PIC16C57C/JW - 8-bit 20MHz EPROM MCU, 3KB, 28-CDIP Window | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57C/JW ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.77 | $8.77 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.4 | $640.00 |
| 500 | $5.55 | $2,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.95 | $4,950.00 |
PIC16C57C/JW Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripheral I/O on one die. The PIC® 16C family sits within Microchip's mid-range PIC architecture hierarchy: PIC® 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. These MCUs are widely used as state machines, glue logic, and simple control cores where deterministic instruction timing and minimal external parts matter more than raw throughput.
The PIC16C57C delivers an instruction cycle of 200 ns (one fetch, one execute) from a 20 MHz oscillator, supports a 2-level hardware stack, and offers programmable I/O ports (PORTA/B/C) with individual direction control. Watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator and Power-on Reset reduce external component count. A power-saving SLEEP mode and selectable oscillator options (RC, XT, LP, HS) provide flexibility across 2.0 V to 6.0 V operation.
The architecture is a RISC-style Harvard design with separate 12-bit program and 8-bit data paths. Code is stored in UV-erasable EPROM (the /JW windowed package allows re-programming after erasing with ultraviolet light, distinguishing it from one-time-programmable /P and /SP plastic DIP variants). CMOS process technology keeps supply current low even at full clock speed, making it suitable for battery and industrial applications.
Typical applications include automotive body electronics, industrial control logic, remote sensor interfaces, and legacy embedded systems. Engineers migrating older PIC16C5x designs often retain the PIC16C57C/JW in production because the JW windowed package allows iterative firmware development with UV erase, unlike OTP variants.
When designing with this device, note that the 28-CDIP (JW) windowed package is intended for prototyping and engineering samples; for production runs, consider the /P (plastic DIP) or /SP (skinny plastic DIP) OTP variants. The UV window requires a quartz window cover, and erasure requires approximately 20 minutes of UV exposure at the recommended intensity.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57C/JW — 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/JW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Mounting Type, Family, Instruction Cycle Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC® 8-bit (Harvard RISC) |
| Family | PIC® 16C |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (UV-erasable, windowed) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K × 12) |
| RAM | 72 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (200 ns = 4 × Tosc) |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions |
| Package | 28-pin CDIP (Ceramic DIP) with UV window |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole (DIP) |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels |
| Oscillator Options | RC, XT, LP, HS |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Power-on Reset, SLEEP mode |
PIC16C57C/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 22 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 23 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 24 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 25 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 26 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 6.0 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57C/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Control Logic, Remote Sensor Interface, Legacy Embedded Replacement, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Educational and Development Boards.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C57C/JW fits automotive body-electronics modules including lighting controllers, wiper logic, and HVAC mode selectors. Its 20 MHz clock provides 5 MIPS instruction throughput, sufficient for state-machine sequencing across 20 high-current I/O pins rated at 25 mA each. With an industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operating range and 2.0 V to 6.0 V supply tolerance, it tolerates automotive 12 V rails post-regulation and cold-crank events. Engineers prototype the JW windowed variant during firmware development, then transition to the /P OTP version for production runs.
Recommended
Industrial Control Logic
For industrial control panels and discrete logic replacement, the PIC16C57C/JW replaces banks of 74HC glue logic with a single programmable state machine. Its 33-instruction RISC core, 200 ns cycle time, and 2-level hardware stack simplify ladder-logic-to-microcontroller migration. The HS oscillator mode supports high-frequency noise environments, while the Watchdog Timer and Power-on Reset provide robust field-deployment behavior. The JW windowed package allows service technicians to re-flash firmware across long product lifecycles.
Recommended
Remote Sensor Interface
Remote sensor interface modules using the PIC16C57C/JW benefit from its low 2.0 V minimum supply voltage, enabling 2-cell alkaline or single-cell Li-ion battery operation. The 72-byte RAM accommodates sensor sample buffers, while 20 I/O pins can directly drive 4-20 mA current loops or read digital sensors. SLEEP mode plus the on-chip Watchdog Timer reduce average current to microamp levels for duty-cycled sampling - critical for unattended solar-powered installations.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Replacement
The PIC16C57C/JW is widely used as a drop-in replacement for obsolete PIC16C5x silicon in legacy equipment where re-spinning the PCB is impractical. Its identical 28-pin DIP pinout, instruction set, and timing preserve firmware compatibility, while the JW window allows code updates during service. Field-replaceable microcontrollers reduce mean time to repair for industrial PLCs, elevator controllers, and HVAC units in operation since the 1990s. The 2-level hardware stack and Harvard architecture are unchanged across generations.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
Consumer appliance controllers (washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers) use the PIC16C57C/JW as a cost-optimized main controller. The 3 KB EPROM holds appliance state machines and timing routines, the 20 high-current I/O pins drive relays and seven-segment displays directly without drivers, and the SLEEP mode meets standby power regulations. Production runs use the /P OTP variant, but the /JW windowed version supports firmware validation across model variants.
Recommended
Educational and Development Boards
University courses and developer training kits rely on the PIC16C57C/JW windowed variant because students can erase and re-flash code dozens of times during lab sessions. The 28-pin DIP form factor is breadboard-friendly, the 33-instruction RISC set is teachable in a single semester, and the Harvard architecture introduces pre-emptively the memory-model concepts used in modern ARM cores. The JW UV window has been a pedagogical tool for demonstrating EPROM physics for decades.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57C/JW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-04/P | PIC16C57C-20/P | PIC16C57C-04I/P | PIC16C57C-04/SP | PIC16C57C-20/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-CDIP with UV window | 28-PDIP (OTP, plastic) | 28-PDIP (OTP, plastic) | 28-PDIP (OTP, industrial) | 28-skinny PDIP (OTP) | 28-skinny PDIP (OTP) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | UV-EPROM (windowed) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| UV-Erasable Window | Yes | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Only PIC16C57 variant with UV-erasable windowed CDIP package (vs PIC16C57C-04/P)
- Maximum 20 MHz clock speed vs 4 MHz lower-tier variants (vs PIC16C57C-04/P)
- Wide 2.0 V to 6.0 V operating voltage for battery flexibility (vs PIC16C57C-04I/P (industrial))
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz and VDD = 5.0 V, the PIC16C57C/JW typically draws 5-10 mA active current and < 1 µA in SLEEP mode per Microchip datasheet DC characteristics. For battery-powered designs, place the device in SLEEP between sensor reads and use the Watchdog Timer (~18 ms internal RC period) to wake periodically. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD (pin 28) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the supply rail to suppress motor and relay noise spikes.
Do not confuse the /JW windowed ceramic DIP variant with /P plastic OTP variants when ordering - the /JW is significantly more expensive and intended for development only. Configuration bits (oscillator selection, Watchdog enable, code protection) must be set correctly at program time; an incorrect Watchdog configuration can lock the device into a reset loop. UV erase requires ~20 minutes of 12,000 µW/cm² UV exposure - verify erasure under short-wavelength UV lamp, not sunlight.
Place the oscillator crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1 (pin 25) and OSC2 (pin 26) to minimize stray capacitance and EMI susceptibility. For HS oscillator mode at 20 MHz, use a fundamental-cut crystal with 20 pF load capacitors tied to VSS. Keep high-current I/O traces (driving relays, LEDs) physically separated from oscillator traces to avoid ground bounce coupling into the clock. MCLR (pin 4) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for proper reset operation.
Compliance Information
Ceramic DIP /JW package historically contains lead-bearing ceramic glass; compliance status depends on lot code and may fall under RoHS exemption 7(a). Verify per the manufacturer certificate of conformance for each date code.
