PIC16C63-04E/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 7KB, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63-04E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.86 | $10.86 |
| 10 | $9.8 | $98.00 |
| 100 | $8.65 | $865.00 |
| 500 | $7.5 | $3,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.8 | $6,800.00 |
PIC16C63-04E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and configurable peripheral interfaces such as timers, capture/compare/PWM modules, serial ports, and parallel I/O. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C63 belongs to the 8-bit microcontrollers category, which sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in compute density but offers the lowest cost and simplest toolchain for embedded control. Its role in a system is to read sensor or user inputs, run deterministic firmware, and drive outputs such as relays, displays, indicators, or communication links.
Key features of the PIC16C63-04E/SO include 192 bytes of data RAM, 128 bytes of EEPROM, three timers, a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, a USART for asynchronous and synchronous serial communication, an SPI/I2C synchronous serial port, and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module. The wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range simplifies integration into 3.3 V, 5 V, and battery-backed designs, while typical run current of 15 µA at 5 V, 4 MHz, and 1 µA at 3 V, 32 kHz makes the part well suited to power-constrained applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16C63 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses, single-cycle instruction execution for most opcodes, and a 14-bit instruction word optimized for compact code density. The OTP (one-time programmable) program memory uses windowed EPROM technology, which makes this part particularly suitable for mature production runs where firmware is finalized.
Typical applications include industrial control logic, automotive body and chassis subsystems, consumer appliance controllers, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, and embedded communication bridges. When designing with this part, place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and consider migrating to a Flash-based PIC16F equivalent for new designs, since OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit. The PIC16C63-04E/SO is being phased out in favor of Flash devices in the same 28-pin SOIC footprint.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and migration decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63-04E/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 PIC16C63-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Package Type, Program Memory Type, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.57 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.27 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-04E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16C6X) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Number of Timers | 3 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Serial Interfaces | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| CCP Modules | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended) |
| Package Type | 28-pin SOIC (SO), 7.50 mm body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Typical Run Current (5 V, 4 MHz) | 15 µA |
| Typical Idle Current (3 V, 32 kHz) | 1 µA |
PIC16C63-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / ADC input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / ADC input 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / ADC input 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SSP clock (SPI or I2C) |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SSP data in (SPI) / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SSP data out (SPI) |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63-04E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Logic, Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems, Consumer Appliance Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends, Embedded Communication Bridges, User Interface Controllers.
Industrial Control Logic
The PIC16C63-04E/SO is well suited to industrial control logic requiring deterministic firmware execution, robust temperature tolerance, and a mature 8-bit RISC core. With 7 KB of OTP program memory, 192 bytes of RAM, and 22 digital I/O pins, the device can scan input sensors, debounce mechanical switches, drive relays or optocouplers, and execute simple PID control loops without an RTOS. Its 15 µA typical run current at 5 V / 4 MHz and 1 µA sleep current at 3 V / 32 kHz make it practical for always-on machine controllers. Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD and route MCLR through a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for reliable reset behavior. Designers should evaluate the Flash-based PIC16F873A-I/SO for new platforms to retain in-system firmware updates.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems
The PIC16C63-04E/SO's extended temperature range of -40 °C to +125 °C and proven OTP architecture have made it a long-standing choice for automotive body and chassis modules such as HVAC blend-door controllers, seat-position memory, lighting timers, and accessory multiplexers. The 22 I/O pins drive low-side switches and read switch matrixes, while the USART synchronizes with master BCMs over LIN or proprietary protocols. The wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply tolerance handles crank-dip and load-dump transients when paired with a TVS clamp. Since the PIC16C OTP family is now NRND, automotive teams targeting PPAP and long-term service should migrate to AEC-Q100-qualified Flash replacements while maintaining the 28-SOIC footprint for PCB reuse.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
White-goods and small kitchen appliances benefit from the PIC16C63-04E/SO's low BOM cost, compact 28-SOIC footprint, and simple RISC toolchain. The MCU's 8-bit ADC reads temperature sensors and user potentiometers, the CCP module drives PWM outputs for motor speed or heater elements, and the SSP port interfaces with EEPROM or LED-driver peripherals. The 7 KB OTP memory comfortably fits appliance state machines, wash-cycle profiles, or rice-cooker timing logic. Typical current draw of 15 µA at 5 V / 4 MHz keeps standby power below one watt even for always-connected smart appliances. Engineers designing connected appliances should retain the 28-SOIC footprint so that a Flash-based PIC16F873A-I/SO can be substituted in Wi-Fi/BLE-enabled variants.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends
In distributed sensor networks, the PIC16C63-04E/SO can act as a local signal-conditioning and protocol-conversion front-end between analog sensors and a master controller. The 8-bit ADC with 5 input channels digitizes thermistor, photocell, or potentiometer signals, while the on-chip USART provides asynchronous serial telemetry at standard baud rates. With 192 bytes of RAM and 128 bytes of EEPROM, the MCU can store calibration constants and run linearization routines without external memory. The 4 MHz oscillator supports deterministic sampling intervals, and the wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply simplifies powering from 3.3 V or 5 V transducer rails. Migrating to PIC16F873A-I/SO enables field firmware updates when sensor calibration logic must be revised.
