PIC16C57-HSE/P - 8-bit OTP MCU, 3KB EPROM, 20 I/O, 28-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57-HSE/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.7309 | $5.73 |
| 10 | $5.45 | $54.50 |
| 100 | $5.1 | $510.00 |
| 500 | $4.75 | $2,375.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.4 | $4,400.00 |
PIC16C57-HSE/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and configurable I/O peripherals onto one silicon die. The PIC16C5X family sits at the low-cost, low-pin-count end of Microchip's PIC baseline architecture and is widely used in cost-sensitive embedded applications. Within the broader taxonomy, PIC microcontrollers belong to the RISC microcontroller category, which contrasts with CISC architectures by using a small, fixed-length instruction set that executes most instructions in a single cycle. The 12-bit-wide instruction set enables 2:1 code compression over typical 8-bit CISC MCUs, allowing more functionality in less program memory.
Key features of the PIC16C57-HSE/P include a 33-instruction set, a two-level hardware stack, 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, power-on reset, and brown-out detection. The 20 I/O pins can be individually configured for input or output and can source/sink up to 20 mA per pin, making them capable of directly driving LEDs and small relays. The high-speed 20 MHz operation delivers 5 MIPS of throughput, suitable for simple control loops and user-interface scanning tasks.
Architecturally, the PIC16C57-HSE/P uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. The EPROM-based program memory enables prototyping and low-volume production, but cannot be electrically erased, so OTP programming is final. In-circuit serial programming (ICSP) is supported via RB6/RB7 pins, simplifying firmware loading on the production line.
Typical applications include simple consumer appliances, remote controls, low-end toys, small appliances with keypad/LED user interfaces, sensor interface nodes, and legacy industrial controllers. The 20 I/O count and 3KB program memory comfortably handle a 4x4 keypad matrix scan, 7-segment LED multiplexing, and basic PID control loops.
When designing with this device, plan the OTP programming process early: once programmed, OTP cannot be erased, so firmware bugs in production parts cannot be recovered. Use a windowed PIC16C57-JW variant for engineering development so the same die can be UV-erased and re-programmed during code iteration.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57-HSE/P — 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-HSE/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Package, Maximum Clock Frequency, 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 →PIC16F57-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HSE/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Series | PIC16C5X (Baseline) |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP EPROM |
| RAM | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (0.600", 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Performance | 5 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Timer/Counters | 1 x 8-bit with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (independent on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes (via RB6/RB7) |
| I/O Pin Drive Strength | 20 mA source/sink per pin |
PIC16C57-HSE/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | T0CKI/RA4 — Timer0 clock input / Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 4 | /MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — External interrupt / Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (ICSP data) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57-HSE/P is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, LED Display Driver Multiplexer, Simple Industrial Sensor Interface, Low-End Toy and Hobby Electronics, Legacy Industrial Controller Replacement.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C57-HSE/P is well-suited for consumer appliance control boards where 20 I/O pins drive keypad scanning and 7-segment LED multiplexing while the 5 MIPS throughput handles simple control algorithms. At 20 MHz the 200 ns instruction cycle delivers deterministic response for real-time tasks. The 8-bit timer with 8-bit prescaler generates the multiplex refresh and debounce timing. PIC16C57's 3 KB program memory fits typical appliance firmware including mode selection, timer functions, and indicator driving without external memory expansion.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
Low-cost IR remote controls benefit from the PIC16C57-HSE/P's small footprint, 20 I/O count, and 5 MIPS throughput sufficient for IR protocol generation. The watchdog timer ensures recovery from battery brown-out conditions, while the brown-out reset prevents corrupt firmware execution during weak-battery scenarios. The 3 KB EPROM fits standard NEC, RC5, and Sony SIRC protocol encoders with custom button maps. Through-hole 28-PDIP supports hand-soldered prototyping and low-volume hobby markets.
Recommended
LED Display Driver Multiplexer
Driving a 4-digit to 8-digit 7-segment LED display is a classic PIC16C57-HSE/P use case. The 20 I/O pins directly drive segment and digit lines, with 20 mA source/sink capability eliminating driver transistors for small displays. The 5 MIPS throughput refreshes 8 digits at 100+ Hz without flicker, while the timer generates precise refresh interrupts. For larger displays, additional I/O expanders via I2C or SPI can be added through software bit-banging on any available GPIO pin.
