PIC16C57-HS/SO - 20MHz 8-bit OTP MCU, 3KB, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57-HS/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.53 | $8.53 |
| 10 | $7.68 | $76.80 |
| 100 | $6.84 | $684.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.45 | $5,450.00 |
PIC16C57-HS/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory (here, OTP EPROM), and peripherals such as timers and I/O ports. The PIC16C5X family sits at the entry-level of Microchip's 8-bit PIC architecture, optimized for cost-sensitive, deterministic, bit-manipulation-heavy embedded tasks where RISC-like instruction execution and low pin count matter more than raw throughput.
Key differentiating features include 12-bit-wide instructions on an 8-bit data path for compact code density, seven or eight special-function hardware registers, a watchdog timer option, and a Power-on Reset (POR) circuit. The wide 7.5 mm body SOIC (SO) package supports surface-mount manufacturing while maintaining drop-in compatibility with the 28-pin PDIP footprint on adapter boards. Compared with the PIC16F57-I/SO Flash successor, the PIC16C57-HS/SO offers OTP rather than in-circuit reprogrammability, which lowers per-unit cost for mature, finalized firmware.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, simple sensor-conditioning front-ends, LED display drivers, automotive body controllers, and hobby robotics. The wide operating voltage range (typically 3.0 V to 5.5 V) and low standby current make it suitable for battery-backed subsystems. Designers should reserve the OTP window only for fully validated firmware, since OTP parts cannot be rewritten; production programming must use a Microchip-supported device programmer such as MPLAB PM3.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57-HS/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 PIC16C57-HS/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Peripherals, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F57-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57T-HS/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HSE/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HS/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC (RISC) |
| Family | PIC16C5X (PIC16C57) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Oscillator Suffix | HS (High-Speed, external crystal/oscillator) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (typical) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Instruction Width | 12 bits |
| Data Path Width | 8 bits |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, Indirect, Relative |
| Peripherals | POR, Watchdog Timer (option), Sleep mode |
| Package Type | 28-SOIC (SO, 0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C57-HS/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 23 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (HS crystal/ceramic resonator) |
| Pin 24 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (HS crystal/ceramic resonator) |
| Pin 25 | T0CKI — TMR0 external clock input |
| Pin 26 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57-HS/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, LED Display Drivers, Simple Sensor Conditioning Front-Ends, Hobby Robotics and Educational Kits, Automotive Body Controllers (Legacy), Battery-Backed Low-Power Subsystems.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C57-HS/SO fits appliance control boards (washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers) because its 20 MHz instruction throughput executes multi-state control loops within tight cycle budgets, while the 72-byte RAM is sufficient for state-machine variables. The 20 GPIO pins handle user-interface switches, relay drivers, and indicator LEDs without external I/O expanders. OTP memory locks in finalized firmware at low per-unit cost, ideal for high-volume appliance production. The 28-SOIC package supports surface-mount assembly lines common in modern appliance manufacturing, and the 3.0–5.5 V supply range interfaces directly to 5 V relay and triac driver stages.
Recommended
LED Display Drivers
The PIC16C57-HS/SO drives multiplexed LED matrices and seven-segment displays because its 20 GPIO lines deliver enough drive for 8-digit common-cathode arrangements with row/column decoding in firmware. The HS oscillator's 20 MHz rate sustains refresh frequencies above 100 Hz with no perceptible flicker, even on 16-character panels. Its deterministic instruction timing suits bit-banged protocols such as WS281x and Charlieplexing. The 3 KB OTP holds driver tables, character fonts, and brightness curves, while the 72-byte RAM buffers the current display frame. The 28-SOIC package drops onto standard LED-driver reference boards used in scoreboards and information displays.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Conditioning Front-Ends
The PIC16C57-HS/SO conditions sensor signals in industrial front-ends by combining its 8-bit ADC-free architecture with external sigma-delta or comparator-based signal chains, applying linearization and threshold logic in firmware. The 20 MHz core runs Kalman or moving-average filters on temperature, pressure, or flow sensor data at sub-millisecond intervals. Its 3.0–5.5 V supply range accepts 5 V transducer rails, and the 20 GPIO pins interface to 4–20 mA loop outputs and HART modems. OTP memory locks the calibrated compensation tables for each transducer variant, preventing field tampering. The wide 28-SOIC footprint simplifies layout on mixed-signal boards with analog front-ends.
