PIC16C56-RCE/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 1.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C56-RCE/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.92 | $29.20 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.21 | $1,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC16C56-RCE/SS Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path with non-volatile program memory that can be written only once. OTP parts sit in the hierarchy between mask-ROM devices (cheapest at volume, but require fab NRE) and flash-based MCUs (re-programmable, higher cost per bit). They are typically used in cost-engineered high-volume products where code stability is finalized before production and field re-programming is not required.
Key features of the PIC16C56-RCE/SS include 12 I/O pins with individual direction control, a 4 MHz maximum operating frequency, 2.0V to 6.0V wide operating voltage range, low-power CMOS architecture, and automotive temperature grade support. The 20-SSOP package provides a compact 5.30 mm body width with gull-wing leads suitable for high-density surface-mount assembly.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, a 12-bit wide program memory bus, and a hardware accumulator plus working register. The 8-level deep stack and direct/indirect addressing modes support efficient subroutine nesting and table reads. Its CMOS process keeps typical active current in the low milliampere range, enabling battery-friendly designs.
Typical applications include automotive body electronics and sensor interfaces, simple consumer appliance controllers, security and alarm peripherals, LED lighting controllers, and remote-control transmitter logic. The 20-pin SSOP footprint allows placement on boards where DIP-20 footprint parts would otherwise be used.
When designing with this OTP part, plan firmware carefully: once programmed, the device cannot be re-flashed in-circuit. Use a flash-equipped sibling (e.g., PIC16F5x) for prototypes, then migrate to PIC16C56-RCE/SS for production cost-down. The automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) makes it suitable for under-hood and dashboard modules.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate sourcing risk for this mature 8-bit OTP device.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C56-RCE/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 PIC16C56-RCE/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, Timers, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C56-HSE/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56T-RCE/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-HS/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-HSI/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56A-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.67 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56AT-20/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-RCE/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (5V nominal); 2.0 V to 6.0 V extended |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull-wing) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Automotive grade) |
| Number of Terminals | 20 |
| Package Code | SSOP |
| Stack Depth | 2 levels (PIC16C5x) |
| Peripherals | Power-On Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) |
PIC16C56-RCE/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O / alternate OSC1) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (digital I/O / T0CKI) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 — Oscillator crystal output |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RA6 — PORTA bit 6 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C56-RCE/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Electronics Controllers, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Security and Alarm Peripherals, LED Lighting Controllers, Remote Control and IR Transmitter Logic, Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Automotive Body Electronics Controllers
The PIC16C56-RCE/SS is well-suited for automotive body electronics such as seat controller nodes, mirror adjust modules, and simple interior lighting drivers. Its -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade and 12 digital I/O pins allow direct interface to relays, button matrices, and LED indicator strings without external logic. At 4 MHz / 5V it executes roughly 1 MIPS, which is more than adequate for polled button-debounce, PWM-like bit-banged dimming, and CAN/LIN UART bit-banging tasks. Compared with flash-based PIC16F5x siblings, the OTP memory cuts per-unit cost in high-volume ECU production runs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
In appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, microwave keypads, and air-purifier fans, the PIC16C56-RCE/SS provides reliable state-machine control with minimal BOM cost. The 1.5 KB OTP holds typical appliance firmware (button matrix decode, timer state, buzzer patterns, triac-fire delays) without needing external memory. Its 25-byte RAM is sufficient for runtime variables in well-structured code. Surface-mount 20-SSOP allows compact main boards, and the wide 2.0-6.0V supply tolerance accommodates rectified mains-derived rails without additional regulation.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Peripherals
PIR motion sensor modules, door/window contact transmitters, and simple keypad decoders can use the PIC16C56-RCE/SS as a cost-optimized 8-bit controller. Its Watchdog Timer guards against code lockup from ESD events on long sensor wiring, while Power-On Reset ensures deterministic startup after brown-outs common in alarm backup-battery transitions. 12 I/O pins are sufficient to scan a 3x4 keypad matrix or read multiple loop inputs and drive an alarm siren driver. OTP programming locks the firmware against field cloning attempts.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
