Microchip PIC16F877-04/P 8-bit Microcontroller Overview

The Microchip PIC16F877-04/P is a highly versatile and widely used 8-bit microcontroller belonging to Microchip’s PIC16F family. Built on a robust Harvard architecture, this microcontroller integrates a broad set of peripherals, making it suitable for a diverse range of embedded control applications in industrial, automotive, consumer, and educational projects.

Operating at a maximum frequency of 4 MHz (as denoted by the “-04” suffix), the device executes most instructions in a single cycle, achieving a throughput of up to 1 MIPS. It features 8 KB of Flash program memory, which allows for flexible and repeatable firmware updates, along with 368 bytes of RAM and 256 bytes of EEPROM for data storage that persists even after power loss.

A key strength of the PIC16F877-04/P is its rich set of integrated peripherals. It includes five I/O ports (Ports A through E), offering up to 33 programmable I/O pins for interfacing with external components. For analog applications, it incorporates a 10-bit ADC with 8 channels, enabling precise measurement of analog signals. Communication is facilitated through multiple serial interfaces: USART for asynchronous communication, SPI, and I2C (implemented in software), providing flexible connectivity options with other chips and sensors. Additionally, it includes three timers, including one 16-bit timer with capture and compare capabilities, and two 8-bit timers. A watchdog timer and a brown-out reset (BOR) circuit enhance system reliability by recovering from software malfunctions and unstable power conditions.

Housed in a 40-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), the device is particularly well-suited for prototyping and educational purposes due to its ease of use on breadboards. Its combination of performance, extensive peripheral integration, and proven architecture has made it a classic choice for engineers and hobbyists for decades.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16F877-04/P remains a foundational component in embedded systems, prized for its balanced performance, comprehensive peripheral set, and ease of integration, making it an excellent choice for complex control applications.

Keywords:

PIC16F877-04/P

8-bit Microcontroller

Harvard Architecture

Integrated Peripherals

Embedded Control