PIC16LF88-I/SO - 8-bit 10MHz 7KB Flash MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LF88-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.81 | $3.81 |
| 10 | $3.42 | $34.20 |
| 100 | $2.98 | $298.00 |
| 500 | $2.61 | $1,305.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.34 | $2,340.00 |
PIC16LF88-I/SO Overview
A PIC16 microcontroller is an 8-bit RISC-based Harvard-architecture MCU from Microchip, belonging to the mid-range PIC16 family that sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16/17 families and the high-performance PIC18 family. PIC16F devices form one of the most broadly adopted 8-bit MCU families in industry and sit within the broader product hierarchy: 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC MCU -> embedded microcontroller -> semiconductor. They use a modified Harvard core with single-cycle instructions and are supported by a mature MPLAB X IDE toolchain plus MPLAB XC8 C compiler and PicKit/ICD programmers, with hundreds of free application notes and reference designs.
Key features of the PIC16LF88 include an internal 8 MHz RC oscillator (calibrated to within 1 percent), a 10-bit ADC with up to 7 channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a USART with RS-485 support, an SSP module for SPI/I2C master-slave operation, nanoWatt technology for low-power Sleep (typically under 1 uA), and 16 bidirectional digital I/O pins multiplexed with peripheral functions.
The device employs a 14-bit instruction word with 35 single-word instructions, most executing in a single instruction cycle (200 ns at 10 MHz). Its enhanced flash memory supports self-programming under firmware control, enabling bootloader designs and field-updateable products without external programmers.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, HVAC controllers, low-power remote battery telemetry, motor control signal conditioning, and consumer appliances. The wide VDD range lets a single part number span both 3.3 V sensor ASICs and 5 V legacy logic.
When designing with the PIC16LF88, remember that the LF grade is specified for -40C to +85C, not -40C to +125C; for automotive AEC-Q100 or extended-temperature use, choose PIC16F88-I/SO (industrial) or migrate to the PIC16F1 enhanced mid-range family. Decoupling must follow Microchip's recommendation of a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin with a short trace to ground.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, including the canonical cross-reference to PIC16F88-I/SO and the LF-grade VDD limits.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LF88-I/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 PIC16LF88-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F88-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F88-I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F88-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF819-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LF873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF876A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LF88-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16 (mid-range 8-bit) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| CPU Speed | 10 MIPS at 10 MHz oscillator |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data SRAM | 368 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 bidirectional |
| ADC | 10-bit, up to 7 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication | USART (RS-485), SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Internal Oscillator | 8 MHz calibrated RC |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial, I grade) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life, JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | ROHS3 Compliant |
PIC16LF88-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RA5 — Master clear input / programming voltage / PORTA bit 5 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / analog input 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI/RA7 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock / PORTA bit 7 |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO/RA6 — Crystal oscillator output / clock output / PORTA bit 6 |
| 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 PWM output |
| 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 TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LF88-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, HVAC Controller, Battery-Powered Remote Telemetry, Small Motor Control (Brushed DC / Stepper), Consumer Appliance User Interface, Automotive Aftermarket Accessory.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC16LF88-I/SO is a strong fit for industrial 4-20 mA sensor transmitters and bridge-sensor conditioners because its 10-bit ADC with 7 input channels resolves to roughly 5 mV per LSB on a 5 V reference, while the 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD range supports direct connection to 3.3 V sensor ASICs without an extra LDO. nanoWatt Sleep current under 1 uA extends battery life in wireless HART or LoRaWAN field nodes that wake every few seconds. The internal 8 MHz oscillator eliminates external crystals in cost-sensitive nodes. Pair with the MCP6002 op-amp for instrumentation gain and the MCP9700 temperature sensor for cold-junction compensation.
