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What Is the PIC16F877A? Popular 8-bit PIC: Specs and Uses

October 24, 2026 5 min read
Quick answer

The PIC16F877A is one of Microchip's most popular 8-bit PIC microcontrollers. With 14 KB flash, 368 B RAM, 256 B EEPROM, 33 I/O and an 8-channel 10-bit ADC, it is a standard in teaching and industrial projects (PDIP-40). It is programmed with MPLAB + XC8; it is the learning chip of the PIC ecosystem.

The PIC16F877A is one of Microchip's most popular 8-bit PIC microcontrollers. With rich peripherals and plenty of I/O, it has been a standard part in teaching and industrial projects for decades. For the concept, see what is a microcontroller (MCU).

What is the PIC16F877A used for?

General embedded control, sensor reading (ADC), LCD/keypad interfaces and teaching projects. Its 40-pin DIP package and MPLAB + XC8/CCS compilers make it easy to program; it is the "learning" chip of the PIC ecosystem.

Specifications

ParameterValue
Core8-bit PIC, up to 20 MHz
Program memory14 KB flash (8K instructions)
RAM / EEPROM368 B / 256 B
I/O33 pins
ADC8-channel, 10-bit
PackagePDIP-40 (and QFP/PLCC)

Limitations

  • Low RAM (368 B); for large data use modern MCUs.
  • 8-bit and relatively slow; for heavy processing use a 32-bit part (STM32).

Equivalents

  • PIC16F84A: a smaller classic PIC.
  • PIC16F887: a close, newer PIC.
  • PIC18F4550: a higher-end part with USB.

Find it in our catalog

Use the PIC16F877A search.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PIC16F877A?+
The PIC16F877A is one of Microchip's popular 8-bit PIC microcontrollers. With 14 KB flash, 368 B RAM, 33 I/O and an 8-channel 10-bit ADC it is a standard part in teaching and industrial projects (PDIP-40).
How is the PIC16F877A programmed?+
It is written with MPLAB X IDE + the XC8 (or CCS/HI-TECH) compiler and flashed with a programmer such as a PICkit.
What is the difference between the PIC16F877A and the PIC16F84A?+
The PIC16F877A offers far more memory, I/O and peripherals (ADC, USART, PWM); the PIC16F84A is smaller and simpler (no ADC).
What is an equivalent to the PIC16F877A?+
The small classic PIC16F84A; the close, newer PIC16F887; and the PIC18F4550 with USB.