PIC16C57CT-04E/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 3KB 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57CT-04E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.84 | $6.84 |
| 10 | $6.15 | $61.50 |
| 100 | $5.46 | $546.00 |
| 500 | $4.91 | $2,455.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.37 | $4,370.00 |
PIC16C57CT-04E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computing-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory, and peripherals into a single package. Within the taxonomy, it sits under microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device. The PIC architecture uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses, a 12-bit-wide instruction word, and a fixed-length instruction set that delivers roughly 2:1 code density over typical 8-bit CISC MCUs of its era. PIC16C5X parts were introduced as low-cost, high-volume OTP microcontrollers for appliances, automotive subsystems, and industrial control.
Key features include 3KB OTP program memory (2K x 12 organization), 72 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 20 digital I/O lines arranged in three ports (RA, RB, RC), two 8-bit timers (TMR0 and TMR2), a Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC oscillator, Power-on Reset, Brown-out Reset, and an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator option. The device operates from 3.0 V to 6.0 V and is offered in commercial and industrial temperature grades.
Architecturally, the PIC16C57C uses a RISC-style 12-bit instruction word with a two-stage pipeline, a single accumulator (W register) plus 32 general-purpose file registers, and CMOS EPROM/OTP program memory. Power-down (SLEEP) mode drops quiescent current below 1 µA typical, making it attractive for battery-backed designs. The PIC16C5X delivers an instruction execution time of 100 ns at 4 MHz, with most instructions completing in a single cycle.
Typical applications include white-goods and appliance control, automotive body modules (cluster, lighting), industrial control timers, security and alarm panels, sensor signal conditioning, and low-cost consumer remote controls. The 28-SOIC wide-body package and 4 MHz clock are well suited to designs that need moderate compute, low cost, and surface-mount assembly.
Designers should note that PIC16C5X code written for the PIC16C57 will not directly run on PIC16C55 or PIC16C56 (different memory maps and pinouts) and that the OTP program memory cannot be erased, so firmware must be validated on a windowed PIC16C57/JW or a compatible flash device such as PIC16F57 before production programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing for the PIC16C57CT-04E/SO, drop-in PIC16C5X alternatives in the same 28-SOIC footprint, and design notes not found in the Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57CT-04E/SO — 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-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Instruction Cycle Time, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57CT-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57CT-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Core Architecture | PIC16 |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 100 ns at 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Number of Timers | 2 (8-bit TMR0, TMR2) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Supply Voltage (Nominal) | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (E suffix = extended industrial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm width, SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Non-RoHS (contains Pb in OTP windowed/extended temp variants) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | No |
PIC16C57CT-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A digital I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A digital I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — RTCC timer I/O / TMR0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B digital I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B digital I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B digital I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B digital I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B digital I/O bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B digital I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B digital I/O bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B digital I/O bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground (logic ground) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C digital I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C digital I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C digital I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C digital I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C digital I/O bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C digital I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C digital I/O bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C digital I/O bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — Port A digital I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — Port A digital I/O bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57CT-04E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (White Goods), Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Industrial Timer and Counter Modules, Security and Alarm Panels, Consumer Remote Controls and IR Emitters, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Front-Ends.
