PIC16C57C-20/P - 8-Bit 20MHz 3KB OTP MCU | Microchip 28-PDIP
MPN: PIC16C57C-20/P โ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.73 | $3.73 |
| 10 | $3.36 | $33.60 |
| 100 | $2.98 | $298.00 |
| 500 | $2.7 | $1,350.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
PIC16C57C-20/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, self-contained computing system on a single integrated circuit, integrating an 8-bit CPU core, program memory (ROM/EPROM/OTP/Flash), data RAM, peripheral interfaces, and I/O pins. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU sits inside the microcontroller -> embedded computing -> digital IC hierarchy. The PIC16C5x family specifically uses a RISC architecture with 33 single-word instructions and a 12-bit-wide instruction word, achieving 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit MCUs in its price class. It is part of the PIC architecture family, which is widely used in cost-sensitive, deterministic control applications.
Key differentiating specifications include a 100 ns instruction execution time at 20 MHz, a two-level deep hardware stack, 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), and seven or eight special-function hardware registers. Addressing modes cover direct, indirect, and relative addressing for both data and instructions. Power consumption is held to a few milliamps at full speed thanks to the static CMOS core, with further reductions possible by lowering the clock frequency or using sleep/idle modes.
The PIC16C57C-20/P is built on a fully static CMOS process, meaning the clock can be stopped and the device will retain state with negligible power draw - useful for battery-backed or interrupt-driven designs. The RISC-style 33-instruction set simplifies code generation and eases legacy support, while the OTP program memory allows fast prototype-to-production migration without the tooling overhead of windowed EPROM parts. Industrial and automotive-grade variants exist within the wider PIC16C5x line.
Typical applications include appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, fan controllers), automotive subsystems (interior lighting, simple sensor interfaces), industrial control panels, low-cost remote controls, security keypads, and small embedded sensor conditioning boards. The 20 MHz CPU and 20 I/O lines cover most simple-to-mid complexity embedded control tasks.
When designing with the PIC16C57C-20/P, ensure the OTP programming step is part of your production flow, as OTP parts cannot be erased or re-programmed. A 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD is mandatory, and unused I/O should be configured as outputs low to minimize current draw. For new designs, evaluate the Flash-based PIC16F57-I/P successor first to gain reprogrammability and in-circuit debugging.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, same-brand and cross-brand drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57C-20/P โ 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 PIC16C57C-20/P (same form factor and footprint) โ differing in Package, Family, Maximum Clock Frequency, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool โ Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F57-I/P
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-04/P
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20E/P
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56-20/P
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C55-20/P
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-04I/P
โ Drop-Inโ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet โPIC16C57C-20/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5x (PIC16C57C) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz); 100 ns instruction execution |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word, single-cycle instructions |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Data Path Width | 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 20 general-purpose |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) real-time clock/counter |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels deep |
| Special Function Registers | 7 to 8 hardware registers |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, indirect, and relative (data and instructions) |
| Package | 28-PDIP (0.600 in / 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Process Technology | Fully static CMOS |
PIC16C57C-20/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 โ Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 โ Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI โ Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR โ Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS โ Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 โ Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS โ Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT โ Oscillator crystal output / clock-out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN โ Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RC0 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 โ Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | VSS โ Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD โ Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0 โ Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1 โ Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57C-20/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Fans, Microwave Ovens), Automotive Interior Lighting and Body Subsystems, Remote Controls and IR-Keypad Wall Panels, Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Alarm Panels, Low-Cost Consumer Toys and Educational Electronics Kits, Security Keypads and Access Control Panels.
Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Fans, Microwave Ovens)
The PIC16C57C-20/P is a strong fit for major-appliance control boards because its 3 KB OTP program memory comfortably holds segmented-display state machines and motor-control sequencers typical of washing machines, ceiling fans, and microwave ovens. The 20 MHz CPU executes the 33-instruction RISC set in 100 ns, which is fast enough to handle triac zero-crossing timing and PWM-based universal-motor speed control without external timing hardware. Its 20 general-purpose I/O pins directly drive 7-segment LEDs, relay coils, and keypad matrices. Cost-optimized OTP eliminates reprogramming sockets on the production line and supports long-life supply. Compared with PIC16F57-I/P, the OTP version removes the Flash read-while-write EMC concern in noisy motor environments.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting and Body Subsystems
The PIC16C57C-20/P and its extended-temperature sibling PIC16C57C-20E/P suit low-complexity automotive body controllers such as interior dimming, mirror adjust, and courtesy-lighting sequencers. The 20 MHz core handles 10 ms CAN-style or LIN-like bit timing for slow body networks, while the 20 I/O lines multiplex LED drivers and switch inputs. OTP program memory is preferred over Flash in automotive high-volume production because it eliminates flash-write disturb failures over a 15-year service life. Compared with PIC16F57-I/P, the OTP part has lower quiescent current during key-off, an important metric for battery drain. Pin-compatibility lets engineering teams swap to PIC16C57C-20E/P for under-hood nodes without PCB rework.
