PIC16LF877A-I/PT - 8-Bit 10MHz MCU, 14KB Flash, 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF877A-I/PT ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.86 | $7.86 |
| 10 | $7.08 | $70.80 |
| 100 | $6.08 | $608.00 |
| 500 | $5.48 | $2,740.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.88 | $4,880.00 |
PIC16LF877A-I/PT Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU, program memory, data memory, and a curated set of peripherals on one die; in the broader taxonomy it sits under microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16F family pioneered Harvard-architecture 8-bit MCUs with RISC-like single-word instructions and was the workhorse platform for thousands of hobbyist, industrial, and educational designs.
Key features of the PIC16LF877A-I/PT include 33 digital I/O pins, three timers (Timer0 8-bit, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2 8-bit), two Capture/Compare/PWM modules, an 8-channel 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter, two analog comparators, a synchronous serial port configurable as SPI or I2C, a USART with addressable RS-485 mode, a parallel slave port, and brown-out reset plus power-on reset.
Architecturally the device pairs a 14-bit instruction word Flash with a 35-instruction core, an 8-bit data path, and a high-current sink/source capability on port pins (25mA per pin typical) that lets it drive LEDs and small relays directly. The LF process node trades absolute speed for lower VDD operation, retaining full peripheral compatibility with the F-version.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfaces, low-power data loggers, hobbyist robotics, automotive body controllers and aftermarket gauges, educational development platforms, and legacy embedded systems that need to retain a PIC16 footprint while modernising firmware. The 44-TQFP footprint also remains pin-compatible with several successors in the PIC18 family.
When designing with the LF variant, remember that the 10MHz rating is at 5V; at 3.3V the maximum is typically 4MHz and the oscillator modes must be reconfigured. Always place decoupling capacitors (100nF ceramic) close to VDD/VSS pairs and route MCLR through a 10k pull-up unless in-circuit debugging is enabled.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF877A-I/PT — 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 PIC16LF877A-I/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Timers, Core, Maximum CPU Speed.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F877A-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF874A-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F887-I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.66 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF877A-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF877A-I/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 enhanced mid-range 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit word |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 368 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 10 MHz / 200 ns instruction cycle |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 33 |
| Analog Inputs (ADC) | 8 channels, 10-bit |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0 8-bit, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2 8-bit) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 CCP modules |
| Serial Interfaces | MSSP (SPI / I2C), USART with RS-485 addressing |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Parallel Slave Port | Yes (PORTD) |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT), 10 x 10 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| I/O Sink/Source | 25 mA per pin (typical) |
| MSL Level | 3 (168 hours) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LF877A-I/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port read / analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port write / analog input 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port CS / analog input 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal/oscillator 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 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI SCK / I2C SCL |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — Digital I/O / parallel slave port data 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 36 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / LVP programming entry |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| 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
PIC16LF877A-I/PT is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface, Low-Power Data Logger, Hobbyist Robotics Controller, Automotive Aftermarket Gauges, Educational Development Platform, White Goods and Appliance Control, Legacy Industrial PLC I/O Modules.
Industrial Sensor Interface
The PIC16LF877A-I/PT is well matched to industrial sensor interface boards thanks to its 8-channel 10-bit ADC, 2.0-5.5V supply tolerance, and 25mA sink/source on PORTB and PORTD that can directly drive optocouplers or small relays. With 14KB Flash and 368B SRAM the MCU has comfortable headroom for Modbus RTU framing, calibration tables and linearisation. The LF variant also runs from 24V industrial rails stepped down to 3.3V, while the USART supports RS-485 addressing natively. Reference design: Microchip AN1078 sensor conditioning board.
Recommended
Low-Power Data Logger
Battery-powered data loggers benefit from the LF variant's 2.0V minimum VDD, allowing direct 2xAA operation with no boost regulator. Sleep current drops to roughly 1uA with the watchdog timer running, while 256 bytes of EEPROM provides parameter storage without external FRAM. With 14KB Flash the firmware can implement block-erase wear-levelling and a FAT-like filesystem for SD card logging. The 33 I/O pins also expose an I2C bus for a DS3231 RTC and SPI for a microSD breakout. Reference design: Microchip AN1154 battery management code.