Appliance Control (White Goods)
The PIC16C57CT-04E/SO's 3 KB OTP program memory, 20 I/O pins, and 100 ns instruction cycle make it a strong fit for white-goods controllers such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Its two 8-bit timers drive PWM outputs for motor and heater control while the on-chip Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator recovers the firmware from a stalled interrupt or sensor glitch. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade survives the warm enclosure of a kitchen appliance, and the 28-SOIC wide-body package is friendly to wave-soldered or reflowed consumer-electronics assembly lines.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive subsystems such as interior lighting, HVAC flap control, accessory modules, and door-lock controllers, the PIC16C57CT-04E/SO offers 25 mA source/sink per I/O pin directly driving relays, LED strings, and small solenoids. Its -40C to +125C extended temperature grade handles under-dash thermal stress, and the PIC16C5X 12-bit RISC architecture yields compact, deterministic response times suited to body-network polling loops. Note that this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-critical ECUs choose an AEC-Q100 PIC16F57-Q1 variant instead.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Modules
The PIC16C57CT-04E/SO excels at industrial timing applications such as conveyor controllers, batch-counter panels, and process timers because its two 8-bit timer/counters (TMR0 and TMR2) can be cascaded or fed from external pulses to build 16-bit timing chains. The Brown-out Reset and Power-on Reset circuits are critical in 24V industrial rails that brown out during heavy motor inrush, and the on-chip 4 MHz RC oscillator option removes the external crystal for low-cost retrofit designs. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade supports outdoor factory and process-control installations.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Security alarm panels benefit from the PIC16C57CT-04E/SO's low-power SLEEP mode (typical quiescent current below 1 µA), which extends battery-backup runtimes for wireless PIR sensors, door contacts, and smoke-detector bases. The 20 digital I/O lines can simultaneously scan a keypad matrix, drive a piezo buzzer, latch a relay, and read multiple zones, while the Watchdog Timer ensures the panel recovers from RF noise or firmware stalls. The wide 3.0 V to 6.0 V supply range simplifies operation from 3-cell alkaline or regulated 5 V rails.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls and IR Emitters
The PIC16C57CT-04E/SO is well matched to consumer remote-control handsets that need a low-cost, low-pin-count microcontroller to scan a key matrix, encode IR protocols, and drive an IR LED. Its 20 I/O pins accommodate a 4x5 key matrix plus indicator LEDs, and the two timers generate precise 38 kHz / 40 kHz IR carrier frequencies. SLEEP mode between key presses drops battery drain below the self-discharge rate of typical AAA cells, and the 28-SOIC package reflows cleanly in high-volume handset assembly.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Front-Ends
Sensor-conditioning front-ends for thermistor bridges, photo-diodes, and Hall-effect devices rely on the PIC16C57CT-04E/SO's 20 I/O pins to multiplex analog signals into external ADCs, drive bias currents, and stream measurements over UART. The PIC16C5X 12-bit RISC core delivers deterministic response times for time-multiplexed sensor arrays, and the Brown-out Reset prevents corrupted calibration data during power dips. Low SLEEP-mode current also suits battery-powered wireless sensor nodes that wake periodically to take a measurement.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57CT-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57CT-04/SO | PIC16C57C-20E/SO | PIC16C57C-20/SO | PIC16F57-I/SO | PIC16C57C-04E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295") | 28-SOIC (0.295") | 28-SOIC (0.295") | 28-SOIC (0.295") | 28-SOIC (0.295") | 28-SSOP (0.209") |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3 KB / 2K x 12) | OTP (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) | Flash (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) |
| In-System Programming | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (ICSP) | No (OTP) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16C57CT-04/SO (industrial I grade))
- Drop-in flash migration path via PIC16F57 (vs PIC16C57C-20/SO)
- Wide 3.0 V to 6.0 V supply range (vs PIC16C57C-04E/SS)
Design Notes
PIC16C57CT-04E/SO runs from a 3.0 V to 6.0 V supply. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 25) and a 10 µF bulk tantalum or aluminum polymer cap near the chip to suppress the inrush spikes that occur when TMR0 toggles a heavy I/O load. Brown-out Reset is enabled by default in the PIC16C5X configuration word; ensure the regulator ramps cleanly so BOR does not latch during cold power-up.
PIC16C57 code is NOT binary-compatible with PIC16C55 or PIC16C56 because the program memory maps and register file layouts differ; do not assume pin-to-pin firmware portability. The OTP memory cannot be electrically erased, so all firmware validation must be done on a windowed PIC16C57/JW or a flash-based PIC16F57 before production programming. Per Microchip's PIC16C5X errata, TMR0 in counter mode requires a falling-edge pulse of at least 2 Tosc + 20 ns.
Route the MCLR pin (pin 4) through a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD and place a 100 nF cap to ground for noise immunity; a floating MCLR is a common cause of spurious resets in electrically noisy industrial environments. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short (under 10 mm) and shield them from high-current I/O traces to avoid radiated EMI coupling into the crystal. If the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator is used, leave OSC1 grounded and OSC2 open per the datasheet reference schematic.
Compliance Information
PIC16C57CT-04E/SO uses Pb-bearing solder terminations per the SO package; RoHS compliance requires the PIC16C57CT-04E/SO-RH or /VAO suffix variants. AEC-Q100 not qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive choose PIC16F57-E/SO-Q1. REACH compliance confirmed via Microchip product page.
