PIC16C56A-20I/P - 8-bit OTP MCU 1.5KB 20MHz PDIP-18 | Microchip
N.º de pieza: PIC16C56A-20I/P ✓ Activo| Cant. | Precio unitario | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.95 | $1,95 |
| 10 | $1.78 | $17,80 |
| 100 | $1.55 | $155,00 |
| 500 | $1.38 | $690,00 |
| 1.000 | $1.22 | $1.220,00 |
PIC16C56A-20I/P Descripción general
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that contains a processor core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, MCUs belong to the digital IC family, which in turn falls under integrated circuits for embedded systems. The PIC16C5x baseline series specifically uses 12-bit-wide instructions and an 8-bit data path, providing roughly 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit architectures in the same price class, a key reason this family remains in long-life industrial designs.
Key features of the PIC16C56A-20I/P include 1.5 KB (1K x 12) of OTP program memory, 25 bytes of data RAM, a 2-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes for both data and instructions. The device operates over the industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C, indicated by the 'I' suffix) and supports up to 12 I/O pins plus 1 input-only pin. It includes a watchdog timer, power-on reset, and an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with programmable prescaler. Programming is performed via Microchip's ICSP interface using tools such as the MPLAB PM3 universal device programmer.
Typical applications include appliance control, sensor interfaces, low-cost remote controls, LED drivers, hobby projects, and industrial automation subsystems where simple deterministic control is preferred over a higher-end MCU. The 20 MHz oscillator delivers up to 5 MIPS of throughput, sufficient for state-machine, PWM, and serial bit-banged protocols.
When designing with the PIC16C56A, engineers should use MPLAB X IDE and the MPASM/XC8 toolchain, observe Vdd decoupling guidelines (100 nF + 10 uF near the supply pins), and confirm that OTP programming budget is sufficient before committing to the part. The PDIP-18 footprint simplifies breadboard and through-hole prototyping.
Alternativas directas para PIC16C56A-20I/P — mismo encapsulado, compatible pin a pin. Se excluyen las piezas de otro encapsulado que requieren retrabajo de la PCB.
Variantes de esta serie
Modelos de la misma serie compatibles directamente con PIC16C56A-20I/P (mismo factor de forma y huella) — difiere en Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature.
Herramienta de comparación rápida — seleccione piezas alternativas para compararlas lado a lado:
PIC16C55A-20I/P
✅ Sustitución directa✓ En stock
$1.6 / unidad
Ver hoja de datos →PIC16C57C-20I/P
✅ Sustitución directa✓ En stock
$2.18 / unidad
Ver hoja de datos →PIC16C58B-20I/P
✅ Sustitución directa✓ En stock
$1.55 / unidad
Ver hoja de datos →PIC16C56A-20E/P
✅ Sustitución directa✓ En stock
$2.85 / unidad
Ver hoja de datos →PIC16C56A-04E/P
✅ Sustitución directa✓ En stock
$1.21 / unidad
Ver hoja de datos →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Sustitución directa✓ En stock
$0.68 / unidad
Ver hoja de datos →PIC16C54A-04I/P
✅ Sustitución directa📋 Alternativa de referencia (no en el catálogo)
PIC16C56A-20I/P Valores máximos y características eléctricas
| Core | PIC16C5x 8-bit baseline RISC |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) OTP ROM |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| Frecuencia de reloj máxima | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 5 MIPS |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Data Path Width | 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 12 bidirectional + 1 input-only |
| Timers | TMR0, 8-bit with programmable prescaler |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Temperatura de funcionamiento | -40C to +85C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Encapsulado | PDIP-18 (through-hole, 7.62 mm / 0.300 in pitch) |
| Tipo de montaje | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Nivel MSL | 1 (not moisture-sensitive, OTP device) |
| Estado RoHS | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
| Programming Interface | ICSP via MPLAB PM3 / PICkit |
Configuración de pines de PIC16C56A-20I/P
| Pin 1 | RA2/GP2 — Bidirectional I/O line (also T0CKI clock input) |
