PIC16C57-HS/SP - 8-bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 3KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57-HS/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.94 | $4.94 |
| 10 | $4.45 | $44.50 |
| 100 | $3.95 | $395.00 |
| 500 | $3.56 | $1,780.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.17 | $3,170.00 |
PIC16C57-HS/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and I/O peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC16C5x parts are classified as 8-bit microcontrollers -> RISC microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> semiconductors. The PIC16C5x line uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a two-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes. OTP memory is one-time programmable (cannot be erased), which is ideal for high-volume mature products and is more cost-effective than UV-erasable EPROM or Flash.
Key specifications include: 20 MHz maximum clock (HS oscillator mode, hence the -HS suffix), 33 single-word instructions, 8-bit ALU, 20 source/sink I/O pins, one 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), and a watchdog timer. The wide operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.25 V and commercial temperature grade (0 C to +70 C) make it suitable for cost-sensitive embedded control applications. Power consumption is low at approximately 2 mA typical at 5 V / 20 MHz.
Architecturally, the PIC16C5x uses a RISC instruction set with a fixed 12-bit instruction width and an 8-bit data path. All instructions execute in a single cycle except branches, which take two cycles. Two special function hardware registers (OPTION and TRIS) configure the I/O direction and prescaler, and seven or eight additional special function registers handle peripheral control and arithmetic. The device does not include interrupts, which is a defining characteristic of the PIC16C5x baseline family.
Typical applications include appliance controls, simple sensor interfaces, LED driving controllers, low-cost consumer electronics, and industrial timers/counters. The PIC16C57 is also widely used as a one-time-programmable replacement for legacy 8-bit designs where board space and BOM cost are critical and Flash reprogrammability is not required.
When designing with the PIC16C57-HS/SP, choose the HS oscillator mode carefully: it supports high-speed crystals/resonators up to 20 MHz but draws more current than the LP (low-power) or RC modes. Since OTP memory cannot be erased, consider emulating the design on a PIC16F5x Flash equivalent (e.g., PIC16F57) for development, then migrating to PIC16C57-HS/SP for production to minimize unit cost.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, parametric comparisons, and practical design notes - engineering data not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57-HS/SP — 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/SP (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:
PIC16C57-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HS/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions, 12-bit wide |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Oscillator Mode (suffix) | HS (High-Speed crystal/resonator) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| I/O Pins | 20 source/sink |
| Timers | 8-bit TMR0 with watchdog |
| Stack Depth | 2 levels (hardware) |
| Interrupts | None (baseline PIC16C5x family) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP), 7.62 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| Lead Finish / Plating | Matte Tin (lead-free, Pb-free) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SPDIP) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
PIC16C57-HS/SP 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/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 21 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 22 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 23 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 24 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 25 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 26 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57-HS/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Industrial Timers and Counters, LED Lighting Controllers, Sensor Interface Front-Ends, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories, Educational and Training Boards.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C57-HS/SP is well suited for appliance control boards including washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Its 3 KB OTP program memory fits typical appliance state machines (motor control, sensor polling, user interface scan), and the 20 MHz clock supports real-time tasks like PWM for motor speed control and debounced keypad scanning. The integrated watchdog timer resets the MCU on firmware lockup, improving field reliability. With 20 source/sink I/O pins and an 8-bit timer (TMR0), the PIC16C57 drives relay matrices and reads multiple sensors simultaneously. OTP memory is appropriate because appliance firmware is locked once qualified, and the per-unit cost advantage over Flash microcontrollers is meaningful in high-volume white goods.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
Toy controllers, remote controls, novelty electronics, and educational kits benefit from the PIC16C57-HS/SP's combination of low cost and simple RISC architecture. The 33-instruction, single-cycle execution engine makes assembly programming approachable for hobbyists and engineers migrating from older 8-bit designs. The wide 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply range supports both battery and wall-adapter power, and the 20 MHz clock drives multiplexed LED displays or simple IR protocols. The HS oscillator suffix ensures stable timing for serial communication or tone generation. Since OTP is one-time programmable, products are designed around a finalized firmware image, with the PIC16F57 used in development.
