embedded processors controllers

PIC16F873A

Every spec below is cited to the manufacturer datasheet. Compare the closest alternatives, then ask the assistant what it means for your design.

00 — Overview

What the PIC16F873A does

The PIC16F87xA family comprises 28/40/44-pin enhanced flash microcontrollers including the PIC16F873A, PIC16F874A, PIC16F876A, and PIC16F877A. These devices operate at DC to 20 MHz with a 200 ns instruction cycle. They feature up to 8K words of Flash program memory, 368 bytes of RAM, and 256 bytes of EEPROM. The architecture includes a 10-bit, 8-channel analog-to-digital converter, two analog comparators, and multiple timers. These microcontrollers support single-supply 5V operation and are designed for applications requiring self-reprogramming via In-Circuit Serial Programming. They integrate capture, compare, and PWM modules alongside a watchdog timer for reliable embedded control tasks.

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Start building with PIC16F873A → Every number above is cited straight from the datasheet — ask what they mean for your design, and the assistant answers from the same source documents.
01 — Key specifications

Datasheet parameters

Datasheet parameters for PIC16F873A
ParameterMinTypMaxConditionsSource
supply voltage range 4 V 5.5 V Microchip datasheet, p. 233 — PIC16F87XA PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
input offset voltage 5 mV 10 mV COMPARATOR SPECIFICATIONS Microchip datasheet, p. 182 — TABLE 17-1: COMPARATOR SPECIFICATIONS
operating temperature -40 °C 85 °C Microchip datasheet, p. 233 — PIC16F87XA PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
clock frequency 20 MHz Microchip datasheet, p. 3
program memory size 7.03 KB Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — CMOS Technology:
ram size 192 B ram Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — CMOS Technology:
eeprom size 128 B eeprom Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — CMOS Technology:
io count 22 Microchip datasheet, p. 3 — CMOS Technology:
adc resolution 10 bit Microchip datasheet, p. 7 — TABLE 1-1: PIC16F87XA DEVICE FEATURES
core size 8 bit Microchip datasheet, p. 2
rise time 35 ns 100 ns (Note 1); CLKO AND I/O TIMING REQUIREMENTS Microchip datasheet, p. 185 — TABLE 17-4: CLKO AND I/O TIMING REQUIREMENTS
fall time 10 ns 25 ns SPI MODE REQUIREMENTS Microchip datasheet, p. 192 — TABLE 17-9: SPI MODE REQUIREMENTS
settling time 10 µs tset; VOLTAGE REFERENCE SPECIFICATIONS Microchip datasheet, p. 182 — TABLE 17-2: VOLTAGE REFERENCE SPECIFICATIONS
02 — Alternatives

Closest matches to PIC16F873A

PIC16LF1824 6.4× higher cpu speed, 2.0× higher eeprom size, 1.9× higher operating temperature
PIC12F1571 4.0× lower program memory size, 1.9× higher operating temperature, 1.8× lower supply voltage range
MSP430FR2310 10.4× higher ram size, 10.0× lower settling time, 4.5× lower rise time
EFM8BB10F2A-A-QFN20 5.0× higher cpu speed, 3.6× lower program memory size, 1.6× lower supply voltage range
ATmega48PA 4.0× higher cpu speed, 2.7× higher ram size, 2.0× higher eeprom size
MSP430G2153 10.0× lower clock frequency, 7.2× lower program memory size, 3.2× higher cpu speed
EFM8BB21F16A-C-QFN20 12.0× higher ram size, 10.0× higher cpu speed, 2.2× higher program memory size
EFM8BB21F16G 12.0× higher ram size, 10.0× higher cpu speed, 2.2× higher program memory size
03 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the ADC resolution of the PIC16F873A?

The ADC resolution is 10 bit.

What is the maximum clock frequency for the PIC16F873A?

The maximum clock frequency is 20 MHz.

What is the core size of the PIC16F873A?

The core size is 8 bit.

What is the EEPROM size of the PIC16F873A?

The EEPROM size is 128 B under the EEPROM condition.

What is the fall time under SPI MODE REQUIREMENTS?

The fall time is 10 ns.

What is the input offset voltage under COMPARATOR SPECIFICATIONS?

The input offset voltage is 5 mV.

How many I/O pins does the PIC16F873A have?

The PIC16F873A has 22 I/O pins.

What is the maximum operating temperature for the PIC16F873A?

The maximum operating temperature is 85 °C.

What is the program memory size of the PIC16F873A?

The program memory size is 7.03 KB.

What is the RAM size of the PIC16F873A?

The RAM size is 192 B.

What is the rise time under CLKO AND I/O TIMING REQUIREMENTS (Note 1)?

The rise time is 35 ns.

What is the settling time (tset) under VOLTAGE REFERENCE SPECIFICATIONS?

The settling time (tset) is 10 µs.

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