PIC16LF876A-I/ML - 8-Bit 10MHz 14KB Flash 28-QFN MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF876A-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.08 | $7.08 |
| 10 | $6.55 | $65.50 |
| 100 | $5.7 | $570.00 |
| 500 | $4.95 | $2,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.4 | $4,400.00 |
| 3,000 | $3.85 | $11,550.00 |
PIC16LF876A-I/ML Overview
A microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, non-volatile storage, and peripheral interfaces onto one silicon die. The PIC16 mid-range family (PIC16F/LF) is Microchip's most widely deployed 8-bit architecture; the LF prefix denotes the extended low-voltage (2.0-5.5V) variant versus the standard F (4.5-5.5V) range. The PIC16LF876A executes one instruction per 200 ns internal cycle at 20 MHz oscillator, with a Harvard RISC core, 14-bit instruction word, and 35 single-word instructions, and is source- and object-code compatible with the PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, PIC16C7X, and PIC16F87XA predecessors.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16LF876A-I/ML are: 22 digital I/O pins, three serial peripherals (USART/SCI, MSSP-SPI, MSSP-I2C in master/slave modes), ten 10-bit ADC channels, two analog comparators, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a 200 ns instruction execution time, and an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface for MPLAB ICD 2/3 in-system programming. The device supports self-programming via ICSP and is engineered for low-power operation, with brown-out reset, power-on reset, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and a wide 2.0-5.5V operating range.
Architecturally, the PIC16LF876A uses a 14-bit instruction width with an 8-bit data path, dual-port SRAM banking, a shared peripheral bus, and an internal 4 MHz factory-calibrated RC oscillator that can be selected at run time. The PIC16LF876A is a parametric refresh of the legacy PIC16F876A: identical peripherals and pinout, but with extended low-voltage operation. The -I/ML suffix designates the industrial temperature grade (-40 to +85 C) and the 28-pin QFN (ML) package.
Typical applications include sensor-conditioning front-ends, motor-control signal processing, battery-powered embedded nodes, and industrial-control subsystems. The wide voltage range, ADC, comparators, and timers let designers replace multiple discrete components with one IC. Designers migrating from older PIC16F876A designs benefit from a drop-in replacement that adds extended low-voltage support without any PCB rework.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF876A-I/ML — 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 PIC16LF876A-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Maximum CPU Frequency, Timers, Serial Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF876AT-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F873A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF877A-I/ML
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF876A-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit (35 single-word instructions) |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 368 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz (10 MIPS at 20 MHz, instruction cycle = 200 ns) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (LF extended low-voltage) |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 5 channels (varies by package) |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Timers | Two 8-bit (TMR0, TMR2) + one 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP + 1 ECCP module |
| Serial Interfaces | USART/SCI, MSSP (SPI / I2C master and slave) |
| Package | 28-pin QFN (ML) 6x6 mm with exposed thermal pad |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial / -I grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| In-Circuit Programming / Debug | ICSP via MPLAB ICD 2/3 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF876A-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage / Digital input only on port E |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog channel 0 input |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog channel 1 input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / Analog channel 2 / ADC negative voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog channel 3 / ADC positive voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI/C1OUT — Digital I/O (open-drain) / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 1 output |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS/C2OUT — Digital I/O / Analog channel 4 / SPI slave select / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / External clock input / Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / Clock output / Digital I/O |
| 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 / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / MSSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / MSSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / MSSP SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART asynchronous transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART asynchronous receive / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive power supply |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / Low-voltage ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Digital I/O (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB5/PGM — Digital I/O / Low-voltage ICSP programming data |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP programming clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP programming data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF876A-I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Industrial Control Subsystems, Appliance and HVAC Front Panels, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Motor Control and PWM Drive, Remote Control and RF Transmitter, Educational and Hobby Embedded Platforms.
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16LF876A-I/ML is a strong fit for battery-powered sensor nodes because its LF (2.0-5.5 V) variant operates directly from a single Li-ion / 2xAA cell without a boost converter, and its 10-bit ADC plus two analog comparators can read thermistor, photocell, or battery-voltage signals in a single chip. The 14 KB flash holds typical sensor-fusion or LoRa-/Sub-GHz-modem driver code, while the 256-byte EEPROM provides non-volatile calibration storage. Compared with discrete op-amp + ADC designs, the integrated ADC, comparators, and timers reduce BOM cost and PCB area for energy-harvesting and IoT telemetry endpoints.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystems
The PIC16LF876A-I/ML suits industrial control subsystems that require reliable serial communication and analog I/O on a single MCU. Its USART plus MSSP (SPI / I2C master and slave) interface to PLC backplanes, sensor hubs, and motor-driver peripherals, while the 10-bit ADC reads 4-20 mA loop signals through a sense resistor. The 28-QFN ML exposed-pad package provides a robust thermal path for factory-floor -40 to +85 C operation, and the ECCP module generates PWM for solenoid / valve actuation, replacing discrete PWM controller ICs.
