1. One-Sentence Description
The PIC16F877A-I/PT is a high-performance, multi-function 8-bit flash microcontroller integrated with rich peripherals and analog modules, suitable for industrial control, smart home appliances, and embedded system development.
2. Core Features
- High-Performance CPU: 35-instruction reduced instruction set (RISC), single-cycle execution (except for branch instructions), up to 20MHz clock frequency, 8-level hardware stack.
- Memory Configuration:
1）14.3KB Flash program memory (supports 100,000 erase/write cycles)
2）368B SRAM data memory
3）256B EEPROM data memory (supports 1,000,000 erase/write cycles)
- Peripheral Resources:
- 3 timers (Timer0/1/2) supporting PWM output
- CCP modules (capture/compare/PWM)
- Synchronous serial interface (SPI/I²C)
- USART asynchronous communication module
- Parallel slave port (PSP, only for 40/44-pin packages)
- 10-bit ADC (8 channels) and analog comparator
- Reliability Design:
- Watchdog timer (WDT)
- Power-on reset (POR) and brown-out reset (BOR)
- Support for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP)
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value/Description |
| Program Memory | 14.3K × 14-bit Flash |
| Data Memory | 368B SRAM + 256B EEPROM |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit (8 channels) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V ~ 5.5V |
| Clock Frequency | DC ~ 20MHz |
| Package Type | 40/44-pin PDIP/SOIC/QFN |
| Temperature Range | -40°C ~ +85°C (industrial grade) |
4. The Story Behind the Chip
The PIC16F877A was launched in the late 1990s as a flagship 8-bit MCU by Microchip for the industrial control field. Its design goal is to reduce system costs through high integration while providing sufficient flexibility to handle complex applications. With its excellent performance and ease of use, it quickly became the mainstream choice for home appliances, automotive electronics, and consumer products, and is still widely used in teaching and prototype development.
5. Design Philosophy
Balance of Low Power Consumption and High Performance:
- Adopts static CMOS technology, supporting sleep mode (current <1μA).
- Scalability: Supports external bus expansion through the parallel slave port (PSP) to adapt to complex system requirements.
- Ease of Use: Provides in-circuit debugging interface (ICD) and rich development toolchains to simplify the development process.
- Anti-Interference Design: Built-in brown-out detection (BOR) and watchdog timer to enhance system reliability.
6. Application Scenarios
- Industrial Automation: PLC, sensor data acquisition and control
- Smart Home Appliances: Air conditioning temperature control, washing machine logic control
- Medical Equipment: Portable patient monitors, ventilator control modules
- Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, toy robots, GPS terminals
7. Unique Advantages
- Large Storage Capacity: 14.3KB Flash (most competitors at the same level have 8KB) and 256B EEPROM, meeting complex firmware requirements.
- Flexible I/O Configuration: 40/44-pin packages provide 33 I/O ports, supporting external interrupts and weak pull-up resistors.
- Dedicated PSP Interface: Parallel slave port (only for 40/44-pin models) can directly connect to the microprocessor bus, simplifying high-speed data transmission.
- Dual Comparator and PWM Modules: Integrates 2 analog comparators and 10-bit PWM, suitable for motor speed control and power management.
8. What Engineers Must Know When Selecting
- Storage Requirements: Choose models based on code size (PIC16F873A/874A have 7.2KB Flash).
- I/O Planning: 40/44-pin packages provide more GPIOs, prioritized for multi-sensor/actuator scenarios.
- Power Supply Design: Ensure stable input voltage between 2.0V~5.5V to avoid false triggering of brown-out reset (BOR).
- Peripheral Compatibility: Confirm pin multiplexing schemes if SPI/I²C communication or UART is required.
- Package Selection: QFN packages are suitable for space-sensitive designs, while PDIP facilitates manual soldering and debugging.
Conclusion: The PIC16F877A-I/PT has become an ideal choice for mid-to-high-end embedded applications with its balanced performance, rich interfaces, and high reliability. Its large storage capacity and flexible expansion capabilities are particularly suitable for projects requiring long-term maintenance and upgrades, while Microchip’s complete ecosystem support further lowers the development threshold.
Contact:
Sylvia Xu | ECSource Components Co.,Limited
Top 10 Test Laboratory Distributors in Asia.
D-U-N-S Number:655918890 | ISO90001 Certificated Company
Phone/Whatsapp: 0086-19806586673
Email:sylvia@ecsource.net
Line Card : FPGA, RF, MEMORY,CONNECTOR,Power
