PIC16C55A-40/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU 40MHz 768B | Microchip | 28-PDIP
MPN: PIC16C55A-40/P β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.09 | $2.09 |
| 10 | $1.96 | $19.60 |
| 100 | $1.78 | $178.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.45 | $1,450.00 |
PIC16C55A-40/P Overview
What is a PIC microcontroller? A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a family of 8-bit Harvard-architecture RISC microcontrollers originally developed by General Instrument's microelectronics division and later popularized by Microchip Technology. PIC microcontrollers occupy the hypernym hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. They are widely used in embedded systems for their low cost, simple instruction set, deterministic timing, and broad peripheral integration.
Key features of the PIC16C55A include a 12-bit instruction word delivering 2:1 code compression versus competitors in its class, 20 I/O pins, a watchdog timer, power-on reset, and an operating voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V. The 40 MHz speed grade denotes the maximum oscillator frequency; the instruction cycle is one quarter of the oscillator frequency (4 MHz instruction rate at 40 MHz clock).
The PIC16C55A is built on a CMOS process with EPROM/OTP program memory, delivering approximately an order-of-magnitude higher performance than its 8-bit competitors in the same price category. The device supports commercial temperature grades (0C to +70C) and is targeted at cost-sensitive, high-volume embedded applications.
Typical applications include simple motor control, appliance control, automotive body electronics (non-safety), remote transmitters, sensor interfaces, and consumer electronics where proven 8-bit performance is sufficient. The 28-PDIP package enables hand-soldering and socket replacement, simplifying prototyping and field service.
When designing with this part, note that the OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit. Engineers evaluating modern replacements should consider the PIC16F54 or PIC16F57 in PDIP packages, which offer Flash memory for iterative development while sharing code compatibility.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C55A-40/P β 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 PIC16C55A-40/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Maximum Clock Frequency, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C55A-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C55A-20/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F54-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C57C-40/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C55A-40/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16C5X family) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12 words) |
| Data RAM | 32 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 4 oscillator clocks per instruction (10 MHz instruction rate at 40 MHz) |
| Instruction Word Size | 12 bits |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Package | 28-Pin PDIP (0.600 inch, 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Power-On Reset |
| Number of Terminals | 28 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
PIC16C55A-40/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β I/O Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β I/O Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC β Real-Time Clock/Counter input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR β Master Clear (Reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input or external clock |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output |
| Pin 8 | RC0 β I/O Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 9 | RC1 β I/O Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RC2 β I/O Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | RC3 β I/O Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | RC4 β I/O Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | RC5 β I/O Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RC6 β I/O Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RC7 β I/O Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | RB0 β I/O Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RB1 β I/O Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RB2 β I/O Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RB3 β I/O Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RB4 β I/O Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RB5 β I/O Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RB6 β I/O Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RB7 β I/O Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RA0 β I/O Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1 β I/O Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 28 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C55A-40/P is suitable for 6 applications: Simple Motor Control (Brushed DC, Stepper), Appliance Control (White Goods, HVAC), Remote Control and RF Transmitters, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition, Consumer Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Simple Motor Control (Brushed DC, Stepper)
The PIC16C55A-40/P fits simple motor-control applications because its 40 MHz oscillator delivers 10 MIPS instruction throughput, enough to commutate brushed DC motors or stepper drivers via direct GPIO at up to several hundred kHz. Its 20 I/O pins map cleanly to phase-A/B/enable signals plus optical-encoder feedback, while the 768-byte OTP program memory accommodates a small state-machine or PID loop for closed-loop velocity regulation. The 28-PDIP package supports hand-soldered prototyping of motor-driver daughterboards, and the 5.5 V supply tolerance enables direct interface to logic-level gate drivers without level shifters. Unlike a Cortex-M0 with motor-control PWMs, this MCU provides raw GPIO timing flexibility for unconventional commutation schemes.
Recommended
Appliance Control (White Goods, HVAC)
The PIC16C55A-40/P is well suited for appliance-control modules where cost dominates and firmware is locked at production. Its 768-byte OTP memory stores the entire application code for simple controllers like fan-speed regulators, dishwasher timers, or coffee-machine state machines, while the 32-byte RAM accommodates state variables and small lookup tables. The 40 MHz throughput handles key-debounce, sensor sampling, and triac-zero-cross timing in a single interrupt service routine without jitter. The 28-PDIP package is preferred by white-goods manufacturers for its mechanical robustness and socket-replaceability in field service.
