PIC16C57-HS/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 2KB EPROM | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57-HS/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.86 | $5.86 |
| 10 | $5.27 | $52.70 |
| 100 | $4.69 | $469.00 |
| 500 | $4.1 | $2,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.52 | $3,520.00 |
PIC16C57-HS/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and a fixed set of peripheral registers. The PIC16C5X architecture uses 12-bit-wide instructions and an 8-bit-wide data path, achieving roughly 2:1 code compression compared with other 8-bit MCUs in its class, and executes most instructions in a single 200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz. This combination of small footprint, deterministic execution, and low cost established the PIC16C5X family as the de-facto baseline for simple embedded control in the 1990s and is still emulated today in retro-arcade and industrial designs.
Key features of the PIC16C57-HS/SS include 12 I/O pins across two ports (RA0-RA3, RB0-RB7), an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, a watchdog timer, a two-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes for both data and instructions. Seven or eight special-function hardware registers handle all peripheral control, keeping the core die size minimal. The HS grade specifies a high-speed external crystal/ceramic resonator oscillator mode supporting up 20 MHz operation.
Architecturally, the PIC16C57-HS/SS uses a fully static CMOS RISC core, meaning clock frequency can be reduced arbitrarily for power savings without losing state. The Harvard memory architecture separates program (12-bit wide EPROM) and data (8-bit wide RAM) buses, eliminating the von Neumann fetch bottleneck. On-chip EPROM allows one-time-programmable (OTP) code storage, ideal for low-to-medium volume production where mask-ROM NRE is not amortized.
Typical applications include legacy industrial control, security/alarm panels, appliance controllers, automotive body electronics, simple sensor interfaces, arcade and pinball board replacement (the PIC16C57 is widely emulated in MAME), and consumer IR remote transmitters. The 28-SSOP package is suitable for hand-solder prototyping and reflow production alike.
A key design consideration is that the PIC16C57 family uses a 12-bit instruction word and lacks in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) on most packages; engineering samples or production units must be programmed externally with a device programmer such as the MPLAB PM3. Designers transitioning newer code should evaluate the pin-compatible PIC16F57 (Flash-based, ICSP-capable) as a same-footprint migration path.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that complement, rather than duplicate, the official Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57-HS/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 PIC16C57-HS/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Package, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F57-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-10E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HS/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-HS/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-HS/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57-HS/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C5X (PIC16C57) |
| Core | 8-bit RISC PIC |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP) |
| Program Memory Size | 2KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM | 72 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Oscillator Type (Speed Grade) | HS - High-Speed crystal/ceramic resonator |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (5V typical) |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with 8-bit programmable prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Hardware Stack | 2-level deep |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm / 0.209 in width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns @ 20 MHz |
PIC16C57-HS/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground (optional second VSS pin) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal/resonator) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (crystal/resonator) |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground (optional third VSS pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (+5V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (alternate pinout variant) |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (alternate pinout variant) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (alternate pinout variant) |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (alternate pinout variant) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (alternate pinout variant) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (alternate pinout variant) |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (alternate pinout variant) |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (alternate pinout variant) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57-HS/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Arcade Board Security MCU, Industrial Control Legacy Systems, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Security Alarm Panels.
Arcade Board Security MCU
The PIC16C57-HS/SS is widely deployed as the security/authentication MCU on legacy arcade PCBs such as the Psikyo SH404 series. Its 12-bit instruction set, deterministic 200 ns cycle, and OTP EPROM provide a tamper-resistant code store that is impractical to read without erasing. The 28-SSOP package fits densely-populated arcade boards, and the 20 MHz HS oscillator mode delivers the latency needed for boot-time self-checks. Designers replicating or replacing original firmware should match the instruction set exactly; the PIC16F57 in 28-SSOP is a pin-compatible Flash alternative for new builds.
