PIC16C56-RCE/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 1.5KB, 12 I/O | 18-PDIP
MPN: PIC16C56-RCE/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.25 | $1,125.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC16C56-RCE/P Overview
What is a PIC16C5x microcontroller? The PIC16C5x family is Microchip's baseline 8-bit OTP MCU family using a 12-bit instruction word and Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, which allows instruction fetch and operand read to occur in a single cycle. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C5x is an 8-bit microcontroller, which is itself a subset of microcontrollers, which fall under microcontrollers, which sit inside the Integrated Circuits category and ultimately under semiconductors. The family is widely used for cost-sensitive, high-volume embedded control where flash reprogrammability is not required and where the device will be programmed once at production and discarded if the firmware is ever revised.
Key features of the PIC16C56-RCE/P include the RISC core delivering roughly 50% code compression versus competing 8-bit CISC architectures, an integrated Power-on Reset (POR) block, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and an operating speed selectable from DC to 4 MHz. The device is offered in the -RCE speed/voltage grade, where 'R' denotes the low-frequency RC oscillator variant (typically DC to 4 MHz), 'C' indicates the commercial temperature range, and 'E' signifies the OTP program-memory option. Together these features deliver a small-footprint, deterministic controller suitable for very low-cost white goods, toys, and replacement of discrete logic.
Typical applications include automotive sub-system controllers, industrial timer/sequencer modules, consumer appliance control boards, and general-purpose glue-logic replacement. The 12 I/O pins can directly drive LEDs, triacs, and small relays when paired with appropriate external buffers.
When designing with this part, plan the OTP programming step into the manufacturing flow because OTP memory cannot be field-updated. For field-updatable equivalents in the same family footprint, consider the PIC16F5x flash-based derivatives as an alternative upgrade path.
This page synthesises distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives within the PIC16C5x family, and practical design notes that go beyond the raw specification sheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C56-RCE/P — 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-RCE/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Timers, Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C56-RC/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-LPI/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.09 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-LP/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.39 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-HSI/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-RCE/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC PIC16C5x |
| Instruction Set | 12-bit wide, 33 instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes (general-purpose) |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Hardware Stack Levels | 2 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit RTCC |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes, dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Power-on Reset (POR) | Yes |
| ADC | None |
| Package Type | 18-pin PDIP (through-hole, DIP-18) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Pitch | 2.54 mm (0.100 in) |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
PIC16C56-RCE/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 2 of PORTA |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 3 of PORTA |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional digital I/O / RTCC timer clock input (bit 4 of PORTA) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 0 of PORTB / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 1 of PORTB |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 2 of PORTB |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 3 of PORTB |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 4 of PORTB |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 5 of PORTB |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 6 of PORTB / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 7 of PORTB / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / CLKOUT (Fosc/4) on RC mode |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input on RC mode |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 0 of PORTA |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional digital I/O, bit 1 of PORTA |
Typical Applications
PIC16C56-RCE/P is suitable for 7 applications: White Goods and Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Timer and Sequencer Modules, Consumer Electronics Remote Controls, Toy and Hobby Electronics, Discrete Logic Replacement / Glue Logic, Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning.
