PIC16C56-10I/SO - 8-bit CMOS MCU, 1KB EPROM, 10MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C56-10I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.95 | $39.50 |
| 100 | $3.65 | $365.00 |
| 500 | $3.3 | $1,650.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC16C56-10I/SO Overview
What is a PIC16C5X microcontroller? The PIC16C5X is Microchip's foundational mid-range 8-bit RISC microcontroller family, sitting within the broader PIC16 family -> PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller (MCU) -> embedded processor hierarchy. These devices feature a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a small two-level hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes. They are EPROM (one-time-programmable) based, designed for cost-sensitive high-volume applications where flash reprogrammability is not required.
Key specifications include seven or eight special-function hardware registers, a two-level-deep hardware stack, an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, and a watchdog timer for reliable unattended operation. The device offers industrial temperature range operation (-40C to +85C, indicated by the 'I' suffix) and is housed in a 300-mil wide-body SOIC-18 (SO) package suitable for surface-mount assembly.
Architecturally, the PIC16C56-10I/SO uses CMOS technology for low power consumption, supports power-saving SLEEP mode, and includes a programmable code-protection bit. Its RISC instruction set consists of 33 single-word single-cycle instructions, achieving 2:1 code compression over comparable 8-bit CISC microcontrollers and reducing overall program memory footprint.
Typical applications include appliance controls, automotive sensor interfaces (sub-systems), LED lighting controllers, security-system keypad scanners, and remote-control transmitters. The -10I variant with industrial temperature grade and SOIC packaging is well suited for harsh-environment commercial and industrial embedded designs.
A key design consideration is that the PIC16C5X family uses EPROM (not Flash), so firmware must be committed before final packaging. The /RESET and oscillator pins require careful PCB layout, and decoupling capacitors must be placed close to VDD/VSS to suppress switching noise.
This page synthesizes distributor inventory, lifecycle status, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C56-10I/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 PIC16C56-10I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Package, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C56T-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-10E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C55-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-10I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1 KB (1K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package / Case | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm wide body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels |
| Data EEPROM | Not available |
PIC16C56-10I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/CLKI — Port A bit 5 / External clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKO — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply (5V) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground (0V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C56-10I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Panels, Automotive Sensor Interface Sub-Systems, LED Lighting Controllers, Security System Keypad Scanners, Remote Control Transmitters, Industrial Timer and Counter Modules.
Appliance Control Panels
The PIC16C56-10I/SO fits washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave control boards because its 12 I/O pins are sufficient to drive 7-segment displays, keypads, and relay outputs simultaneously. Its 1KB EPROM comfortably holds typical appliance state-machine firmware, while the 10 MHz core delivers responsive user-interface response. Industrial temperature rating (-40 C to +85 C) handles kitchen-ambient thermal stress. Estimated: at 5V supply and 10 MHz, active current is roughly 2 mA, supporting SLEEP-mode energy savings.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Interface Sub-Systems
In body-electronics modules such as seat-position sensors, mirror controllers, and interior lighting, the PIC16C56-10I/SO's 12 GPIO pins can read multiple analog signals via the TMR0-driven comparator inputs and drive FET gate drivers. The CMOS low-power design reduces quiescent draw on the vehicle battery when the module is in SLEEP mode. Industrial temperature range supports under-dash mounting. Use the /MCLR pin with a brown-out detector for automotive supply-voltage transients. EPROM OTP memory prevents unintended field reprogramming.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C56-10I/SO controls addressable RGB LED strips and architectural lighting fixtures by bit-banging protocols on its GPIO pins. With a 10 MHz instruction rate (250 ns per instruction cycle), it generates WS2812-style timing with sufficient margin. The 1KB EPROM stores color tables, fade curves, and DMX-512 framing logic. The 5V rail matches typical LED-driver supply, and SLEEP mode drops quiescent current below 1 uA for battery-backed emergency fixtures. PWM is software-emulated using TMR0 interrupts.
