PIC16C56T-LPI/SO - 8-Bit OTP MCU 1.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C56T-LPI/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.21 | $22.10 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.72 | $860.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.51 | $1,510.00 |
PIC16C56T-LPI/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral I/O on one die. The PIC16C5X family sits at the base of the Microchip PIC hierarchy: PIC16C5X -> PIC16C -> PIC mid-range 8-bit MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> embedded MCU. OTP variants use windowless EPROM cells that are programmed once and cannot be erased, suiting applications where firmware is fixed and per-unit programming cost must be minimized.
Key features of the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO include: 1.5KB OTP program memory (1K x 12), 25 bytes RAM, 12 I/O lines, a 4 MHz internal RC oscillator option, an 8-bit timer/counter, watchdog timer, power-on reset, brown-out detect, and an industrial-grade operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. The wide 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply range lets the same part serve 3.3V and 5V rails. Because OTP memory cannot be erased in-circuit, designers who need field-updateable firmware should pick a Flash-based sibling such as PIC16F54.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard-style RISC core with a 12-bit instruction word and an 8-bit data path, fed by an instruction pipeline that lets most instructions execute in one oscillator cycle. Program memory is implemented as one-time-programmable EPROM, accessed through a 12-bit program counter; on-chip peripherals include a general-purpose 8-bit timer with programmable prescaler, a watchdog timer with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, and a power-up timer that holds the device in reset until Vdd is stable. Brown-out detect guards against code corruption on a sagging supply.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, automotive interior subsystems, white-goods controllers, simple sensor signal conditioning, and any high-volume edge device where the program is locked at production and board space is constrained. The 18-SOIC footprint drops onto standard 300-mil SOIC land patterns used across a generation of 8-bit designs.
When designing with this part, keep Vdd bypassed with a 100 nF ceramic placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pin, and respect the OTP-programming voltage and timing windows documented in the PIC16C5X family datasheet. Because OTP memory cannot be re-programmed, prototype firmware development should be done on a JW (windowed) or Flash-based PIC16F54 before committing the OTP order.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers and buyers a single reference for the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C56T-LPI/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 PIC16C56T-LPI/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C56-LPI/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56T-HSI/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-RCI/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.99 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-LP/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56T-LPI/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| RAM | 25 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 40 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (independent on-chip RC) |
| Brown-out Detect | Yes |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295" / 7.50 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C56T-LPI/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C56T-LPI/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Interior Subsystem MCU, White-Goods Timer and Controller, Sensor Signal-Conditioning Edge Node, Simple LED Display Driver, Toy and Hobby Electronics Controller.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C56T-LPI/SO fits low-cost appliance controllers because it integrates 1.5 KB of OTP program memory (1K x 12), 12 digital I/O pins, an 8-bit timer, and a wide 2.5-6.25 V supply in a single 18-SOIC package. Per the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet (Document 30402D), OTP memory locks firmware at production so per-unit programming cost stays minimal. In a coffee machine or microwave UI board, the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO scans the keypad matrix, drives LED indicators, and time-switches the relay; brown-out detect and watchdog timer guard against brown-out corruption, while the 12-bit RISC core executes in one quarter-cycle to keep interrupt latency predictable. The 25-byte RAM is enough for short counters and state machines. Cost-optimized appliances in the sub-USD 2 BOM tier frequently land on this part.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Subsystem MCU
Inside an automotive interior module (for example, a window lift controller or seat-position keypad), the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO delivers 1.5 KB OTP program memory, 12 I/O, an 8-bit timer, and the industrial -40C to +85C temperature window required by most cabin applications. Per the Microchip PIC16C5X family datasheet, the device operates from 2.5-6.25 V, tolerates cranking transients, and provides brown-out detect to protect against supply sag that could corrupt program flow. The 12 I/O drive LED indicators, scan switch matrices, and pulse MOSFET gate drivers through PWM; the on-chip watchdog with independent RC prevents runaway code. For higher-AEC-Q100 systems Microchip offers Q-graded PIC16 variants; the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO is the cost-tier industrial SKU.
Recommended
White-Goods Timer and Controller
Washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers run cycle logic on a small 8-bit MCU; the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO matches this with 1.5 KB OTP for the cycle table, 25-byte RAM for state, and 12 I/O for triac drive, sensor input, and keypad scan. According to the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet (Document 30402D), the 8-bit timer with prescaler gives accurate mains-zero-cross timing for triac dimming and motor RPM measurement. Brown-out detect and watchdog timer protect against mains sag in motor-start conditions. The 18-SOIC package drops onto existing white-goods controller boards without layout rework.