Recommended
Appliance and HVAC Front Panels
The PIC16LF876A-I/ML is widely deployed in white-goods front panels (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators) and HVAC user-interface modules because its 22 I/O pins drive 7-segment LED displays, keypads, and rotary encoders, while its USART talks to the main controller board. The 14 KB flash accommodates multi-language UI state machines, and the integrated EEPROM stores user settings across power cycles. Compared with a discrete 8051 + LED-driver design, the PIC16LF876A consolidates display drive, key scanning, and comms into a single 28-QFN IC.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16LF876A-I/ML fits automotive body-electronics modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting because its industrial -40 to +85 C grade and 2.0-5.5 V operating range tolerate 12 V battery transients through a simple LDO. The MSSP SPI/I2C and USART communicate with body-control modules, and the ECCP drives small motors and LEDs via PWM. For safety-critical ECUs (airbag, ABS), designers should select AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F equivalents rather than the standard industrial-grade PIC16LF876A.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drive
The PIC16LF876A-I/ML drives small brushed DC, brushless DC, or unipolar stepper motors in applications such as fans, pumps, and small appliances, using its Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP + ECCP) module to generate precise 10-bit PWM with dead-band control. The 10-bit ADC reads back-EMF or shunt current for closed-loop speed control, while the analog comparators trigger hardware overcurrent protection. Compared with discrete PWM-controller ICs, the integrated MCU allows firmware-tunable acceleration ramps, fault handling, and serial telemetry, all in a 28-QFN footprint.
Recommended
Remote Control and RF Transmitter
The PIC16LF876A-I/ML is a natural fit for low-cost RF remote controls, key fobs, and 433/868 MHz transmitter modules because its LF voltage range operates from a single 3 V coin cell, and its USART or MSSP-SPI can bit-bang or interface an external RF front-end. The 256-byte EEPROM stores pairing IDs, and the integrated comparators wake the MCU on user-button events. Compared with a dedicated RF-encoder ASIC, the programmable flash allows custom protocols, encryption, and bidirectional feedback on the same chip.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Embedded Platforms
The PIC16LF876A-I/ML is a popular educational MCU because its PIC16 architecture is supported by Microchip's MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and a vast ecosystem of application notes, and its ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) interface enables real-time debugging with MPLAB ICD 2/3. The 14 KB flash and 22 I/O provide enough headroom for textbook exercises in ADC, timers, PWM, and serial comms without stepping up to a 32-bit platform. Compared with modern ARM Cortex-M0+ boards, the PIC16LF876A is preferred for teaching low-level register programming and interrupt architecture.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF876A-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF876AT-I/ML | PIC16F876A-I/ML | PIC16LF873A-I/ML | PIC16F873A-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same | 28-QFN (ML) 6x6 mm - same |
| Program Flash | 14 KB (8K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) - same | 14 KB (8K x 14) - same | 7 KB (4K x 14) - 50% | 7 KB (4K x 14) - 50% |
| Data SRAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes - same | 368 bytes - same | 192 bytes - 48% | 192 bytes - 48% |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V - same | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz (10 MIPS) | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 - same | 22 - same | 22 - same | 22 - same |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels - same | 10-bit, 5 channels - same | 10-bit, 5 channels - same | 10-bit, 5 channels - same |
| Serial Interfaces | USART + MSSP (SPI/I2C) | USART + MSSP - same | USART + MSSP - same | USART + MSSP - same | USART + MSSP - same |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40 to +85 C (-I) | Industrial -40 to +85 C - same | Industrial -40 to +85 C - same | Industrial -40 to +85 C - same | Industrial -40 to +85 C - same |
Key Differentiators
- Extended low-voltage LF range (2.0-5.5 V) vs F variant (4.5-5.5 V) (vs PIC16F876A-I/ML)
- Largest flash (14 KB) in 28-pin PIC16 LF family (vs PIC16LF873A-I/ML)
- Integrated 10-bit ADC plus 2 comparators on a single chip (vs PIC16LF818-I/ML)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the supply rail. For 2.0-5.5 V LF operation, use an MCP1700 or similar low-Iq LDO to keep total quiescent current under 2 uA in sleep. Brown-out reset (BOR) must be enabled in the configuration word to prevent flash corruption during supply dips below 2.0 V.
Connect the QFN ML exposed thermal pad directly to the VSS plane with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill) for ground continuity and heat dissipation. Route the ICSP lines PGC/PGD as short as possible and avoid routing them near the oscillator pins or analog inputs to minimize noise coupling during in-circuit programming. Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 with a guard ring tied to analog ground.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 7.5 V or the ESD rating of 2 kV HBM on any pin. The LF variant requires configuration-word settings for the internal oscillator and WDT to be verified before code release. Avoid using PORTA pins with both analog and digital functions simultaneously without first disabling the corresponding ADC channel in ADCON1, or unintended ADC conversions will corrupt digital reads.
When driving long cables from USART or MSSP lines, add series 100 ohm resistors near the MCU pin and place a TVS diode to ground for ESD. For I2C buses above 400 kHz, ensure pull-up resistors are sized for the total capacitance (typically 2.2-4.7 kohm at 400 kHz with 22 I/O fan-out). The MSSP module requires TRIS bits set correctly for SDA/SCL to avoid bus contention during multi-master arbitration.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; industrial -40 to +85 C grade only - not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive safety applications select PIC16F876A AEC-Q100 variants.
