Why PIC16F877a is so Popular Among Engineers
Published: 2021-12-18 09:48:30



Among the most well-known microprocessors in the industry is the PIC16f877a. This microprocessor is really easy to use, and its coding or programming is also quite simple. Since it employs FLASH memory technology, a key advantage is that it could be write-erased several times as needed. It features 40 pins, with 33 pins dedicated to input and output. Several PIC microprocessor applications utilize the PIC16F877A. [PIC16F877A](https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2017/06/pic16f877a.html) is also popularly utilized in digital electrical microchips.
##**Pin Configuration and Description of PIC16F877A Microcontroller**
This microprocessor also has two 8-bit timers and a 16-bit timer. It even has capturing and comparing components, serial and parallel ports, as well as 5 I/O ports. The wiring schematic for the PIC16F877A is shown in this image. 
![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/obelrthvgmq428jvt3oz.jpg)

* PIN 1: MCLR: PIC16F877A IC's initial pin is the main clarity pin. This helps in resetting the microprocessor and is actively lower, which means it must be fed a voltage level at all times, and suppose 0V is delivered, the processor would start resetting. Whenever you are resetting the microcontroller, it would return to the program's initial line that was burnt into the IC.

The pin is linked to a button and resistor. It's powered with a steady 5V supply. Whenever you're wishing to start resetting your board's IC, we simply press the button that resets the microcontroller by bringing the MCLR pin to 0 potential.
* PIN 2: RA0/AN0:PORTA has six pins, most of which are two-directional I/O pins, between pin2 to pin7. Pin2 is its initial pin. This could be utilized as an analog pin AN0 as well. It has an analog to digital converter built in.
* PIN 3: RA1/AN1: It could be the analog input1.
* PIN 4: RA2/AN2/Vref-: This pin could also be utilized as an analog input2. It can also be provided with a negative analog reference voltage.
* PIN 5: RA3/AN3/Vref+: This pin could be utilized as an analog input. Alternatively, it might serve as an analog positive Vref.
* PIN 6: RA0/T0CKI: It may be utilized as a clock input pin for timer0, and the output form is free drain.
* PIN 7: RA5/SS/AN4: It's the analog input4. The microcontroller also possesses a serial communication port, and it could be utilized as the slave select for such ports.
* PIN 8: RE0/RD/AN5: PORTE is a two-directional I/O port that runs from pin 8 to 10. It could be analog input5 or, during the case of a parallel slave port, a'read control' pin that is actively lower.
* PIN 9: RE1/WR/AN6: This is the analog input6. It could also operate as the 'write control' for the parallel slave port, that would be actively lower.
* PIN 10: RE2/CS/A7: This could be analog input7, or to the parallel slave port, it could operate as the 'control select,' that would as well be actively lower, for instance the read and write control pins.
* PIN 11 and 32: VDD: These 2 pins provide positive power to the I/O and [logic devices](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmable_logic_device). They ought to be plugged into a 5V power source.

##Major PIC16F877A  Microcontroller Features
PIC16F877A, similar to other microcontrollers, possesses integrated helpful functions such as those listed below:
* ADC converter: It possesses an eight channel ADC device with an eight bit resolution. Using this microprocessor, we may utilize about eight analog detectors.
* Timers: It possesses three timers. Most  timers may be set to work as a timer or as a counter. They are utilized in providing delays, PWM, outside incident counting, and timer interruptions, among other things. TIMER0 is an eight bit timer that could work with either an inbuilt or outside clock.  We utilize Timer0 within the Timer Mode, inbuilt Frequency is normally utilized, and whenever we utilize it in Counter Mode, we utilize an outside Clock Source. TIMER1 is a sixteen bit timer that could function in the two modes as well. TIMER2 is likewise an 8-bit program. It is utilized alongside Pulse Width Modulation as a timing foundation for the capture compare PWM module.
* Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: It even possesses a 256x8-byte EEPROM, that may be utilized to save data consistently even though the microprocessor is turned off. It's commonly utilized in tasks involving electrical locks.  
* Pulse Width Modulation: It, moreover, includes two Capture Compare Pulse Width Modulation modules. Using this microprocessor, we could simply produce 2 PWM signals. It provides a maximal resolution of 10-bits. 
* Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter or Serial communication: It has a UART route. Serial communication among electronic gadgets is accomplished via UART pins. The RC7 pin (pin 26) is a Tx or Receiver pin, while RC6 (pin 25) is a Rx or Transmitter pin.
* Inter-Integrated Circuit Communication: Inter-Integrated Circuit communication is also supported by the PIC16F877A, which contains one Inter-Integrated Circuit module. Serial Clock and Serial Data line pins are 18/RC3 and 23/RC4, accordingly.
* Interrupts: In the realm of integrated devices, interrupts are quite useful. Suppose you are encountering some difficulties while attempting to comprehend interrupts, learning everything concerning them is the best option; otherwise, you would be unable to start programming them in integrated systems. Outside interrupts, timer interrupts, PORT state change interrupts, Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter interrupts, Inter-Integrated Circuit, and Pulse Width Modulation interrupts are all available on the PIC16F877A.

##Conclusion
The PIC16f877a might be discovered in a wide range of gadgets. Wireless detectors, safety gadgets, smart appliances, and a variety of commercial equipment all utilize it. This microprocessor possesses a minimal pricing and is simple to operate. It's versatile, allowing it to be utilized in sectors wherein microchips were never previously employed, like microprocessor utilizations and timer operations.