PIC16C57T-RCI/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 3KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57T-RCI/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.25 | $3.25 |
| 10 | $2.92 | $29.20 |
| 100 | $2.61 | $261.00 |
| 500 | $2.34 | $1,170.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.08 | $2,080.00 |
PIC16C57T-RCI/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripherals on one die. The PIC16C5X family belongs to Microchip's foundational 8-bit PIC architecture - an early Harvard-architecture line widely adopted for cost-sensitive, deterministic, low-power control tasks. PIC microcontrollers sit within a hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The OTP variant allows one-time field programming, balancing unit cost against reprogrammability versus windowed (UV-erasable) or Flash parts.
Key features of this part include 4 MHz operation (commercial oscillator variants run at 20 MHz), 20 GPIO, an internal RISC core with a small instruction set, an industrial operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, and a 28-SOIC industrial-grade package. The PIC16C57 series is built on a fully static CMOS process and is widely recognized for predictable, low-power behavior. The 'T' suffix indicates Tape & Reel packaging, while 'I' indicates the industrial temperature grade, and 'SO' specifies the 28-SOIC form factor.
Typical applications include industrial appliance controls, simple sensor signal conditioning, motor-driver interfaces, low-cost consumer electronics, white-goods user interfaces, and replacement of legacy 8-bit logic with software-driven control. The wide supply voltage tolerance (typically 4.5 V to 5.5 V across the PIC16C5X family) supports battery- and mains-derived rails. When designing with OTP parts, ensure code is fully validated before programming - OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed or erased. For new designs, consider Flash-based successors (PIC16F series) for development flexibility.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57T-RCI/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 PIC16C57T-RCI/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Maximum Clock Frequency, Package, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57-RC/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57T-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-40/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57T-RCI/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Family | PIC® 16C |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz (family up to 20 MHz) |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Package Type | 28-SOIC (0.295" / 7.50 mm) |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Number of Terminals | 28 |
PIC16C57T-RCI/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — GPIO port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — GPIO port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — Real-Time Clock/Counter input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — GPIO port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — GPIO port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — GPIO port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — GPIO port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — GPIO port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — GPIO port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — GPIO port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — GPIO port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / CLKOUT |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / CLKIN (RC network) |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — GPIO port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — GPIO port A bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC0 — GPIO port C bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 — GPIO port C bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RC2 — GPIO port C bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RC3 — GPIO port C bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — GPIO port C bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — GPIO port C bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — GPIO port C bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — GPIO port C bit 7 |
| Pin 27 | T0CKI — Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference (second) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57T-RCI/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Appliance User Interface, Battery Charger Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-End, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics Controller, Security Keypad and Access Control, Legacy Logic Replacement and Form-Fit Upgrades.
Industrial Appliance User Interface
The PIC16C57T-RCI/SO's 20 GPIO pins and industrial -40°C to +85°C operating range make it well-suited to driving keypads, 7-segment displays, and LED indicators in white-goods user interfaces. Its 3 KB OTP program memory stores compact control firmware, while the RC oscillator option eliminates the cost of external crystals in cost-sensitive appliance designs. The deterministic PIC RISC core executes each instruction in a fixed cycle, simplifying timing-critical sequencing. Compared with discrete logic, this MCU reduces BOM count and enables field-configurable behavior through firmware.
Recommended
Battery Charger Control
The PIC16C57T-RCI/SO is widely used in simple NiCd/NiMH/Li-ion charger controllers where its 8-bit ADC-free architecture (driven by comparator or external ADC) monitors battery voltage and temperature. With 20 GPIO, the MCU controls charge FETs, status LEDs, and fault indicators. The 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range aligns with USB or wall-adapter rails. Its low power consumption and OTP memory lock the firmware against field tampering - a plus for safety-critical charging profiles.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-End
With 20 GPIO and flexible timer/counter peripherals, the PIC16C57T-RCI/SO handles sensor excitation, signal scaling, and threshold comparison in front-end conditioning modules for thermostats, flow meters, and HVAC sensors. Its deterministic RISC architecture provides predictable response times critical for safety interlocks. The OTP memory locks calibration coefficients and OEM firmware at production. Industrial temperature range supports outdoor and factory-floor deployment.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics Controller
The PIC16C57T-RCI/SO is a workhorse for cost-sensitive consumer products such as remote controls, toys, and small home appliances. Its RC oscillator option removes the need for external crystals, reducing BOM cost by tens of cents per unit. The 3 KB OTP program memory holds feature logic in mass production while keeping per-unit cost low. 20 GPIO drive buttons, IR LEDs, and piezo buzzers directly without external glue logic.
Recommended
Security Keypad and Access Control
The PIC16C57T-RCI/SO is commonly deployed in PIN-pad access controllers where its 20 GPIO scan 4x4 key matrices, drive status LEDs, and switch relay or magnetic-lock outputs. The OTP memory locks credential-handling firmware against unauthorized field modification - a regulatory advantage in some security installations. Industrial temperature operation supports outdoor keypad installations. Deterministic instruction timing simplifies debounce and lockout timing logic.
Recommended
Legacy Logic Replacement and Form-Fit Upgrades
Designers replace aging 54xx/74xx discrete logic with PIC16C57T-RCI/SO to consolidate gates, latches, and timers into a single reprogrammable controller - and re-use the same 28-SOIC footprint for form-fit upgrades of legacy boards. The 20 GPIO map cleanly to typical 28-pin DIP/SOIC logic patterns, and the 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range drops in directly to TTL-style rails. OTP locking prevents firmware drift across the production lifecycle.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57T-RCI/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57-RC/SO | PIC16C57-RCI/SS | PIC16C57T-10I/SO | PIC16C57T-RCE/SS | PIC16C57CT-40/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SSOP - narrower | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SSOP - narrower | 28-SOIC - same |
| Oscillator Type | RC (4 MHz) | RC | RC | XT (10 MHz) | RC | XT (40 MHz) |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP |
| GPIO Count | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) | Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) | Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) | Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) | Extended | Commercial |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel | Tube / Tray | Tube / Tray | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube / Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-Reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16C57-RC/SO)
- RC oscillator option eliminates external crystal (vs PIC16C57T-10I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade in 28-SOIC (vs PIC16C57CT-40/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C57T-RCI/SO operates from a single 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) with a ground return to the nearest VSS pin (pin 5 or pin 28). For noisy supply environments, add a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the IC. The RC oscillator option has no crystal current draw but shares supply noise sensitivity with the core - filtering matters.
OTP memory cannot be erased or reprogrammed. Validate firmware thoroughly on a Flash-based equivalent (PIC16F57 series) or windowed PIC16C57 before committing to OTP production. Programming the OTP requires a Microchip-supported programmer such as PICSTART Plus or MPLAB PM3 with the correct device algorithm - verify the programmer firmware supports the PIC16C57 die revision before programming.
Keep the MCLR reset network (typically 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD) close to pin 4. The RC oscillator timing components (R and C on the OSC1/OSC2 pins) should be placed adjacent to pins 15 and 16 to minimize noise pickup. Avoid routing high-speed digital signals (or relay/fET drive outputs) directly parallel to the oscillator traces - cross-coupling can shift the RC timing.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status not explicitly confirmed in retrieved distributor listings for this part. Confirm directly with Microchip Technology for EU-bound production. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a general-purpose 8-bit MCU not qualified for automotive safety.