Recommended
Remote Controls and IR-Keypad Wall Panels
Handheld IR remote controls and wall-mounted keypad panels benefit from the PIC16C57C-20/P's small 28-PDIP footprint, low current draw, and 33 single-word instructions that compress key-scan and IR-encoding logic into 3 KB OTP. The 20 MHz CPU generates accurate 38 kHz / 56 kHz carrier frequencies for NEC, RC5, and Sony IR protocols without external timers, while the 8-bit TMR0 handles debounce and repeat-frame timing. OTP is ideal for shipped remote controls because firmware is locked at production - no field-update risk. Compared with PIC16F57-I/P, the OTP version trims cost by ~10-15% in 100K+ volumes. The same 28-PDIP pinout supports easy reuse across product variants.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Alarm Panels
Industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered sensor transmitters and alarm panels use the PIC16C57C-20/P to digitize thermocouple or RTD signals, drive alarm LEDs, and switch relay outputs. The 20 MHz core oversamples analog inputs to filter 50/60 Hz mains noise, while 20 I/O pins drive multi-zone LED stacks and accept multiple switch inputs. OTP program memory guarantees firmware stability over a 10+ year field deployment, an important metric in plant retrofits. Compared with PIC16F57-I/P, OTP removes risk of bit-flip from nearby high-voltage transients. The 28-PDIP through-hole package also tolerates the wider temperature swings and mechanical vibration common in industrial cabinets.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Toys and Educational Electronics Kits
Educational microcontroller kits and consumer toys such as electronic dice, learning timers, and simple robot controllers benefit from the PIC16C57C-20/P's 3 KB OTP budget, 20 I/O expansion, and sub-$3 unit price in volume. The 33-instruction RISC set is easy to teach, and the fully static CMOS core lets instructors halt the clock mid-lesson to explain state. Compared with PIC16F57-I/P, the OTP part keeps BOM cost low for one-time-programmed consumer toys where field updates are not expected. The 28-PDIP package supports through-hole breadboarding - a strong feature in classroom and hobbyist environments where SMD rework is impractical.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Control Panels
Door-entry keypads and small access-control panels use the PIC16C57C-20/P to scan 4x4 or 3x4 matrix keypads, store PIN codes in OTP, and drive magnetic-door relays. The 20 MHz CPU executes the keypad debounce and PIN-comparison state machine in well under 3 KB, leaving headroom for time-of-day logic. OTP prevents end-user code tampering - a security feature - while the 20 I/O lines multiplex keypad rows/columns, status LEDs, and a buzzer. Compared with PIC16F57-I/P, the OTP version removes the threat of flash-extraction attacks. The 28-PDIP through-hole package is also well suited to legacy security panels where PCB space allows discrete DIP replacement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57C-20/P โ comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F57-I/P | PIC16C57C-04/P | PIC16C57C-20E/P | PIC16C56-20/P | PIC16C55-20/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-PDIP (0.600 in) | 28-PDIP (0.600 in) - same | 28-PDIP (0.600 in) - same | 28-PDIP (0.600 in) - same | 28-PDIP (0.600 in) - same | 28-PDIP (0.600 in) - same |
| Program Memory | 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP | 3 KB Flash (re-programmable) | 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP | 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP | 1 KB (1K x 12) OTP (-67%) | 0.75 KB (512 x 12) OTP (-75%) |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 24 bytes (-67%) |
| Max CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-80%) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time) | Flash (re-programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Extended Temperature | No (commercial) | Yes (industrial) | No | Yes (extended) | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Flash-based drop-in with in-circuit debugging (vs PIC16F57-I/P)
- Same PIC16C57C die in extended-temperature grade (vs PIC16C57C-20E/P)
- Same PIC16C5x family core for lower-cost, smaller-memory designs (vs PIC16C55-20/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 26) of the PIC16C57C-20/P, with a second 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail within 1 inch. The fully static CMOS core draws only a few milliamps at 20 MHz, but the OTP program memory and I/O switching transients create brief high-frequency current spikes that cause logic errors if not bypassed. Estimated: I_DD ~ 5-7 mA active at 20 MHz, VDD = 5 V.
OTP parts like the PIC16C57C-20/P cannot be erased after programming - any firmware bug discovered after OTP programming forces scrapping the device. Plan your development on the Flash-based PIC16F57-I/P first (same 28-PDIP pinout), validate firmware in-circuit, and only then port the verified hex image to PIC16C57C-20/P for production. Also ensure unused I/O pins are configured as outputs driving low, not as inputs floating, to avoid shoot-through current.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces symmetrically and keep them short (under 0.5 inch). Use a ground guard ring around the crystal and load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) to prevent noise injection from adjacent switching signals. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) close to the pin and add a 0.1 uF capacitor if the MCLR trace is long, otherwise ESD or switching noise can cause spurious resets in motor-control applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status are not explicitly stated in the Verified Web Data snippet. Microchip PIC16C5x family is generally compliant, but for production documentation the official Microchip PIC16C57C datasheet should be referenced for the exact compliance codes.