Recommended
Industrial Control Legacy Systems
Long-lifecycle industrial controllers, alarm panels, and HVAC actuators often embed the PIC16C57-HS/SS for I/O scanning, TMR0-based timing, and watchdog supervision. Its 12 I/O pins and 2KB EPROM are sufficient for 8-bit scheduling tasks such as relay sequencing and sensor multiplexing. The HS-grade 20 MHz clock allows real-time response under 50 µs, while the OTP EPROM code store is unaffected by industrial EMI. For maintenance replacements, PIC16F57-I/SS offers the same 28-SSOP footprint with Flash memory to support field re-flashing.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
White-goods appliances (washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwasher control boards) frequently used the PIC16C57-HS/SS as a low-cost main controller thanks to its 5V single supply, 12-bit RISC performance, and integrated watchdog. The 28-SSOP footprint accommodates both reflow and hand-solder assembly, while TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler provides accurate timing for motor PWM, valve control, and user-interface scanning. The 2KB EPROM holds typical appliance firmware with margin; replace with PIC16F57-I/SS when migrating to RoHS-compliant Flash designs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Older automotive body controllers (mirror adjusters, seat controllers, simple instrument clusters) used the PIC16C57-HS/SS where 8-bit timing and small code footprint were sufficient. The HS oscillator mode gives 20 MHz for CAN-software bit-banging or simple LIN-master timing, and the 12 I/O lines drive relays, switches, and LED indicators. For new automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, however, designers should look to PIC16F57-Q1 or PIC16F1xx family; the PIC16C57-HS/SS itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC16C57-HS/SS, in lower-frequency XT or LP variants, was a common MCU in IR/RF remote controls and key fobs due to its tiny 28-SSOP footprint, low current draw, and deterministic execution. TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler generates 38 kHz carrier modulation for consumer IR protocols (RC-5, NEC) at negligible power. The OTP EPROM locks the encoding firmware against cloning. PIC16F57-I/SS in the same 28-SSOP package is recommended for current designs needing ICSP during prototyping.
Recommended
Security Alarm Panels
The PIC16C57-HS/SS served as a control MCU in wired security alarm panels where its 12-bit RISC core scans sensor loops, drives sirens, and times entry/exit delays via TMR0. The HS-grade 20 MHz clock allows sub-millisecond loop scan rates, while the integrated watchdog prevents lockup faults. OTP EPROM resists firmware tampering by competitors. New alarm designs should consider PIC16F57-I/SS in 28-SSOP for ICSP and Flash flexibility, or migrate to PIC16F1xxx families with enhanced peripherals.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57-HS/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F57-I/SS | PIC16C57C-20I/SS | PIC16C57-10E/SS | PIC16C56-HS/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 2KB EPROM (OTP) | 2KB Flash | 2KB EPROM (OTP) | 2KB EPROM (OTP) | 1KB EPROM (-50%) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (HS) | 20 MHz (HS) | 20 MHz (HS) | 10 MHz (E) -50% | 20 MHz (HS) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | Flash (rewritable) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| ICSP Support | No (external programmer required) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Key Differentiators
- Flash-based, ICSP-capable upgrade path (vs PIC16C57-HS/SS (this part))
- Industrial temperature range (vs PIC16C57-HS/SS (0 to +70C commercial))
- Lower memory and pin count sibling for compact designs (vs PIC16C57-HS/SS (2KB EPROM))
Design Notes
The PIC16C57 family uses 12-bit instructions and lacks ICSP on most packages; firmware must be programmed externally with a device programmer such as the MPLAB PM3 before PCB assembly. Plan for a programming step in the production flow and stock pre-programmed parts. Designers should also verify the supply voltage tolerance (4.5-5.5V) and avoid 3.3V-only rails, which are out-of-spec for the PIC16C57-HS/SS.
Place the external crystal or ceramic resonator within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins, with a solid ground plane on the second layer. Keep the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kΩ) close to the MCLR pin, and add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor on VDD adjacent to pin 20. For noisy industrial environments, add a ferrite bead in series with VDD and a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the MCU. The 28-SSOP footprint requires a slightly larger keep-out than SOIC due to lead pitch.
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5V supply, the PIC16C57-HS/SS typically draws 5-10 mA active and less than 4 µA in sleep mode, depending on peripheral state. For battery-backed or low-power designs, leverage the SLEEP instruction plus TMR0-driven wakeup to drop average current by two orders of magnitude. Decouple VDD with both a 100 nF ceramic and a 10 µF tantalum to handle dynamic switching transients from PORTB output toggling.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance confirmed by Microchip for current production stock. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive designers should evaluate PIC16F57-Q1 or PIC16F1xxx family instead. Original PIC16C57 family predates RoHS but current shipments are lead-free.
