PIC16C57-10E/SO - 8-Bit 10MHz OTP MCU 3KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57-10E/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.12 | $4.12 |
| 10 | $3.71 | $37.10 |
| 100 | $3.29 | $329.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.62 | $2,620.00 |
PIC16C57-10E/SO Overview
A PIC16C5X microcontroller is a classic 8-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) device based on a Harvard architecture. Unlike von Neumann machines, the PIC family uses physically separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access for predictable single-cycle execution. The 12-bit-wide instruction word is highly symmetrical, producing a 2:1 code compression ratio compared to competing 8-bit microcontrollers in its price and performance class. The PIC16C5X occupies the role of low-cost baseline microcontroller within the broader PIC16 family hierarchy, sitting below the PIC16C55/56 (smaller memory) and being superseded by PIC16F57 (Flash-based) and later PIC16F1xxx families.
Key features include 33 single-word instructions, 2-level hardware stack, 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, programmable code protection, power-on reset, and brown-out detection via power-up timer. The PIC16C57 specifically includes 20 I/O pins with high-current sink/source capability (25 mA per pin, 100 mA total), making it suitable for direct LED drive and small-signal switching. Four oscillator options are supported: RC, LP (low-power crystal), XT (standard crystal), and HS (high-speed crystal), enabling system-level power optimization.
Architecturally, the device uses a two-stage pipeline (fetch + execute) and a 12-bit program counter that can address 2K words directly, yielding the 3 KB program-memory figure quoted as 2K x 12. The Harvard bus topology eliminates data-memory contention with program fetches, which is why PIC cores can claim single-cycle instruction throughput despite modest clock rates. The CMOS EPROM-based process used for the "C" family allows one-time programmable operation - the part cannot be electrically erased - so it is intended for volume production where firmware is finalized. The 28-SOIC package uses industry-standard JEDEC MS-013 pinout, allowing drop-in compatibility with 28-pin Flash-based PIC16F57 and the larger-memory PIC16C58 family in the same footprint.
Typical applications include consumer-electronics remote controls, small appliance controllers, automotive body modules (with extended temperature grade), industrial sensor interfaces, battery chargers, low-cost LED lighting controllers, and educational/embedded-training platforms. The 20 high-current I/O pins allow direct relay or transistor-base drive without external driver ICs. The 10 MHz instruction rate (~5 MIPS peak) is more than sufficient for slow human-interface and control loops.
When designing with this part, allocate a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor adjacent to each VDD/VDDX pin pair, keep the crystal (if used) within 1 cm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins, and add a 1 M ohm parallel bleeder if using the watchdog WDT to suppress spurious resets on slow VDD ramps. The OTP memory limits in-field firmware updates, so production programming must be the final step.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57-10E/SO β 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 PIC16C57-10E/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F57-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F57-E/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57-10I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.38 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C58B-10E/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56-10E/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F57-I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57-10E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Industrial / "E" grade) |
| Data Converters | None (no ADC) |
| Oscillator Type | External - RC, LP, XT, HS |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA per pin / 100 mA total |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm / 0.295" width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C57-10E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 β Port A bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA1 β Port A bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA2 β Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA3 β Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RTCC β TMR0 real-time clock/counter input (also RA4) |
| Pin 6 | RB0 β Port B bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | VDD β Positive supply (5 V nominal) |
| Pin 9 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB6 β Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB7 β Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 β Oscillator input (RC, LP, XT, or HS) |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 β Oscillator output (also RC clock out) |
| Pin 17 | RC0 β Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC1 β Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | VDD β Positive supply (5 V nominal, second pin) |
| Pin 20 | VSS β Ground (0 V) |
| Pin 21 | RC2 β Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC3 β Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC4 β Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC5 β Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RC6 β Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RC7 β Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 28 | RD0 β Port D bit 0 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57-10E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Controller, Consumer Appliance Control Board, Automotive Body Electronics Module, Battery Charger State-Machine Controller, Educational Embedded Development Platform, Remote-Control IR/RF Encoder, Small Appliance LED Display Driver.
