The PIC16F876A-I/SP is a high-performance, 8-bit FLASH-based microcontroller from Microchip Technology, designed for embedded systems, industrial automation, electronic control, and microcontroller development projects.
Featuring a 28-pin PDIP package, the PIC16F876A combines a RISC architecture with 14KB of FLASH program memory, 368 bytes of RAM, and 256 bytes of EEPROM for non-volatile data storage.
The microcontroller operates at clock frequencies up to 20MHz and includes a 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, USART serial communication, and an MSSP module supporting SPI and I2C communication.
Its In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) capability, watchdog timer, and low-power operating modes make it suitable for a wide range of embedded electronic applications.
Key Features
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8-Bit RISC Architecture: Efficient processing with a 35-instruction architecture.
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14KB FLASH Program Memory: Reprogrammable memory for embedded firmware.
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368 Bytes SRAM: Internal data memory for program execution.
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256 Bytes EEPROM: Non-volatile storage for settings and configuration data.
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20MHz Maximum Clock Frequency: Supports instruction execution rates up to 5 MIPS.
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10-Bit ADC: Five analog input channels for reading compatible analog sensors.
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Two CCP Modules: Support capture, compare, and PWM functions.
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USART Communication: Hardware serial communication for external devices.
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SPI and I2C Interfaces: MSSP peripheral for synchronous serial communication.
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Up to 22 I/O Pins: Configurable digital input/output pins with multiplexed functions.
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Three Timer Modules: Timer0, Timer1, and Timer2 for timing and counting applications.
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Watchdog Timer: Helps improve reliability in embedded control systems.
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Brown-Out Reset: Supports reliable operation during supply voltage fluctuations.
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ICSP Programming: Allows firmware programming through compatible Microchip programmers.
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Low-Power Sleep Mode: Reduces power consumption when processing is not required.
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Industrial Temperature Rating: Suitable for applications operating from -40°C to +85°C.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Manufacturer |
Microchip Technology |
| Part Number |
PIC16F876A-I/SP |
| Microcontroller Family |
PIC16F |
| Architecture |
8-Bit RISC |
| Program Memory |
14KB FLASH (8K × 14-Bit Words) |
| SRAM |
368 Bytes |
| EEPROM |
256 Bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency |
20MHz |
| Maximum Processing Speed |
5 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage |
4.0V–5.5V |
| GPIO Pins |
Up to 22 |
| ADC Resolution |
10-Bit |
| ADC Channels |
5 |
| CCP Modules |
2 |
| PWM Channels |
2 |
| Timers |
Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| Serial Communication |
USART, SPI, I2C |
| Watchdog Timer |
Yes |
| Brown-Out Reset |
Yes |
| Programming Interface |
ICSP |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C |
| Package |
PDIP-28 |
| Mounting Type |
Through-Hole |
| Pin Count |
28 |
Pin Configuration
| Pin |
Function |
| 1 |
MCLR / VPP – Reset and Programming Voltage |
| 2 |
RA0 / AN0 – GPIO / Analog Input 0 |
| 3 |
RA1 / AN1 – GPIO / Analog Input 1 |
| 4 |
RA2 / AN2 / VREF- – Analog Input / Reference |
| 5 |
RA3 / AN3 / VREF+ – Analog Input / Reference |
| 6 |
RA4 / T0CKI – GPIO / Timer0 Clock Input |
| 7 |
RA5 / AN4 / SS – Analog Input / SPI Slave Select |
| 8 |
VSS – Ground |
| 9 |
OSC1 / CLKIN – Oscillator Input |
| 10 |
OSC2 / CLKOUT – Oscillator Output |
| 11 |
RC0 / T1OSO / T1CKI |
| 12 |
RC1 / T1OSI / CCP2 |
| 13 |
RC2 / CCP1 |
| 14 |
RC3 / SCK / SCL – SPI / I2C Clock |
| 15 |
RC4 / SDI / SDA – SPI Data Input / I2C Data |
| 16 |
RC5 / SDO – SPI Data Output |
| 17 |
RC6 / TX / CK – USART Transmit |
| 18 |
RC7 / RX / DT – USART Receive |
| 19 |
VSS – Ground |
| 20 |
VDD – Positive Supply |
| 21 |
RB0 / INT – External Interrupt |
| 22 |
RB1 – Digital I/O |
| 23 |
RB2 – Digital I/O |
| 24 |
RB3 / PGM – GPIO / Low-Voltage Programming |
| 25 |
RB4 – Digital I/O |
| 26 |
RB5 – Digital I/O |
| 27 |
RB6 / PGC – Programming Clock |
| 28 |
RB7 / PGD – Programming Data |
Note: Several pins provide multiplexed functions. Their operation depends on the selected configuration bits and enabled peripherals.
Programming and Development
The PIC16F876A-I/SP can be programmed using compatible Microchip development tools.
Recommended Development Tools:
- MPLAB X IDE
- MPLAB XC8 Compiler
- Compatible PICkit Programmer
- ICSP Programming Interface
The ICSP interface allows firmware programming without removing the microcontroller from the circuit.
Applications
- Industrial Automation
- Embedded Control Systems
- Robotics and Motor Control
- PWM-Based Motor Speed Control
- Analog Sensor Monitoring
- Data Acquisition Systems
- Serial Communication Projects
- LCD and Display Control
- Home Automation
- Electronic Measurement Equipment
- Timer and Counter Circuits
- Educational Microcontroller Projects
- DIY Electronics and Prototyping
Important Notes
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Programming Required: The microcontroller requires suitable firmware before performing application-specific functions.
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Power Supply: Use a regulated power supply within the specified operating voltage range.
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External Clock: Operation at 20MHz requires a suitable external oscillator or crystal circuit.
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ADC Inputs: Analog input voltages must remain within the permitted device and reference voltage limits.
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PWM Outputs: PWM pins provide control signals and cannot directly drive high-current motors. Use an appropriate motor driver.
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Serial Interfaces: The USART operates at microcontroller logic levels. RS232 or RS485 communication requires a suitable transceiver.
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ICSP Compatibility: Verify that the selected programmer supports the PIC16F876A.
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Pin Multiplexing: Some pins are shared between GPIO, communication, ADC, and programming functions.
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Not an Arduino Board: This is a standalone PIC microcontroller requiring compatible PIC development tools.
Package Includes
