PIC16F877T-04/L Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16F877T-04/L is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16F series, designed for embedded applications requiring moderate processing capability and integrated peripherals. This device operates at 4MHz with 14KB of FLASH program memory and is housed in a 44-PLCC package. The part is currently in active production status with verified programmability through DiGi-Electronics. Alternative models may be required due to packaging preferences, performance requirements, temperature range specifications, or supply chain considerations.

Substiute Parts

PIC16F877T-04/L

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1228PIC16F877T-04/L Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F877-04/L

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 981PIC16F877-04/L Datasheet

DirectRFQ

PIC16F887T-I/ML

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 4230PIC16F887T-I/ML Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the PIC16F877T-04/L is determined by the following critical parameters:

Core Compatibility Requirements:

• Manufacturer: Microchip Technology
• Core Processor: PIC
• Core Size: 8-Bit
• Program Memory Size: 14KB (8K x 14)
• Program Memory Type: FLASH
• EEPROM Size: 256 x 8
• RAM Size: 368 x 8

Allowed Variation Parameters:

• Speed: May vary (4MHz, 20MHz acceptable)
• Voltage Supply Range: May vary (4V ~ 5.5V or 2V ~ 5.5V acceptable)
• Operating Temperature Range: May vary (0°C ~ 70°C or -40°C ~ 85°C acceptable)
• Package / Case: May vary (44-LCC or 44-VQFN acceptable)
• Number of I/O: May vary (33 or 35 acceptable)
• Data Converters: May vary (A/D 8x10b or A/D 14x10b acceptable)
• Packaging Format: May vary (Tape & Reel or Tube acceptable)
• Oscillator Type: May vary (External or Internal acceptable)

Non-Substitutable Parameters:

• Base Product Number must remain PIC16F877 or PIC16F887 series
• Connectivity (I2C, SPI, UART/USART) must be maintained
• Peripherals (Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT) must be maintained
• RoHS and REACH compliance status must be maintained

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

PIC16F877-04/L (Direct Substitute)

This part is functionally identical to the PIC16F877T-04/L with matching speed, memory configuration, voltage supply range, and operating temperature specifications. The primary difference is packaging format: supplied in Tube rather than Tape & Reel. Both parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and identical MSL ratings. This substitute is suitable when Tube packaging is acceptable for your assembly process. Note that programmability verification status differs between the two parts.

PIC16F887T-I/ML (Manufacturer Recommended Substitute)

This part represents an enhanced variant within the PIC16F series, offering superior performance and environmental specifications. Key differences include: 20MHz operating speed (5x faster than the main part), extended voltage supply range (2V ~ 5.5V vs. 4V ~ 5.5V), wider operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C vs. 0°C ~ 70°C), increased I/O count (35 vs. 33), and enhanced analog capability (A/D 14x10b vs. A/D 8x10b). The package format differs (44-VQFN vs. 44-LCC), and MSL rating is superior (1 vs. 3). This substitute is appropriate for applications requiring higher processing speed, lower voltage operation, extended temperature range, or enhanced analog resolution. PCB layout modifications are required due to package change.

Both substitutes maintain core compatibility through identical program memory (14KB FLASH), EEPROM (256 x 8), RAM (368 x 8), and peripheral feature sets (I2C, SPI, UART/USART, Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT). All three parts are manufactured by Microchip Technology and hold active product status with full RoHS3 and REACH compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PIC16F877-04/L be used as a direct replacement for PIC16F877T-04/L?

A: Yes. Both parts are identical in electrical specifications, memory configuration, and operating characteristics. The only difference is packaging format: PIC16F877-04/L is supplied in Tube while PIC16F877T-04/L is supplied in Tape & Reel. Selection depends on your assembly process requirements.

Q: What are the main advantages of PIC16F887T-I/ML over PIC16F877T-04/L?

A: The PIC16F887T-I/ML offers five times faster clock speed (20MHz vs. 4MHz), extended voltage supply range (2V minimum vs. 4V minimum), wider operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C vs. 0°C to 70°C), two additional I/O pins (35 vs. 33), and enhanced analog-to-digital conversion capability (14-bit vs. 8-bit channels). These enhancements come with a package change from 44-LCC to 44-VQFN.

Q: Is the package change from 44-LCC to 44-VQFN significant?

A: Yes. The 44-VQFN package has different pin pitch, footprint dimensions, and thermal characteristics compared to 44-LCC. PCB redesign is required, including new footprint layout, trace routing, and thermal management considerations. The 44-VQFN includes an exposed pad for improved thermal dissipation.

Q: Do all three parts support the same communication protocols?

A: Yes. All three parts include I2C, SPI, and UART/USART connectivity, ensuring software compatibility for communication-dependent applications.

Q: What is the significance of MSL rating differences?

A: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) indicates how long a component can be stored in standard conditions before moisture absorption becomes problematic. PIC16F877T-04/L and PIC16F877-04/L have MSL 3 (168-hour limit), while PIC16F887T-I/ML has MSL 1 (unlimited storage). Lower MSL ratings provide greater flexibility in inventory management and reduce risk of moisture-related failures during assembly.

Q: Are there any programming or firmware compatibility concerns between these parts?

A: Core instruction set compatibility is maintained across all three parts due to identical base product series (PIC16F877/PIC16F887). However, the enhanced features of PIC16F887T-I/ML (higher speed, additional I/O, enhanced ADC) may require firmware optimization to fully utilize these capabilities. Existing firmware written for PIC16F877T-04/L will execute on PIC16F887T-I/ML without modification, though performance characteristics will differ.

Q: Which substitute should I select for a new design?

A: Selection depends on application requirements. Choose PIC16F877-04/L if packaging format is the only constraint. Choose PIC16F887T-I/ML if your application benefits from higher processing speed, lower minimum voltage operation, extended temperature range, or enhanced analog capability, and if you can accommodate PCB redesign for the package change.