White Goods and Appliance Control
The PIC16C56-RCE/P's 1.5 KB OTP program memory, 12 digital I/O lines, and 3.0-6.0 V supply range make it a strong fit for white-goods control boards such as washing-machine timers, dishwasher sequencers, and microwave user-interface controllers. Its RISC core executes most instructions in a single 1 microsecond cycle at 4 MHz, giving deterministic timing for relay sequencing, triac firing, and LED multiplexing. The integrated Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator protects against software lock-ups common in long-life appliance deployments where field service is impractical. Compared to discrete 555-timer logic, the PIC16C56-RCE/P collapses an entire timing board into a single 18-pin IC, cutting PCB area, BOM count, and assembly cost for high-volume appliance production lines running millions of units per year.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C56-RCE/P serves automotive body controllers such as mirror adjusters, seat-position memories, lighting sequencers, and HVAC mode selectors where its -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade (denoted by the 'E' and supporting suffixes) and 12 robust I/O pins directly drive relay coils and LED arrays. Operating from a 12 V automotive rail regulated down to 5 V, the device's 4 MHz RISC core executes debounce, PWM, and state-machine logic with predictable cycle timing. The integrated Power-on Reset block handles cranking transients, and the Watchdog Timer recovers the ECU from voltage dropouts without external supervisor parts. Designers must select the industrial/automotive temperature variant rather than the commercial-grade RCE part for underhood or cabin modules exposed to direct sunlight.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Sequencer Modules
The PIC16C56-RCE/P is well suited to industrial timer, counter, and sequencer modules such as conveyor controllers, packaging-machine indexers, and irrigation pump schedulers that need deterministic timing rather than flash flexibility. Its 8-bit RTCC timer with programmable prescaler provides 1-microsecond resolution at 4 MHz, and the 2-level hardware stack supports nested subroutine calls in compact control loops. With 12 I/O pins, the device directly interfaces to 24 V industrial signals via optocouplers and to 5 V logic levels natively, simplifying PLC I/O expansion. The OTP memory locks firmware permanently, preventing accidental field reprogramming that could compromise safety certifications in machinery subject to regulatory audits.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote Controls
The PIC16C56-RCE/P's tiny 18-pin PDIP footprint and low 2 mA active current at 5 V suit battery-powered consumer remote controls for TVs, ceiling fans, and garage-door openers. Its 12 I/O pins easily drive IR LED transmitters, keyboard scan matrices, and LED status indicators while the Watchdog Timer recovers the device from low-voltage brown-outs common when batteries age. The 1.5 KB OTP memory holds small, fixed command sets without the cost overhead of flash, and the 25-byte RAM is sufficient for debounced key-scan buffers and protocol timing. Compared to purpose-built encoder ICs, the PIC16C56-RCE/P allows custom protocol definitions and easy addition of manufacturer-specific button mappings without silicon redesign.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16C56-RCE/P is widely adopted in cost-sensitive toy and hobby products such as RC receivers, electronic die, sound-effect modules, and educational kits where price dominates over flash flexibility. Its 1.5 KB OTP memory holds simple behaviour routines while the 12 I/O pins drive motors, LEDs, buzzers, and sensor inputs directly. The RISC core's single-cycle instruction execution at 4 MHz produces smooth PWM for servo control and audio-rate sampling for tone generation. Pre-programmed OTP parts eliminate per-toy firmware loading at the factory, reducing production cost versus flash parts that require a programming step per unit. The 18-pin PDIP package also supports hand-soldering and breadboard prototyping in hobby environments.