Industrial Sensor Interface Controller
The PIC16C57-10E/SO is well matched to industrial sensor interface and signal-conditioning nodes because of its -40 C to +125 C extended industrial temperature grade and 25 mA per-pin I/O drive. The device can directly drive optocouplers, relay coils, or small solenoid valves without an external transistor driver, while its 10 MHz clock rate provides 100 ns instruction throughput that comfortably handles polling of multiple digital sensors, simple digital filtering, and serial-protocol translation (RS-232, RS-485) to a host PLC. The 20 I/O pins (5 ports) accommodate 8-16 sensor inputs plus actuator outputs without multiplexing. The OTP program memory is appropriate for fixed firmware where in-field updates are not required. Use the brown-out reset and watchdog timer for industrial noise immunity; the wide 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply tolerates 24 V industrial rails when paired with a TO-220 7805 regulator.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C57-10E/SO suits consumer appliance control such as coffee makers, microwave ovens, washing-machine sub-modules, and small HVAC damper controls because it integrates 20 high-current I/O pins, a watchdog timer, and a single 8-bit timer/counter sufficient for keypad scanning and Triac phase-angle control. The 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP memory holds approximately 1500-2000 instruction lines - enough for state machines, beep patterns, and simple display drivers. Compared to discrete logic controllers, the PIC16C57 reduces BOM cost and PCB area. The industrial "E" temperature grade handles under-cabinet heat in appliances. The PIC16C57's low-cost 28-SOIC package and Microchip's MPASM/MPLAB toolchain accelerate firmware development; the part is widely second-sourced through aftermarket distributors for legacy product lines that have shipped for many years.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Module
The PIC16C57-10E/SO is suitable for non-safety automotive body-electronics subassemblies such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory modules, mirror adjusters, and accessory switch interfaces. Its -40 C to +125 C extended industrial temperature rating is acceptable for cabin environments, while the 20 high-current I/O pins (25 mA each) directly switch small incandescent bulbs, LEDs, and low-side MOSFET drivers. The 10 MHz core and 100 ns instruction cycle handle debounced switch scanning and PWM dimming at frequencies above the audible range. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; AEC-Q100 designs should migrate to PIC16F57-E/SO automotive or a more recent PIC16F1xxx family. The PIC16C57's wide 4.5-5.5 V supply works with 12 V automotive battery rails after a 7805 regulator and reverse-battery protection diode.
Recommended
Battery Charger State-Machine Controller
The PIC16C57-10E/SO controls battery charger state machines in SLA, NiMH, and small Li-ion packs where firmware is finalized at production. Its 10 MHz clock and 100 ns instruction cycle deliver timing precision needed for delta-V cutoff, temperature-qualified charge termination, and CC/CV transition timing. The 20 I/O pins provide 4-8 ADC-free analog monitoring paths via resistor-divider + comparator circuits, plus 4-8 PWM or switch outputs for relay/buck-converter control. The 72-byte RAM holds charge-state variables, timer counters, and a small look-up table. The OTP memory is appropriate because firmware rarely changes once qualified. The extended industrial temperature range allows operation in garage, marine, or outdoor battery enclosures. Compared to using a full analog charge controller IC, the PIC16C57 allows custom charge algorithms and field telemetry (LED status indication) at lower BOM cost.
Recommended
Educational Embedded Development Platform
The PIC16C57-10E/SO has been widely used in university embedded-systems and EE curriculum labs because of its simple RISC architecture, 33-instruction set, and transparent register-level model. Students can directly read the 72-byte RAM, observe stack behavior through the 2-level hardware stack, and time-pin events using the 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler - all without complex peripheral-mapping layers. The 3 KB OTP memory accommodates a complete firmware lab assignment including I/O, timers, interrupts, and serial communications. Although newer Flash-based PIC16F1xxx or PIC18 parts are preferred for current curricula, the PIC16C57 still appears in legacy teaching kits and in trainer boards that demonstrate the original PIC architecture used since 1994. Its 28-SOIC package is breadboard-compatible via SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards.
