PIC16C55-10E/P - 8-bit OTP MCU 10MHz 768B | 28-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C55-10E/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.5 | $7.50 |
| 10 | $6.8 | $68.00 |
| 100 | $5.95 | $595.00 |
| 500 | $5.2 | $2,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.65 | $4,650.00 |
PIC16C55-10E/P Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a compact single-chip computer with non-volatile one-time-programmable program memory, a small RAM, and a CPU plus peripherals on one die. The PIC16C55 belongs to the broader product hierarchy: PIC16C5X -> PIC16C family -> PICmicro 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. Engineers select OTP parts like the PIC16C55 for low-cost, fixed-function consumer and industrial products where firmware is final at production time and field reprogramming is not required.
Key differentiating features include the 12-bit-wide instruction word providing roughly 2:1 code compression versus other 8-bit MCUs in its class, a low-power CMOS architecture with sleep current in the microamp range, and a Harvard bus structure separating program and data memory for deterministic execution. The 20 I/O pins each source or sink up to 25 mA, allowing direct LED and small-solenoid drive without external transistors. The integrated watchdog timer and power-on reset reduce external component count for brown, low-cost designs.
Typical application domains include appliance control, security keypads, remote-control transmitters, simple sensor interfaces, hobby electronics, and low-end industrial controllers. The wide -40 °C to +125 °C extended grade suits automotive under-hood and outdoor industrial enclosures. The 28-PDIP package is favored for hand-soldered prototypes, educational kits, and low-volume production where socketed replacement simplifies field service.
When designing with the PIC16C55-10E/P, plan a stable 5 V rail with adequate bulk decoupling, reserve the MCLR pin for a proper reset network, and ensure the high-current I/O pins do not exceed the package's total current budget. The OTP memory requires programming prior to final assembly since it cannot be erased or rewritten.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C55-10E/P — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16C55-10E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, Watchdog Timer, Instruction Cycle Time, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C55-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-10/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-10E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C55-10I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-HSI/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-10E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C5X (8-bit Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 24 bytes |
| CPU Speed | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| I/O Current per Pin | 25 mA source/sink |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) + WDT |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip) |
| Reset | POR (Power-on Reset), MCLR |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended "E") |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (0.600", 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
PIC16C55-10E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — RTCC timer I/O pin / PORTA bit 4 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply (4.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 26 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C55-10E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Microwave Keypads), Security Keypad & Access Control Panels, Remote Control & RF Transmitter Encoders, Simple Sensor Interfaces & Data Acquisition Front Ends, Educational Kits & Hobby Electronics Trainers, Low-End Industrial Controllers & Replacement Logic.
Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Microwave Keypads)
The PIC16C55-10E/P is well suited to appliance control boards because its 20 mA-capable I/O pins drive relays, triacs, and LED indicators directly without external transistors. The 768-byte OTP holds typical washing-machine cycle logic, keypad scan routines, and buzzer patterns. The extended -40 °C to +125 °C grade tolerates the high ambient temperature inside an oven-cabinet or near a motor. Brown-out protection via the integrated POR prevents corruption on supply dips, while the watchdog timer resets the controller after firmware lockups.
Recommended
Security Keypad & Access Control Panels
Security keypads and access-control panels benefit from the PIC16C55-10E/P's low power CMOS architecture, 20 digital I/O for scanning 4x4 key matrices, and one-time-programmable memory that locks firmware against reverse engineering. The 768-byte OTP stores debounce tables, credential logic, and tamper-detection handlers. The watchdog timer recovers the panel after a firmware stall. The DIP package simplifies socketed replacement during field service calls, and the wide 4.5-5.5 V supply range operates directly from a regulated alarm-bus rail.
Recommended
Remote Control & RF Transmitter Encoders
Remote control transmitters and RF encoder circuits use the PIC16C55-10E/P for low-cost, fixed-function code generation where OTP memory prevents over-the-air firmware tampering. The 10 MHz core delivers ample throughput for IR/RF protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, proprietary), while 20 I/O drive status LEDs and keypad rows. Sleep current in the microamp range extends battery life in handheld units. The 28-PDIP package fits neatly into handheld plastic enclosures with through-hole mechanical anchors for drop-tested products.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interfaces & Data Acquisition Front Ends
The PIC16C55-10E/P serves as a low-cost front end for simple sensor interfaces - thermistor conditioning, photodiode pulse counting, or contact-debounce modules feeding an upstream host. Its 20 I/O accept digital sensor lines directly, while the integrated watchdog timer protects against sensor-bus lockups. OTP memory locks the calibration algorithm so identical units produce identical responses. The extended temperature grade enables outdoor sensor pods and industrial-environment mounting.
