PIC16C63-04/SP - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU, 7KB ROM, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63-04/SP β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.65 | $8.65 |
| 10 | $7.79 | $77.90 |
| 100 | $6.92 | $692.00 |
| 500 | $6.05 | $3,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.49 | $5,490.00 |
PIC16C63-04/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates an 8-bit CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripherals such as timers, capture/compare modules, and communication interfaces. The PIC16C63-04/SP belongs to the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit. Its OTP program memory uses EPROM cells and is intended for prototyping or low-volume production; once programmed, the contents cannot be erased electrically, providing security against unauthorized read-back.
Key specifications include 22 digital I/O pins, 192 bytes of data RAM, three timers (Timer0, Timer1 with capture, Timer2), a USART (SCI) for asynchronous serial communication, an I2C/SPI synchronous serial port (SSP), an 8-bit ADC-free architecture (this device does not include an A/D converter), and a programmable watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator. The device operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V (one source indicates 4.0 V to 5.5 V for the -04 speed grade; refer to the manufacturer datasheet for the exact minimum). Power-down Sleep mode, code protection, and In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) are supported.
Typical applications include industrial control logic, sensor interfaces, motor-control signal conditioning, automotive body electronics (non-safety subsystems), appliance controllers, and low-cost consumer products that benefit from the PIC16C6X pin/code compatibility family. The 28-SPDIP package remains popular for through-hole designs, breadboard prototyping, and legacy system upgrades.
Design considerations: ensure that oscillator selection (RC, XT, LP, HS) matches the application frequency; the -04 speed grade limits fOSC to 4 MHz. Place decoupling capacitors (0.1 uF typical) close to VDD/VSS, and route MCLR through the recommended reset network. For new designs, evaluate Flash-based PIC16F counterparts for in-circuit reprogrammability.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63-04/SP β 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 PIC16C63-04/SP (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Timers, Program Memory Type, Package, Core, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63-04I/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C63-10/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.45 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C63-20/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73-04/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-04/SP
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$5.81 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C63-04/JW
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-04/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C6X, 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz (-04 speed grade) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1 (with capture), Timer2 |
| Communication Peripherals | USART/SCI, SSP (I2C/SPI) |
| A/D Converter | Not present on this device |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V (per -04 datasheet; see validation note) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial; /SP suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Unknown (verify with manufacturer for current compliance) |
PIC16C63-04/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O; AN0 not functional on PIC16C63) |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF β PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS β PORTA bit 5 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / clock out (FOSC/4) |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output or clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SSP SPI clock or I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SSP SPI data in or I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SSP SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit or clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART receive or data |
| Pin 18 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 25 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63-04/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Logic, Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Appliance Controllers, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Legacy System Maintenance and Form-Fit Replacement, Educational and Prototyping Platforms.
Industrial Control Logic
The PIC16C63-04/SP is well suited to industrial logic controllers where deterministic 200 ns instruction execution and 22 digital I/O pins replace discrete 74HC logic. Its 7 KB OTP holds moderate state machines for relay sequencing, indicator lamps, and interlock logic on 24 V-sensed lines. The USART connects to HMI panels or PLC backplanes, while the SSP drives SPI I/O expanders. Industrial users prefer the 4 MHz -04 speed grade to minimize EMI in noise-susceptible cabinets. The 28-SPDIP package remains a through-hole favorite for shop-floor equipment where rework and field servicing are routine. For extended temperature deployments, the I-suffix variant is the drop-in upgrade.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C63-04/SP acts as a sensor pre-processor that reads digital inputs, scales values, and forwards processed data via USART or SSP. With 192 bytes of RAM, it is large enough to hold moving-average filters and lookup tables for linearization of thermistor or RTD signals. The hardware USART produces clean async frames for upstream processors, while the SSP talks to digital sensors with SPI or I2C interfaces. The 4 MHz clock provides sufficient throughput for 10 Hz to 100 Hz sensor sampling loops. Engineers combine the PIC16C63 with an external 8-bit ADC (such as MCP3001) when analog channels are required, keeping the PIC16C63 in its original digital-I/O role.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Body controllers for windows, mirrors, seat adjusters, and interior lighting benefit from the PIC16C63-04/SP's 22 I/O pins and Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator. Automotive designs typically pair the commercial-grade /SP with an I-suffix device for cabin-temperature environments. The PIC16C6X pin compatibility lets designers drop in the PIC16C63A or PIC16C63-10 grade when more headroom is needed. Although OTP memory is not field-updatable, the architecture's code protection and EPROM-based security are useful for aftermarket modules. Safety-critical subsystems should still use AEC-Q100-qualified automotive MCUs; the PIC16C63 is appropriate only for non-safety convenience functions.