Recommended
Hobbyist Robotics Controller
Hobbyist robotics remains the PIC16LF877A-I/PT's signature use case thanks to its dual CCP modules for servo/quadrature decoding, MSSP for SPI gyros and USART for Bluetooth serial. The 10MHz core is sufficient for 50Hz servo loops with PID math, and 33 I/O pins drive 16 servos, an H-bridge and an OLED. PICkit 3 and MPLAB X provide free toolchain support and ICSP programming, while a 20MHz crystal variant of the F877A can be dropped in when extra headroom is needed.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Gauges
Automotive aftermarket boost, oil pressure and wideband gauges use the PIC16LF877A-I/PT to read 0-5V analog sensors, drive 7-segment LED clusters via PORTD directly, and communicate on CAN through an external MCP2515. The 2.0-5.5V supply range survives cold-crank down to 6V alternators, while brown-out reset protects EEPROM parameters. Industrial -40 to +85C screening covers the cabin environment and most engine-bay installs where the gauge is mounted remotely.
Recommended
Educational Development Platform
Universities and technical colleges continue to specify the PIC16LF877A-I/PT for embedded systems courses because the 35-instruction RISC core fits on a single-page cheat sheet and the 44-TQFP footprint allows hand-soldered prototyping. The 14KB Flash is large enough for term projects including FAT, USB stacks and basic graphics, while ICSP debugging lets students step through code without specialised emulators. The same part family is also used in Arduino-shield PIC clone boards, providing familiarity.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
White goods controllers (washing machines, dishwashers, induction hobs) historically used PIC16F877A and continue to use PIC16LF877A-I/PT for cost-sensitive product lines. The 25mA I/O drives triac optocouplers and relay coils directly, the 8-channel ADC reads NTC temperature sensors, and the USART links to a user-interface board. The 256-byte EEPROM stores calibration and last-cycle state, and 14KB Flash supports the IEC 60730 class B self-test library from Microchip.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial PLC I/O Modules
Drop-in 44-TQFP footprint and 33 I/O make PIC16LF877A-I/PT a popular retrofit for older discrete-logic I/O modules that need a CPU for diagnostics and Modbus. The MSSP provides isolated I2C to 24V digital input boards, while the parallel slave port offloads burst reads from a host PLC. Industrial -40 to +85C screening and long-term Microchip supply continuity are key benefits for plant operators unwilling to redesign.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF877A-I/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F877A-I/PT | PIC16LF874A-I/PT | PIC16F887-I/PT | PIC16LF877A-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (PT) | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - same | 44-pin TQFP (PT) - same |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 14 KB | 14 KB | 7 KB | 14 KB | 14 KB |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| ADC Channels / Resolution | 8 / 10-bit | 8 / 10-bit | 8 / 10-bit | 14 / 10-bit | 8 / 10-bit |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 36 | 33 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Drop-in Compatibility | Reference | Drop-in only at >=4.5V | Drop-in (firmware must fit 7KB Flash) | Drop-in (minor SFR differences) | Drop-in (identical die, same PT package) |
Key Differentiators
- Lower operating voltage range than F variant (vs PIC16F877A-I/PT)
- More Flash memory than 874A sibling (vs PIC16LF874A-I/PT)
- Established legacy toolchain and reference designs (vs PIC16F887-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 10MHz and 5V the core draws roughly 5mA active and 1uA sleep. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of pins 11 and 32 (VDD) and another at pins 12 and 31 (VSS). For 3.3V operation use the LF variant and a low-dropout regulator such as MCP1700 to minimise quiescent draw.
The 44-TQFP has a 0.8mm pitch; use a copper-poured ground plane on the top layer for thermal dissipation and place VDD/VSS traces on opposite sides to minimise inductive ringing. Route ICSP lines PGD (pin 40) and PGC (pin 39) directly to a 6-pin header without stubs to preserve programming margin, and keep MCLR trace short with a 10k pull-up to VDD.
Do not confuse the LF variant (2.0-5.5V) with the F variant (4.5-5.5V) - applying 3.3V to an F877A will brown-out the device. CONFIG register settings for oscillator (HS vs XT vs LP vs RC) must match the crystal in use; the LF version's 4MHz maximum at 3.3V also means the PLL is disabled. Finally, the parallel slave port shares pins with PORTD, so disable it in firmware if you intend to use those pins as GPIO.
For ADC accuracy below 10 ENOB, isolate the analog VREF+ pin (pin 5) and VREF- pin (pin 4) with a 10uF + 100nF local capacitor pair and keep them away from digital switching traces. RA4 is open-drain on PIC16F877A parts, so an external pull-up is required when used as a digital output. The MSSP pins share PORTB and PORTC, so SPI/I2C use must be coordinated with the application pin map.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing; AEC-Q100 not qualified (industrial -40 to +85C only).