PIC16C56-10E/SO - 8-Bit 10MHz OTP MCU, 1.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C56-10E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.95 | $1.95 |
| 10 | $1.72 | $17.20 |
| 100 | $1.45 | $145.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.95 | $950.00 |
PIC16C56-10E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and configurable I/O peripherals on one die. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> semiconductor devices, and serves as the entry-level tier of the Microchip PIC16C lineage. The '16C' suffix denotes CMOS EPROM/OTP process technology, while the '5X' sub-family groups devices with 12-bit-wide instruction words optimized for code density. This combination delivers 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit MCUs in the same price class, per the family description.
Key features of the PIC16C56-10E/SO include 25 bytes of general-purpose RAM, a 12-bit instruction word, a single 8-bit timer/counter, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-saving Sleep mode, and 12 I/O pins with individual direction control. The '10' suffix indicates a 10MHz maximum oscillator frequency, and the 'E' suffix denotes the extended automotive temperature range (-40C to +125C). The device is supported by the MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer and the MPLAB IDE toolchain.
Architecturally, the PIC16C56 uses a RISC instruction set with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, a two-stage pipeline, and Harvard bus architecture separating program and data paths. The OTP program memory cannot be erased, making this part suited for low-to-medium-volume production where in-system re-programmability is not required. Engineers migrating to flash-based equivalents typically use the PIC16F506 in the same 14-pin or 18-pin SOIC footprint.
Typical applications include appliance control, automotive body electronics (within the -40C to +125C window), sensor signal conditioning, LED drivers, low-cost remote controls, and battery-powered embedded subsystems. The wide operating voltage range of 2.5V to 6.0V and ultra-low Sleep current make it a strong fit for power-constrained designs.
When designing with the PIC16C56-10E/SO, note that OTP memory is one-time programmable - firmware bugs cannot be fixed in the field. For prototyping or field-updatable designs, choose the PIC16F506 flash variant instead. The 18-SOIC package follows JEDEC MS-013 outline and reflow-solders at standard 245C peak profiles.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, enabling faster BOM decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C56-10E/SO — 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 PIC16C56-10E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Package, Timers, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C56-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-10E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57-10E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-10E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| Instruction Word Width | 12 bits |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| Max CPU Speed | 10 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull Wing) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Automotive / Extended) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC16C56-10E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/GP0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/GP1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/GP2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/MCLR/VPP — I/O port A bit 3 / Master Clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | RA4/OSC1 — I/O port A bit 4 / crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/OSC2 — I/O port A bit 5 / crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0/GP8 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 9 | RB1/GP9 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2/GP10 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | RB3/GP11 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | RB4/GP12 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | RB5/GP13 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/GP14 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RB7/GP15 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 17 | RC0/GP16 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1/GP17 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C56-10E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Appliance Control Boards, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, LED Lighting Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Industrial Control Subsystems.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C56-10E/SO fits automotive body control modules where the extended -40C to +125C temperature grade is mandatory. Its 1.5KB OTP holds simple state machines for window lifters, seat controllers, mirror position memory, and wiper interval timers. The 12 I/O pins drive relays and read switches directly, while the on-chip watchdog timer prevents lockup in noisy under-hood environments. Migration to flash-based PIC16F506-I/SL is recommended for new designs.