PIC16C57CT-04/SS - 8-bit PIC MCU, 4MHz, 3KB OTP, 28-SSOP
MPN: PIC16C57CT-04/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.05 | $30.50 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.28 | $1,140.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.94 | $1,940.00 |
PIC16C57CT-04/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral I/O on one die, intended for embedded control tasks. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, MCUs belong to the broader family of microcontrollers and embedded processors, sitting below microprocessors in complexity but above simple logic ICs in capability. The PIC16C5X family in particular uses a 12-bit-wide instruction set with a RISC architecture, delivering 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit MCUs in the same price class. The "C" suffix indicates CMOS technology with OTP program memory.
Key features of the PIC16C57CT-04/SS include a Harvard RISC CPU with 33 single-word instructions, Power-on Reset (POR), a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for reliable operation in noisy environments, and an external oscillator interface supporting RC, XT, LP, and HS modes. The 20 I/O pins can source/sink digital signals for buttons, relays, displays, and discrete logic interfaces. The 4MHz maximum instruction rate yields a 250ns instruction cycle, sufficient for slow-loop control and human-interface timing.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard memory layout with separate program and data buses, eliminating the need for an instruction prefetch queue. The 12-bit instruction word reduces code density overhead, while the two-stage pipeline overlaps fetch and execute for consistent throughput. Internal peripherals are kept simple: two timers, a watchdog, and an 8-bit prescaler shared with Timer0.
Typical applications include industrial control subsystems, consumer appliances, low-cost automotive body electronics, hobbyist projects, and replacement of discrete logic with programmable control. With 20 I/O, 72 bytes RAM, and 3KB OTP, the device fits applications where deterministic bit-level I/O handling matters more than arithmetic throughput, such as keypad scanners, LED multiplexers, and simple sensor conditioning.
A key design consideration: because PIC16C57C is OTP (one-time programmable), field firmware updates are impossible - choose this family only when the firmware is final. For in-application reprogrammability, designers should migrate to the flash-based PIC16F57 family instead.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and engineering design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving procurement and design engineers a single reference for evaluating the PIC16C57CT-04/SS.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57CT-04/SS — 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 PIC16C57CT-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers, Core Architecture, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57CT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-20/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57CT-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 33 single-word |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1000 ns at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Timers | 2 (Timer0 + WDT) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Oscillator Mode | External (RC, XT, LP, HS) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial |
PIC16C57CT-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/OSC1 — I/O port A bit 0 / oscillator input |
| Pin 2 | RA1/OSC2 — I/O port A bit 1 / oscillator output |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | RB0 — I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 6 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 7 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 8 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 9 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 11 | RB6 — I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 12 | RB7 — I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 13 | RC0 — I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 14 | RC1 — I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 15 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 16 | RC3 — I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 17 | RC4 — I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | RC5 — I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 19 | RC6 — I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 20 | RC7 — I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 21 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 23 | MCLR — Master clear reset input |
| Pin 24 | RTCC — Real-time clock/counter input |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57CT-04/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Subsystems, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Keypad and Matrix Scanner, LED Multiplex Display Driver, Replacement of Discrete Logic, Sensor Conditioning and Threshold Detection.
Industrial Control Subsystems
The PIC16C57CT-04/SS suits industrial control subsystems where deterministic I/O handling and cost-effectiveness outweigh raw compute throughput. With 20 I/O pins, the device can directly interface to relays, solenoid valves, limit switches, and indicator LEDs without external logic. The 4MHz instruction rate and 33-instruction RISC core handle slow control loops (10-100 Hz) typical of conveyor timing, pump sequencing, and tank-level monitoring. The OTP program memory ensures firmware integrity in factory-floor environments, while the -40C to +85C operating range tolerates industrial cabinet temperatures.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and small kitchen devices use the PIC16C57CT-04/SS for user-interface management, motor timing, and sensor readout. The 20 I/O pins connect directly to keypad matrices, 7-segment displays, and triac-driving optocouplers without external glue logic. The 3KB OTP holds typical appliance firmware including mode selection, timing routines, and fault-detection state machines. The 3.0-5.5V supply range aligns with the 5V rails common in white goods.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Automotive body electronics modules - including seat controllers, mirror adjusters, window lifters, and interior lighting - use the PIC16C57CT-04/SS in cost-sensitive applications where AEC-Q100 is not mandated. The 20 I/O pins drive H-bridge relays, sense limit switches, and PWM dim incandescent lamps. The Watchdog Timer provides failsafe recovery in noisy 12V automotive electrical environments. For modules requiring AEC-Q100 qualification, designers should evaluate PIC16F57 with automotive grade suffix or migrate to PIC18 architecture.
