PIC16C57-LP/SP - 8-Bit 40MHz 3KB OTP MCU 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57-LP/SP ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.8 | $4.80 |
| 10 | $4.32 | $43.20 |
| 100 | $3.86 | $386.00 |
| 500 | $3.47 | $1,735.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.08 | $3,080.00 |
PIC16C57-LP/SP Overview
A baseline PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a compact RISC processor that integrates CPU core, non-volatile program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), volatile data RAM, and configurable I/O on a single die. The PIC16C5X sub-family belongs to Microchip's original 12-bit instruction baseline architecture, sitting beneath the mid-range PIC14/16 enhanced core but above 4-bit and 8-bit PIC10/12 devices in capability, and it is one of the earliest families in the broader PICmicro hierarchy that eventually grew into today's PIC18, dsPIC, and PIC32 product lines.
Key features of the PIC16C57-LP/SP include: 2K x 12-bit OTP program memory (single-programmed, not re-programmable in-circuit), 72 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 20 bidirectional digital I/O pins arranged across ports A/B/C, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, brown-out protection (depending on configuration), and an LP (low-power) oscillator option suited for 32.768 kHz crystal operation. The RISC architecture executes most instructions in a single 200 ns cycle at 20 MHz, achieving approximately 5 MIPS throughput.
Typical applications include low-power consumer appliances, simple sensor interfaces, battery-operated controllers, automotive body electronics (pre-CAN era), remote controls, and industrial counter/timer modules where small code size, deterministic instruction timing, and through-hole serviceability matter more than flash re-programmability.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten - firmware must be fully validated on a windowed or flash equivalent before committing. The /SP package is the 28-pin SPDIP variant; for surface-mount assembly choose the /SO (SOIC-28) or /SS (SSOP-28) siblings.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16C5X siblings, and practical design notes not aggregated in any single manufacturer datasheet or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57-LP/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-LP/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Core Architecture, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57-LP/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HSI/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HSI/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-40/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-LP/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5X baseline MCU |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (12-bit instruction width) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12-bit words) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz clock) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Number of Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Oscillator Mode | LP (Low-Power, crystal) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole, no moisture sensitivity classification) |
PIC16C57-LP/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional digital I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional digital I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — TMR0 timer/counter external clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional digital I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input (LP crystal configuration) |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Bidirectional digital I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RA0 — Bidirectional digital I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1 — Bidirectional digital I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57-LP/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Power Battery-Operated Controllers, Simple Sensor Interface / Data Logger Front-End, Consumer Appliance Control, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Industrial Counter / Timer Modules, Automotive Body Electronics (Pre-CAN Legacy).
Low-Power Battery-Operated Controllers
The PIC16C57-LP/SP's LP (Low-Power) crystal oscillator mode and 3.0V minimum supply voltage make it well suited for battery-powered controllers running from a 3.3V or two-AA-cell source. With 72 bytes of RAM, 20 digital I/O lines, and 3 KB of OTP program space, the part can wake periodically from sleep, read sensors, and control actuators before returning to low-current standby. Designers should validate current draw against datasheet figures because OTP programming draws higher peak current than run-mode operation.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface / Data Logger Front-End
The PIC16C57-LP/SP offers 20 digital I/O pins and an 8-bit TMR0 counter with 8-bit prescaler, which is sufficient to read multiple digital sensors and generate timestamps for low-rate logging applications. The 3 KB OTP program space is enough for typical sensor conditioning, thresholding, and UART-output firmware. Per the PIC16C5X datasheet, the baseline core executes instructions deterministically in a fixed 200 ns cycle at 20 MHz, simplifying real-time scheduling.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
In small kitchen or personal-care appliances, the PIC16C57-LP/SP can replace discrete logic by reading keypads, driving LEDs or seven-segment displays, and controlling relays or triacs via its 20 I/O pins. The 3 KB OTP program space is typically sufficient for state-machine firmware with debouncing and timing routines. The through-hole 28-SPDIP package simplifies hand-prototyping and field-repair work, which is valuable for low-volume specialty appliance products.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC16C57-LP/SP's low-power oscillator mode and small code footprint suit it for handheld IR or RF remote controls, where the MCU encodes button presses into modulated carrier bursts. The 20 I/O pins can scan a matrix keypad of up to roughly 4x5 keys, while TMR0 generates the carrier frequency. Battery life is dominated by IR-LED current, but the LP oscillator minimizes quiescent draw between button presses per the PIC16C5X datasheet.
