PIC16F877A
Classic 8-bit PIC microcontroller with 14KB Flash, 368 bytes RAM, and extensive peripheral set for industrial applications.
Product Overview
Description
The PIC16F877A is a classic 8-bit microcontroller that has been widely used in industrial and educational applications for over two decades. It features 14KB of Flash program memory and 368 bytes of data memory.
This device includes a rich set of peripherals including 33 GPIO pins, 8-channel 10-bit ADC, UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces. The built-in EEPROM (256 bytes) provides non-volatile storage for configuration data.
With its robust design, wide availability, and extensive documentation, the PIC16F877A remains a popular choice for industrial control systems, educational projects, and legacy product support.
Product Series
PIC
Primary Application
Industrial control systems
Key Features
- 14KB Flash program memory
- 368 bytes RAM and 256 bytes EEPROM
- 33 programmable I/O pins
- 8-channel 10-bit ADC
- UART, SPI, and I2C interfaces
- 3 timers with capture/compare/PWM
- Watchdog timer and brown-out reset
- In-circuit serial programming (ICSP)
Specifications
| Architecture | 8-bit PIC |
|---|---|
| Flash Memory | 14KB |
| RAM | 368 bytes |
| EEPROM | 256 bytes |
| Max Frequency | 20MHz |
| GPIO | 33 pins |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0V - 5.5V |
| Package | DIP-40, TQFP-44, PLCC-44 |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
Applications
Industrial control systems
Industrial automation and control
Educational development boards
Electronic system design
Legacy product designs
Electronic system design
Simple automation systems
Industrial automation and control
Process control
Industrial automation and control
Data acquisition systems
Data acquisition and conversion
FAE Expert Insights
"The PIC16F877A is a classic workhorse that has stood the test of time. While newer MCUs offer more features, the 877A remains relevant for educational purposes and legacy system maintenance. I often recommend it for students learning embedded systems due to its straightforward architecture and extensive learning resources. For new industrial designs, consider the PIC18F series for better performance."
Classic PIC architecture with extensive documentation and educational resources
— Michael Chen, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PIC16F877A still recommended for new designs?
While the PIC16F877A is still available and supported, Microchip recommends newer devices like the PIC18F46K22 or PIC16F18877 for new designs. These newer devices offer significantly more Flash, RAM, and performance at similar or lower cost. The 877A remains suitable for educational purposes, legacy product maintenance, and when specific peripherals or package options are required.
Use PIC18F46K22 for new designs; use 877A for education or legacy maintenance only.
What is the difference between PIC16F877 and PIC16F877A?
The PIC16F877A is an enhanced version of the PIC16F877 with several improvements: 1) Faster Flash write operations; 2) Lower power consumption in sleep mode; 3) Enhanced oscillator options; 4) Additional brown-out reset options. The 'A' version is pin-compatible and code-compatible with the original 877, making it a drop-in replacement. Always use the 877A version for new purchases.
Always specify PIC16F877A - improved performance at the same cost.