Recommended
Remote Control and RF Transmitters
The PIC16C55A-40/P fits low-cost RF transmitter designs because its 40 MHz clock generates accurate carrier frequencies via timer-driven GPIO toggling, supporting simple OOK/ASK transmitters in the 315/433/868 MHz ISM bands. The 12-bit instruction word delivers 2:1 code density versus competitors, fitting the entire encoder protocol (HCS301-compatible rolling code or fixed-code) into 768 bytes. Low operating current at 3.0-5.5 V enables battery-powered remote controls with months of standby life. The 28-PDIP simplifies through-hole assembly for hobby and replacement-market remote manufacturers.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C55A-40/P is found in cost-sensitive automotive body controllers where AEC-Q100 qualification is not strictly required, such as interior lighting, seat-position memory, or accessory timers. Its 40 MHz speed handles multiplexed LIN-style communication and simple keypad scanning in real time. The 28-PDIP package eases integration into automotive harness assemblies using wave-solder processes. For safety-critical or AEC-Q100-mandated applications, designers should migrate to PIC16F18446 or dsPIC33 families that include automotive qualification and CAN/LIN peripherals.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition
The PIC16C55A-40/P can front-end simple digital sensors and switches where its 20 I/O pins scan multiple inputs, debounce mechanical contacts, and format data for downstream UART transmission. The 40 MHz clock supports software UART baud rates up to 115.2 kbps with low jitter, enabling connection to a host processor or telemetry radio. With 32 bytes of RAM, designers implement ring buffers and small state machines; the 768-byte OTP stores lookup tables for sensor linearization. The 28-PDIP is favored in industrial sensor modules where field-replaceable MCUs simplify calibration and field service.
Recommended
Consumer Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16C55A-40/P fits hobbyist and toy applications where its 40 MHz speed drives multi-channel LED chasers, sound-effect generation via bit-banged PWM, and infrared protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC) for toy remote controls. The 768-byte OTP memory holds dozens of canned animation sequences or sound patterns. Its 28-PDIP package supports hobby through-hole construction and breadboard prototyping, while Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE and PICkit programmers enable cost-effective development. Low unit cost (under $2 in volume) makes it ideal for high-volume toy production runs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C55A-40/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C55A-04/P | PIC16C55A-20/P | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16C57C-40/P | PIC16C711-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-PDIP (0.600 inch) | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 40 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 512 B Flash | 512 B OTP | 2 KB OTP | 1 KB OTP |
| Data RAM | 32 B | 32 B | 32 B | 32 B | 32 B | 72 B | 68 B |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time) | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 20 | 13 |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-speed grade in the PIC16C55A family (vs PIC16C55A-04/P)
- Flash-memory alternative available in same package (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- Larger program memory upgrade path (vs PIC16C57C-40/P)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pins (pin 27 and 28 in 28-PDIP), and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The PIC16C55A-40/P draws roughly 5-10 mA at 40 MHz across 3.0-5.5 V; for battery applications, gate off the oscillator during sleep to reduce quiescent current below 1 uA. Use a low-ESR ceramic, not tantalum, for the high-frequency decoupling cap.
Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm to VDD) close to the MCLR pin (pin 4). If using an ICSP header for in-circuit programming, ensure the MCLR pull-up does not interfere with the programmer's VPP signal - a diode isolation or weaker pull-up (50-100 kohm) is acceptable. Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 with short, symmetric traces; for HS-mode 40 MHz, use a fundamental-cut crystal with 20 pF load capacitors tied to VSS.
OTP memory cannot be re-programmed: a single bit error in code or a single bad write burns the device permanently. Plan code carefully, prototype with a PIC16F54-I/P (Flash equivalent in same 28-PDIP), then port the validated firmware to PIC16C55A for production. Do not exceed the MCLR VPP voltage of 13.5 V during programming, and never apply MCLR high before VDD is stable or the device may latch up. Watchdog timer is enabled by configuration fuse and must be either serviced in firmware or disabled for development.
Route oscillator traces away from switching nodes and high-current traces to avoid EMI coupling that causes clock jitter or miscounts. Keep I/O traces that drive inductive loads (relays, solenoids) short and use flyback diodes directly at the load, not at the MCU pin. For RC-oscillator applications (low cost), place the resistor and capacitor close to OSC1 with ground-return paths that do not share switching return currents.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, and lead-free status not explicitly listed in verified distributor data; request Microchip material declaration for lot-specific compliance. PIC16C55A-40/P is not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F18446 or dsPIC33 families for automotive safety applications.