Recommended
Sensor Signal-Conditioning Edge Node
Battery-powered sensor edge nodes (for example, simple thermistor or PIR motion readers) pair a low-power sensor with an 8-bit MCU; the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO contributes 1.5 KB OTP for fixed decision thresholds, 25-byte RAM for averaging buffers, and a 4 MHz internal RC option that eliminates the crystal for BOM reduction. Per the Microchip PIC16C5X family datasheet, the PIC16C5X core executes one instruction per cycle and the watchdog can wake from sleep, supporting low average current. The 18-SOIC land pattern is widely supported on sensor breakout boards.
Recommended
Simple LED Display Driver
Multi-digit seven-segment or dot-matrix displays often run on a small MCU; the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO provides 1.5 KB OTP for the lookup tables and animation patterns, 12 I/O to multiplex digits, and an 8-bit timer to refresh the display without CPU overhead. According to the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet, the core runs at 40 MHz max, fast enough for 8-digit multiplex without flicker. The 2.5-6.25 V supply matches both 3.3 V and 5 V LED driver ICs. OTP locks the pattern so the display cannot be reflashed in the field.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics Controller
Cost-sensitive toy RC controllers, electronic dice, and hobby robotics use a small 8-bit MCU like the PIC16C56T-LPI/SO; 1.5 KB OTP stores button-to-action maps and motor control sequences, 25-byte RAM holds short PWM counters, and 12 I/O reads buttons and drives H-bridge motor FETs. Per the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet (Document 30402D), the 8-bit timer generates the PWM frequency, and brown-out detect prevents erratic motion when batteries sag. The 18-SOIC footprint is friendly to hobby board layouts and the -T suffix ships in tape-and-reel for production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C56T-LPI/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C56-LPI/SO | PIC16C56T-HSI/SO | PIC16C56-RCI/SO | PIC16C56-LP/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295") | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB OTP (1K x 12) | 1.5 KB OTP (1K x 12) | 1.5 KB OTP (1K x 12) | 1.5 KB OTP (1K x 12) | 1.5 KB OTP (1K x 12) |
| RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Packaging Suffix | Tape & Reel (-T) | Tube (no -T) | Tube (no -T) | Tube (no -T) | Tube (no -T) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost Microchip PIC16 8-bit MCU in 18-SOIC (vs PIC16C56-LPI/SO)
- Wide 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply supports 3.3 V and 5 V rails (vs PIC16C56-RCI/SO)
- Industrial -40C to +85C operating range (vs PIC16C56T-HSI/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (pin 14) and a second 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board supply entry. The PIC16C56T-LPI/SO datasheet (Document 30402D) calls out Vdd rise-time requirements for proper power-on reset; keep the rise time under the datasheet limit (typically <50 ms) to avoid undefined startup states. Brown-out detect is enabled by configuration fuse and triggers a reset when Vdd dips below the configured threshold.
Keep the MCLR pin (pin 4) rise-time below the datasheet limit. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm to 47 kohm) close to the pin and, if using a diode-protection network, route it directly between MCLR and Vdd. For RC oscillator mode (4 MHz internal), leave OSC1/OSC2 floating or tie per the datasheet. Estimated crystal load capacitance is 15-33 pF on each side; check the crystal vendor's specification for the actual load.
OTP memory cannot be re-programmed - prototype firmware on a JW (windowed) part or a Flash-based sibling such as PIC16F54-I/SO before committing to an OTP production order. Verify with the contract manufacturer that they support the OTP programming flow (PRO MATE II or compatible high-voltage programmer); PICkit does not program the PIC16C5X OTP cells. Source: Microchip PIC16C5X family user guide.
The PIC16C56T-LPI/SO outputs transition within one instruction cycle (one quarter of the oscillator period at 40 MHz). When driving long PCB traces or cables, series-terminate the trace near the source with 33-100 ohm to dampen ringing; for capacitive loads above 50 pF, add a 100 ohm series resistor to limit edge current. Per the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet, the I/O drive strength is roughly 20 mA source/sink; do not exceed this to avoid latch-up. Source: Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet (Document 30402D).
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip PIC16C5X family environmental compliance information. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs, contact Microchip for Q-grade PIC16C variants.
