PIC16C57C-40/SP - 8-bit OTP MCU 2KB EPROM 20MHz DIP-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57C-40/SP ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.4 | $4.40 |
| 10 | $4.04 | $40.40 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3.13 | $1,565.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.78 | $2,780.00 |
PIC16C57C-40/SP Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture 8-bit MCU family from Microchip that pairs a separate program and data bus with a streamlined RISC instruction set, allowing deterministic single-cycle execution of most opcodes. The PIC16C5x sits at the entry tier of this family with OTP EPROM rather than flash, which means firmware is committed at programming time and cannot be erased electrically - an advantage for security-sensitive or low-cost production where re-programmability is not required. This part category is positioned under 8-bit microcontrollers within the broader microcontroller IC hierarchy.
Key features of the PIC16C57C-40/SP include 2K x 12-bit word program memory (2 KB EPROM), 72 x 8 RAM, 20 I/O, a 3.0-5.5 V operating range, 12-bit wide instructions, an 8-bit timer/counter with prescaler, and power-saving SLEEP mode. The 'C' suffix denotes the CMOS low-power revision with improved brown-out and watchdog specifications versus earlier PIC16C5x die.
Typical applications include industrial control replacement boards, automotive body controllers, appliance controls, simple sensor interfaces, and remote sensor transmitters where the OTP memory and DIP-28 form factor remain desired. The 40 MHz rating supports a 100 ns instruction cycle, enabling timing-sensitive loops without wait states. When designing, remember that OTP parts require verified firmware before programming because there is no in-circuit erase path - and DIP-28 footprint remains compatible with legacy hand-soldered and socketed boards long after flash-based successors were introduced.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57C-40/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 PIC16C57C-40/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-04/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-40/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5x (Mid-Range baseline, 12-bit instruction word) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard, 33 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory | 2 KB (2K x 12) OTP EPROM |
| RAM | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 digital I/O |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Maximum Oscillator Frequency | 40 MHz (100 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package Type | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP), through-hole |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit Timer/Counter0 with software-programmable prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Power-Saving Mode | SLEEP mode with wake-on-WDT |
| Programmable Code Protection | Yes |
| Technology | CMOS, OTP EPROM |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free / Pb-free SPDIP variant) |
PIC16C57C-40/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — Real-Time Clock/Counter0 external clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 22 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 23 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 24 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output (also RA0 I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RC5/RA1 — Bidirectional I/O on shared RC5/RA1 pin (alternate function) |
| Pin 26 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57C-40/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Legacy Replacement, Automotive Body Electronics, Home Appliance Control Boards, Simple Sensor Interface Modules, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Educational and Hobby Electronics.
Industrial Control Legacy Replacement
The PIC16C57C-40/SP's 28-pin SPDIP through-hole form factor makes it a drop-in fit for legacy industrial control boards where socketed DIP-28 MCU locations are still populated on production lines. Its 2 KB OTP EPROM and 33 single-word instructions are sufficient to host classic control loops for solenoid drivers, conveyor interlocks, and indicator logic. The 100 ns instruction cycle at 40 MHz gives the headroom needed for time-deterministic bit-banging of legacy industrial protocols. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against brown-out-induced runaway in 24 V-rail factory cabinets. The wide 3.0-5.5 V supply range accommodates both 3.3 V and 5 V analog backplanes commonly found in PLC I/O modules.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C57C-40/SP supports automotive body-electronics modules where simple, deterministic 8-bit logic replaces discrete components for wiper controls, interior lighting, and seat-position memory. Its 20 digital I/O pins map directly to relays, switches, and LED drivers in body control units. The on-chip watchdog timer and brown-out reset are essential for the noisy 12 V automotive supply, while the 0C to +70C commercial temperature grade suits cabin-mounted modules. The OTP EPROM provides code security against unauthorized reflashing of body module firmware. For under-hood applications requiring -40C to +125C, designers should migrate to the industrial-temperature PIC16C57C-20I/SP grade in the same SPDIP-28 footprint.
