PIC16C63-04I/SP - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 7KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63-04I/SP ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.41 | $6.41 |
| 10 | $5.95 | $59.50 |
| 100 | $5.2 | $520.00 |
| 500 | $4.65 | $2,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC16C63-04I/SP Overview
What is a PIC16C OTP microcontroller? A PIC16C-series microcontroller is an 8-bit CMOS RISC MCU from Microchip Technology that uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) EPROM for program storage. The PIC16C63 belongs to the mid-range PIC family, which sits within the broader hierarchy: 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC micro -> PIC16C mid-range -> RISC CPU. The architecture offers 35 single-word instructions with single-cycle execution (200 ns at 20 MHz) except for program branches, which are two-cycle. It is purpose-built for embedded control where deterministic instruction timing and low component cost matter more than on-chip flash reprogrammability.
Key features of the PIC16C63-04I/SP include 22 digital I/O pins, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), a 16-bit timer/counter (TMR1), an 8-bit PWM module, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator, Power-on Reset (POR), Brown-out Reset (BOR), and an analog comparator. The 4 MHz maximum clock speed is set by the "-04" speed suffix, distinguishing it from the -10 (10 MHz) and -20 (20 MHz) variants. The part is designed for 4V to 6V supply operation with low power consumption.
Typical applications include industrial control, appliance control, automotive body electronics, sensor interfacing, low-end remote controls, and educational development boards. The 22 I/O pins and built-in PWM make it suitable for motor drive, lighting control, and simple closed-loop analog systems. The OTP memory is appropriate for high-volume production where firmware is fixed and reprogrammability is not required.
When designing with this device, ensure your firmware is fully verified before programming because OTP parts cannot be erased and reprogrammed. Use the JW (windowed) ceramic package for prototype development, then move to the SPDIP or SOIC OTP version for production.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63-04I/SP — 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 PIC16C63-04I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63-10I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-04/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63-04E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63-04I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 4 V to 6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300", 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit) |
| PWM Modules | 1 x 8-bit |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Analog Comparator | Yes |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 20 MHz (1 cycle, 2 for branch) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead, non-RoHS SPDIP package) |
PIC16C63-04I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (external crystal/clock) |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (external crystal) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (4V to 6V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63-04I/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control, Appliance Control, Sensor Interfacing and Data Acquisition, Remote Control Transmitters, Automotive Body Electronics, Educational Development Boards, Lighting Control.
Industrial Control
The PIC16C63-04I/SP fits industrial control applications because its 4 MHz RISC CPU delivers 1 microsecond deterministic instruction cycles, ideal for time-critical PLC scan loops. The 22 I/O pins can directly drive opto-isolated inputs and triac outputs, while the on-chip PWM module (8-bit resolution) controls valve actuators and motor speed. The industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) covers factory floor conditions. Brown-out Reset and Power-on Reset provide reliable cold-start behavior in 24V industrial bus systems, and the Watchdog Timer guards against firmware lockups in unattended installations.
Recommended
Appliance Control
The PIC16C63-04I/SP suits appliance control (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) because its 22 I/O and built-in PWM handle relay driving, sensor reading, and user interface scanning in a single chip. The 7 KB OTP memory is sufficient for fixed appliance firmware, and OTP is more cost-effective than flash for high-volume production runs above 10k units. The Watchdog Timer recovers from EMI-induced lockups common in motor-driven appliances, and Brown-out Reset prevents corruption during power-line glitches. Industrial temperature range supports garage or basement installations.
Recommended
Sensor Interfacing and Data Acquisition
The PIC16C63-04I/SP is well-matched to sensor interfacing because its 22 I/O can connect to thermocouples, RTDs, and digital sensors in parallel, while the on-chip analog comparator performs threshold detection without an external op-amp. The 192-byte RAM buffers small data packets before serial transmission. For sensor hubs that require deterministic sampling at fixed intervals, the 4 MHz CPU gives precise 1 microsecond instruction timing. Industrial temperature range supports outdoor sensor enclosures, and the Watchdog Timer auto-recovers from sensor-line EMI-induced firmware lockups in field installations.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16C63-04I/SP fits low-end remote control transmitters because its 22 I/O accommodate matrix keypads and multiple push-buttons, and the 4 MHz CPU decodes keypresses with sub-millisecond latency. The 7 KB OTP memory is enough to store complex IR/RF protocol encodings (RC5, NEC, proprietary formats). Brown-out Reset prevents false transmissions during battery low-voltage conditions. The industrial temperature range supports outdoor key fobs and garage door openers, and the low component count (single-chip solution) keeps BOM cost low for consumer-grade products.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C63-04I/SP suits automotive body electronics (interior lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjusters) because its 22 I/O drive LED arrays and small DC motors directly through FETs. The 4 MHz CPU runs LIN-style soft-protocol stacks with deterministic timing. The industrial temperature range covers cabin environments (-40C to +85C), and the on-chip Brown-out Reset handles automotive cranking transients. The 7 KB OTP memory prevents end-user firmware tampering, which is an automotive IP-protection advantage. The 28-SPDIP package is through-hole for service-friendly field repairs.
