PIC16LF874AT-I/L - 8-Bit Flash MCU, 7KB, 44-Pin PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF874AT-I/L ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.19 | $9.19 |
| 10 | $8.27 | $82.70 |
| 100 | $7.3 | $730.00 |
| 500 | $6.45 | $3,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.8 | $5,800.00 |
PIC16LF874AT-I/L Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and a configurable set of peripherals such as timers, communications interfaces, and analog-to-digital converters. The PIC16 family sits in Microchip's 8-bit mid-range architecture hierarchy: PIC10/PIC12/PIC16/PIC18 microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processing -> semiconductor. The 'LF' prefix designates a wide-voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) low-power process technology, making these parts ideal for battery-powered and energy-constrained designs.
Key features of the PIC16LF874AT-I/L include 7 KB of self-programmable FLASH program memory, 192 bytes of data RAM, 256 bytes of EEPROM, a 14-bit instruction word, and a 10 MHz maximum oscillator frequency (5V operation). The integrated peripherals list 8 channels of 10-bit A/D conversion, a USART, MSSP supporting both SPI and I2C (master/slave), two capture/compare/PWM modules, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and an 8-bit parallel slave port for external memory expansion.
The architecture combines a 14-bit-wide instruction set with a hardware stack of 16 levels and 35 single-word instructions, providing deterministic interrupt latency and high code density relative to 8-bit byte-oriented cores. The 'LF' process supports the full 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating window, enabling designs that migrate between 3.3 V and 5 V rails without re-spinning firmware. The 44-pin PLCC package provides generous I/O count and supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via RB6/RB7.
Typical applications include industrial sensor conditioning nodes, HVAC controllers, automotive body-electronics subsystems, instrumentation front-ends, and consumer white-goods control boards where a balance of peripheral integration, low power draw, and field-upgradable FLASH is required. Designers migrating from older 5V PIC16C/16F designs gain an immediate advantage in active current draw without losing code compatibility.
When designing with this MCU, allocate RB6 and RB7 as ICSP pins (do not use them as general-purpose I/O) and provide a decoupling capacitor of 100 nF adjacent to every VDD/VSS pair. For low-power applications, switch the oscillator to LFINTOSC (31 kHz) and use the watchdog timer as the wake-up source to minimize sleep current.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, schematic-package-correct drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found standalone in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF874AT-I/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 PIC16LF874AT-I/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, ADC, Communication Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF874A-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F874AT-I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF874AT-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF877AT-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F873AT-I/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF874-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF874AT-I/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16 (Mid-Range 8-bit) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (FLASH) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit wide |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz at 5V (20 MHz at 5V for PIC16F874A) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 (estimate from 44-pin PLCC allocation) |
| A/D Converter | 8 channels x 10-bit |
| Communication Interfaces | USART + MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| PWM Modules | 2 (CCP) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Package Type | 44-pin PLCC (J-Lead), code 'L' |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC socket compatible) |
| ICSP Programming | In-Circuit Serial Programming (RB6/RB7) |
PIC16LF874AT-I/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage / PORTE bit 3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / A/D channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / A/D channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / A/D channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / A/D channel 3 / A/D reference positive |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / A/D 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 — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART asynchronous transmit / synchronous clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART asynchronous receive / synchronous data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| 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 / LVP enable |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock (programming) |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data (programming) |
| Pin 29 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 30 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 31 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 32 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 33 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 34 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 35 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 36 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 37 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 38 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 41 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port read control |
| Pin 42 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port write control |
| Pin 43 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port chip select |
| Pin 44 | NC — No internal connection on the 40-pin legacy PIC16 footprint; reserved on PLCC-44 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF874AT-I/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning Node, HVAC Zone Controller, Consumer White-Goods Control Board, Automotive Body-Electronics Subsystems, Portable Data-Acquisition Front End, Educational / Maker Embedded Platform.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning Node
The PIC16LF874AT-I/L fits industrial 4-20 mA sensor hubs because its 2.0 V to 5.5 V operating range accommodates common 3.3 V and 5 V field rails while drawing only ~1.6 mA active at 4 MHz. The integrated 8-channel 10-bit ADC multiplexes thermocouple, pressure, and level sensors into one chip, and the on-chip USART streams scaled readings to a PLC. Full FLASH self-programmability allows remote firmware updates in hazardous locations where physical access is restricted.
Recommended
HVAC Zone Controller
The PIC16LF874AT-I/L is well-matched to HVAC multizone thermostats because its low-power 'LF' silicon enables indefinite battery backup, while the dual Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules generate servo and triac control signals for dampers and stages of heating. The 8-bit core supplies more than enough MIPS for PID loops running at 1 Hz, and the MSSP peripheral drives an SPI-connected LCD driver without external glue logic. Watchdog timer and brown-out reset improve field reliability in electrically noisy mechanical closets.
