PIC16LF874A-I/P Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16LF874A-I/P is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16F series, designed for embedded applications requiring low-power operation across a 2V to 5.5V supply range. This device features 7KB of FLASH program memory, 192 bytes of RAM, and 128 bytes of EEPROM, with integrated peripherals including I2C, SPI, and UART/USART connectivity. The part operates at 10MHz with an external oscillator configuration and is housed in a 40-PDIP package. Currently in active production status with verified programmability through DiGi-Electronics, this microcontroller remains widely used in legacy and new embedded designs. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent functional requirements can be met within the allowed electrical and mechanical parameter specifications.

Substiute Parts

PIC16LF874A-I/P

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 717PIC16LF874A-I/P Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F884-I/P

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2358PIC16F884-I/P Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PIC16LF874A-I/P is determined by strict adherence to the following allowed parameters:

• Package Compatibility: Both main and substitute parts must use 40-PDIP through-hole mounting with identical physical dimensions (0.600", 15.24mm).
• Memory Architecture: Program memory size (7KB FLASH), RAM capacity (minimum 192 x 8), and EEPROM size must meet or exceed the original specification.
• Voltage Supply Range: Operating range must encompass the 2V to 5.5V specification.
• Core Architecture: 8-bit PIC core processor required.
• Connectivity: I2C, SPI, and UART/USART interfaces must be present.
• Peripheral Set: Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, and WDT functionality required.
• Compliance: RoHS3 compliance and active product status required.

The PIC16F884-I/P meets these substitution criteria while offering enhanced specifications in speed, I/O count, and memory capacity.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PIC16F884-I/P is a valid substitute for the PIC16LF874A-I/P based on the following engineering criteria:

• Product Status: Both devices maintain active production status with Microchip Technology, ensuring long-term availability and support.
• Compliance Certification: Both parts are ROHS3 compliant and carry identical regulatory classifications (ECCN: EAR99, HTSUS: 8542.31.0001), meeting environmental and trade requirements.
• Package Compatibility: Identical 40-PDIP through-hole package ensures direct mechanical and electrical compatibility on existing PCB layouts.
• Memory Sufficiency: The PIC16F884-I/P exceeds minimum memory requirements with 256 x 8 RAM and 256 x 8 EEPROM, compared to 192 x 8 RAM and 128 x 8 EEPROM in the original part.
• Functional Equivalence: Both devices provide the required I2C, SPI, and UART/USART connectivity with identical peripheral support (Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT).
• Voltage Compatibility: Both operate within the 2V to 5.5V supply range without modification.

The PIC16F884-I/P offers enhanced performance characteristics including doubled processing speed (20MHz vs. 10MHz), increased I/O count (35 vs. 33), and expanded analog-to-digital converter channels (14x10b vs. 8x10b), while maintaining full backward compatibility with the original design requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PIC16F884-I/P be used as a direct replacement for the PIC16LF874A-I/P without PCB modifications?

A: Yes. Both devices use identical 40-PDIP through-hole packaging with matching pin assignments for core functionality. No PCB layout changes are required for mechanical or electrical compatibility.

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

A: The primary differences are processing speed (10MHz vs. 20MHz), I/O pin count (33 vs. 35), RAM capacity (192 x 8 vs. 256 x 8), EEPROM size (128 x 8 vs. 256 x 8), analog-to-digital converter channels (8x10b vs. 14x10b), and oscillator configuration (external vs. internal). All other functional parameters remain equivalent.

Q: Are there any firmware compatibility concerns when switching from PIC16LF874A-I/P to PIC16F884-I/P?

A: Firmware compatibility depends on application-specific code. The PIC16F884-I/P's increased speed and memory capacity are generally backward compatible with code written for the PIC16LF874A-I/P. However, timing-sensitive applications or code utilizing specific memory addresses may require validation.

Q: What is the difference between external and internal oscillator configurations?

A: The PIC16LF874A-I/P requires an external oscillator circuit, while the PIC16F884-I/P includes an internal oscillator. This difference affects PCB design complexity and component count but does not impact functional compatibility when both devices are properly configured.

Q: Do both parts meet the same environmental and regulatory standards?

A: Yes. Both the PIC16LF874A-I/P and PIC16F884-I/P are ROHS3 compliant with identical REACH status (REACH Unaffected), ECCN classification (EAR99), and HTSUS codes (8542.31.0001). Both maintain Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited).

Q: Is the PIC16F884-I/P available in the same packaging options?

A: Both devices are supplied in 40-PDIP through-hole packages in tube packaging format. Physical dimensions and pin spacing are identical (0.600", 15.24mm).