Recommended
Educational Kits & Hobby Electronics Trainers
Educational microcontroller trainers and hobbyist kits favor the PIC16C55-10E/P because the 28-PDIP package is breadboard-friendly and hand-solderable. The 768-byte OTP memory is large enough for student projects (LED chasers, simple games, motor speed controllers) yet small enough to teach fundamental assembly programming. The PIC16C5X instruction set is straightforward, with only 33 instructions, making it a common choice for introductory embedded courses. The 20 I/O allow standard peripheral demonstrations: 7-segment LEDs, pushbuttons, and small DC motors.
Recommended
Low-End Industrial Controllers & Replacement Logic
Low-end industrial controllers and legacy 5 V logic replacement modules use the PIC16C55-10E/P to consolidate discrete TTL/CMOS glue logic into a single programmable part. The extended -40 °C to +125 °C grade supports factory-floor environments, while the 20 mA I/O directly drive indicator lamps and small solenoids. The OTP memory locks the controller logic so plant operators cannot accidentally re-flash a critical process controller. The DIP package simplifies MRO (maintenance, repair, operations) socket replacement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C55-10E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C55-10I/P | PIC16C55-10/SP | PIC16C55-10E/SP | PIC16C55-10I/SP | PIC16C55-HSI/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-PDIP (0.600") | 28-PDIP (0.600") - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300") | 28-SPDIP (0.300") | 28-SPDIP (0.300") | 28-PDIP (0.600") - same |
| Max CPU Speed | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP |
| RAM | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Operating Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40 to +125 °C | Industrial -40 to +85 °C | Commercial 0 to +70 °C | Extended -40 to +125 °C | Industrial -40 to +85 °C | Extended -40 to +125 °C |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40 °C to +125 °C temperature grade vs standard industrial -40 to +85 °C (vs PIC16C55-10I/P)
- 768 B (512 x 12) of OTP program memory vs 512 B on PIC16C54 (vs PIC16C54-10E/P)
- 20 mA I/O per pin direct drive eliminates external transistors (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C55-10E/P requires a stable 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply; place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (25) and a 10 µF bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic on the same rail. Decouple VSS (pins 5 and 14) with a low-impedance ground return. In noisy industrial environments, add a ferrite bead on the supply feed. Brown-out events below 4.5 V can corrupt OTP read cycles, so use a supervisor IC or rely on the internal POR with sufficient bulk capacitance to ride through transients.
Place the crystal or resonator within 10 mm of the OSC1 (pin 15) and OSC2 (pin 16) pins to minimize parasitic capacitance. Route the MCLR (pin 4) trace away from high-current switching signals and add a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD plus a 100 nF cap to ground for hardware-reset debouncing. For the 28-PDIP (0.600") footprint, keep at least 2 mm of through-hole pad clearance on each side to accommodate hand-soldering or socketed replacement during prototyping.
Estimated: PIC16C55's OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten - confirm firmware is final before programming the device. Lock bits and configuration words must be set correctly in the same programming cycle or the chip may lock up. The watchdog timer (WDT) is enabled by configuration and will reset the device at the end of its timeout if not cleared; ensure your main loop clears WDT regularly. The RTCC pin (pin 3) requires configuration as either an external timer input or a digital I/O - leaving it floating can cause spurious interrupts in noisy environments.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status for the PIC16C55-10E/P variant are not stated in the Verified Web Data. Microchip PIC16C5X family is generally supplied in lead-free / Pb-free finish for -E and -I grades, but verify with the manufacturer datasheet or a CoC before assembly into RoHS-restricted markets. AEC-Q100 does not apply to PIC16C5X OTP microcontrollers (consumer/industrial focus). REACH and halogen-free status also unknown from the data set.