| Pin 2 | RA3/GP3 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O with TMR0 external clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active-low, with internal pull-up) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/GP0 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 7 | RB1/GP1 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 8 | RB2/GP2 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 9 | RB3/GP3 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 10 | RB4/GP4 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 11 | RB5/GP5 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 12 | RB6/GP6 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 13 | RB7/GP7 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output or CLKOUT |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input or external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RC0/GP8 — Bidirectional I/O line |
| Pin 18 | RC1/GP9 — Bidirectional I/O line (input-only on some baseline variants) |
Aplicaciones típicas
PIC16C56A-20I/P es adecuado para 7 aplicacións: Appliance Control Boards, Remote Control Transmitters, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Hobby and Education Projects, Simple PWM and Motor Speed Control, Security Keypads and Access Panels.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C56A-20I/P fits low-cost appliance control boards (washing machines, microwave ovens, rice cookers) where deterministic state-machine control is required at minimum BOM cost. Its 1.5 KB OTP program memory, 25 bytes RAM, and 20 MHz (5 MIPS) throughput easily handle keypad scanning, LED/relay driving, and simple sensor feedback loops. Unlike mid-range MCUs it costs below $2 in volume and runs from a single 5 V rail with no external crystal components required in RC oscillator mode, simplifying the PCB.
Recomendado
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16C56A-20I/P is well suited to IR/RF remote control transmitters where the application is a single repetitive bit-banged protocol and OTP one-time-programming prevents firmware reverse-engineering. Its 12 I/O pins drive keypad matrix scanning (up to 4x4), LED indicators, and a transmitter enable line while TMR0 generates accurate carrier-frequency timing. The 5 MIPS throughput is more than sufficient for Manchester, RC5, or proprietary OOK protocols, and the 2.5-5.5 V Vdd range supports both 3 V coin-cell and 5 V USB-powered transmitters.
Recomendado
LED Lighting Controllers
For simple LED lighting controllers and decorative light strings, the PIC16C56A-20I/P provides enough I/O and PWM-style bit-banging to drive 8-12 channels of MOSFETs without external driver ICs. The 20 MHz clock permits software PWM at audio-noise-free rates above 1 kHz, eliminating flicker while the OTP memory locks in the lighting pattern to prevent end-user modification. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor or enclosed-luminaire environments, and the PDIP-18 package simplifies hand-soldering for low-volume lighting products.
Recomendado
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16C56A-20I/P serves as a smart front-end for industrial sensors that need local pre-processing before forwarding to a host PLC. Its 12-bit instruction width compresses typical sensor-protocol code, allowing a UART-style bit-bang, Modbus RTU slave, or 4-20 mA loop transmitter to fit inside the 1.5 KB OTP. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles factory-floor conditions, while the 25-byte RAM is sufficient for buffering one or two sensor samples and a small protocol state. Watchdog timer and POR improve field reliability.
Recomendado
Hobby and Education Projects
Hobbyists and educators choose the PIC16C56A-20I/P because it is one of the simplest PIC microcontrollers to learn on: 35 instructions, 2-level stack, 25 bytes RAM, and straightforward PIC16C5x assembly. Through-hole PDIP-18 packaging fits breadboards and stripboard without SMD soldering, and the part is widely supported by PICkit programmers, MPLAB X IDE, and dozens of free online tutorials. Cost is under $2 per unit, making it ideal for classroom labs where students may damage parts during experiments.
Recomendado
Simple PWM and Motor Speed Control
For low-cost brushed DC motor speed control or small fan PWM, the PIC16C56A-20I/P runs a software PWM at the 20 MHz (5 MIPS) ceiling with adequate resolution for 8-bit duty-cycle control. Two I/O pins can be assigned to TMR0 clock input for tachometer feedback, while another drives a power MOSFET via the MCP1700 LDO rail. Although the device has no hardware PWM peripheral, the high instruction throughput and 12 I/O pins allow multi-channel software PWM at audio-band switching frequencies above 20 kHz for silent operation.