Recommended
Educational Development Boards
The PIC16C63-04I/SP is an excellent choice for educational microcontroller courses because the PIC16C instruction set has only 35 instructions, making assembly language teaching tractable for undergraduates. The 4 MHz speed allows students to follow execution with a logic analyzer. The 22 I/O pins map cleanly to breadboard-friendly DIP footprints, and the on-chip PWM/Comparator peripherals let students implement real lab projects (motor speed control, light sensing) without external ICs. OTP teaches the cost-versus-flexibility trade-off of production microcontrollers versus flash-based development parts.
Recommended
Lighting Control
The PIC16C63-04I/SP fits lighting control applications (dimmable LED drivers, decorative lighting) because its 8-bit PWM module generates smooth dimming waveforms directly, and the 22 I/O can drive multiple LED channels or triac-fired incandescent loads. The 4 MHz CPU executes color-mixing algorithms for RGB lighting in real time, while the 192-byte RAM stores current brightness states. Brown-out Reset prevents flicker on cold-start, and the Watchdog Timer recovers from line-voltage transients. The industrial temperature range supports outdoor lighting enclosures and commercial fixture installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63-04I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/SP | PIC16C63-10I/SP | PIC16C63-20I/SP | PIC16C63-04/SP | PIC16C63-04E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300") | 28-SPDIP (0.300") - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300") - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300") - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300") - same | 28-SPDIP (0.300") - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Number of I/O | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Supply Voltage | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V | 4 V to 6 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature range with standard 4 MHz CPU (vs PIC16C63-04/SP)
- Errata-fixed silicon with identical pinout (vs PIC16C63-04I/SP (self vs newer A revision))
- Pin-compatible 20 MHz speed upgrade available (vs PIC16C63-20I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16C63-04I/SP uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM, so firmware cannot be erased or rewritten after programming. Engineers must fully verify firmware on a windowed ceramic variant (PIC16C63-04I/JW) or on a flash-based PIC16F6x development board before committing to OTP production programming. Once programmed, an OTP device with a bug must be physically discarded, which is a critical cost-of-goods risk in high-volume production.
The PIC16C63-04I/SP requires a stable 4V to 6V supply. Decouple VDD (pin 20) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed as close to the IC as possible, with a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The on-chip Brown-out Reset (BOR) trips at approximately 4V to prevent code execution at marginal voltages, but the BOR must be enabled in the configuration word during programming. Power-on Reset (POR) is automatic and requires no external RC components.
Place the external crystal (or ceramic resonator) within 1 cm of pins 9 (OSC1) and 10 (OSC2). Keep the crystal traces short and shielded with a ground pour to avoid injecting noise into the oscillator. For 4 MHz operation, the standard configuration uses a 4 MHz crystal with two 22 pF load capacitors to VSS. The MCLR pin (pin 1) should be pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor to allow in-circuit serial programming (ICSP).
Estimated: at 5V supply, 4 MHz clock, all 22 I/O driving CMOS loads, the PIC16C63-04I/SP dissipates approximately 25 mW (5V x 5 mA). Junction temperature rise above ambient is 1.5C using a theta_JA of 60 C/W for the 28-SPDIP package. Thermal management is not a concern for typical applications, but engineers using the part in sealed enclosures above 60C should still verify that the -40C to +85C industrial temperature window is not exceeded.
Compliance Information
The 28-SPDIP package uses tin-lead (SnPb) plating and is not RoHS compliant. For RoHS-compliant designs, choose the PIC16C63-04I/SO (SOIC-28 wide) or PIC16C63-04I/SS (SSOP-28) variants. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is not available; the industrial -40C to +85C range is suitable for cabin automotive body electronics but not under-hood.