Recommended
Security System Keypad Scanners
The PIC16C56-10I/SO scans 4x4 matrix keypads using its 12 GPIO pins with no external logic. The 1KB EPROM holds access-code tables and alarm-state machine firmware; 25 bytes of RAM is adequate for de-bounced scan buffers. TMR0 drives periodic scan interrupts at 10 ms intervals. The watchdog timer protects against firmware lockup in unattended alarm panels. EPROM OTP prevents code extraction by attackers. Industrial temperature grade supports indoor/outdoor mounting in unheated enclosures.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16C56-10I/SO generates IR or RF remote-control codes by toggling a GPIO pin at carrier frequency while modulating data bits. Its 10 MHz instruction rate generates accurate 38 kHz carrier with minimal jitter. The 1KB EPROM stores device-ID tables and button-action maps; 12 GPIO pins support up to 12 buttons. SLEEP mode plus button-wake-up extends battery life to multi-year durations. The 18-SOIC package fits thin hand-held enclosures. EPROM OTP locks the firmware against reverse engineering.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Modules
The PIC16C56-10I/SO serves as a programmable timer/counter in industrial control cabinets, replacing electromechanical relays with solid-state accuracy. The on-chip TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler generates timing intervals from microseconds to seconds via software loops. Its 12 GPIO pins drive indicator LEDs, optocouplers, and contactor coils directly. Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade handles factory-floor thermal extremes. The 5V supply matches 24V-to-5V buck-converter rails typical in industrial PLC backplanes. EPROM OTP ensures fixed timing parameters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C56-10I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C56T-10I/SO | PIC16C56-10E/SO | PIC16F54-I/SO | PIC16C55-10I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (1 KB) | EPROM (1 KB) - same | EPROM (1 KB) - same | Flash (0.5 KB) - different | EPROM (0.5 KB) - 50% smaller |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes | 25 bytes - same | 25 bytes - same | 25 bytes - same | 24 bytes - 4% smaller |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz - same | 10 MHz - same | 20 MHz - 100% faster | 10 MHz - same |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 | 12 - same | 12 - same | 12 - same | 20 - 67% more |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +125 C - wider | -40 C to +85 C - same | -40 C to +85 C - same |
| Memory Reprogrammability | One-Time-Programmable (OTP) | OTP - same | OTP - same | Flash (in-circuit) - upgrade | OTP - same |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active - recommended for new designs | Obsolete |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1, as of 2026-09-16) | $4.20 | $4.20 (estimate) | $4.30 (estimate) | $1.50 (estimate, active) | $4.50 (estimate) |
Key Differentiators
- Active production-line availability in obsolete market (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Larger program memory than PIC16F54 (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Lower I/O count than PIC16C55 but smaller code footprint (vs PIC16C55-10I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C56-10I/SO requires a stable 5V supply. Estimated active current at 10 MHz is approximately 2 mA and SLEEP current is below 1 uA per the PIC16C5X datasheet. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 17) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry point. For battery applications, gate the supply with a load switch controlled by a GPIO to achieve sub-uA quiescent current. The /MCLR pin (pin 1) should be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor and to GND through a 100 nF capacitor to filter noise; the datasheet shows this prevents spurious resets in noisy industrial environments.
The PIC16C56-10I/SO uses EPROM, not Flash - firmware must be programmed by Microchip's MPLAB PM3 device programmer before final PCB assembly. Field firmware updates are impossible without physical replacement. Unlike PIC16F5X Flash parts, the EPROM die cannot be bulk-erased and re-used during development. For prototyping, purchase one-time-programmable engineering samples and budget for production programmer time. The 'I' suffix indicates industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C); the 'E' suffix indicates extended commercial (-40 C to +125 C); using the wrong grade outside its rated range causes oscillator drift and timing errors.
Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 7) and OSC2 (pin 8) to minimize stray capacitance. Use short, symmetric traces with a ground guard ring. For RC oscillator mode, keep the timing resistor and capacitor close to OSC1 to reduce noise coupling. The /MCLR line (pin 1) should be routed away from high-current switching signals to prevent false resets. Estimated: with a 10 MHz crystal, stray capacitance above 10 pF can shift the oscillator off-frequency by 1-2%; keep traces short and isolate from switching regulators.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in verified web data. PIC16C5X family predates widespread RoHS adoption in many variants; check the part marking and lot documentation for compliance status. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should verify with the automotive-grade equivalent.
