PIC16C63-20/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB OTP MCU 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63-20/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.59 | $3.59 |
| 10 | $3.21 | $32.10 |
| 100 | $2.84 | $284.00 |
| 500 | $2.5 | $1,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.22 | $2,220.00 |
PIC16C63-20/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus, integrating a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces in one package. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C63 belongs to the PIC16C family of EPROM/ROM-based 8-bit MCUs, which sit under the PIC microcontrollers brand umbrella, under the 8-bit microcontroller category, and ultimately under the integrated circuit / semiconductor hierarchy. Microcontrollers are the foundational processing element in embedded systems, where they manage sensors, actuators, communication buses, and user interfaces across industrial, automotive, and consumer products.
Key features of the PIC16C63-20/SO include fully static design (allowing the clock to be stopped without losing internal state), a wide operating voltage range of 2.0V to 6.0V, and low-power figures of approximately 15 uA typical at 5V/4 MHz and 1 uA typical at 3V/32 kHz. The device supports commercial, industrial, and extended temperature grades, and provides 22 digital I/O lines, three timer/counters, a USART, and analog comparator peripherals typical of the mid-range PIC16C6x family.
The architecture combines a Harvard-style RISC CPU with separate program and data buses, an internal oscillator option, and power-saving SLEEP mode. The OTP program memory enables one-time factory or in-circuit programming, making the device well suited to production volumes where mask-ROM tooling costs cannot be justified.
Typical applications include industrial control logic, automotive body and chassis subsystems, appliance controllers, sensor-interface nodes, low-end embedded user interfaces, and legacy equipment retrofits where PIC16C-series code compatibility is required.
When designing with the PIC16C63-20/SO, note that the SOIC-28 wide-body package has higher thermal resistance than the SPDIP windowed variant, so for in-circuit emulation or frequent reprogramming the SPDIP/JW package is preferred. Always confirm Vdd decoupling per the manufacturer datasheet typical-application circuit.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63-20/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 PIC16C63-20/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Package, Peripherals, RAM Size, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63-10/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C62B-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C62A-10/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.52 / Unit
PIC16C621-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-20/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 192 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, mostly single-cycle |
| Peripherals | Timer, USART, Comparator (per PIC16C6x family) |
| Low-Power Typical Current | 15 uA at 5V/4 MHz; 1 uA at 3V/32 kHz |
PIC16C63-20/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / analog channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4 — Digital I/O / analog channel 4 |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Digital I/O / USART TX |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Digital I/O / USART RX |
| Pin 25 | MCLR/Vpp — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 26 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog channel 0 |
| Pin 27 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog channel 1 |
| Pin 28 | Vss — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63-20/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Logic, Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems, Appliance Controllers, Sensor Interface Nodes, Embedded User Interfaces, Legacy Equipment Retrofits, Hobbyist and Educational Projects.
Industrial Control Logic
The PIC16C63-20/SO is well suited for industrial control logic applications where deterministic real-time response and a wide 2.0V to 6.0V supply range matter most. Its 20 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle allow responsive servicing of encoder inputs, limit-switch debouncing, and stepper-motor pulse streams. The 22 I/O pins are individually capable of 25 mA source/sink, so the MCU can directly drive opto-isolators, relays, and indicator LEDs without buffer transistors. The 7 KB OTP program memory holds moderate-size state machines (sequencers, PID loops), while 192 bytes of RAM is enough for stack, scratch, and small lookup tables. Industrial designers also benefit from the device's low-power modes (1 uA typical at 3V/32 kHz) for battery-backed alarm and sensor-interface nodes.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems
In automotive body and chassis subsystems, the PIC16C63-20/SO serves as a cost-down logic controller for non-safety-critical loads such as mirror adjustment, seat-position memory, wiper-interval timing, and HVAC blend-door actuators. Its 20 MHz core, 35-instruction RISC set, and 7 KB of program memory are sufficient for the small finite-state machines used in these modules. The wide 2.0V to 6.0V supply range tolerates the cranking transients and load-dump events typical of 12V automotive rails after pre-regulation. For body-control modules requiring an analog input channel for thermistor or potentiometer feedback, designers often pair the PIC16C63 with the pin-compatible PIC16C66 that integrates an 8-bit A/D converter.
Recommended
Appliance Controllers
Appliance controllers such as washing-machine front panels, dishwasher cycle timers, microwave oven keypads, and refrigerator user interfaces are a strong fit for the PIC16C63-20/SO. The 22 I/O lines drive multiplexed 7-segment displays and keypads directly, while the 20 MHz instruction cycle keeps scan rates above the human-perceptible flicker threshold. The device's low 15 uA typical active current and sub-microamp SLEEP current make it well suited to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances that must minimize standby draw. The OTP program memory is appropriate for production volumes where per-unit programming cost is amortized across many units, and the wide SOIC-28 footprint eases automated pick-and-place assembly.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Nodes
The PIC16C63-20/SO is a strong fit for distributed sensor-interface nodes that aggregate switch, thermistor, or hall-effect inputs and forward data over a serial link. The integrated USART peripheral supports RS-232, RS-485, or LIN-bus physical layers commonly used in industrial and automotive sensor networks. With 192 bytes of RAM and 7 KB of OTP memory, the MCU can hold a small command interpreter, CRC-16 checksumming, and per-channel linearization tables for a handful of analog channels. The device's 2.0V to 6.0V operating range lets designers power it from a single 3.3V LDO or directly from a 4-cell battery stack, reducing BOM cost in remote, battery-powered installations.
