PIC16LF874-04/PQ - 8-bit 4MHz Flash MCU, 7KB, 44-MQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF874-04/PQ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.97 | $8.97 |
| 10 | $8.07 | $80.70 |
| 100 | $6.84 | $684.00 |
| 500 | $6.2 | $3,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.55 | $5,550.00 |
PIC16LF874-04/PQ Overview
What is a PIC16 microcontroller? A PIC16 is an 8-bit RISC microcontroller from Microchip Technology based on the PIC16 family of cores, sitting in the hierarchy: PIC16 -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor. The 'LF' prefix denotes the low-voltage, low-power process variant, while the family integrates Flash program memory, on-chip RAM, EEPROM, timers, capture/compare/PWM, an A/D converter, and several serial peripherals on a single die.
Key features of this part include 7KB Flash (organized as 4K x 14 single-word instructions), 192 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 128 bytes of EEPROM data memory, 33 I/O pins, a 10-bit multi-channel A/D converter, enhanced Capture/Compare/PWM modules, USART, SPI, and I2C. The 04 speed grade means a 4 MHz maximum oscillator frequency, and the I grade variant extends the operating temperature from -40C to +85C.
Architecturally, the PIC16F874 employs a 14-bit instruction word RISC core with a single accumulator (WREG), a hardware multiplier is not present in this sub-family, and Harvard-style separate program and data buses. The wide 5.5 V supply tolerance simplifies designs that must interface with 5 V sensors, LED drivers, or industrial logic.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, sensor interface boards, motor-control signal conditioning, automotive body electronics (non-safety), low-cost consumer appliances, and legacy embedded-system upgrades where 5 V tolerance and an industry-standard 8-bit MCU are required. Designers use it wherever simple deterministic control, low current draw, and abundant code space for state machines outpace the need for computation.
When designing with this part, ensure decoupling of VDD with 100 nF and bulk caps placed within 5 mm of each supply pin, and verify MCLR routing for clean reset behavior. Always check the device errata for revisions affecting the A/D, USART, or oscillator blocks before committing to a board revision.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF874-04/PQ — 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 PIC16LF874-04/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, Timers, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F874-04/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874-04I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF874-04I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF874AT-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874A-I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF874-04/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 instructions) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Speed Grade | 04 (4 MHz) |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Package | MQFP-44 (PQ) 10x10 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External crystal/oscillator or internal |
| Peripherals | USART, SPI, I2C, CCP, timers |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16LF874-04/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear reset input or programming high voltage; input-only |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0; analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1; analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2; analog input 2 or VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3; analog input 3 or VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4; Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5; analog input 4; SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input or external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output or clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0; Timer1 oscillator output or clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1; Timer1 oscillator input; Capture/Compare/PWM2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2; Capture/Compare/PWM1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3; SPI clock or I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4; SPI data in or I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5; SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6; USART transmit or clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7; USART receive or data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0; external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3; low-voltage ICSP programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6; ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7; ICSP data |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 31 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0; parallel slave port read; analog input 5 |
| Pin 32 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1; parallel slave port write; analog input 6 |
| Pin 33 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2; parallel slave port chip select; analog input 7 |
| Pin 34 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 35 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 36 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 37 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 38 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 39 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 40 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 41 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 42 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 43 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7; parallel slave port data bit |
| Pin 44 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF874-04/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel HMI, Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition Board, Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller, Automotive Body and Accessory Electronics, Motor Drive Signal Conditioning and PWM, Legacy Embedded System Repair and Field Replacement.
Industrial Control Panel HMI
The PIC16LF874-04/PQ fits industrial control panel HMI boards because its 33 I/O pins can drive multiplexed 4x4 keypads, seven-segment LED digits, and indicator arrays simultaneously without external logic. The 7KB Flash accommodates state machines for menu navigation, fault logging, and Modbus RTU framing, while 192 bytes of SRAM suffices for runtime buffer space. With 2.0V-5.5V supply range and 10-bit A/D, the part reads 4-20mA loop signals or potentiometer inputs directly. Estimated: at 4MHz clock and 5V supply, the part draws roughly 2mA active, allowing it to run directly from PLC-style 24V rails via a simple linear regulator. Compared to PIC18 alternatives, the PIC16LF874 keeps the BOM cost low while delivering deterministic interrupt response for keyboard scanning.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition Board
For multi-sensor data acquisition front ends, the PIC16LF874-04/PQ's 10-bit A/D with up to 8 input channels digitizes thermocouple, RTD, or strain-gauge amplifier outputs in parallel. The 4MHz MIPS throughput provides 1µs instruction cycle which, combined with on-chip timers, can average and oversample signals to deliver 12-bit effective resolution. With 128 bytes of EEPROM and 192 bytes SRAM, the part stores calibration tables and run-time samples without external memory. The 5.5 V tolerant I/O interfaces legacy 5 V analog front ends. Compared to a discrete op-amp + ADC + MCU implementation, the PIC16LF874 integrates everything on one die, reducing PCB area to roughly 25x25mm and BOM count by 3 components.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller
The PIC16LF874-04/PQ controls consumer appliances such as coffee makers, rice cookers, and clothes irons because its Flash-based program memory simplifies late-stage firmware updates and its 2.0V-5.5V supply accepts the unregulated rectified AC adapter output directly via a shunt regulator. The CCP module generates the PWM for heating-element control, while the 10-bit A/D senses temperature through an NTC thermistor. With 33 I/O pins the part drives 7-segment displays, switches, and triac interface optocouplers. Estimated BOM savings against equivalent PIC18 designs: roughly $0.40-0.60 per unit at 1000 qty. The part's mature 8-bit PIC tool chain means existing firmware libraries from legacy small-appliance designs port with minimal rework.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Accessory Electronics
For non-safety automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, or interior lighting, the PIC16LF874-04/PQ in its 'I' industrial temperature variant supports underhood thermal environments from -40C to +85C. The 33 I/O pins drive multiple LEDs, motor bridges, and LIN-bus transceivers, while the capture modules measure rotary encoders for mirror positioning. Voltage tolerance up to 5.5V eases direct connection to 12V nominal buses through a 7805 LDO. According to industry guidance, this part is suitable for body electronics but NOT for safety-critical airbags, ABS, or ADAS - those require AEC-Q100 qualified parts. Compared with newer PIC18F family devices, the PIC16F874 has a long field track record in automotive designs, simplifying PPAP documentation.
