PIC16C57CT-20/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57CT-20/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.96 | $4.96 |
| 10 | $4.62 | $46.20 |
| 100 | $4.1 | $410.00 |
| 500 | $3.58 | $1,790.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.12 | $3,120.00 |
PIC16C57CT-20/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and peripheral functions such as timers, I/O ports, and reset circuitry. The PIC16C5X family from Microchip Technology is part of the foundational 8-bit PIC architecture lineage (PIC -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded IC -> semiconductor), using a RISC instruction set with only 33 single-word instructions for simplified software development. The OTP memory is programmed once at production using a device programmer, suiting low-cost, fixed-function appliance and consumer applications where in-field firmware updates are unnecessary.
Key features of the PIC16C57CT-20/SO include 100 ns instruction execution time (200 ns at 5V for two-cycle instructions), an operating voltage range of 3.0 V to 5.5 V, a Power-On Reset (POR) circuit, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for reliable operation in noisy environments, and a 12-bit wide instruction word delivering 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit MCUs in its class. The device consumes only a few milliamps during full-speed operation and supports low-power sleep mode for battery-friendly designs.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, automotive body electronics, industrial control logic, security and alarm systems, IR remote controls, low-end toys, and replacement of discrete logic in cost-sensitive embedded systems. The wide 5 V tolerance also suits legacy 5 V-only peripherals common in PIC16C5X-era designs.
When designing with this part, ensure the MCLR (master clear) reset pin has the proper pull-up configuration and that the oscillator selection matches the chosen crystal or RC network. For new designs, designers should evaluate modern PIC16F or PIC18 Flash-based equivalents for greater reprogrammability and active development support, as the PIC16C5X OTP family is mature technology.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57CT-20/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-20/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, Instruction Execution Time, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-20/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (single-cycle) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO), 7.50 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Peripherals | POR (Power-On Reset), WDT (Watchdog Timer) |
PIC16C57CT-20/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 3 | T0CKI — Timer0 clock input / RA4 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal/RC) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (crystal/RC/external clock) |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 26 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (secondary, 3.0V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57CT-20/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Security and Alarm Panels, IR Remote Control Transmitters, Industrial Control Logic Replacement, Low-End Toys and Educational Kits, LED Display and Signage Drivers.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C57CT-20/SO is well-suited for consumer appliance controllers (washing machines, microwave ovens, rice cookers, fans) where its 3 KB OTP program memory holds fixed control algorithms, 20 MHz CPU delivers real-time response for sensor polling, and 20 GPIO lines interface with keypads, LED/LCD displays, relays, and triac drivers. The RISC 33-instruction set simplifies firmware development for appliance engineers, while the commercial 0C to +70C range covers indoor operating environments. Power consumption at 5V is typically a few mA during active loops and drops in sleep mode between interrupts, suiting Energy Star appliances.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting, mirror control, wiper timing, and seat position memory, the PIC16C57CT-20/SO provides a robust RISC controller with integrated Watchdog Timer (WDT) for EMI immunity and Power-On Reset (POR) for reliable cold-start behavior. The 20 MHz execution handles multiplexed switch-scanning and PWM generation for LED dimming or motor speed control. Although commercial temperature grade is specified, the extended-temp PIC16C57CT-20E/SO variant covers under-hood environments in the same 28-SOIC footprint, allowing PCB layout reuse across trim levels.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
The PIC16C57CT-20/SO is a strong fit for PIR motion-sensor alarm panels, door/window contact monitors, and basic keypad alarm controllers. Its 20 GPIO lines connect directly to zone inputs, piezo buzzer drivers, LED indicators, and 4x4 matrix keypads without external logic. The integrated WDT recovers from firmware lockup or EMI-induced glitches - critical for security products that must remain operational for years without manual intervention. OTP memory protects proprietary alarm protocols from being reverse-engineered, and the 5V supply rails integrate cleanly with legacy PIR sensor boards.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Transmitters
Battery-powered IR remote controls (TV, set-top box, AV equipment, ceiling fans) benefit from the PIC16C57CT-20/SO's compact 28-SOIC footprint, low active current, and sleep-mode capability that extends battery life to multi-year levels. The 20 MHz CPU generates accurate 38 kHz / 56 kHz carrier modulation for RC5, NEC, and SIRC protocols, while the 12-bit instruction width yields compact code for complex button-mapping tables. OTP programming locks the IR protocol and keymap against aftermarket cloning, and 20 GPIO lines drive 20+ button matrices directly without a key-scan expander.
