PIC16C57CT-20E/SS - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 3KB, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57CT-20E/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.62 | $4.62 |
| 10 | $4.18 | $41.80 |
| 100 | $3.65 | $365.00 |
| 500 | $3.1 | $1,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.74 | $2,740.00 |
PIC16C57CT-20E/SS Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory that can be written exactly once, RAM, and peripherals. The PIC16C5X family sits within Microchip's PIC architecture hierarchy (8-bit PIC -> PIC16 -> PIC16C5X), which is part of the broader category of embedded microcontrollers and is widely used in cost-sensitive, low-power, deterministic control applications where reprogramming is unnecessary.
Key features include a 12-bit instruction word, 33 single-word instructions, an 8-level hardware stack, a 33-byte common RAM area, and up to 20 digital I/O pins. The device provides two 8-bit timer/counters and a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and uses a high-performance RISC-like architecture that delivers 100 ns instruction execution at 20 MHz. The "T" suffix denotes Tape and Reel packaging; "20" indicates the 20 MHz speed grade.
Typical applications include appliance controllers, automotive body electronics, industrial sensor interfaces, low-end remote controls, and standalone logic-replacement modules. The extended temperature range makes it well-suited for under-hood and factory-floor environments. Compared with PIC16F flash parts in the same package, the OTP architecture keeps per-unit cost low for high-volume production runs.
When designing with this device, allocate the OTP window correctly because the memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Plan oscillator and reset network values around the datasheet recommended ranges, and respect the 6.25 V absolute maximum on VDD to avoid latch-up. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-to-pin alternatives, and design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57CT-20E/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-20E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Watchdog Timer, Instruction Execution Time, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →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-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.37 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-20E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit |
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Series | PIC16C57C |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 100 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM | 72 x 8 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E suffix, extended) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions, 12-bit wide |
PIC16C57CT-20E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (digital I/O / T0CKI) |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input or external clock in |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output or clock out |
| Pin 8 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (digital I/O / INT) |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57CT-20E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Remote Controls and IR Transmitters, Standalone Logic Replacement, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C57CT-20E/SS fits appliance control boards where deterministic 8-bit control, low cost, and a 20 MHz instruction rate are required. With 20 digital I/O pins, two 8-bit timers, and a watchdog timer, the device can drive triac-based AC loads, sense push-button keypads, and sequence a small LED or seven-segment display without external logic. The OTP memory keeps per-unit cost low for high-volume washers, microwaves, and rice cookers, while the extended -40C to +125C temperature grade handles the thermal envelope behind a control panel.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C57CT-20E/SS is suitable for low-end automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting sequencers. Its extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (E suffix) covers cabin and under-hood thermal stress, while the 20 MHz RISC core delivers 100 ns instruction execution to service CAN-friendly timing loops via a serial UART bit-banged in firmware. The 28-SSOP package footprint keeps the PCB compact for module-sized designs that must fit behind door panels.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
In industrial sensor-interface modules, the PIC16C57CT-20E/SS reads digital inputs from proximity switches, photoeyes, or encoders and drives indicator LEDs or relay coils. The two on-chip 8-bit timers handle pulse-width measurement and debounce windows, while 72 bytes of RAM buffer short event histories. The extended -40C to +125C grade supports factory-floor cabinets, and OTP memory enforces code stability across long production runs of identical sensor boards.
Recommended
Remote Controls and IR Transmitters
The PIC16C57CT-20E/SS serves as the encode MCU in low-cost IR or RF remote controls, where a single 8-bit core, 3 KB of OTP code space, and 20 I/O pins are sufficient to scan a 4x4 keypad matrix and modulate a 38 kHz carrier. Its 20 MHz instruction rate supports precise timer-driven carrier generation, and the low 2.5 V minimum VDD extends battery life on two-cell alkaline supplies. The SSOP package fits inside slim handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Standalone Logic Replacement
When discrete 74HC logic becomes too bulky or expensive, designers drop a PIC16C57CT-20E/SS onto the PCB to consolidate glue logic, sequencing, and timing into one OTP device. The 20 I/O pins replace multiple decode gates, the two 8-bit timers replace 555 monostables, and the 20 MHz clock drives state-machine logic at nanosecond resolution. OTP programming locks the design permanently, preventing field tampering with safety interlocks.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16C57CT-20E/SS can host low-power sensor nodes when paired with an external sleep controller. Its 2.5 V minimum VDD allows operation from a single lithium cell with a low-dropout regulator, and the 100 ns instruction execution lets the firmware sample, average, and transmit before returning to sleep. The extended temperature grade tolerates outdoor enclosures, and OTP memory prevents accidental code erosion in the field.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57CT-20E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-20I/SS | PIC16C57C-20E/SS | PIC16C57C-04E/SS | PIC16C57CT-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) |
| RAM | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes |
| Temperature Grade | E (extended): -40C to +125C | I (industrial): -40C to +85C | E (extended): -40C to +125C | E (extended): -40C to +125C | I (industrial): -40C to +85C |
| Packaging Form | Tape and Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tape and Reel |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16C57C-20I/SS)
- 20 MHz CPU clock speed at extended grade (vs PIC16C57C-04E/SS)
- Tape and Reel packaging for high-volume SMT (vs PIC16C57C-20E/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5 V VDD the PIC16C57CT-20E/SS typically draws 2 mA to 5 mA active and below 4 uA in sleep. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 10 and 28 are bonded), and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum on the rail. Respect the 6.5 V absolute maximum to avoid latch-up; an inline 5.1 V TVS protects against automotive load-dump transients.
Keep the MCLR/VPP trace short and add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD. If the design uses in-system programming, route a dedicated test point or header to VPP without series resistors. Place the 28-SSOP footprint on a 0.65 mm pitch land pattern with a continuous ground plane beneath for thermal spreading and EMI suppression. Reserve a guard ring around the oscillator pins to keep clock noise off the analog sections.
Do not confuse the E temperature suffix (-40C to +125C extended) with the I suffix (-40C to +85C industrial). Many PIC16C57C variants are I-grade only. Because the device is OTP, verify code with an emulator or windowed sample before committing production volumes. Watch the CONFIG word for the oscillator selection bits - incorrect settings force the CPU into a non-running state with no easy debug path on a sealed OTP part.
Compliance Information
Compliance data was not present in the Verified Web Data snippets; RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status should be confirmed on the Microchip product page or by requesting a Material Declaration. AEC-Q100 qualification is not advertised for this legacy OTP family.
