PIC16C57-LPI/SP - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 2KB EPROM, 20 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57-LPI/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.65 | $36.50 |
| 100 | $3.2 | $320.00 |
| 500 | $2.85 | $1,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.5 | $2,500.00 |
PIC16C57-LPI/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and configurable I/O peripherals into one package, and is the fundamental building block of embedded systems. The PIC16C5X architecture falls into the broader hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. Its 12-bit wide instruction set delivers 2:1 code compression versus typical 8-bit CISC competitors, which lets designers fit more application code into the same program-memory footprint while simplifying instruction decoding.
Key features include a RISC architecture with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, a hardware 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable recovery, and a power-saving SLEEP mode. The device also includes an EPROM-based code memory (one-time programmable, factory or field programmed via UV/OTP programmers) and supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) on most derivatives. Brown-out and reset circuitry are integrated, providing clean startup behavior across the industrial temperature range.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, remote controls, automotive body controllers, security keypads, sensor-interface nodes, small motor drivers, battery chargers, and any high-volume, cost-sensitive embedded design where the OTP memory model is acceptable. The wide 3.0V-6.0V supply and -40C to +85C industrial temperature range also suit industrial telemetry and instrumentation front-ends.
When designing with the PIC16C57-LPI/SP, observe that the PIC16C5X core lacks interrupts and interrupt-context hardware stacking; all timing-critical events must be polled. Use the watchdog timer to recover from code-flow lockups, and place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic plus 10 uF bulk) within 5 mm of VDD/VSS to keep the internal EPROM read path stable.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers and procurement teams select and source the PIC16C57-LPI/SP with confidence.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57-LPI/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-LPI/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, Program Memory Size, 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-LPE/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57-HSI/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-LPI/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 2 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz (10 MIPS equivalent at 40 MHz input) |
| Operating Frequency (LP oscillator) | 40 kHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Number of I/O Ports | 3 (PORTA, PORTB, PORTC) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Instruction Set Width | 12 bits |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C57-LPI/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — RTCC input / TMR0 clock (also PORTA bit 4) |
| Pin 4 | /MCLR — Master Clear reset input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input, LP mode |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output, LP mode |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTC bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, PORTA bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57-LPI/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Remote Control Transmitter, Consumer Appliance Controller, Security Keypad Module, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Telemetry Front-End, Simple LED Display Driver.
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16C57-LPI/SP suits handheld remote controls because its LP (low-power) oscillator mode minimizes active current at the 40 kHz watch-crystal frequency typical of IR or RF carrier generation. With 20 digital I/O pins and an 8-bit TMR0 prescaler, the device can scan a 4x4 key matrix, encode button presses into a serial protocol, and drive an IR LED directly via a PORTC pin. Its 2 KB OTP program memory fits most fixed-command code maps, and the 3.0-6.0 V supply range accepts two AA cells without a regulator.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controller
For small kitchen or personal-care appliances, the PIC16C57-LPI/SP delivers sufficient code space for state machines driving relays, triacs, and segment LEDs. The 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC core executes one instruction per oscillator cycle, giving deterministic loop timing for triac zero-crossing routines. Industrial -40C to +85C operation handles appliance thermal stress, and the 28-pin SPDIP package is socket-friendly for factory programming and field service.
