PIC16C55T-LPE/SO - 8-Bit 40MHz OTP MCU, 768B, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C55T-LPE/SO β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5 | $6.50 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.25 | $525.00 |
| 500 | $4.7 | $2,350.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.2 | $4,200.00 |
PIC16C55T-LPE/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a small computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals into a single IC. The PIC16C5x architecture (microcontroller -> embedded controller -> microcontroller -> semiconductor IC) uses a 12-bit-wide instruction set with a RISC-style two-stage pipeline, which historically delivered roughly 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit controllers in its class, allowing more application functionality in the small 768-byte program space.
Key features include a maximum clock speed of 40 MHz, 20 digital I/O pins, an operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.0 V, and an extended industrial operating temperature range of -40 Β°C to +125 Β°C (LPE suffix = extended temp, low power). The device includes a watchdog timer, power-on reset, and on-chip RC oscillator options, all in a 28-SOIC wide-body package suitable for hand-soldering or standard SMT lines.
The PIC16C55T-LPE/SO is implemented in CMOS technology and belongs to Microchip's original PIC16C5x baseline family, predating the flash-based PIC16F line. The 'C' denotes the OTP/EPROM program-memory variant, 'T' indicates tape-and-reel packaging, and the SO suffix is the 28-SOIC 7.50 mm wide-body pinout. Note that PIC16C5x devices are One-Time-Programmable (windowless for production parts), making them suitable primarily for mature, finalized production designs rather than in-field firmware updates.
Typical applications include low-cost industrial control, appliance controls, sensor interfaces, automotive body controllers (non-safety), simple smart sensors, and consumer-electronic subsystems where deterministic 8-bit performance, low cost, and extended temperature tolerance are required.
When designing with this part, ensure the chosen oscillator mode and configuration bits match the application's timing and watchdog requirements; PIC16C5x configuration is fuse-based and must be specified at ordering. For new designs, Microchip generally recommends flash-based PIC16F equivalents unless OTP cost or radiation tolerance is required.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible same-brand alternatives, and practical design considerations not consolidated on a single manufacturer page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C55T-LPE/SO 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 PIC16C55T-LPE/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory Size, Mounting Type, Program Memory Type.
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Request AlternativesPIC16C55T-LPE/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC (RISC, 12-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12 bits) |
| RAM Size | 24 bytes (24 x 8 bits) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm wide-body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 Β°C to +125 Β°C (extended) |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Data Converters | None (no on-chip ADC) |
| Oscillator Type | External / On-chip RC |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Power-On Reset |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| Series | PIC16C5x |
PIC16C55T-LPE/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RTCC β Real-time clock/counter input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR β Master clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 β Port B bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 β Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 β Oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | RC0 β Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC1 β Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC2 β Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC3 β Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC4 β Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC5 β Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC6 β Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RC7 β Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 27 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 28 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C55T-LPE/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Node, Appliance Control Board, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Low-Cost Consumer Remote Control, Smart Sensor Signal Conditioning, Display Driver Controller (LED/Character LCD).
Industrial Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16C55T-LPE/SO fits industrial sensor interface nodes where deterministic 8-bit performance and an extended -40 Β°C to +125 Β°C temperature range are required. Its 20 digital I/O pins can directly drive opto-isolators and read multiple dry-contact sensor inputs, while the 40 MHz CPU executes a polling loop in well under 1 ms. With 768 bytes of OTP program memory it comfortably handles state-machine-style sensor conditioning firmware, and the 2.5-6.0 V supply range accommodates both 3.3 V and 5 V industrial backplanes. The CMOS low-power design keeps quiescent current low for battery-backed sensor taps.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
In washing machines, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances, the PIC16C55T-LPE/SO drives relays, triacs, and keypads using its 20 I/O lines. The wide 2.5-6.0 V supply range tolerates rectified mains-rail ripples common in white-goods SMPS designs, while the 40 MHz core handles keypad debouncing, mode sequencing, and safety watchdog logic in real time. The OTP memory locks firmware permanently, preventing field tampering in cost-sensitive consumer appliances where flash reprogramming would be a liability rather than an asset.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C55T-LPE/SO's extended -40 Β°C to +125 Β°C temperature range and 2.5-6.0 V supply tolerance suit non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, and seat-position memory switches. Its 20 I/O pins interface directly to automotive-grade relay drivers and LIN slave transceivers, while OTP memory secures the firmware against dealership reflashing attempts. Note this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, so it is appropriate for under-hood-adjacent but non-safety applications only; safety-critical ECUs should use AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F equivalents.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Remote Control
For IR remote controls, the PIC16C55T-LPE/SO offers 8-bit processing power sufficient for button scanning, IR protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC), and battery-voltage monitoring. The 24-byte RAM holds the current key state and IR transmit buffer, and the 768-byte OTP program memory encodes multiple protocol tables. CMOS low-power design extends battery life across years of standby, while the 28-SOIC wide-body package simplifies hand-soldering for prototyping and small-volume production runs.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C55T-LPE/SO performs digital signal conditioning in smart sensor assemblies, reading pulse trains from flow meters, encoders, or Hall-effect sensors via its digital I/O pins. With 20 I/O lines, multiple sensors can be multiplexed through external analog switches and timed by the 40 MHz core for sub-microsecond resolution. OTP memory protects calibration coefficients from field tampering in metering applications, and the extended industrial temperature range supports outdoor installations in HVAC and energy-monitoring equipment.