Recommended
Appliance Controllers
The PIC16C63-04/SP is a long-standing choice in white-goods control boards for washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. The 7 KB OTP holds menu-driven user-interface code, while the 22 I/O pins drive keypads, seven-segment displays, and triac-fired loads. The USART interfaces to inverter boards and motor-control submodules, and the SSP talks to EEPROM for parameter storage (no internal data EEPROM on this device). The 4 MHz speed grade provides enough throughput for 50/60 Hz zero-cross detection routines without excessive EMI. Designers migrating new products should consider PIC16F73 or PIC16F873A Flash-based replacements for field firmware updates and integrated ADC channels.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
Toy controllers, remote-control base stations, novelty devices, and small consumer appliances rely on the PIC16C63-04/SP's small die cost, 7 KB OTP for fixed behavior code, and 28-SPDIP for easy hand-solder assembly. The USART supports IR-protocol blasters and wireless module hookups (e.g., 433 MHz ASK transceivers), while the SSP drives LED drivers and audio DAC chips for sound effects. The 4 MHz instruction rate is sufficient for menu UI and simple animations on LED matrices. Hobbyists and educators favor this part because the PIC16C6X family has the deepest tutorial base in 8-bit microcontroller education.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance and Form-Fit Replacement
The PIC16C63-04/SP remains in active production primarily to support repair and refurbishment of equipment originally designed around PIC16C6X-series MCUs. Field service technicians rely on the exact part for board-level replacement where no firmware redesign is feasible. The Microchip 28-pin PICmicro pin and code compatibility chart confirms that PIC16C63, PIC16C63A, and PIC16F73 share the same 28-SPDIP footprint and a compatible peripheral register map. For new designs, however, Microchip recommends Flash-based successors with in-circuit programmability and longer-term supply stability.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Platforms
Universities, technical schools, and embedded-systems courses have used the PIC16C63-04/SP for decades to teach assembly-language programming and embedded design fundamentals. The 35 single-word instruction set is famously easy to learn, and the 200 ns cycle time at 4 MHz makes timing analysis approachable on a logic analyzer. The 28-SPDIP fits any standard breadboard or development board with 0.1 inch pin pitch. Although OTP memory means each demo program requires a new chip, the low unit cost (around USD 5-9) keeps lab kits affordable. For classroom continuity, instructors typically mix OTP and Flash variants to expose students to both programming workflows.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63-04/SP β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63-04I/SP | PIC16C63-10/SP | PIC16C63-20/SP | PIC16C73-04/SP | PIC16F73-I/SP | PIC16C63A-04/SP | PIC16C63-04/JW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-SPDIP (same) | 28-CDIP windowed (same pinout) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | Flash (4 KB) | OTP EPROM (7 KB) | Windowed UV-erasable EPROM (7 KB) |
| A/D Converter | None | None | None | None | 5-channel 8-bit | 5-channel 8-bit | None | None |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C |
| Field Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash + ICSP) | No (OTP) | Yes (UV erase window) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost, lowest-speed member of the PIC16C63 family (vs PIC16C63-20/SP)
- Compatible with Flash-based successor PIC16F73 for field-upgradeable designs (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
- OTP EPROM provides design-level code protection (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 19 and 28 on the 28-SPDIP package), with a trace length below 5 mm. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor near the VDD rail to handle transient current peaks when peripherals switch. VDD must remain within 4.0 V to 5.5 V for the -04 speed grade at commercial temperature. Reverse-polarity protection (a series Schottky diode or P-FET) is recommended for any field-deployed design, since OTP devices cannot have their firmware patched if brown-out conditions corrupt execution.
The PIC16C63-04/SP does NOT include an analog-to-digital converter; engineers familiar with PIC16F73 or PIC16C73 may incorrectly assume AN0-AN4 are functional. Code that reads ADRESL/ADRESH on this part will read garbage or all zeros. The PORTA pins are digital-only and serve as RA0-RA5. If analog reading is required, add an external ADC such as MCP3001 (SPI) or MCP3002, or migrate to the PIC16F73-I/SP drop-in replacement which integrates a 5-channel 8-bit ADC.
When using the USART in synchronous mode, route the CK clock line away from the RX data line to avoid capacitive crosstalk at higher baud rates. For the SSP module running I2C at 400 kHz, add 4.7 kohm pull-up resistors on SDA and SCL (not internal weak pull-ups, which are too weak for reliable Fast-Mode operation). The MCLR pin should be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor with a 100 nF capacitor to ground for proper power-on reset; do not leave MCLR floating or the part may randomly enter programming mode.
The PIC16C63-04/SP at 4 MHz dissipates approximately 15 mW typical from a 5 V supply, well within the 28-SPDIP package's thermal limits (theta_JA around 70 C/W in still air). Estimated: at maximum ambient of 70 C, junction rise is only 1 C above ambient, so no heatsink is required. For continuous high-temperature operation above 70 C ambient, migrate to the PIC16C63-04I/SP industrial grade which is rated to 85 C.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status for the PIC16C63-04/SP must be verified against the manufacturer product page. The /SP commercial-temperature grade is not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety applications.