Recommended
Consumer White-Goods Control Board
The PIC16LF874AT-I/L drives dishwasher, washing machine, and induction-cooktop user-interface boards where price-sensitive 8-bit processing suffices. Its 7 KB FLASH supports full appliance state machines plus UI handling, and the 256-byte EEPROM stores configurable wash cycles without battery backup. Industrial temperature grade covers operation inside a hot appliance cavity, while the 44-pin PLCC socket option simplifies factory rework during product ramps.
Recommended
Automotive Body-Electronics Subsystems
The PIC16LF874AT-I/L serves automotive body controllers for seat adjustment, mirror folding, and lighting where a wide supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) tolerates cranking transients down to 6 V on the 12 V rail. With the industrial temperature grade, it covers cabin-mounted modules from -40 C to +85 C; for under-hood electronics above +85 C designers should use the AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F874A-I/PT automotive part. The 7 KB FLASH holds multiple seat-position presets and diagnostic routines.
Recommended
Portable Data-Acquisition Front End
The PIC16LF874AT-I/L fits handheld data loggers because the 'LF' process delivers multi-day battery life when the 31 kHz LFINTOSC drives the MCU between ADC bursts. The 10-bit ADC acquires at 50 ksps, and the 7 KB FLASH buffers trigger logic for unattended field deployments. The 44-pin PLCC allows hobbyist reprogramming in a socket without soldering, useful for research and lab prototyping of monitoring instruments.
Recommended
Educational / Maker Embedded Platform
The PIC16LF874AT-I/L is a strong teaching platform for university embedded courses because it combines a deterministic RISC architecture, ICSP in-circuit programming, and a manageable 35-instruction set. The 44-pin PLCC socket simplifies student board debugging, and 7 KB FLASH is enough for full real-time OS demonstrations or custom bootloaders. Compatibility with the MPLAB XC8 toolchain and PICkit 3/4 programmers keeps the educational lab cost low while preserving an upgrade path to PIC18 and dsPIC parts.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF874AT-I/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF874A-I/L | PIC16F874AT-I/L | PIC16LF874AT-I/PT | PIC16LF877AT-I/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PLCC-44 (L) | PLCC-44 (L) - same | PLCC-44 (L) - same | TQFP-44 (PT) - same die, different lead style | PLCC-44 (L) - same |
| FLASH Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 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 |
| Maximum Frequency | 10 MHz (5V) | 10 MHz (5V) | 20 MHz (5V) | 10 MHz (5V) | 10 MHz (5V) |
| A/D Converter | 8 ch x 10-bit | 8 ch x 10-bit | 8 ch x 10-bit | 8 ch x 10-bit | 8 ch x 10-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | USART + SPI/I2C | USART + SPI/I2C | USART + SPI/I2C | USART + SPI/I2C | USART + SPI/I2C |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide-voltage LF process (vs PIC16F874AT-I/L)
- PLCC socket compatibility (vs PIC16LF874AT-I/PT)
- Compact 7 KB FLASH for cost-down (vs PIC16LF877AT-I/L)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on every active VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12, 19/20, 29/30, 39/40) within 5 mm of the package leads using short, wide traces. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or polymer capacitor close to pin 12 (VDD1) to absorb digital supply transients during A/D bursts. For best ADC accuracy, isolate the AVdd reference routing from high-current digital VDD traces per Microchip PIC16F87x family layout guidelines.
Reserve RB6 (pin 27) and RB7 (pin 28) as ICSP clock/data - never use them as outputs driving heavy loads, because the PICkit programmer requires them to be high-impedance during programming. Configure the LVP bit (RB3/PGM, pin 24) appropriately before code lock to avoid unintentionally enabling low-voltage programming. The MCLR pin (pin 1) needs a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; floating MCLR causes intermittent resets.
Estimated: at full 20 MHz active operation with all peripherals enabled the part dissipates approximately 50 mW (5V x 10 mA), well within PLCC-44 theta_JA of approximately 45 C/W. Junction temperature rise above ambient stays under 3 C in normal mounting. No heatsink is required; however, board designers in sealed enclosures should still verify with a thermal probe under worst-case ambient to avoid derating surprises.
Compliance Information
PLCC-44 ('L') packages are commonly Pb-bearing socket-compatible variants. RoHS, MSL, and lead-free status are marked [DATA_NEEDED] in the specs and should be verified against the reel CoC before RoHS-strict production. For AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, select PIC16F874A-I/PT, which is in the same silicon family.