Recommended
Display Driver Controller (LED/Character LCD)
The PIC16C55T-LPE/SO drives small character-LCD modules or multiplexed LED matrices through its 20 I/O pins, generating segment timing and refresh logic in firmware. At 40 MHz, it refreshes a 16x2 character LCD well above the 60 Hz flicker threshold with CPU headroom for communication stack tasks. The 2.5-6.0 V supply range supports both 3.3 V LCD modules and 5 V LED matrices without level shifters, and OTP memory locks the display font tables in production. The 28-SOIC wide-body package fits comfortably in point-of-sale terminal mainboards.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C55T-LPE/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C55T-LP/SO | PIC16C55-HS/SO | PIC16C55-HSE/SO | PIC16C55AT-40/SO | PIC16C55-10/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (wide-body) | 28-SOIC (wide-body) - same | 28-SOIC (wide-body) - same | 28-SOIC (wide-body) - same | 28-SOIC (wide-body) - same | 28-SOIC (wide-body) - same |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) | 768 B (512 x 12) | 768 B (512 x 12) | 768 B (512 x 12) | 768 B (512 x 12) | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 10 MHz (-75%) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature range (-40 Β°C to +125 Β°C) (vs PIC16C55T-LP/SO)
- Maximum 40 MHz clock speed at low-power CMOS process (vs PIC16C55-10/SO)
- Same 28-SOIC pinout as the entire PIC16C5x family (vs PIC16C55T-LPE/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C55T-LPE/SO operates from 2.5 V to 6.0 V. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pins (27 and 28) and a bulk 10 Β΅F tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor at the regulator output. Multiple VSS pins (5, 14, 17, 26) must all be connected to a low-impedance ground plane; leaving any VSS floating will cause undefined logic levels and erratic operation.
PIC16C5x configuration fuses are set at device ordering, not in firmware. Verify the oscillator mode (LP/HS/RC), watchdog enable, and code-protect bits at order entry because OTP parts cannot be reconfigured after programming. Brown-out detection is not available on PIC16C55; use an external voltage supervisor such as MCP130 or use the PIC16F5x family if BOR is required.
Route the crystal or resonator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 15-16) symmetrically with ground guarding on both sides and keep trace length below 5 mm to minimize EMI pickup and stray capacitance. The MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kΞ© pull-up to VDD; a 100 nF capacitor to VDD on MCLR improves noise immunity. For the 28-SOIC wide-body package, allow 0.5 mm clearance between SOIC leads and adjacent traces to prevent solder bridges during reflow.
Estimated: at 40 MHz CPU and 5.0 V supply with all 20 I/O pins sourcing 10 mA, the PIC16C55T-LPE/SO dissipates approximately 200 mW. The 28-SOIC wide-body package has ΞΈJA around 70 Β°C/W on a 2-layer FR4 board, resulting in a junction temperature rise of roughly 14 Β°C above ambient - well within the -40 Β°C to +125 Β°C operating range. No heatsink required for typical I/O-loading profiles.
Compliance Information
PIC16C5x family predates widespread RoHS adoption; explicit compliance statements were not present in the verified web data and are marked as unknown per Data Authenticity Rules. AEC-Q100 not qualified - use PIC16F AEC-Q100 variants for automotive safety applications.