Recommended
Hobby Robotics and Educational Kits
The PIC16C57-HS/SO powers hobby robotics controllers because its PIC16C5X architecture teaches fundamental embedded concepts - direct/indirect addressing, hardware stack, TMR0 timing - in a low-cost 28-SOIC module. The 20 MHz throughput drives servos, DC motor H-bridges, and ultrasonic sensors in real time. With 20 GPIO pins, students can connect multiple actuators and sensors without external multiplexers. OTP memory introduces production-engineering concepts: programmers must use MPLAB PM3 to burn finalized firmware, mirroring real-world embedded practice. The /SO package is breadboard-compatible via SOIC-to-DIP adapters.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controllers (Legacy)
The PIC16C57-HS/SO has historically powered automotive body controllers (window lifts, mirror adjusters, seat controllers) where deterministic response and OTP code security matter. Its 20 MHz execution rate handles multiplexed LIN-like bus protocols and debounced switch inputs with sub-microsecond jitter. The 72-byte RAM stores fault flags and learn-mode parameters, while OTP memory prevents unauthorized firmware swaps. Note: this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified and is NRND, so it is appropriate for legacy service replacements but not new automotive designs. For new platforms, select AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F1xx successors.
Recommended
Battery-Backed Low-Power Subsystems
The PIC16C57-HS/SO controls battery-backed subsystems (security keypads, remote sensors, IR receivers) when paired with its LP-suffix sibling variants for sleep modes. In active HS mode, the 20 MHz core wakes within microseconds to service interrupts and then returns to Sleep with reduced current draw. The 20 GPIO pins sense user inputs and drive low-side MOSFETs for relays or LEDs. OTP storage prevents accidental firmware corruption during brown-outs, which is critical in battery-backed applications. The 3.0–5.5 V supply works directly from lithium or alkaline battery stacks with minimal regulation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57-HS/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F57-I/SO | PIC16C57C-20/SO | PIC16C57T-HS/SO | PIC16C57-HSE/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO, 7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) | 28-SOIC (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Oscillator Suffix | HS (High-Speed) | HS via config bit | HS (High-Speed) | HS (High-Speed) | HS Extended temperature |
| GPIO Count | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| In-Circuit Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash, ICSP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard PIC16C5X OTP core at 20 MHz (vs PIC16F57-I/SO)
- Wide 28-SOIC body footprint matches legacy reference designs (vs PIC16C57-HS/P (PDIP))
- Same 3 KB program memory across silicon revisions (vs PIC16C57C-04/SO (C-spec at 4 MHz))
Design Notes
OTP EPROM parts cannot be rewritten. Always develop and debug firmware on a Flash equivalent such as PIC16F57-I/SO, then burn the validated HEX file into the production PIC16C57-HS/SO using an MPLAB PM3 programmer. Locking an incorrect or partially-tested HEX into OTP units results in scrap; budget for a small prototype Flash run before committing to OTP volume orders.
Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor between VDD (pin 22) and VSS (pin 21) placed within 5 mm of the package body, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic reservoir on the supply rail. Brown-out detection is absent on the PIC16C5X family, so external voltage supervision (e.g., MCP100 or TPS3839) is recommended for industrial mains-powered designs to prevent code execution from corrupted memory below 3.0 V.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces to the external HS crystal (20 MHz max) as short and symmetric as possible, with a grounded guard ring around the oscillator cell to minimize crosstalk into adjacent GPIO traces. Place load capacitors (typically 15–33 pF for HS at 20 MHz, per datasheet) close to the crystal pads. Keep oscillator traces away from RA0 and RC7 switching lines to avoid injection of clock harmonics into sensitive analog or timer inputs.
The 28-SOIC (SO) wide-body package has a 1.27 mm pin pitch and 7.50 mm body width. Reserve at least 0.2 mm trace clearance between adjacent SOIC pads and use a ground pour on the top layer under the package to provide thermal spreading and a low-impedance return path for the high-frequency HS oscillator. Keep the exposed thermal pad (if present on the variant) soldered to the pour for additional heat dissipation.
The PIC16C5X hardware stack is only two levels deep, so deeply nested CALL chains will silently overwrite the stack and corrupt return addresses. Restructure firmware to keep call depth at one or use iterative state machines for deep logic. The indirect addressing mode via FSR (file select register) is the only way to access RAM beyond the direct-addressed first 32 bytes - engineers migrating from PIC16F1xx must remember this constraint.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 status: not qualified - do not select for new automotive designs. RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status not stated explicitly in verified web data - marked unknown. Conflict Minerals compliance assumed per Microchip standard policy.