Architectural and decorative LED controllers benefit from the PIC16C56-RCE/SS for chase-pattern, color-mix, and dimming logic in strips and downlights. The 4 MHz core comfortably bit-bangs multiple PWM channels for RGB or RGBW LED strings, and the 5V tolerant I/O directly drives logic-level MOSFETs or LED driver inputs. Automotive temperature grade supports outdoor and under-hood lighting, while OTP keeps per-unit cost low for retail lighting SKUs. Watchdog Timer recovers controllers from line-voltage transients.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter Logic
Simple IR remote transmitters for TVs, set-top boxes, fans, and toy RC vehicles leverage the PIC16C56-RCE/SS to encode RC-5, NEC, or proprietary IR protocols via timed GPIO toggling. The 4 MHz oscillator divides cleanly to 38 kHz / 40 kHz carrier frequencies when bit-banged, eliminating the need for a PWM peripheral. Low active current extends battery life, and 12 I/O pins support up to 64-key matrices. The compact 20-SSOP package fits inside slim remote enclosures.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
Discrete industrial sensor modules such as proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, and limit-switch signal conditioners can use the PIC16C56-RCE/SS to debounce inputs, linearize analog signals, and drive 4-20 mA or NPN/PNP outputs. The automotive temperature rating exceeds typical industrial -40C to +85C requirements, providing extra margin in factory-floor enclosures. Power-On Reset ensures clean operation after control-power dropouts, and the Watchdog Timer guards against firmware lock-up from conducted EMI on long cable runs.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
Cost-sensitive toy controllers, model-train decoders, and hobby electronics use the PIC16C56-RCE/SS to sequence motors, LEDs, and sound effects at a per-unit BOM cost that flash parts cannot match. The 33-instruction RISC set and 1.5 KB OTP hold complete behavior patterns for line-following robots, animated plush toys, and educational electronics kits. 12 I/O pins drive H-bridges, servo pulses, and speaker outputs directly. OTP also prevents easy code cloning in the toy market.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C56-RCE/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C56-HSE/SS | PIC16C56T-RCE/SS | PIC16C56-HS/SS | PIC16C56A-20I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | 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 (A revision) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes (A revision) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Packaging Format | Tube | Tube | Tape and Reel | Tube | Tube |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (5V nominal) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive temperature grade in SSOP-20 (vs PIC16C56-HSE/SS)
- True drop-in silicon identical to Tape and Reel variant (vs PIC16C56T-RCE/SS)
- 5x slower but lower-cost OTP than A-revision siblings (vs PIC16C56A-20I/SS)
Design Notes
Because the PIC16C56-RCE/SS uses One-Time-Programmable EPROM, code bugs cannot be fixed in-circuit. Always develop and qualify firmware on a flash-based sibling (e.g., PIC16F54-I/SS or PIC16F57) and only convert to the OTP RCE/SS once firmware is locked. Verify the entire I/O mapping, oscillator configuration, and watchdog timer settings on the flash part first - a single missed pull-up on MCLR can require scrapping an entire OTP batch.
The 20-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pitch with gull-wing leads - design the PCB land pattern per Microchip package drawing spec for SSOP-20 (5.30 mm body). Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 10) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the oscillator circuitry. Keep the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to the MCU and route the MCLR trace away from high-frequency switching nodes to avoid spurious resets in electrically noisy environments.
Estimated: Active current at 5V / 4 MHz is approximately 2 mA and standby current (WDT enabled, oscillator running) is roughly 15 uA per the PIC16C5x datasheet. For battery-backed designs (e.g., security alarm standby), enable the WDT and use SLEEP mode aggressively - typical SLEEP current is below 1 uA. If the design runs from an unregulated supply, add an MCP1700-3302E LDO ahead of VDD to keep logic noise below 50 mVpp and avoid brown-out resets on motor load transients.
The PIC16C56-RCE/SS in 20-SSOP has a theta_JA of approximately 95 C/W (per Microchip SSOP-20 package thermal data), giving a junction temperature rise of about 10 C at 2 mA active current and 5V supply - well within the -40C to +125C automotive window. At sustained 4 MHz / 5V with all I/O switching, power dissipation stays below 25 mW so no heatsink is needed. Derate by 1 mA per MHz if you raise the clock on the A-revision variants (PIC16C56A) above 4 MHz.
Estimated: For oscillator stability with the PIC16C56-RCE/SS, place the crystal or ceramic resonator within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 8) and OSC2 (pin 9) and guard the traces with a ground ring tied to VSS (pin 7). Add a 1 Mohm resistor in parallel with the crystal if using a low-drive crystal, per Microchip AN588 'PIC MCU Oscillator Design'. For RC oscillator mode, keep the REXT and CEXT components adjacent to OSC1/RA3 to minimize stray capacitance that pulls frequency off the nominal 4 MHz target.
Compliance Information
The 'RCE' suffix denotes automotive temperature grade -40C to +125C but does not by itself certify AEC-Q100; AEC-Q100 qualification status for PIC16C56-RCE/SS was not present in the verified web data and should be confirmed directly with Microchip for safety-critical automotive programs. RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free statuses were not in the verified web data and are marked [DATA_NEEDED] in specs. Conflict minerals compliance stated as compliant per Microchip corporate policy.