PIC16C55T-10I/SS - 8-Bit 10MHz PIC MCU 768B OTP 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C55T-10I/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.72 | $27.20 |
| 100 | $2.45 | $245.00 |
| 500 | $2.18 | $1,090.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.92 | $1,920.00 |
PIC16C55T-10I/SS Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates an 8-bit CPU core, non-volatile program memory, volatile data RAM, digital I/O peripherals, and at least one timer onto one silicon die. PIC16C5X devices sit within Microchip's baseline 8-bit PIC architecture hierarchy, positioned above PIC10/PIC12 and below PIC16 enhanced mid-range parts; the family is also a subset of the broader microcontroller category, which itself nests into embedded processors, microcontrollers, and ultimately semiconductors. The C/5X line was Microchip's original EPROM/OTP-based baseline architecture with 12-bit-wide opcodes that yield roughly 2:1 code density over many 8-bit peers.
Key features of the PIC16C55T-10I/SS include 33 single-word/12-bit instructions, a 4 MHz internal oscillator option (external RC/oscillator modes also supported), an industrial-grade -40 C to +85 C operating range (the "I" suffix), CMOS low-power design, and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) capability for OTP programming. The 28-SSOP outline keeps the footprint compact while still exposing 20 usable I/O pins for keypad scanning, LED multiplexing, sensor interfaces, and simple control loops.
Architecturally the part uses a Harvard-style separate program/data bus with a 12-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, allowing most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle (200 ns at 10 MHz oscillator). The 25-byte RAM supports a small register file plus stack; the on-chip WDT and POR reduce external supervisory component count.
Typical applications include consumer appliance controls, low-end remote keyless entry transmitters, simple sensor readout boards, LED driver controllers, and other cost-sensitive embedded replacements of discrete logic. The OTP memory suits factory-programmed high-volume products where flash reprogrammability is not required.
Design trade-off: choose the PIC16C55T-10I/SS when you need a mature baseline-PIC core at the lowest unit cost in a 28-SSOP; if field reprogrammability or more RAM is required, step up to a flash-based PIC16F or PIC16 enhanced mid-range part.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, same-package drop-in alternatives (including PIC16C55-10I/SS and PIC16C554T-04/SS), and practical OTP-MCU design notes not collected in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C55T-10I/SS — 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 PIC16C55T-10I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C55-10I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-HSI/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-LPI/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55A-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.09 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C558T-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55T-10I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C5X (Baseline 8-bit RISC) |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Set Width | 12 bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| Data RAM | 25 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (5 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package / Case | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| ICSP / In-Circuit Serial Programming | Yes |
PIC16C55T-10I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/Vpp — Master Clear (active low reset) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply (4.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C55T-10I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control Board, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter, LED Display Driver / Multiplexer Controller, Industrial Sensor Readout Module, Battery Charger Controller (Simple Topology), Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C55T-10I/SS fits appliance control boards because its 768-byte OTP and 20 I/O pins are sufficient for state-machine firmware driving relays, triacs, and seven-segment displays. The 10 MHz clock (200 ns instruction cycle) executes PID loops for temperature regulation within tens of microseconds, while the on-chip WDT and POR eliminate an external supervisor. Tape-and-Reel packaging suits high-volume SMT lines.
Recommended
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Transmitter
For handheld RKE fobs the PIC16C55T-10I/SS is a strong fit because its 25-byte RAM and 768-byte OTP easily encode rolling-code transmitters, while the 8-bit timer handles the 315/433 MHz Manchester-coded ASK/FSK bit-banging output. Its industrial -40 C to +85 C rating covers automotive cabin thermal stress, and the low-cost OTP enables sub-dollar BOM. The 28-SSOP keeps the PCB footprint smaller than the 28-DIP alternative.
Recommended
LED Display Driver / Multiplexer Controller
The PIC16C55T-10I/SS drives multiplexed 7-segment or dot-matrix LED displays using its 20 I/O pins split between segment and digit lines. At 10 MHz the firmware can refresh up to 8 digits at >1 kHz rate, well above the 100 Hz flicker threshold, while ICSP allows late-stage brightness-table calibration. The 5 V rail directly powers common-cathode LED arrays without level shifters.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Readout Module
The PIC16C55T-10I/SS suits industrial sensor readouts where its PIC16C5X core performs linearisation, calibration, and 4-20 mA loop drive using the 8-bit timer for PWM. The 25-byte RAM holds short moving-average buffers, the WDT recovers from EMI-induced lockups, and the industrial -40 C to +85 C grade handles factory-floor temperatures. OTP secures the calibration constants from field tampering.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller (Simple Topology)
For NiCd/NiMH chargers the PIC16C55T-10I/SS implements -delta-V or dT/dt charge termination in firmware using its 8-bit timer to gate the charge FET. The 768-byte OTP stores the CC/CV curve tables, and 20 I/Os accommodate cell voltage monitoring plus LED status indication. Industrial temperature grade supports chargers kept in unheated garages or workshops.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16C55T-10I/SS drives sound effects, motor speed, and IR remote decoding in cost-sensitive toys. Its 8-bit baseline core delivers enough MIPS for PCM audio playback from a 768-byte OTP look-up table, while 20 I/Os are ample for servo/motor multiplexing. OTP prevents end-users from cloning the firmware, protecting the toy's IP. The 28-SSOP is small enough for wearable toys.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C55T-10I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C55-10I/SS | PIC16C55-HSI/SS | PIC16C55-LPI/SS | PIC16C55A-20I/SS | PIC16C554T-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP |
| Data RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 80 B |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 13 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-Reel packaging for high-volume SMT lines (vs PIC16C55-10I/SS)
- Highest speed variant in same SSOP package (vs PIC16C554T-04I/SS)
- Lowest-cost OTP baseline PIC with industrial temp grade (vs PIC16C55A-20I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C55T-10I/SS operates from a single 5 V rail (4.5-5.5 V per the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet). Place a 100 nF decoupling ceramic capacitor as close as physically possible to the Vdd pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the Vdd-Vss pair. Estimated: at 10 MHz with all 20 I/O toggling, peak supply current stays below 10 mA, so a small LDO (e.g., MCP1700) is sufficient. Add bulk capacitance if the I/O pins drive LED matrices.
Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 16/15) shorter than 20 mm and route them over a continuous ground pour to minimise radiated EMI. The MCLR/Vpp pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd and a 100 nF cap to ground if ICSP is used; without ICSP a simple 10 kohm pull-up is enough. Estimated: crystal load capacitance is typically 15-22 pF - select the crystal and two load caps together per the PIC16C5X oscillator guidance.
The PIC16C55T-10I/SS is OTP (One-Time Programmable) - there is no field reprogramming path once the part is programmed. According to the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet, you must verify firmware on a windowed (JW) sample first, then commit to the OTP version for production. Also note the NRND lifecycle status; new designs should consider flash-based PIC16F or PIC16 enhanced mid-range alternatives to avoid obsolescence risk.
The PIC16C55T-10I/SS 8-bit baseline core has no internal PLL or peripheral clock scaling - the oscillator frequency directly sets instruction rate. At 10 MHz the instruction cycle is 200 ns; interrupts must complete their prologue/epilogue within this budget. Estimated: a 10-instruction ISR takes 2 us, leaving 18 us in a 100 us control loop. For RF-noise-sensitive applications (RKE, IR receivers), enable the on-chip WDT and use the SLEEP instruction between events to keep digital emissions low.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free/halogen-free status were not present in the verified web data and are flagged as unknown; Microchip product environmental compliance docs should be consulted before Pb-free reflow assembly. Part is not AEC-Q100 qualified (baseline industrial grade).
