PIC16F876A-E/SS Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16F876A-E/SS is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16F series, currently in active production status. This device integrates 14KB of FLASH program memory, 256 bytes of EEPROM, and 368 bytes of RAM in a 28-SSOP surface mount package. The microcontroller operates at 20MHz with a supply voltage range of 4V to 5.5V and includes integrated peripherals such as PWM, watchdog timer, brown-out detection, and communication interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART/USART). Finding equivalent or substitute parts may be necessary due to inventory constraints, design optimization requirements, or end-of-life considerations for legacy designs.

Substiute Parts

PIC16F876A-E/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2235PIC16F876A-E/SS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F886-E/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 3433PIC16F886-E/SS Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PIC16F876A-E/SS is determined by strict alignment of core electrical and mechanical parameters. The following criteria establish valid substitution relationships:

Critical Parameters for Substitution:

• Core processor architecture (PIC)
• Core size (8-Bit)
• Program memory size (14KB FLASH)
• EEPROM capacity (256 x 8)
• RAM capacity (368 x 8)
• Package type and physical dimensions (28-SSOP)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C)
• Mounting type (Surface Mount)
• RoHS and compliance status

Allowable Variations:

• Supply voltage range may be extended (lower minimum acceptable)
• Number of I/O pins may increase
• Data converter channels may increase
• Oscillator type may differ (internal vs. external)
• Speed remains at 20MHz

The PIC16F886-E/SS qualifies as a manufacturer-recommended substitute based on these parameters.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PIC16F886-E/SS is a valid substitute for the PIC16F876A-E/SS based on the following engineering criteria:

Compliance and Status: Both devices maintain active product status with ROHS3 compliance and identical moisture sensitivity ratings, ensuring regulatory and supply chain consistency.

Electrical Compatibility: Core memory architecture, processing speed, and communication interfaces are identical. The substitute device features an extended supply voltage range (2V minimum vs. 4V minimum), which provides greater flexibility in power supply design without introducing incompatibility.

Functional Enhancement: The PIC16F886-E/SS provides increased I/O pin count (24 vs. 22) and expanded analog-to-digital converter channels (11 vs. 5), offering additional design capability without reducing existing functionality.

Physical Compatibility: Identical 28-SSOP package dimensions and surface mount characteristics ensure direct PCB layout compatibility and assembly process alignment.

Oscillator Consideration: The substitute device supports internal oscillator operation, whereas the main part requires external oscillation. This represents a functional enhancement that does not preclude substitution in designs utilizing external oscillators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PIC16F886-E/SS be used as a direct replacement for PIC16F876A-E/SS in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both devices share identical core architecture, memory configuration, package dimensions, and operating temperature range. The substitute provides additional I/O pins and analog channels, which do not interfere with existing circuit functionality. Firmware compatibility is maintained due to identical instruction set and memory organization.

Q: What are the key differences between these two microcontrollers?

A: The primary differences are: (1) supply voltage range is extended on the substitute (2V minimum vs. 4V), (2) I/O pin count increases from 22 to 24, (3) analog-to-digital converter channels increase from 5 to 11, and (4) oscillator type flexibility (internal option available on substitute). All other parameters remain identical.

Q: Are there any PCB layout modifications required when substituting PIC16F886-E/SS for PIC16F876A-E/SS?

A: No. Both devices use the 28-SSOP package with identical pin spacing and physical dimensions. PCB footprints are directly compatible without modification.

Q: Does the extended supply voltage range of PIC16F886-E/SS affect circuit design?

A: No. The extended range (2V ~ 5.5V vs. 4V ~ 5.5V) provides additional operational flexibility. Existing designs operating within the 4V ~ 5.5V range remain fully compatible. The substitute device operates correctly across the entire original voltage specification.

Q: Are firmware changes necessary when switching from PIC16F876A-E/SS to PIC16F886-E/SS?

A: No firmware changes are required. Both devices implement identical instruction sets and memory organization. Existing firmware compiled for PIC16F876A-E/SS executes without modification on PIC16F886-E/SS.

Q: What is the significance of the increased I/O and analog converter channels on the substitute?

A: The additional I/O pins (24 vs. 22) and analog channels (11 vs. 5) provide expanded design capability for future enhancements or alternative circuit implementations. These additions do not affect existing designs that utilize only the original pin and channel count.

Q: Are both devices available in the same packaging options?

A: Yes. Both PIC16F876A-E/SS and PIC16F886-E/SS are supplied in 28-SSOP surface mount packages with identical physical specifications and tube packaging.