PIC16LF873T-04/SO - 8-bit MCU 7KB Flash 4MHz 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF873T-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.4 | $6.40 |
| 10 | $5.75 | $57.50 |
| 100 | $4.83 | $483.00 |
| 500 | $3.92 | $1,960.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.4 | $3,400.00 |
PIC16LF873T-04/SO Overview
A PIC16 microcontroller is a member of Microchip's PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) 8-bit RISC architecture family, positioned within the broader category of microcontrollers -> microcontrollers (MCU) -> semiconductor. The PIC16F sub-family specifically targets mid-tier embedded designs that need on-chip FLASH reprogrammability, multiple timers, A/D conversion, and serial communication while maintaining low power consumption. The "LF" prefix denotes the low-voltage variant supporting operation down to 2.0V, and "T" indicates tape-and-reel delivery for high-volume assembly.
Key features include 7KB (4K x 14 words) of in-system self-programmable FLASH, 192 bytes of data RAM, 22 GPIO pins, an integrated 10-bit multi-channel A/D converter, and serial communication peripherals (USART, MSSP for SPI/I2C). The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), allowing firmware updates without removing the part from the board, and includes multiple timers (TMR0, TMR1, TMR2) for event capture and PWM generation.
Architecturally, the PIC16F873 uses a Harvard RISC core with a 14-bit instruction word, single-cycle execution for most instructions (200 ns @ 20 MHz), and a hardware interrupt controller. The 22 I/O pins are multiplexed with ADC, comparator, and peripheral functions, giving designers flexibility for mixed-signal interfaces. The "-04" speed suffix indicates a 4 MHz maximum clock, while the standard PIC16F873-20 variant runs up to 20 MHz.
Typical applications include industrial automation control, sensor interfacing boards, low-power remote sensor nodes, HVAC control modules, motor control peripherals, and consumer electronics such as small appliances. The PIC16LF873T-04/SO suits legacy or replacement designs that demand an 8-bit MCU with proven PIC tool-chain support (MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler).
When designing with this device, mind that the 28-SOIC package has limited thermal dissipation for high-current GPIO toggling, and the 4 MHz ceiling restricts compute-heavy DSP work. Engineers migrating to newer designs should evaluate the PIC16F886 or PIC18 series for higher memory and clock speeds while maintaining PIC ecosystem continuity.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (PIC16LF873-04/SO, PIC16LF873AT-I/SO), and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF873T-04/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 PIC16LF873T-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF873-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873AT-I/SO
✓ In Stock
$2.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F873-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF873T-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) FLASH |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 192 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit multi-channel (integrated) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm width, surface mount) |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Timers | TMR0, TMR1, TMR2 |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP supported |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF873T-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / Low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data (programming) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF873T-04/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Board, HVAC Climate Control Module, Consumer Appliance Controller, Low-Power Remote Sensor Node, Motor Control Peripheral Board, Educational Microcontroller Trainer Board.
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16LF873T-04/SO's 22 GPIO pins and integrated 10-bit ADC make it a strong fit for industrial sensor interface boards reading analog and digital transducers. Its 2.5V-5.5V supply range accommodates both 3.3V digital sensors and legacy 5V analog front-ends on the same PCB. The MSSP peripheral supports SPI or I2C sensors (temperature, pressure, accelerometers), while the 7KB FLASH comfortably holds sensor calibration tables and averaging routines. Compared to an ARM Cortex-M0, the PIC16LF873T-04/SO has lower BOM cost (~25% lower) and simpler interrupt architecture but limited DSP headroom.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Control Module
In HVAC climate control modules, the PIC16LF873T-04/SO drives triac outputs for compressor, fan, and damper control while reading thermistor inputs through its 10-bit ADC. The PIC RISC core executes thermostat control loops in well under 1 ms, leaving CPU headroom for display driving and keypad scanning. The 22 I/O count matches typical HVAC peripheral counts (3-4 triacs, 4-6 thermistor inputs, 7-segment display, keypad). With industrial -40C to +85C operation and proven PIC tool-chain, it matches HVAC specification sheets. Trade-off: limited RAM (192B) constrains display buffer size for graphical LCDs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controller
Small consumer appliances (coffee makers, bread machines, blenders, slow cookers) use the PIC16LF873T-04/SO as the main controller for keypad input, display driving, motor PWM, and temperature regulation. Its 2.5V-5.5V range supports direct operation from rectified mains or battery backup. The 7KB FLASH holds appliance firmware including menu navigation, timer logic, and safety state machines. Compared to discrete logic controllers, integrating the CPU, timers, ADC, and serial peripherals into one SOIC-28 package reduces BOM count by ~30% and PCB area by ~40%.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Sensor Node
For battery-powered remote sensor nodes transmitting over UART, I2C, or SPI to a host radio module, the PIC16LF873T-04/SO's LF low-voltage operation and small SOIC-28 footprint make it ideal. The 4 MHz max clock keeps active current under 1 mA at 3.3V, while the integrated ADC handles periodic battery voltage and sensor measurements. The 192-byte RAM supports small packet buffers for sensor data before UART transmission. Compared to MSP430 or Cortex-M0+ alternatives, the PIC16LF873T-04/SO has higher active power but simpler peripheral programming and 30-40% lower cost at low volumes.