Recommended
Remote-Control IR/RF Encoder
The PIC16C57-10E/SO is an effective encoder for low-cost IR/RF remote controls in consumer and industrial remote-keyless entry applications. Its 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler can generate 38 kHz carrier frequencies for IR modulation, while 10 MHz instruction throughput easily handles RC5, NEC, or proprietary protocols. The 20 I/O pins accept an 8x8 or 4x4 keypad matrix (8 inputs + 8 outputs), drive LED indicators, and output the modulated carrier to an IR LED or SAW-based RF transmitter. The 72-byte RAM stores the most recent keystroke, a learn-mode buffer, and transmission state. The 3 KB OTP holds RC5/NEC encoders plus a custom protocol. The 4.5-5.5 V supply supports both 5 V regulated and 3-cell alkaline (4.5 V) battery-powered remotes. Compared to dedicated encoder ICs like the SAA3010, the PIC16C57 allows custom button mapping without mask changes.
Recommended
Small Appliance LED Display Driver
The PIC16C57-10E/SO drives LED display segments and status indicators in microwave ovens, washing machines, ovens, and air-conditioner panels. Its 20 I/O pins can directly multiplex an 8-digit 7-segment display (8 segments + 8 digit commons requires 16 pins) without an external driver IC, reducing BOM cost in high-volume consumer products. The 25 mA per-pin source/sink capability directly drives common-anode or common-cathode LEDs at full brightness, with software-controlled PWM dimming via TMR0 interrupts. The 3 KB OTP memory holds a complete display-refresh state machine, button debouncing, beep patterns, and menu navigation. The extended industrial temperature grade handles under-counter heat and humidity. Compared to dedicated LED driver ICs like MAX7219, the PIC16C57 allows custom display animations and integrates button handling on the same die.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57-10E/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F57-I/SO | PIC16F57-E/SO | PIC16C57-10I/SO | PIC16C58B-10E/SO | PIC16C56-10E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB OTP | 4 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 1 KB OTP (1K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 73 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Maximum Clock | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (E grade) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Key Differentiators
- Largest OTP program memory in the PIC16C5X family at 3 KB (vs PIC16C56-10E/SO)
- Highest temperature grade in the OTP PIC16C57 series (vs PIC16C57-10I/SO)
- Same-package Flash upgrade path via PIC16F57-E/SO (vs PIC16C58B-10E/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: Place a single 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pin 8 and pin 19), with the cap's ground lead returning directly to the nearest VSS pin (pin 20). For a 28-SOIC package at 10 MHz, a single bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor at the board's power-entry point handles transient current demand during I/O switching. Estimated: traces from MCLR (pin 27) to the reset circuit should be kept short (under 25 mm) and shielded from high-current switching traces to prevent false resets; a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to VSS creates the standard Microchip recommended reset network.
Estimated: Route the crystal or resonator leads within 10 mm of pins 15 (OSC1) and 16 (OSC2) and keep the oscillator traces on the top layer with a continuous ground pour underneath. Avoid routing noisy digital signals (such as RC7/Port C outputs) across or parallel to the oscillator traces. For HS mode oscillators at 10 MHz, a 33 pF load-capacitor pair per pin is typical; for XT mode use 15 pF, and for LP mode (32 kHz) use 68 pF. Ground the oscillator-case pin of metal-can crystals to avoid injection of conducted noise from the case into the silicon die.
Estimated: The PIC16C57's 2-level hardware stack can only hold 2 nested subroutine calls; attempting a 3rd GOSUB or CALL will corrupt the stack and cause unpredictable return addresses. Restructure deep call trees as in-line code or convert to iterative state machines. The OTP program memory cannot be electrically erased - a mis-programmed device must be physically discarded, so first-time firmware should be validated on a windowed PIC16C57C JW part before mass production. The MCLR pin (27) is not internally pulled up on all PIC16C57 revisions; an external 10-47 kohm pull-up to VDD is mandatory.
Estimated: The PIC16C57 draws 2.0 mA typical I_DD at 5 V/10 MHz in active mode, and 4 uA typical in SLEEP mode. For battery-powered designs, use the SLEEP instruction aggressively and wake via watchdog timeout or external interrupt. Brown-out reset (BOR) is configured by configuration fuses - leave it enabled for industrial applications. The 7805 linear regulator wastes 5-10 mA quiescent; for low-power designs below 1 mA total, use a switching buck regulator or a low-Iq LDO like MCP1700.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not explicitly listed in the verified web data for this legacy OTP part; Microchip Technology's general lead-free transition in 2005 covered most PIC16C5X parts but specific compliance certificates should be requested from the supplier for current production lots. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose a Q1/automotive part for automotive safety applications.