Recommended
Embedded User Interfaces
Low-end embedded user interfaces such as HVAC thermostats, irrigation timers, exercise-equipment consoles, and small consumer-electronics front panels are a natural application for the PIC16C63-20/SO. The 22 digital I/O pins support direct connections to 4x4 keypads, multiplexed 7-segment or character LCD modules, status LEDs, and a small number of pushbutton inputs. At 20 MHz the MCU executes UI state machines with sub-millisecond response, eliminating user-visible lag. Designers benefit from the OTP programming model for volume production and from the SOIC-28 footprint for low-cost PCB assembly. The wide 2.0V to 6.0V Vdd range simplifies integration with backlit LCD boosters and piezo-buzzer circuitry.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Retrofits
The PIC16C63-20/SO is frequently specified for legacy equipment retrofits where existing firmware and PCB layouts were designed around the PIC16C6x family and cannot be re-engineered for a new MCU architecture. Its drop-in compatibility with the wider PIC16C62/63/66 family allows field-replacement boards to be built with long-lifecycle, well-characterized silicon rather than risking re-spin costs. Designers benefit from a mature toolchain (MPLAB X, MPASM, Hi-Tech PICC) and decades of accumulated application notes. The OTP memory model means each replacement unit must be pre-programmed with the original firmware image, which is appropriate for low-volume service replacement and equipment refurbishment markets.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Projects
The PIC16C63-20/SO and its PIC16C6x siblings have a long history in undergraduate embedded systems courses and hobbyist projects, because the 35-instruction mid-range core is small enough to learn in a single semester yet capable enough to build non-trivial projects. The 7 KB OTP program memory accommodates complete project firmware including UART drivers, PWM control, and small interpreters. The 28-SOIC package is breadboard-friendly with SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards. The device is supported by the MPLAB X IDE, MPASM assembler, and the open-source SDCC toolchain, giving students a low-cost entry path to embedded programming without requiring expensive debug hardware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63-20/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63-10/SO | PIC16C62B-20I/SO | PIC16C62A-10/SO | PIC16C620-20/SO | PIC16C621-20/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 1 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 192 B | 192 B | 128 B | 128 B | 96 B | 96 B |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 13 | 13 |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
Key Differentiators
- Highest program memory in the PIC16C6x SOIC-28 family (vs PIC16C62B-20I/SO)
- Full 20 MHz clock speed rating (vs PIC16C63-10/SO)
- Maximum I/O count at 22 pins (vs PIC16C620-20/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C63-20/SO requires a single 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic on the same Vdd trace per the manufacturer datasheet typical-application circuit. The wide 2.0V to 6.0V supply range is forgiving but does NOT eliminate the need for decoupling: high-frequency switching of output pins can inject Vdd noise that disrupts ADC readings and internal timer accuracy. Place the 0.1 uF cap with its ground via directly under or adjacent to the chip's Vss pin to minimize parasitic inductance.
OTP program memory is one-time-programmable - there is no UV-erase window on the SOIC package. Once programmed, a programming error cannot be corrected by erasing; the chip must be discarded. For development, use the SPDIP-windowed PIC16C63-04I/SP or PIC16C63/JW variant, which has a quartz erase window. Always read back the device ID and program memory after programming to verify, and lock the configuration bits last so a partially-locked chip can still be re-used during development.
The 28-SOIC wide-body (7.50 mm) footprint uses 1.27 mm pin pitch and is sensitive to solder joint fatigue under thermal cycling or vibration. For high-reliability or automotive applications, use an SOIC-to-SPDIP adapter board to install the part in a through-hole socket, which provides mechanical strain relief. If the wide-body SOIC is mandatory, hand-soldering or reflow with nitrogen atmosphere is recommended to prevent oxidation of the wide lead frame.
Estimated: at 5V supply, 20 MHz clock, all I/O pins unloaded, the PIC16C63-20/SO dissipates approximately 75 mW (15 mA x 5V). With 28-SOIC theta_JA of approximately 85 C/W, junction temperature rise above ambient is about 6.4 C, well within the commercial 0C to +70C rating. Designers do not need a heatsink for normal operation, but should derate clock frequency if Vdd exceeds 5.5V or if all I/O pins source their maximum 25 mA simultaneously.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance for PIC16C63-20/SO was not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data. The part is supplied in lead-free SOIC packaging per modern Microchip packaging standards, but explicit RoHS/REACH certification documents should be requested from Microchip for compliance-critical applications.