PIC16LF876T-04/SO - 8-bit MCU, 14KB Flash, 4MHz, SOIC-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF876T-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.14 | $3.14 |
| 10 | $3.04 | $30.40 |
| 100 | $2.85 | $285.00 |
| 500 | $2.62 | $1,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.41 | $2,410.00 |
PIC16LF876T-04/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (Flash, RAM, EEPROM), and programmable I/O peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16LF876 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller family -> RISC microcontroller class -> CMOS FLASH-based MCU -> embedded controller. It is upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX, and PIC16C7X device families, simplifying legacy code migration. The "LF" suffix denotes the low-voltage (F-series) process variant optimized for 2.0V-5.5V operation.
Key features include 22 digital I/O pins, 5 channels of 10-bit ADC, two 8-bit and one 16-bit timer/counter, a USART for asynchronous serial communication, an MSSP module supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), and a 5-channel PWM. The CMOS FLASH-based architecture enables in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and 100,000 erase/write cycle endurance on program memory. The wide-bandgap CMOS process yields typical active current of approximately 2 mA at 4 MHz, 5V, with standby currents below 1 uA.
The PIC16LF876 employs a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses plus a 14-bit wide instruction word, allowing most instructions to execute in a single cycle. This RISC instruction set comprises only 35 single-word instructions, accelerating firmware development and code density relative to CISC MCUs.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, sensor signal conditioning, low-power remote sensor nodes, HVAC thermostat controllers, automotive body electronics (non-safety), and consumer appliance control. The 28-pin SOIC footprint simplifies hand prototyping and rework, while the in-circuit debug capability accelerates firmware iteration cycles.
When designing with this device, ensure the ICSP programming pins (RB6, RB7) are accessible on the PCB for field updates. The configuration bits (fuses) must be set correctly to enable the internal oscillator or external crystal mode; an unset config word leaves the device in an undefined clock state that can prevent normal operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in SOIC-28 alternatives, and design notes from the Microchip PIC16F876/876A datasheet family not found on a single manufacturer page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF876T-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 PIC16LF876T-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, ADC, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LF876-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF876-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF876AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF876T-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876-04/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873AT-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF876T-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns @ 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | 5 |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (wide body, 7.50 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| ICSP Programming | Supported (RB6/RB7) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF876T-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/Vpp — Master clear (reset) input / ICSP programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / ADC input 2 / Vref- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — Digital I/O / ADC input 3 / Vref+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / ADC input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Digital I/O / Parallel-port read / ADC input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Digital I/O / Parallel-port write / ADC input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Digital I/O / Parallel-port chip select / ADC input 7 |
| Pin 11 | Vdd — Positive supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | Vss — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 20 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 21 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 22 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / data |
| Pin 23 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 24 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / ICSP low-voltage programming |
| Pin 27 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 28 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF876T-04/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node Controller, HVAC Thermostat Controller, Automotive Body Electronics, Low-Power Remote Telemetry, Consumer Appliance Control, Educational / Hobby Development Board.
Industrial Sensor Node Controller
The PIC16LF876T-04/SO fits industrial sensor-node designs because its 2.0V-5.5V operating window accommodates 24V->5V or 24V->3.3V LDO rails and its 4 MHz core consumes roughly 2 mA active, extending battery life in remote wireless telemetry. The 5-channel 10-bit ADC handles thermistor, 4-20 mA loop, and 0-10V transducer inputs with no external signal conditioning. The 22 I/O pins drive status LEDs, relay coils, and a UART-linked radio module. ICSP via RB6/RB7 supports field firmware updates on installed units, reducing truck rolls.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controller