Recommended
Discrete Logic Replacement / Glue Logic
The PIC16C56-RCE/P frequently replaces discrete 74-series glue logic in cost-optimised boards by collapsing multiple flip-flops, counters, and decoder ICs into a single programmed microcontroller. With 12 I/O pins, 25 bytes of RAM, and a deterministic 1-microsecond instruction cycle at 4 MHz, the device implements state machines, address decoders, and pulse generators in firmware while reducing board area and assembly cost. The integrated Power-on Reset and Watchdog Timer also remove the need for external reset supervisors and watchdog parts. Engineers porting legacy 74LS/74HC logic boards to a single-chip solution often start with the PIC16C56-RCE/P because of its low unit cost, broad distributor availability, and simple PIC16C5x assembly toolchain that supports legacy code patterns.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C56-RCE/P can act as a low-cost sensor-interface MCU for simple resistive, contact, or pulsed-output sensors where the signal conditioning, debounce, threshold detection, and output formatting can all be done in firmware. Its 12 digital I/O pins read multiple switch/sensor inputs and drive isolated transistor outputs, while the 8-bit RTCC timer measures pulse widths and counts events. Operating from 3.0-6.0 V, the part accepts power directly from a regulated sensor rail, eliminating an extra LDO stage. The Watchdog Timer detects firmware lock-ups caused by EMI on long sensor cables, and the OTP memory locks the calibration constants permanently so production units behave identically in the field.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C56-RCE/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C56-RC/P | PIC16C56-LPI/P | PIC16C56-LP/P | PIC16C56-HSI/P | PIC16C56-HS/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP (DIP-18) | 18-PDIP (DIP-18) - same | 18-PDIP (DIP-18) - same | 18-PDIP (DIP-18) - same | 18-PDIP (DIP-18) - same | 18-PDIP (DIP-18) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB OTP EPROM | 1.5 KB OTP EPROM | 1.5 KB OTP EPROM | 1.5 KB OTP EPROM | 1.5 KB OTP EPROM | 1.5 KB OTP EPROM |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz (DC to 4 MHz) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (LP low-power) | 4 MHz (LP low-power) | 20 MHz (HS grade) | 20 MHz (HS grade) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V (LP extended low end) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial, C grade) | 0C to +70C (C) | -40C to +85C (I industrial) | 0C to +70C (C) | -40C to +85C (I industrial) | 0C to +70C (C) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Oscillator Grade | R (low-frequency RC, DC to 4 MHz) | R (low-frequency RC) | LP (low-power RC) | LP (low-power RC) | HS (high-speed, 20 MHz) | HS (high-speed, 20 MHz) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 18-pin PDIP option in the PIC16C5x family (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- RC low-frequency oscillator grade optimised for 4 MHz designs (vs PIC16C56-HS/P)
- Single-cycle RISC core with 12-bit instructions (vs PIC16C711-04/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: Active supply current for the PIC16C56-RCE/P at 5 V and 4 MHz is approximately 2 mA with the Watchdog Timer disabled, per the PIC16C5x datasheet electrical tables. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk electrolytic at the board supply input. For battery-powered designs, switching to the LP grade (PIC16C56-LPI/P) reduces active current by roughly 50% at the same clock rate, extending battery life.
The 18-pin PDIP package uses 2.54 mm (0.100 in) through-hole pitch suitable for hand-soldering, breadboards, and wave soldering. Keep analog and digital ground returns separated back to a single point near VDD pin 14 to avoid ground-loop noise coupling into the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4). Add a 100 nF cap on MCLR/VPP if MCLR is used in reset mode to filter noise; otherwise tie directly to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up.
Three common pitfalls: (1) OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten, so plan the production programming step into the manufacturing flow and always validate firmware on a PIC16C56/JW windowed EPROM prototype before committing to OTP volumes. (2) Brown-out Reset (BOR) is not explicitly listed in the verified data for this commercial RCE grade - verify the BOR behaviour against the lot-specific datasheet before designing for low-voltage brown-out recovery. (3) The 'C' temperature suffix denotes 0C to +70C commercial range, NOT industrial; for automotive or industrial applications select an 'I' or 'E' suffix variant.
Place the ICSP clock and data lines (RB6/RB7, pins 12-13) away from high-current switching traces such as relay coils and triac outputs to avoid programming glitches during in-circuit programming. Keep the MCLR/VPP trace short and avoid stubs - long traces create ringing on the 13 V VPP pulse that can corrupt OTP writes. The 18-pin PDIP package allows generous trace routing on 2-layer boards; on 4-layer boards tie the inner ground plane directly under the package for thermal spreading.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status were not present in the verified data for the PIC16C56-RCE/P lot. Per Microchip's general PIC16C5x product family statement, parts may be available in both lead-free and lead-containing finishes depending on date code - confirm with the supplier's certificate of conformance (CoC) at order placement. The PIC16C5x family is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 designs use the PIC16F or dsPIC automotive part numbers.