Recommended
Embedded Communication Bridges
The PIC16C63-04E/SO functions as a low-cost protocol bridge between heterogeneous buses — for example, translating SPI sensor traffic to UART for a host processor, or interfacing legacy I2C peripherals to a controller lacking those pins. The integrated USART plus SSP (SPI/I2C) ports handle both protocols in firmware with DMA-style interrupt-driven service routines. The 35-instruction RISC core simplifies hand-coded assembly bridges where deterministic latency is required. With 22 I/O lines, multiple bridge instances can be chained or share an interrupt bus. The 28-SOIC package is straightforward to hand-solder during prototyping and supports IR reflow in production. For high-volume bridges, the pin-compatible PIC16F873A-I/SO offers Flash memory for remote firmware updates.
Recommended
User Interface Controllers
The PIC16C63-04E/SO is a cost-effective controller for human-machine interface panels with keypads, LEDs, character LCDs, or buzzer feedback. The 22 I/O pins scan 4x4 matrix keypads, drive multiplexed 7-segment displays, and toggle status LEDs without external logic. The CCP module generates tones for piezoelectric buzzers, and the SSP port can drive SPI LCDs or character displays with a shift-register expander. With 7 KB of OTP memory, the MCU holds menu structures and lookup tables for multi-language UI strings. Operating from 2.5 V to 6.0 V, the device runs from USB, battery, or regulated 5 V supplies alike. Use the Flash-based PIC16F873A-I/SO for UI variants that need late-stage label or language updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63-04/SO | PIC16C63T-04/SO | PIC16C63-04I/SO | PIC16F873A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM, 7 KB (4K x 14) | OTP EPROM, 7 KB | OTP EPROM, 7 KB | OTP EPROM, 7 KB | Flash, 7 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RAM / EEPROM | 192 B / 128 B | 192 B / 128 B | 192 B / 128 B | 192 B / 128 B | 192 B / 128 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| In-System Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash, ICSP) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +125 °C) for harsh-environment deployments (vs PIC16C63-04I/SO)
- Wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range covering 3.3 V and 5 V rails (vs PIC16F873A-I/SO)
- OT EPROM process technology for mature high-volume production runs (vs PIC16F873A-I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk capacitor of at least 10 µF on the same supply node. The PIC16C63-04E/SO draws a typical 15 µA at 5 V / 4 MHz; however, brief current spikes of several milliamps occur during EPROM programming and ADC conversions. According to Microchip datasheet DS30261E, the VDD rise time should be faster than 50 ms to ensure proper Power-On Reset behavior. For battery-powered designs, leverage the 1 µA sleep current at 3 V / 32 kHz to extend battery life.
Route the MCLR pin (pin 1) with a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground to provide a clean reset signal and filter noise. Place the crystal or resonator within 10 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins (pins 9 and 10) and keep clock traces short and away from high-current switching nodes. The 28-SOIC package has a thermal pad lead on the bottom of some variants; for the standard 28-SOIC used here, no thermal pad is present, so no additional copper pour is required. Maintain a ground plane under the MCU and stitch vias around the perimeter for EMI suppression.
The PIC16C63-04E/SO uses OTP (one-time programmable) EPROM, not Flash. Once programmed, the device cannot be re-programmed in-circuit — any firmware bug requires replacing the MCU. Engineers developing new firmware should prototype with a pin-compatible Flash device such as the PIC16F873A-I/SO and migrate to OTP only after firmware is frozen. Additionally, the -04E part is qualified for extended temperature (-40 °C to +125 °C), but using a commercial -04 variant in an automotive environment will violate the temperature specification. Always verify the temperature grade suffix (E = extended, I = industrial, no suffix = commercial) against the deployment environment before ordering.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not explicitly stated in the provided Verified Web Data. Microchip's PIC16C OTP family historically used a windowed ceramic and PDIP/SOIC plastic package — many PIC16C parts ship in lead-free, RoHS-compliant SOIC, but the -04E grade was originally offered in both leaded and lead-free variants. AEC-Q100 qualification is not specified; the -04E temperature grade is industrial/automotive environmental only. Confirm compliance with Microchip's product environmental compliance page before placing volume orders.