Recommended
Home Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C57C-40/SP is widely adopted in white-goods appliance control boards for washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where the OTP EPROM ensures firmware is locked at production time and cannot be reflashed by end users. The 20 I/O pins drive seven-segment displays, keypad matrices, triac-based heater controls, and buzzer feedback without external I/O expanders. The 100 ns instruction cycle easily handles multiplexed display refresh and key-debounce scanning concurrently. Its CMOS low-power design and SLEEP mode reduce standby current in Energy Star-rated appliances. The 5 V supply range matches legacy triac/relay driver boards still common in mid-volume appliance production.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C57C-40/SP excels at low-power sensor interface modules where 8-bit ADC-free processing of digital sensors (temperature, humidity, flow) is sufficient. Its 2 KB OTP EPROM holds simple linearization lookup tables and threshold-detection logic for thermostat or HVAC sensor transmitters. The 33 single-word PIC16C5x instruction set simplifies assembly coding of bit-banged I2C or SPI sensor reads at the register level without library overhead. SLEEP mode plus watchdog wake cycles enable multi-year battery life in remote sensor nodes. The 28-pin SPDIP package remains attractive for hand-assembled sensor modules in low-volume industrial monitoring.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC16C57C-40/SP is a classic choice for IR remote control transmitters where minimal BOM and low cost matter more than peripheral richness. The 8-bit core and 100 ns instruction cycle at 40 MHz can generate precise 38 kHz carrier waveforms via software PWM without external timer peripherals. The 20 I/O pins easily scan 4x4 keypads and drive IR LEDs through a single transistor. OTP EPROM prevents end users from cloning remote control codes, a security feature flash parts cannot guarantee. The CMOS SLEEP mode pulls standby current below 1 uA for shelf-life battery targets.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16C57C-40/SP remains a popular educational microcontroller in university 8-bit embedded courses and hobby electronics because the DIP-28 package fits breadboards and the simple PIC16C5x core lets students learn assembly without peripheral complexity. The 2 KB OTP EPROM encourages disciplined firmware design since students commit code by UV-erase or by programming a new chip. The 40 MHz oscillator and 100 ns instruction cycle still execute simple demos and lab assignments in real time. Programming tools (PICSTART Plus, MPLAB PM3) are widely available in academic electronics labs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57C-40/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-04/SP | PIC16C57C-20I/SP | PIC16C57-10I/P | PIC16F57-I/P | PIC16C57C-20I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SPDIP-28 (through-hole) | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SPDIP-28 - same | SSOP-28 (surface-mount) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | 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 | 2 KB flash (re-programmable) | 2 KB OTP EPROM |
| RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| Max Oscillator Frequency | 40 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 100 ns | 1 us | 200 ns | 400 ns | 200 ns | 200 ns |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (re-programmable) | OTP EPROM |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest oscillator speed in the PIC16C57C SPDIP-28 family at 40 MHz (vs PIC16C57C-20I/SP)
- OTP EPROM code security versus flash reprogrammability (vs PIC16F57-I/P)
- Higher max oscillator versus older PIC16C57 silicon (vs PIC16C57-10I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C57C-40/SP operates from a 3.0 V to 5.5 V single supply; bypass VDD (pin 20) to VSS (pin 5) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pins. For 5 V designs, add a 10 uF bulk electrolytic capacitor near the MCU to absorb relay and triac switching transients. Decouple nearby high-current drivers (ULN2003, MOC3021) with their own local capacitors to prevent MCU supply droop during inductive switching.
Keep the crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1 (pin 23) and OSC2 (pin 24) with short, equal-length traces to minimize stray capacitance. Route MCLR (pin 4) away from high-frequency switching nodes to prevent spurious resets. For boards with long wiring harnesses (industrial/automotive), add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD on MCLR and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for reset-line noise immunity. Avoid running high-current AC traces parallel to the oscillator traces.
The PIC16C57C uses OTP EPROM, not flash, so firmware must be fully verified before programming - there is no in-circuit erase path and the ceramic-windowed JW variant requires 20+ minutes of UV exposure. Programmers must apply the proper VPP (about 13 V) to MCLR during the programming sequence; failure to do so causes the verify step to fail randomly. The PIC16C5x core does NOT support interrupts (only polling); design firmware around polled flag handling rather than vectored ISR code that exists on PIC16F1xxx parts.
The PIC16C57C-40/SP is specified for 0C to +70C commercial operation; in sealed enclosures with triac-driven heaters, derate ambient by at least 10C to account for internal self-heating. Estimated: at 40 MHz with all 20 I/O pins switching at 20 pF load, core current is roughly 10 mA, contributing negligible self-heating (~50 mW) versus external ambient load. For industrial or automotive under-hood use, select the I-grade PIC16C57C-20I/SP instead.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free SPDIP package per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive use consider PIC16C57C-20I/SP industrial-temperature grade but validate against AEC-Q100 requirements.