Recommended
HVAC Controller
The PIC16LF88-I/SO fits rooftop HVAC control boards because 16 bidirectional I/O pins comfortably drive triac optocouplers, relay coils, and a 4-digit 7-segment display without external buffers. Its USART supports RS-485 connection to a building automation bus running BACnet MS-TP or Modbus RTU, while the SSP module handles I2C communication with a digital humidity sensor. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD tolerance lets the same firmware run on either 5 V legacy boards or modern 3.3 V designs, easing inventory. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade covers unconditioned plant rooms.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Telemetry
The PIC16LF88-I/SO is well matched to remote telemetry units powered by 2xAA or 9 V batteries, where Sleep current under 1 uA and a 2.0 V minimum VDD let the device run for years on a single battery. Its internal 8 MHz oscillator reduces BoM cost by removing the external crystal required by many 8-bit MCUs. The 256-byte EEPROM provides non-volatile storage of calibration constants, measurement logs, and node IDs without external memory. Use the ADC to monitor the battery voltage through a resistor divider for accurate end-of-life prediction and the USART to wake on a wake-up byte from a LoRa or FSK modem.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (Brushed DC / Stepper)
The PIC16LF88-I/SO drives small brushed DC and bipolar stepper motors in appliance and instrumentation applications because the 16-bit timer with CCP modules generates accurate PWM at up to 20 kHz, comfortably above the audible band for quiet operation. Its 7-channel 10-bit ADC samples back-EMF for sensorless commutation of brushed motors, while the USART exposes a Modbus interface for industrial PLC integration. Current sensing uses the ADC with an external shunt amplified by an MCP601 op-amp; the comparators on RA0/RA1 provide hardware overcurrent protection that latches PWM low within 200 ns.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
The PIC16LF88-I/SO suits white-goods user-interface boards because 16 I/O pins drive a 4x4 keypad matrix, multiplexed 7-segment display, status LEDs, and buzzer with no external logic. Its 7 KB flash holds menu state machines, beep patterns, and self-test routines, while the 256-byte EEPROM stores user-set clock, brightness, and language preferences that survive power loss. The 2.0-5.5 V VDD range lets the same PCB design support both 3.3 V and 5 V display modules. Industrial -40C to +85C grade covers inside-cabinet thermal rise near motors and heating elements.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessory
The PIC16LF88-I/SO is widely used in aftermarket automotive accessories such as alarm modules, fuel-saver gadgets, and trailer-light converters because its 16 I/O lines and PWM channels cover indicator LEDs, relay coils, and serial-bus taps. Although the LF grade is rated -40C to +85C (not AEC-Q100), it tolerates underhood and cabin environments when placed in protected interior locations. The internal 8 MHz oscillator reduces cost in price-sensitive accessories, while flash self-programming enables dealer-flashable feature updates through the OBD-II port via a small adapter.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LF88-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F88-I/SO | PIC16LF819-I/SO | PIC16LF873A-I/SO | PIC16LF876A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO) | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Flash Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 256 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 128 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 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 |
| CPU Speed | 10 MHz / 10 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS (F-grade run) | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS | 20 MHz / 5 MIPS |
| ADC | 10-bit, 7 channels | 10-bit, 7 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V VDD range (vs PIC16F88-I/SO)
- 7 KB flash plus 368 bytes RAM plus 256 bytes EEPROM (vs PIC16LF819-I/SO)
- Internal 8 MHz calibrated RC oscillator plus 7-channel 10-bit ADC (vs PIC16LF873A-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5.0 V, 10 MHz active, IO drive disabled, the PIC16LF88-I/SO typically draws 4-6 mA active and under 1 uA in Sleep with WDT off. Place a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin using a short trace to the VSS ground pour. For designs that Sleep most of the time, disable the ADC, comparators, and unused peripherals in firmware before Sleep to reach the lowest Sleep current.
Estimated: a 2-layer FR4 board with a 1 oz copper pour covering the entire bottom layer under the SOIC keeps theta_JA around 80 C/W for natural convection, sufficient for industrial -40C to +85C at room-current consumption. Route RC3/RC4 (I2C) as short, parallel traces with a 4.7 kohm pull-up to VDD; route the crystal traces on OSC1/OSC2 to within 1 mm of the IC with a ground guard ring if noise is a concern.
Critical: do not connect MCLR directly to VDD without a 10 kohm pull-up if in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) is required - the programmer pulls MCLR low to enter programming mode. Also avoid using the internal 8 MHz oscillator for UART baud-rate-critical applications without calibration, since the internal RC has a +/- 1 percent tolerance which can cause framing errors above 38400 baud. For 115200 baud, switch to a 10 MHz external crystal. The LF grade VDD minimum is 2.0 V (NOT 1.8 V); operating below 2 V may corrupt EEPROM writes.
Compliance Information
ROHS3 Compliant per iccomponents-distributor datasheet listing. Lead-free. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade part rated -40C to +85C; for automotive AEC-Q100 applications, migrate to a different family. Conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip standard disclosure.