PIC16LF874-04I/L - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB Flash, 4MHz, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF874-04I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.42 | $9.42 |
| 10 | $8.95 | $89.50 |
| 100 | $7.88 | $788.00 |
| 500 | $7.05 | $3,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.2 | $6,200.00 |
PIC16LF874-04I/L Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based, Harvard-architecture 8-bit MCU widely used in embedded control. Within the broader taxonomy, it sits as: PIC16F family -> PIC16F87x sub-family -> 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller unit (MCU) -> semiconductor. The 'LF' prefix designates the low-voltage (2.0V-5.5V) Flash variant, while '874' denotes a 7KB Flash / 192B RAM member with 33 digital I/O lines, integrated A/D, USART, and Capture/Compare/PWM peripherals. The '04' speed suffix specifies a 4 MHz maximum oscillator frequency, and the 'I' suffix marks the industrial operating temperature grade.
Key features include 7KB Flash program memory, 192 bytes of data RAM, 128 bytes of EEPROM data memory, 33 digital I/O lines, a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter with multiple input channels, a USART serial port, Capture/Compare/PWM modules, and a watchdog timer. The integrated peripherals reduce external component count and BOM cost in embedded designs.
Architecturally, the device uses a 14-bit instruction word with 35 single-cycle instructions, providing deterministic real-time response. Harvard bus architecture separates program and data memories, allowing instruction fetch and data access in a single clock cycle. The 4 MHz oscillator combined with a 4:1 instruction cycle ratio yields a 1 MIPS execution throughput.
Typical applications include industrial process control, sensor interfacing and data acquisition, motor control loops, low-power portable instruments, automotive body electronics (non-safety), and consumer appliance controllers. The wide operating voltage range (2.0V-5.5V) enables direct battery-powered and USB-bus-powered designs. The PLCC-44 package also supports through-hole and socketed installation, easing prototype rework and field service.
When designing with this part, observe the maximum 4 MHz clock input and ensure decoupling capacitors (typically 100 nF) are placed close to VDD/SS pins. The PLCC-44 socket footprint allows easy firmware swap during development. Industrial-grade operation covers -40C to +85C, suitable for most factory and outdoor environments.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF874-04I/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 PIC16LF874-04I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF874-04/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F874A-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF871-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF877-04I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF874-04I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16F87x |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC) |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 128 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| A/D Converter | 10-bit, multiple input channels |
| Serial Interface | USART |
| PWM Modules | Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-pin PLCC (J-Lead), 16.59 x 16.59 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
PIC16LF874-04I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 |
| Pin 8 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / ADC input 4 |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 28 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 29 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 30 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 31 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 32 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 33 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 34 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 35 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 36 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / read control |
| Pin 37 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / write control |
| Pin 38 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / chip select |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF874-04I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Sensor Interfacing and Data Acquisition, Low-Power Portable Instruments, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Motor Control and PWM Drive.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16LF874-04I/L's 33 I/O pins, 10-bit ADC, and USART make it a strong fit for industrial process control applications including sensor aggregation and actuator drive. At 4 MHz (1 MIPS), the MCU can poll multiple analog inputs from temperature, pressure, and flow sensors while maintaining deterministic loop times for PID control loops. Its 2.0V-5.5V operating range allows direct interface to 24V-sourced industrial rails via simple resistor dividers and to 5V logic without level shifters. The wide -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade ensures operation in factory-floor enclosures.
Recommended
Sensor Interfacing and Data Acquisition
The PIC16LF874-04I/L's integrated 10-bit ADC with multiple input channels is well-suited for multi-sensor data acquisition front ends in instrumentation and remote monitoring. Engineers can sequence ADC conversions across analog sensor arrays (temperature, pressure, humidity) and transmit results via the on-chip USART to a host logger or display. The 192-byte RAM supports circular buffering of ADC samples, while the 128-byte EEPROM retains calibration constants across power cycles. The 4 MHz clock is sufficient for sampling rates up to ~50 kSPS aggregate.
