resolution when used with a 10 kohm NTC and external reference. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer provide the field reliability expected from unattended HVAC installations. Compared to a relay-logic thermostat, this PIC-based design reduces PCB area by 40 percent and enables remote scheduling via the USART-driven Wi-Fi module.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF873AT-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF873A-I/SO | PIC16LF873AT-I/SS | PIC16LF876A-I/SO | PIC16F873A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - identical | 28-SSOP - same die, smaller body | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - identical | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) - identical |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | |
| Program Flash | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) +100% | 7 KB (4K x 14) | |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes +92% | 192 bytes | |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes +100% | 128 bytes | |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 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 | |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (10 MHz internal) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Extended low-voltage 2.0 V minimum Vdd (vs PIC16F873A-I/SO)
- Same 28-SOIC footprint with double the Flash (vs PIC16LF876A-I/SO)
- Tape & Reel packaging for SMT lines (vs PIC16LF873A-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 3.3 V Vdd and 10 MHz Fosc, the PIC16LF873AT-I/SO draws about 3.3 mA active with all peripherals on. In Sleep mode the part drops below 1 uA, enabling duty-cycled designs to extend battery life. For battery-powered applications, use the nanoWatt Technology features (Sleep, Idle, secondary oscillator) and select the internal 31 kHz LFINTOSC for low-frequency peripheral operation. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to both Vdd pins (19 and 28) to suppress switching transients.
Route the ICSP pins (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD, MCLRbar/VPP) so they can be accessed via a 0.1 inch header for in-circuit programming and debugging. According to Microchip AN247, the MCLRbar line should have a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd and a 100 nF to Vss to allow in-circuit reset without affecting the programming voltage. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short if a crystal is used (less than 5 mm to ground plane). Add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on SDA/SCL for stable I2C bus recovery.
Do not exceed 5.5 V on Vdd - the LF variant's absolute maximum is 6.5 V but operation above 5.5 V is undefined. Always enable the brown-out reset (BOR) for unattended deployments; without BOR, the part can enter metastable states below 2.0 V that corrupt program memory. When migrating code from PIC16F873A to PIC16LF873A, the configuration bits for the oscillator and watchdog must be re-verified because the LF variant supports lower-frequency internal oscillator modes. Read the silicon errata (DS80233) before locking the firmware.
The USART TX/RX pins (RC6/RC7) are shared with the ICSP clock/data pins, so ICSP programming during normal operation can corrupt UART traffic. For systems that need simultaneous UART and in-circuit programming, isolate the programming interface with a 4.7 kohm resistor on PGC/PGD or use Microchip's ICSP isolation circuit from AN247. The analog comparator outputs can source/sink only a few milliamps; drive external loads through a buffer to avoid distorting the comparator threshold.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant; not AEC-Q100 qualified (this is the industrial -40C to +85C variant). Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip product page. For AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, evaluate PIC16F873A-I/SO (automotive grade variants are available under PIC16F873A-I/SOxxx part numbers).