Recommended
Security Keypad Module
The PIC16C57-LPI/SP is well matched to 4x4 or 3x4 matrix keypads thanks to its 20 I/O pins, which can scan the matrix and drive status LEDs without external glue logic. The integrated watchdog timer recovers from code lockups if a button is held indefinitely, and SLEEP mode drops quiescent current for battery-backed panels. Industrial temperature rating supports outdoor and unconditioned installations, while OTP memory keeps unit cost minimal for high-volume alarm SKUs.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
In battery-powered sensor endpoints, the PIC16C57-LPI/SP's LP oscillator mode at 40 kHz dramatically reduces active current, and the SLEEP instruction combined with watchdog wakeup yields multi-year coin-cell life for periodic telemetry. The 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler provides accurate 1-second timing without an external RTC, and 20 I/O pins support I2C, SPI, or UART bit-banged interfaces to external sensors. Wide 3.0-6.0 V supply accepts varied battery chemistries directly.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C57-LPI/SP handles small automotive body-control tasks such as seat controllers, lighting timers, and simple HVAC mode switches. Industrial -40C to +85C operation matches under-dash thermal environments, and 20 I/O pins drive MOSFETs and read switches directly. The 2 KB OTP memory is sufficient for fixed-function body code; for AEC-Q100 qualified builds, consider Microchip's automotive-grade PIC16F equivalent instead.
Recommended
Industrial Telemetry Front-End
For industrial sensor aggregators, the PIC16C57-LPI/SP runs Modbus RTU over RS-232 or RS-485 with bit-banged UART on PORTC, while the 8-bit timer drives precise polling intervals. Its 3.0-6.0 V supply accepts 24 V industrial bus power after a small LDO, and the 28-pin SPDIP package is socket-friendly for field replacement. Wide industrial temperature rating handles factory-floor heat, and the watchdog timer recovers from communication glitches.
Recommended
Simple LED Display Driver
The PIC16C57-LPI/SP can multiplex 7-segment LED displays or LED matrices by bit-banging rows and columns directly from its 20 I/O pins, using TMR0 interrupts (or polled timing) to refresh at 100 Hz to avoid flicker. The 2 KB OTP program memory stores lookup tables for numerals, characters, and animations, and the LP oscillator mode keeps power consumption low for battery-operated signage. The 28-pin SPDIP package eases breadboarding and small-batch production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57-LPI/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57-LP/P | PIC16C57-HSI/SP | PIC16C57-LPE/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 2 KB OTP EPROM | 2 KB OTP EPROM | 2 KB OTP EPROM | 2 KB OTP EPROM |
| RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Oscillator Mode | LP (40 kHz low-power) | LP (40 kHz low-power) | HS (4-20 MHz high-speed) | LP (40 kHz low-power) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest active current in PIC16C57 family via LP oscillator mode (vs PIC16C57-HSI/SP)
- Industrial temperature range vs commercial-grade siblings (vs PIC16C57-LP/P)
- Drop-in pin compatibility with the entire PIC16C57 SPDIP-28 family (vs PIC16F57-I/SP)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 40 kHz LP oscillator and 5 V VDD, the PIC16C57-LPI/SP active current is typically below 1 mA. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 27) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board entry point. In SLEEP mode, current drops to a few microamps; the watchdog timer can be configured to wake the device at fixed intervals for ultra-low-power duty-cycled sensing.
Keep the 28-pin SPDIP socket footprint clean and oriented with pin 1 marker visible. The PIC16C5X core is robust but the EPROM program memory is sensitive to VDD noise during read cycles; route VDD/VSS traces wide (>= 0.5 mm) and keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric to the crystal or resonator to minimize clock jitter at the 40 kHz LP frequency.
The PIC16C5X core has no hardware interrupt controller and no interrupt-context hardware stack; all timing events must be polled in the main loop. Always enable the watchdog timer in OPTION register for unattended applications, otherwise a code lockup will hang the device permanently. EPROM is one-time-programmable - verify code with a windowed or Flash equivalent before committing production units.
Estimated: the 40 kHz LP oscillator is highly sensitive to capacitive loading on OSC1/OSC2. Use a low-ESR watch crystal with a load capacitance matched to the crystal specification (typically 6-12 pF), and route OSC traces away from switching nodes and I/O edges to avoid clock corruption in electrically noisy environments such as triac zero-crossing or relay-coil circuits.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets industrial/commercial use, not automotive safety-critical applications. For automotive, evaluate AEC-Q100 qualified Flash alternatives.