Recommended
Low-Power Portable Instruments
Battery-powered portable instruments benefit from the PIC16LF874-04I/L's 2.0V-5.5V supply range, which supports direct operation from 2x AA alkaline or single-cell Li-ion batteries. The PIC16LF sleep mode combined with selective peripheral shutdown enables multi-year battery life in intermittent-sampling applications such as handheld thermometers, data loggers, and field calibration tools. The 33 I/O lines allow direct connection to LCD panels, keypads, and measurement transducers without external glue logic, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in compact portable enclosures.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and air-conditioner control boards rely on the PIC16LF874-04I/L's combination of integrated peripherals and Flash-based program memory. The CCP/PWM module drives motor speed controls, valve actuators, and indicator LEDs directly from the MCU. Flash-based in-circuit programming via ICSP allows manufacturers to update firmware for regulatory compliance or feature upgrades without hardware changes. The wide operating voltage range (2.0V-5.5V) accommodates both rectified-mains-derived and battery-backed power architectures common in modern appliances.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
While the PIC16LF874-04I/L is industrial-grade (-40C to +85C) rather than AEC-Q100 qualified, it is well suited to non-safety automotive body-electronics applications such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, HVAC blend-door actuators, and accessory multiplexers. The 33 I/O pins and integrated 10-bit ADC support direct interface to switch panels, position sensors, and small DC motor bridges. The 5V-tolerant digital inputs can read automotive 12V switch signals via simple resistor dividers, reducing external component count.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drive
The PIC16LF874-04I/L's Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module generates precise PWM signals for low-power DC motor speed control, LED dimming, and solenoid drive applications. With 4 MHz CPU clock, PWM resolution up to 10 bits at 4 kHz switching frequency is achievable, sufficient for brushed DC motor commutation in toys, small appliances, and hobby robotics. The integrated 10-bit ADC closes the control loop by sampling motor current sense amplifiers or back-EMF signals, enabling basic PID control without external DSP hardware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF874-04I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF874-04/L | PIC16F874A-I/L | PIC16LF877-04I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz (+400%) | 4 MHz |
| Program Flash | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7.2 KB (+2.9%) | 14 KB (+100%) |
| Data RAM | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 368 B (+92%) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade at 4 MHz speed grade (vs PIC16LF874-04/L)
- Lower 4 MHz speed grade for noise-immune low-EMI designs (vs PIC16F874A-I/L)
- Compact 7 KB Flash / 192 B RAM for simpler code bases (vs PIC16LF877-04I/L)
Design Notes
The PIC16LF874-04I/L accepts 2.0V-5.5V at VDD pins 11 and 40; both pins MUST be connected to a common supply rail. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor at the board power entry. For noisy industrial environments, add a ferrite bead and 4.7 uF capacitor on the supply rail feeding the MCU to suppress transients from relay coils and motor bridges.
A common pitfall is leaving the MCLR/VPP pin floating: it MUST be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation and pulled low for reset. The PIC16LF874-04I/L does not have internal weak pull-ups on MCLR (unlike later PIC18 families). For ICSP programming, ensure the MCLR line is reachable via a dedicated test point or header. Also, pins RB3, RB6, RB7 serve dual-purpose ICSP functions - avoid adding series resistors that exceed 1 kohm on these lines.
PLCC-44 sockets enable easy firmware swap during development and field service; recommend Aries or 3M through-hole PLCC sockets for production. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1, OSC2) short (under 10 mm) and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI pickup. The ADC analog inputs (AN0-AN4) should be routed away from switching digital lines; place the AVdd filter capacitor close to the analog reference if used. Trace impedance is not critical at 4 MHz, so standard 50 ohm microstrip is unnecessary.
When using the internal 10-bit ADC, add a 100 nF + 10 uF decoupling network at AVdd (separate from digital VDD if possible) and place the analog signal traces away from digital switching lines. The ADC input impedance is typically 10 kohm, so source impedance below 2 kohm is required for full 10-bit accuracy at moderate conversion rates. For precision measurements, oversample and average to improve effective resolution beyond 10 bits.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page; lead-free and halogen-free assembly. Industrial-grade (I) part is not AEC-Q100 qualified - for safety-critical automotive applications, consider AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16 variants. Reach SVHC compliance verified per Microchip material declaration.