Recommended
Keypad and Matrix Scanner
Keypad and matrix-scanning applications use the PIC16C57CT-04/SS to read 4x4 or 5x4 switch matrices for numeric entry, menu selection, and security code input. The 20 I/O pins handle 8 row/column drive lines plus indicator LEDs, with the 4MHz instruction rate scanning the matrix at 10-50 Hz to deliver responsive debouncing. The 72-byte RAM holds the current key buffer and last-N-key history. The 33-instruction RISC core keeps scan loops tight (under 200 instructions per cycle), reducing CPU load.
Recommended
LED Multiplex Display Driver
LED multiplexed display applications use the PIC16C57CT-04/SS to drive 7-segment displays, dot-matrix indicators, and bar-graph arrays with software multiplexing. The 20 I/O pins sink segment current directly (each capable of 25 mA per pin) and source column-select lines through Darlingtons or discrete transistors. The 4MHz rate supports refresh frequencies of 100-500 Hz, eliminating visible flicker. The 3KB OTP stores font tables and custom character maps for specialized indicators.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic
The PIC16C57CT-04/SS replaces discrete CMOS logic gates (HC-series) and small PLAs in glue-logic applications, consolidating 5-20 logic packages into one MCU. The 20 I/O pins implement any combinational or sequential logic function via firmware, with the 4MHz rate handling logic propagation delays under 1 microsecond. The 3KB OTP stores truth tables and state machines, while 72 bytes RAM holds intermediate signals. This consolidation reduces PCB area, BOM count, and inventory complexity for low-volume products.
Recommended
Sensor Conditioning and Threshold Detection
Sensor-conditioning applications use the PIC16C57CT-04/SS to read analog sensors via external ADC interfaces, apply digital filtering, and trigger threshold-based outputs. The 20 I/O pins connect to thermistors, photodiodes, and switch contacts, with the 4MHz CPU running moving-average filters and hysteresis algorithms. The Watchdog Timer recovers from software lockup in unattended sensor installations. The 3KB OTP holds calibration constants and lookup tables for linearization.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57CT-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-04/SS | PIC16C57C-20I/SS | PIC16C57C-04E/SS | PIC16F57-I/SS | PIC16C57CT-04I/SS | PIC16C57CT-20/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) | Flash (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Same-brand pin-compatible alternatives available across speed and temperature grades (vs PIC16C57C-04/SS)
- Flash-based drop-in upgrade path preserves firmware investment (vs PIC16F57-I/SS)
- Higher-speed variants enable future-proofing without package change (vs PIC16C57CT-20/SS)
Design Notes
PIC16C57C uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory - firmware cannot be erased or rewritten after programming. For development cycles requiring firmware iteration, use the flash-based PIC16F57 family instead. Programming the OTP costs a one-time mask fee for high volume but for low-volume production, windowed or flash parts are more economical. Verify all firmware bugs before programming OTP units - a single bit error scrap the entire chip.
The 28-SSOP package requires careful PCB layout: place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 22), with a wide ground trace to the VSS pin (pin 21). For external oscillator modes (XT, HS, LP), keep the crystal or resonator traces short and surrounded by a ground guard ring to reduce EMI. The MCLR pin (pin 23) requires a 10k pull-up to VDD for normal operation; do not leave floating.
The PIC16C57CT-04/SS draws approximately 2-5 mA active current at 4 MHz with 5V supply, dropping to microampere levels in sleep mode. For battery-powered applications, leverage the SLEEP instruction and Watchdog Timer wakeup to achieve average current below 100 uA. Estimated: at 5V supply and 4MHz active operation with all I/O floating, typical IDD is approximately 2 mA per Microchip datasheet DC characteristics.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor listings for this OTP product. Lead-free termination per Microchip packaging standards. AEC-Q100 not applicable - PIC16C57C is a legacy OTP family not automotive-qualified.