Recommended
Motor Drive Signal Conditioning and PWM
The PIC16LF874-04/PQ is widely deployed as a motor-control pre-processor that converts analog throttle or tachometer signals into PWM and direction commands for downstream gate drivers. Its CCP and enhanced CCP modules generate complementary PWM with programmable dead-band for 3-phase inverter-like signaling. The 4MHz MIPS rate easily handles hall-sensor decoding and 10-bit A/D sampling of current-sense amplifiers. With 33 I/O, the part interfaces quadrature encoders directly. Estimated propagation delay from sensor edge to PWM update is roughly 5µs, well within 1ms servo loop budgets. Compared to dedicated motor-control ICs, the PIC16LF874 provides application flexibility: designers can customize commutation profiles without mask-ROM commitments.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Repair and Field Replacement
Field-repair and end-of-life support is a major use case for the PIC16LF874-04/PQ because tens of thousands of legacy industrial and medical instruments still rely on its 7KB Flash and 33-I/O configuration. Service technicians specify this part to maintain operational certification on existing equipment rather than recertifying newer PIC18/PIC24 designs - a costly, time-consuming process. The standard 44-MQFP package and Microchip's long-term continuity program mean replacement parts are available from major distributors. According to Microchip's NRND notice, distributors will continue to stock the part for several years but new designs should migrate to PIC16F874A or PIC16F887. The part's simplicity also makes it ideal for rapid prototyping of state-machine code in educational and maker contexts.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF874-04/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F874-04/PQ | PIC16F874-04I/PQ | PIC16LF874-04I/PQ | PIC16LF874AT-I/PT | PIC16F874A-I/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | MQFP-44 (PQ) | MQFP-44 (PQ) | MQFP-44 (PQ) | MQFP-44 (PQ) | TQFP-44 (PT) | MQFP-44 (PQ) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Flash Program Memory | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0V-5.5V supply without regulator (vs PIC16F874-04/PQ)
- 44-MQFP 10x10mm - true SMT (vs PIC16LF874A-I/SP (40-pin DIP))
- 33 I/O for its class (vs PIC16F873 (28 I/O))
- 192 bytes SRAM - sufficient for state machines (vs PIC12F675 (64 bytes SRAM))
Design Notes
Estimated: the PIC16LF874-04/PQ at 4 MHz and 5 V draws roughly 2 mA active, dissipating ~10 mW - well below the 1 W plastic MQFP-44 thermal limit. In hermetically sealed industrial enclosures with no airflow, ensure ambient stays within 0-70 C for the standard part or upgrade to the 'I' industrial variant for -40 to +85 C operation. Always derate by 25 C below absolute max for reliable long-term operation.
Place 100 nF decoupling capacitors on every VDD pin (pins 20, 30, 35) within 5 mm trace length to ground. VSS pins (8, 19, 29, 34, 44) should all connect to a common ground plane, not separate traces. Use a star-ground topology if analog ground (AGND, associated with PORTA/PORTE analog inputs) is needed for sensitive A/D measurements. Place the ICSP header near the MCU to keep programming cable leads short.
Common pitfalls with the PIC16LF874-04/PQ include: (1) forgetting to disable the watchdog timer in __CONFIG settings when not using it; (2) misconfiguring the oscillator mode HS vs XT vs LP, which causes erratic startup; (3) neglecting the MCLR pin pull-up, which can cause spurious resets from noise; (4) overwriting EEPROM without first erasing the row; (5) operating RA4 (open-drain) without a pull-up. Carefully review the device errata (DS80233) for A/D and CCP1 issues before committing to a board revision.
The PIC16LF874-04/PQ's I/O pins have a maximum toggle rate of about 5 MHz, and at 4 MHz CPU clock the synchronous port read/write instructions complete in one cycle. For high-speed SPI above 2 MHz, use the dedicated MSSP-style peripheral initialization sequence and avoid software bit-bang. Place a 47 ohm source-impedance matching resistor on the MCLR pin if it is long-traced to reduce noise sensitivity.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, and conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip product page. Standard part operates 0 to +70 C; for AEC-Q100 style automotive, use PIC16LF874-04I/PQ (industrial) which extends range to -40 to +85 C.