Recomendado
Security Keypads and Access Panels
The PIC16C56A-20I/P is used in simple security keypads, door access panels, and alarm-system annunciators because its OTP memory prevents cloning of the access-code logic and its low power consumption supports battery backup. The 12 I/O lines scan a 4x3 or 4x4 keypad matrix, drive a piezo buzzer, and switch an output relay. Industrial temperature range is suitable for outdoor keypad housings, while the 25-byte RAM easily buffers the entered PIN. A watchdog timer locks the panel on firmware malfunction.
Recomendado
Resumen de productos recomendados
Datos de referencia de ingeniería para PIC16C56A-20I/P — comparación, orientación de diseño e información de cumplimiento.
Guía de selección
Comparación con alternativas
| Parámetro | Este producto | PIC16C55A-20I/P | PIC16C57C-20I/P | PIC16C58B-20I/P | PIC16F54-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-18 | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB OTP | 0.75 KB OTP (-50%) | 3 KB OTP (+100%) | 2 KB OTP (+33%) | 0.75 KB Flash (-50%) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes (same) | 72 bytes (+188%) | 73 bytes (+192%) | 25 bytes (same) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) |
| Memory Type | OTP ROM | OTP ROM | OTP ROM | OTP ROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| I/O Pins | 12 + 1 input | 12 + 1 input (same) | 12 + 1 input (same) | 12 + 1 input (same) | 12 + 1 input (same) |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels | 2 levels (same) | 2 levels (same) | 2 levels (same) | 2 levels (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) | -40C to +85C (same) |
Diferenciadores clave
- Balanced 1.5 KB OTP memory in the smallest PIC16C5x cost position (frente a PIC16C55A-20I/P)
- OTP one-time-programmable memory for security and low unit cost (frente a PIC16F54-I/P)
- Baseline PIC16C5x instruction set - simplest 8-bit PIC to learn (frente a PIC16F84A-I/P)
Notas de diseño
Decouple Vdd (pin 14) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor on the same rail. Although the PIC16C5x baseline core draws only a few milliamps, the OTP programming mode and brown-out scenarios can inject brief current spikes. For battery operation, Microchip's MCP1700 3.3 V LDO with 1.6 uA quiescent current keeps sleep-mode consumption negligible.
The PIC16C56A baseline core has only a 2-level hardware stack: nested subroutines deeper than two will silently overwrite the return PC and produce erratic behavior. This is the most common gotcha for engineers familiar with mid-range PICs (8-level stack). Avoid deep call chains; refactor nested ISRs or routines into iterative code or upgrade to PIC16C57C/PIC16F54 if deeper calls are unavoidable. Also note: OTP is one-time-programmable - verify code in a Flash equivalent (PIC16F54-I/P) before committing.
Route the MCLR line (pin 4) directly to the programming header; do not place series resistors or capacitors in this path because ICSP requires MCLR to be driven cleanly to Vdd during programming. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short (<10 mm) and guard them from high-current switching lines to avoid injecting noise into the internal timer. Through-hole PDIP-18 layout is forgiving, but maintain at least 0.5 mm clearance from analog traces and consider a ground pour for thermal dissipation.
When using TMR0 with an external clock on RA4/T0CKI (pin 3), add a 1 kohm series resistor and a 10-100 pF capacitor to ground to debounce mechanical switches and ringing edges. The baseline PIC16C5x has no hardware PWM; software PWM depends on the 5 MIPS throughput remaining consistent. If the application spends long periods inside interrupt service routines, PWM duty cycle jitter becomes audible in motor control - budget ISR time accordingly.
Información de cumplimiento
RoHS and lead-free status per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this baseline OTP part is targeted at industrial and consumer markets, not automotive. REACH compliance per Microchip regulatory statements.