Recommended
Simple Industrial Sensor Interface
The PIC16C57-HSE/P serves as a low-cost front-end node in industrial sensor networks reading digital inputs from limit switches, proximity sensors, and encoders, then reporting state via relay outputs or simple serial protocols. The 5 MIPS throughput handles 4 kHz quadrature encoder counting with the on-chip 8-bit timer plus software extension. The 0C to +70C commercial temperature range suits factory-floor installations, while brown-out reset ensures reliable operation through industrial power disturbances.
Recommended
Low-End Toy and Hobby Electronics
Battery-operated toys, hobby servos, and educational kits benefit from the PIC16C57-HSE/P's $4-5 unit cost at quantity, simple PIC16C5X instruction set that beginners can learn quickly, and 20 I/O count for sensor and motor interfaces. The 3 KB EPROM fits typical game logic, reaction-time tests, and servo-sequencer code. The watchdog timer protects against firmware lockups in unattended hobby installations, and the through-hole PDIP package simplifies breadboard construction for makers.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Controller Replacement
Maintaining legacy industrial equipment built around PIC16C57-HSE/P requires obsolete-part inventory management. Production-line controllers installed in the late 1990s and early 2000s often use PIC16C57-HSE/P for sequencing, timing, and relay control, and replacement boards must use the same MCU for firmware compatibility. The 28-PDIP package remains socketed, enabling field replacement without desoldering. The 3 KB EPROM matches legacy firmware exactly, eliminating costly firmware re-qualification cycles for safety-critical industrial systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57-HSE/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57-HS/P | PIC16F57-I/P | PIC16C57C-20/P | PIC16C57-10I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-PDIP | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same | 28-PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP EPROM | 3 KB OTP EPROM | 3 KB Flash (re-programmable) | 3 KB OTP EPROM | 3 KB OTP EPROM |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz (-50%) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (one-time) | OTP | Flash (re-programmable) | OTP | OTP |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (production) | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Active flash-based drop-in replacement available (vs PIC16F57-I/P)
- Higher 20 MHz clock speed versus industrial variant (vs PIC16C57-10I/P)
- Commercial temperature grade matches HVAC-indoor applications (vs PIC16C57-10I/P)
Design Notes
PIC16C57 program memory is OTP (one-time programmable) and cannot be electrically erased. Once a part is programmed in production, firmware bugs cannot be fixed by re-programming the same physical IC. To avoid costly production scrap, always: (1) verify firmware on the windowed PIC16C57-JW variant during development, (2) program a small pilot batch first and run full functional tests, and (3) lock down the firmware configuration fuses (watchdog, oscillator, code protect) only after final firmware validation. A single wrong configuration bit can render an entire production batch unusable.
Place the 0.1 uF VDD decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of pin 14, with a short, wide trace to pin 5 (VSS) for low inductance. The /MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; a typical RC delay of 47 kohm + 0.1 uF provides 4.7 ms reset delay. For noisy industrial environments, add a 10 nF bypass capacitor in parallel with the pull-up to suppress /MCLR glitches that could trigger spurious resets.
PIC16C57-HSE/P supply voltage range is 3.0V to 6.0V; operation below 3.0V risks EPROM read errors and undefined I/O behavior, while operation above 6.0V risks permanent damage. The brown-out reset (BOR) circuit must be enabled in the configuration word for reliable operation on noisy supplies. Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5V supply, active current is approximately 10 mA; at 32 kHz RC oscillator mode, current drops to microamp range for low-power applications.
For designs that migrate from PIC16C57-HSE/P to PIC16F57-I/P flash-based version, the 28-pin PDIP footprint is identical, allowing drop-in PCB reuse. However, ICSP programming connector pinout may differ - PIC16C57 uses RB6/RB7 for ICSP clock/data, while PIC16F57 reuses the same pins but with revised protocol timing. Verify ICSP connector compatibility before switching parts in production.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in Verified Web Data - RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status are marked unknown and should be verified against the Microchip product page or distributor compliance documents before use in regulated markets. The PIC16C57 family predates widespread RoHS adoption in many variants, so legacy through-hole DIP versions may use tin-lead finishes.