Recommended
Industrial Control Logic Replacement
The PIC16C57CT-20/SO replaces legacy 74HC-series discrete logic in industrial control boards, consolidating glue logic, timing sequences, and interlock functions into a single programmable MCU. With 20 GPIO, integrated POR, and WDT, the device simplifies BOM cost and improves field diagnostics versus discrete TTL. The 3 KB OTP program memory holds ladder-logic-equivalent sequencing routines for small machine controllers, conveyor interlocks, and pump station logic. The industrial-temp PIC16C57CT-20I/SO variant operates from -40C to +85C in the same SOIC-28 footprint.
Recommended
Low-End Toys and Educational Kits
The PIC16C57CT-20/SO is a popular choice for cost-sensitive toys, electronic learning kits, and hobby robot controllers where its sub-$5 unit price, simple RISC architecture, and abundant development toolchain (MPLAB IDE, MPASM assembler) keep barriers to entry low. The 20 MHz CPU runs interactive LED patterns, servo PWM, and basic sound effects in real time, while 3 KB OTP holds full game logic for talking dolls and educational STEM boards. The PICkit 3 programmer supports both OTP and Flash PIC devices, easing classroom use of the same programmer across parts.
Recommended
LED Display and Signage Drivers
Multiplexed 7-segment LED displays, scrolling dot-matrix message signs, and decorative LED strips use the PIC16C57CT-20/SO as a low-cost scan controller. The 20 MHz CPU comfortably drives 8-digit 7-segment refresh at >100 Hz with no perceptible flicker, while 20 GPIO lines interface directly to row/column driver transistors without external logic. OTP memory prevents unauthorized modification of message content, useful for retail signage and scoreboards. The PIC's low sleep current extends battery-powered signage lifetime between recharges.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57CT-20/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-20/SO | PIC16C57C-20E/SO | PIC16F57-I/SO | PIC16C57CT-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-SSOP (SS) |
| CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3 KB / 2K x 12) | OTP (3 KB) | OTP (3 KB) | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP (3 KB) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging suited for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16C57C-20/SO)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16C57C-20E/SO)
- Flash memory allows in-field firmware updates (vs PIC16F57-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C57CT-20/SO operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V on VDD. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 25 and 28 on the 28-SOIC) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor on the VDD rail. For battery-powered designs, use the SLEEP instruction to reduce active current draw; typical sleep current is in the microamp range depending on WDT and oscillator configuration. Add a series ferrite bead on VDD if the supply is shared with switching regulators to prevent digital noise injection into the analog portions of any downstream sensor circuitry.
Keep the crystal or resonator traces between OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) as short as possible, with a ground guard ring to isolate them from noisy digital traces. For crystal operation, add the load capacitors recommended by the crystal manufacturer (typically 15-33 pF) directly at the MCU pins. For RC oscillator mode, place the resistor and capacitor close to OSC1 to minimize parasitic capacitance that would shift the frequency. The MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; if not used as a reset, MCLR can be tied to VDD directly but a weak pull-up is recommended for noise immunity.
Do not assume OTP memory can be re-programmed - the device is one-time-programmable and requires a dedicated PIC programmer (such as PICkit 3 with the correct adapter socket) to write the firmware. Never leave MCLR floating; a floating MCLR pin is highly susceptible to noise and can cause spurious resets. Ensure the configuration word (oscillator selection, WDT enable, code protection) is set correctly during programming or the device will not start. For new designs, strongly consider migrating to PIC16F57-I/SO which is Flash-based, reprogrammable in-circuit, and uses the same 28-SOIC footprint.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data; check with Microchip directly for the latest compliance documentation. The PIC16C5X family is mature technology and pre-dates widespread RoHS adoption - parts may be available in both RoHS and non-RoHS variants depending on order code.