Recommended
Industrial Counter / Timer Modules
Industrial counter modules benefit from the PIC16C57-LP/SP's deterministic instruction timing, single 8-bit timer with prescaler, and robust SPDIP package. With 20 I/O lines the part can interface to multiple encoder inputs, indicator LEDs, and simple HMI keypads. The OTP memory requires that production firmware be finalized on a windowed PIC16C57/JW or PIC16F57-I/SP development platform before committing to the OTP device for volume production.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Pre-CAN Legacy)
Older automotive body controllers - such as simple lighting, mirror, or seat modules - often deployed the PIC16C57-LP/SP because of its wide supply range, deterministic 8-bit core, and automotive-grade pedigree. The 20 I/O pins drive relays, read switches, and communicate via LIN or PWM. Note that modern automotive designs now require AEC-Q100 qualification, so the PIC16C57-LP/SP is typically found only in service-replacement scenarios, not new platforms.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57-LP/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57-LP/P | PIC16C57-HSI/SP | PIC16F57-I/SP | PIC16C57-10I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch) | 28-pin PDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB | 3 KB | 3 KB | 3 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Oscillator Mode | LP (Low-Power crystal) | LP | HSI (high-speed internal) | LP | LP/RC selectable |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended for new design) | Obsolete |
| In-Circuit Reprogrammable | No (OTP EPROM) | No | No | Yes (Flash) | No |
Key Differentiators
- OTP EPROM memory - one-time programmable (vs PIC16F57-I/SP)
- LP (Low-Power) crystal oscillator configuration (vs PIC16C57-HSI/SP)
- 20 digital I/O pins in 28-pin SPDIP (vs PIC16C55 (20-pin DIP PIC16C5X))
Design Notes
The PIC16C57-LP/SP is OTP - it cannot be erased or re-programmed after the first write. Engineers should validate firmware on a windowed PIC16C57/JW ceramic package or, more practically, on the flash-based PIC16F57-I/SP sibling (same 28-SPDIP pinout) before committing the OTP device for production. Failing to do this leads to scrapping fully-assembled boards if a firmware bug is discovered late in the build cycle.
The 'LP' suffix in PIC16C57-LP/SP means the device is configured for a Low-Power crystal oscillator (typically 32.768 kHz watch crystal). For higher-speed designs the user must select the HS, XT, or RC oscillator variant - substituting an HS crystal on an LP-configured part will not start the oscillator reliably at cold temperatures, per the Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet oscillator configuration table. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin.
The 28-pin SPDIP package has 2.54 mm (0.100 inch) pin pitch suitable for standard through-hole prototyping, IC sockets, and wire-wrap construction. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to pin 4 to avoid spurious resets on noisy supplies. If using the on-chip watchdog timer, route the MCLR line away from switching nodes to prevent coupled transients from triggering resets.
Because the PIC16C57-LP/SP runs at up to 40 MHz internal instruction rate, keep the crystal traces short and surround them with a ground guard ring if the board is otherwise noisy. TMR0 input (pin 3) should be guarded from high-current switching traces to avoid false timer counts. Place I/O connectors at the board edge to keep the analog or sensor wiring short, reducing the chance of latch-up on the CMOS I/O pins when ESD strikes.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not stated in the verified distributor data; the part is obsolete and may have been originally released before current RoHS declarations were standardized. Microchip product page (https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/PIC16C57) is the authoritative source for current compliance certificates. The PIC16C57-LP/SP itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications consult the PIC16F57 family data.