In HVAC thermostat designs the PIC16LF876T-04/SO reads thermistor or digital temperature sensors via the 10-bit ADC, drives a triac-fired compressor via PWM, and communicates with the indoor unit over USART. The 4 MHz core executes proportional-integral control loops with sub-millisecond latency, while the 14KB Flash holds the user-interface state machine, scheduler, and fault logger. The 28-SOIC wide-body footprint simplifies assembly on the controller PCB, and the wide 2.0V-5.5V range supports 24VAC->5V rectified rails common in HVAC wiring.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LF876T-04/SO drives body-electronics modules such as interior lighting, mirror control, and seat-position memory where 22 I/O and 5 PWM channels replace multiple discrete drivers. Its USART links to a CAN/LIN transceiver via an external bus controller, while the MSSP module drives an SPI-bus EEPROM for non-volatile seat memory. The 28-SOIC wide-body package withstands automotive wave-solder profiles and simplifies rework. For under-hood applications requiring -40C to +125C, the -04E extended-temp variant is preferred over the commercial -04 grade.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Telemetry
Remote telemetry units benefit from the PIC16LF876T-04/SO's low-voltage CMOS design - the LF process draws <1 uA in sleep mode, enabling multi-year battery life on 2xAA cells when combined with periodic wake-on-timer interrupts. The 10-bit ADC digitizes battery voltage, sensor signals, and a solar-panel current shunt; the MSSP module drives a 433 MHz or sub-GHz radio over SPI. The 14KB Flash accommodates an over-the-air firmware update routine and protocol stack, while the 368-byte RAM buffers packet data between transmissions.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen equipment use the PIC16LF876T-04/SO to coordinate motor drivers, valve solenoids, and user-interface keypads. The 22 I/O directly drive seven-segment displays and LEDs without external latches, while the 5 PWM channels control brushless DC or universal motor speed via gate drivers. The MSSP module reads an external EEPROM for cycle-program storage, and the USART links to a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module for smart-appliance connectivity. The 28-SOIC package keeps BOM and assembly cost low.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Development Board
The PIC16LF876T-04/SO is widely used in university microcontroller courses and hobby projects thanks to its straightforward 35-instruction RISC architecture, breadboard-friendly 28-SOIC wide-body package, and free MPLAB X IDE toolchain. Students learn timer/counter operation, ADC sampling, and UART communication on a 4 MHz clock with predictable 200 ns instruction timing. The ICSP header (RB6/RB7) enables a $20 PICKit programmer to flash code without removing the MCU. The 14KB Flash accommodates complete term projects without external memory expansion.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF876T-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LF876-04I/SO | PIC16LF876-04/SO | PIC16LF876AT-I/SO | PIC16LF876T-04E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (wide body) | 28-SOIC (wide body) - same | 28-SOIC (wide body) - same | 28-SOIC (wide body) - same | 28-SOIC (wide body) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz (A silicon revision) | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| Silicon Revision / nanoWatt | Original LF (no nanoWatt) | Original LF (no nanoWatt) | Original LF (no nanoWatt) | A revision with nanoWatt | Original LF extended temp |
| Approx. 1000-pc Price (USD) | 2.41 | 2.55 | 2.32 | 2.85 | 2.95 |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0V-5.5V operating window versus F-variant (vs PIC16F876-04/SO)
- Commercial temperature grade at lowest cost (vs PIC16LF876-04I/SO)
- Same SOIC-28 wide-body footprint as A-silicon upgrade (vs PIC16LF876AT-I/SO)
- Larger 14KB Flash versus smaller PIC16LF873A family (vs PIC16LF873AT-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: configuring the PIC16LF876T-04/SO for a 4 MHz external crystal requires the HS oscillator mode bit set in the configuration word (CONFIG1H); if the bit is left in the default RC mode, the part will fail to start with a crystal attached. Always verify CONFIG1H and CONFIG1L after programming. For prototypes, an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator mode avoids crystal-startup failures and reduces BOM by two capacitors and the crystal itself. The MCLR pin must be tied to Vdd through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; leaving it floating causes intermittent resets.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (pin 11) and another between Vss (pin 12) and ground. Estimated: at 4 MHz switching edges, a 1 cm trace to a decoupling cap can introduce 30-40 mV of ringing - keep the cap lead length under 2 mm. The ICSP connector (RB6/RB7/MCLR/Vss/Vdd) should be brought to a 0.1 inch header for PICKit3 access. The analog Vref+ pin (RA3) must be bypassed with 100 nF when the ADC references Vdd; shared Vref with digital noise can degrade 10-bit ADC SNR by 1-2 LSB.
Estimated: the PIC16LF876T-04/SO draws approximately 2 mA active at 4 MHz / 5V and <1 uA in sleep mode. For battery-powered designs, use the PIC16LF876AT-I/SO 'A' silicon revision instead - it adds nanoWatt technology with deeper sleep states and software-controlled peripheral shutoff, reducing sleep current to roughly 100 nA. The LF process is qualified for 2.0V operation, allowing direct connection to 2xAA alkaline cells (3.0V nominal) without a boost regulator; a small 100 uF bulk cap on Vdd smooths the inrush of ADC conversions and PWM switching.
Estimated: route the analog inputs (RA0-RA5) away from PWM outputs (RC1/RC2) and the switching node of any nearby DC-DC converter. Maintain a ground-return path that does not share segments with high-current digital signals - a star-ground or split-plane approach with a single bridge under the MCU Vss pin is recommended. The OSC1/OSC2 traces should be as short as possible (<10 mm) and surrounded by a guard ring tied to ground to attenuate radiated clock harmonics. Avoid running serial traces under the SOIC-28 package - the lead-frame can capacitively couple noise into adjacent traces.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. The -04 grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive body electronics requiring -40C to +125C operation, choose the PIC16LF876T-04E/SO extended-temp variant.