Recommended
Motor Control Peripheral Board
The PIC16LF873T-04/SO's hardware PWM (CCP module) and TMR2 timer support brushed DC motor speed control, while the 10-bit ADC reads current sense and position feedback signals. With 22 I/O, the MCU can drive H-bridge enable, direction, brake, and tachometer inputs simultaneously. The 4 MHz clock is sufficient for low-RPM motor control loops at 100-500 Hz update rates, common in small fans, pumps, and conveyor drives. Trade-off: the PIC16LF873T-04/SO lacks hardware quadrature encoder support, requiring software implementation for BLDC commutation.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer Board
The PIC16LF873T-04/SO is a popular choice for educational microcontroller trainer boards because of its comprehensive peripheral set, MPLAB X IDE support, and PIC16 instruction set simplicity. Students learn ADC sampling, timer-based PWM, UART communication, I2C bus master, and interrupt-driven programming all on one device. The 28-SOIC package is hand-solderable for lab kits. The XC8 compiler free mode has no code-size limit, making it accessible for teaching. Compared to Arduino Uno (ATmega328P), the PIC16LF873T-04/SO teaches register-level programming rather than library abstraction.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF873T-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF873-04/SO | PIC16LF873AT-I/SO | PIC16LF873-04I/SO | PIC16LF873A-I/SO | PIC16F873-04/SO | PIC16F876-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) |
| FLASH Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 368 B |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (5 MHz on A rev) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (5 MHz with /04 suffix) |
| Minimum Operating Voltage | 2.5 V (LF variant) | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 4.0 V | 4.0 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial | Automotive (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial |
| Delivery Form | Tape and Reel (T suffix) | Tube | Tape and Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage LF support down to 2.5V (vs PIC16F873-04/SO)
- Tape and reel packaging for SMT assembly (vs PIC16LF873-04/SO)
- Smaller FLASH (7KB) for cost-sensitive designs (vs PIC16F876-04/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF873T-04/SO draws approximately 1 mA active current at 4 MHz and 3.3V, with sleep current under 1 uA. For battery-powered designs, place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the MCU. According to Microchip's power management guidelines, the analog VREF- and VREF+ pins (4 and 5) should be bypassed with 100 nF each when used in ADC mode to reduce reference noise.
Route the ICSP programming lines (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) directly to a 6-pin header with no series resistors, as Microchip's programming specification requires direct connection for reliable ICSP. Place a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 1) and a 100 nF capacitor on MCLR to ground to suppress spurious resets. The crystal or resonator on OSC1/OSC2 (pins 9/10) should be placed within 10 mm of the MCU with short traces and a ground guard ring for noise immunity.
Do not connect any load directly to RA4 (pin 6) without a pull-up resistor because it is an open-drain output. According to Microchip datasheet, RA5 (pin 7) is input-only and cannot drive external loads. When using the ADC, allow at least 20 us acquisition time (TACQ) after switching channels before starting conversion, otherwise sample-and-hold errors corrupt the reading. The CCP1/CCP2 PWM outputs can source/sink up to 25 mA each, but the combined port current must not exceed 200 mA to avoid latch-up.
The 28-SOIC package has a thermal resistance of approximately 85 C/W junction-to-ambient, which limits high-current GPIO switching duty cycles. According to Microchip thermal specifications, continuous toggling of all 22 I/O at maximum 25 mA source current (550 mA total) without PCB copper heat-spreading exceeds the 200 mA absolute maximum port current and risks junction temperature rise above 150 C. Provide at least 1 square inch of ground copper pour under the SOIC for moderate GPIO loads.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified in standard grade; PIC16LF873AT-I/SO provides automotive temp grade for non-Q100 automotive applications. Lead-free (Pb-free) reflow compatible per JEDEC J-STD-020.