Recommended
Industrial Timers and Counters
Industrial timer, counter, and sequencer modules are classic applications for the PIC16C57-HS/SP. The 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler drives accurate timing intervals from microseconds to seconds, while the watchdog timer prevents lockup in unattended industrial environments. Twenty I/O pins handle multiple start/stop triggers, encoder inputs, and indicator LEDs without external logic. The 0 C to +70 C commercial temperature range covers most indoor industrial cabinets and control panels. For harsher environments (-40 C to +85 C), the PIC16C57C-20I/SS industrial-grade variant in SSOP is a drop-in alternative. The PIC16C57-HS/SP's RISC architecture delivers deterministic instruction timing, which is critical for accurate industrial event sequencing.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
Architectural and decorative LED controllers use the PIC16C57-HS/SP to drive multiplexed LED matrices, chase patterns, and color-mixing PWM. The 20 MHz clock provides enough headroom for software PWM at frequencies above 100 Hz, eliminating visible flicker in human-perceived applications. With 20 I/O pins, the MCU can directly drive common-anode or common-cathode LED arrays up to 8 columns by 4 rows without external driver ICs. OTP memory locks the final lighting sequence into production, preventing field tampering. The low 2 mA active current at 5 V keeps the controller within budget for always-on installations. Designers can prototype on PIC16F57-I/SP and migrate to PIC16C57-HS/SP for cost-down production.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Front-Ends
The PIC16C57-HS/SP serves as a low-cost sensor interface front-end in distributed measurement nodes. It scans multiple analog sensors through external multiplexer ICs, performs linearization or threshold detection in software, and reports results via simple UART bit-banging or pulse-width output. The HS oscillator supports reliable 9600 to 38400 baud asynchronous serial when bit-banged, useful for legacy industrial protocols. The 3 KB program memory fits typical sensor linearization tables and threshold logic. The two-level hardware stack simplifies programming for straightforward polling loops without interrupts. With 72 bytes of RAM, the MCU holds a small number of recent samples for moving-average filtering.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
After-market automotive accessories such as alarm systems, remote starters, lighting controllers, and gauge clusters use the PIC16C57-HS/SP for cost-sensitive embedded control. The integrated watchdog timer and power-on reset handle the noisy automotive electrical environment, while the 20 MHz HS oscillator supports timing-critical outputs like PWM dimming and engine-RPM sensing. Designers should choose the industrial-grade PIC16C57-10I/P or PIC16C57C-20I/SS for -40 C to +85 C operation under-hood. Note that the PIC16C57 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for OEM automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100, migrate to PIC16F57 or PIC18F family. The PIC16C57-HS/SP remains a popular choice for non-safety-critical aftermarket products.
Recommended
Educational and Training Boards
Universities and technical training centers use the PIC16C57-HS/SP in embedded systems curricula because its simple RISC architecture, 33-instruction set, and integrated peripherals teach fundamental MCU concepts without overwhelming complexity. The 28-pin SPDIP package fits easily into breadboards and ZIF sockets, ideal for student labs. PIC16C5x assembly programming is well documented in textbooks and Microchip application notes, providing abundant learning material. While PIC16F57-I/SP is preferred for student projects due to Flash reprogrammability, the PIC16C57-HS/SP is used to teach the OTP programming workflow on PICSTART Plus and MPLAB PM3 programmers, mirroring real-world production environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57-HS/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57-HS/P | PIC16C57C-20I/SS | PIC16C57C-04I/SS | PIC16F57-I/SP | PIC16C57-10I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-PDIP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SPDIP | 28-PDIP |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | OTP |
| 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) | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| ICSP / Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash, ICSP) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply range for flexible power design (vs PIC16F57-I/SP)
- Lower per-unit cost in high-volume production vs Flash equivalent (vs PIC16F57-I/SP)
- Same-die compatibility with surface-mount variants for design reuse (vs PIC16C57C-20I/SS)
- Stable legacy supply chain for industrial and appliance OEMs (vs Newer PIC16F or PIC18F parts)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 27) of the PIC16C57-HS/SP, with the ground lead of the capacitor returning directly to the nearest VSS pin (pin 14 or pin 23). For noisy industrial environments, add a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor on the VDD rail within 1 inch of the MCU. The MCLR pin (pin 1) must have a 4.7 kohm to 10 kohm pull-up resistor to VDD; do not leave MCLR floating, as transient noise can cause unintended resets. Trace the MCLR pull-up directly to VDD, not through any switch or connector that could introduce noise.
The HS suffix in PIC16C57-HS/SP means the part is specified for a high-speed crystal or ceramic resonator up to 20 MHz. Using a low-frequency 32.768 kHz crystal or a sub-1 MHz resonator with HS mode can prevent oscillator startup or cause unstable operation; choose the matching LP or XT oscillator variant for those frequencies. Additionally, OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten - any code bug becomes permanent in production. Always prototype the firmware on a PIC16F57-I/SP Flash equivalent (same 28-SPDIP pinout), validate it fully, then commit the final image to PIC16C57-HS/SP using a PICSTART Plus or MPLAB PM3 programmer. Budget for programming time and verify each unit after programming in production.
Keep the crystal or resonator traces between OSC1 (pin 26) and OSC2 (pin 25) as short as possible, ideally under 10 mm, and surround them with a ground pour to reduce EMI susceptibility. Place the load capacitors (typically 15 pF to 33 pF for a 20 MHz crystal) immediately adjacent to the oscillator pins with their ground returns to the nearest VSS pin. Avoid routing digital signal traces (port B or port C switching lines) directly under or adjacent to the oscillator traces, as capacitive coupling can shift the effective load and cause frequency error or startup failure. For best EMI performance, route the VDD trace to pin 27 with a star topology from the regulator output, not daisy-chained through other ICs.
The PIC16C57-HS/SP does not have configurable I/O slew-rate control or Schmitt triggers on all ports, so long PCB traces to LEDs or relays can ring or cross-couple. For traces longer than 50 mm, add a 33 ohm to 100 ohm series resistor at the MCU pin to dampen transmission-line ringing. Port C (RC0-RC7, pins 15-22) is often used for high-speed outputs like SPI bit-banging or PWM; keep these traces short and isolated from analog sections if any. The 20 MHz system clock produces a 50 ns instruction cycle, so 1 inch of unterminated trace (about 15 pF/inch capacitance) can distort edges faster than the MCU can drive them cleanly. Use a ground-reference adjacent to each port C signal trace.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; matte tin lead-free plating on SPDIP package. AEC-Q100 NOT qualified - not suitable for automotive OEM applications without further qualification. For automotive aftermarket only.