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C56-10E/SO is well suited to low-cost appliance control boards such as washing machine timers, microwave oven keypads, dishwasher cycle controllers, and refrigerator defrost timers. The 1.5KB OTP holds the full state machine for sequential cycles, the 12-bit instruction word compresses 8-bit-style code efficiently, and the 25-byte RAM covers keypad debouncing and relay scheduling. The 2.5V-6.0V supply range aligns with rectified 5V or 3.3V rails.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC16C56-10E/SO serves wireless remote controls, garage door openers, and key-fob transmitters where ultra-low Sleep current is critical. The Sleep mode draws microamps, allowing coin-cell or AAA battery operation for years. The 10MHz core handles button matrix scanning, rolling-code transmission, and battery voltage monitoring within a single instruction cycle. The OTP memory is sufficient for fixed-code or simple rolling-code algorithms and prevents reverse engineering of firmware.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
In LED strip controllers, signage dimmers, and architectural lighting fixtures, the PIC16C56-10E/SO generates PWM dimming signals and stores fade patterns in its 1.5KB OTP. The 8-bit timer drives a software PWM channel, while the 12 I/O pins interface to MOSFET drivers, DMX-512 receivers, or 0-10V analog dim inputs. The 10MHz clock supports smooth 8-bit PWM at 1 kHz without flicker, and the extended temp range covers outdoor installations.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C56-10E/SO conditions signals from low-speed sensors in industrial monitoring, HVAC, and environmental systems. The 12 digital I/O pins read thermistor dividers, reed switches, and Hall-effect sensors, while a software-implemented sigma-delta or counter routine provides modest ADC functionality. The 25-byte RAM holds calibration constants, and the 1.5KB OTP stores lookup tables for linearization. The watchdog timer ensures unattended sensor nodes recover from EMI-induced lockup.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystems
In factory automation sub-assemblies, conveyor control modules, and process timer boards, the PIC16C56-10E/SO provides deterministic single-cycle instruction execution. The 10MHz clock delivers 5 MIPS throughput, enough for sequencing 12 relays and reading 4 optocoupler inputs within 1 millisecond scan times. The watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator is independent of the main clock, ensuring recovery from external oscillator faults in electrically noisy industrial cabinets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C56-10E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C56-10I/SO | PIC16C56A-04/SO | PIC16C55-10E/SO | PIC16C57-10E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50mm) | 18-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 28-SOIC - different |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB OTP (1K x 12) | 1.5 KB OTP (1K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 0.75 KB OTP (512 x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) |
| Max CPU Speed | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Extended -40C to +125C | Extended -40C to +125C |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 20 |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive temperature grade (vs PIC16C56-10I/SO)
- Higher clock speed than same-package sibling (vs PIC16C56A-04/SO)
- Larger program memory than PIC16C55 family (vs PIC16C55-10E/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C56-10E/SO uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory - firmware bugs cannot be erased and fixed in the field. Always program production silicon only after fully validating firmware on windowed (JW) or emulator parts. For new designs requiring in-system updates, use the flash-based PIC16F506-I/SL or PIC16F636-I/SL instead. Order at least 5-10% overage on OTP parts to cover programming yield loss.
The 18-SOIC package follows JEDEC MS-013 outline with 1.27mm pin pitch. Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 16) and route the VSS pin (pin 7) directly to the ground plane with a short, wide trace. For oscillator stability, keep crystal traces short and shield them with a ground guard ring. MCLR (pin 4) requires a 10kohm pull-up to VDD; add a 100nF cap to ground for noise immunity.
The PIC16C56-10E/SO operates from 2.5V to 6.0V with a typical active current under 2mA at 10MHz and Sleep current under 1uA. When Sleep current is critical, stop the oscillator before entering Sleep and wake via watchdog or pin-change interrupt. The brown-out detection is not built in - add an external voltage supervisor (e.g., MCP100) if the host supply can droop below 2.5V during motor or relay switching transients.
For automotive EMC compliance, place the PIC16C56-10E/SO at least 10mm away from switching relay coils and add TVS diodes on all exposed I/O lines. The 18-SOIC footprint is suitable for hand-soldering with a fine tip; use a 245C peak reflow profile with 60s above 217C for production assembly. Avoid hand-soldering the EP (exposed pad) variant of related SOIC parts; the PIC16C56-10E/SO does not have an exposed pad.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not explicitly confirmed in the verified distributor data as of 2026-09-16. The part is marked Obsolete by Microchip; many OTP-era PIC16C5X variants were originally released as lead-containing. Request the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from the distributor before placing automotive orders, or migrate to the RoHS-compliant PIC16F506-I/SL flash equivalent.