PIC16C63A-04/SP - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 7KB Flash 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63A-04/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.95 | $8.95 |
| 10 | $8.06 | $80.60 |
| 100 | $7.16 | $716.00 |
| 500 | $6.27 | $3,135.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.81 | $5,810.00 |
PIC16C63A-04/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that executes application firmware stored in non-volatile memory and interfaces with the outside world through digital and analog peripherals. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16C63A belongs to the hierarchy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> mid-range MCU -> embedded controller. PIC microcontrollers were among the first commercial RISC MCUs and remain popular for cost-optimised applications thanks to OTP and EPROM variants that ship without factory firmware, allowing the end customer to program code once.
Key features of the PIC16C63A-04/SP include 22 digital I/O pins, integrated capture/compare/PWM (CCP) peripherals, a USART serial port for asynchronous and synchronous communications, an SSP module supporting SPI and I2C, and two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer. The device draws only a few milliamps in active mode and offers a power-saving Sleep mode that freezes the CPU clock while allowing interrupts to wake the part.
The architecture uses a Harvard bus with separate program and data paths, allowing instruction fetch and operand read to occur in the same cycle. The OTP program memory is implemented in EPROM cells that are erased by exposing the die (windowed packages) or one-time-programmed in windowless plastic packages like this SPDIP. The instruction set is fixed at 35 opcodes, each 14 bits wide, which keeps the assembler surface small for hand-coded firmware.
Typical applications for the PIC16C63A-04/SP include industrial control boards, motor drive signal conditioning, automotive body electronics, low-end consumer appliances, sensor interfaces with USART or SPI reporting, and educational development platforms where the OTP part allows students to program and discard many devices cheaply. The wide 4.0V to 5.5V supply range also supports legacy 5V logic rails common in factory automation.
When designing with this device, ensure your programmer supports OTP parts (the MPLAB PM3 and ICD programmers support the PIC16C63A family) and that the ICSP interface is routed to a header for in-circuit programming. Note that OTP parts can only be programmed once, so for development prefer the PIC16F63 flash equivalent. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and design guidance not present in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63A-04/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 PIC16C63A-04/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Program Memory Type, Timers, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-20/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-10/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-04/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$5.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-04/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16CXX mid-range |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Modules | 1 |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial, -04 suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16C63A-04/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming high voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 (open-drain) / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/PGM — Port B bit 3 / LVP programming entry |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 (PWM/capture/compare) |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63A-04/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, Low-End Consumer Appliances, Sensor Interface and Data Reporting, Educational Development Platforms, Legacy 5V Logic Interface Boards.
Industrial Control Boards
The PIC16C63A-04/SP is well suited to industrial control boards that operate from a regulated 5 V rail and require deterministic response to sensor and actuator events. Its 4 MHz fmax with 200 ns cycle gives 5 MIPS of deterministic throughput, enough for PID loops at sub-millisecond rates. The integrated CCP module generates PWM for motor or solenoid drive, and the 22 I/O pins connect directly to 5 V logic gates without level shifters. The 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply aligns with the 5 V standard that dominates factory automation. Unlike flash MCUs, the OTP memory makes the part a one-time programmable choice that is ideal for sealed, vibration-prone enclosures where firmware updates are not expected after deployment.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
In automotive body electronics - lighting controllers, mirror actuators, simple sensor nodes - the PIC16C63A-04/SP provides the 5 V operation, 22 I/O, and USART needed for LIN-style or proprietary serial links to a body controller. Its 192-byte RAM holds frame buffers and small state machines, while the 7 KB OTP holds the body-control firmware. Commercial-grade 0 C to +70 C parts can be used in cabin-mounted modules; for under-hood or wheel-well locations, the PIC16C63A-04I/SP industrial variant (-40 C to +85 C) is required. The CCP module generates PWM for LED dimming and motor speed, and the SSP handles SPI peripherals such as LED drivers or EEPROM memory.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Appliances
Small home appliances (coffee makers, fans, simple washing-machine controllers) benefit from the PIC16C63A-04/SP's cost-optimised OTP memory, 22 I/O for keypad/display/sensor interfaces, and USART for diagnostic ports. The 7 KB OTP holds full appliance state machines including PWM for motor control, debouncing routines, and timing logic. At 4 MHz the device delivers 1 MIPS, sufficient for the slow loops typical of consumer appliances. Compared with modern flash MCUs, the OTP one-time programmable nature reduces per-unit cost, an important factor in commodity appliances shipped by the million.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Data Reporting
The PIC16C63A-04/SP is a strong fit for sensor interface nodes that read analog or digital sensors and report values over UART or SPI to a host processor. Its 22 I/O pins accept switches, encoders, and digital sensors, while the SSP provides SPI master capability for high-speed sensor peripherals. The CCP module supports input capture for frequency measurement, useful for flow meters and tachometers. Power-saving Sleep mode lets battery-powered nodes sleep until a sensor interrupt wakes the part, then return to sleep after transmitting. The 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply runs directly from a regulated lithium or USB rail.
Recommended
Educational Development Platforms
Universities and hobbyists use the PIC16C63A-04/SP as an introduction to mid-range 8-bit microcontrollers because the 35-instruction set is small enough to teach assembly in a single semester. The 7 KB OTP forces careful code budgeting, a valuable pedagogical constraint. The 28-SPDIP package drops into standard 28-pin sockets on training kits, and the ICSP interface (RB6/RB7 + MCLR) allows the MPLAB PM3 programmer or a low-cost ICSP cable to program devices in-circuit. Compared to modern flash MCUs, OTP encourages the practice of writing a complete, verified firmware image before programming each part.
Recommended
Legacy 5V Logic Interface Boards
Many factory automation, instrumentation, and test systems still use 5 V TTL/CMOS logic rails. The PIC16C63A-04/SP directly interfaces to these 5 V signals without level shifters, and its 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply matches common 5 V regulators. The 22 I/O pins drive LED indicators, read DIP switches, and handshake with 5 V peripheral chips. USART provides RS-232-style serial ports via a MAX232 transceiver, while the SSP bus talks to 5 V SPI peripherals such as ADC chips or shift registers. In long-lifecycle test equipment where firmware is sealed at production, the OTP memory of the PIC16C63A is an asset rather than a limitation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63A-04/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/SP | PIC16C63A-20/SP | PIC16C63A-20I/SP | PIC16F73-I/SP | PIC16C63-04/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | Flash (5 KB) | OTP (7 KB) |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (flash, ~1000 cycles) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest cost OTP variant in the PIC16C63A 28-SPDIP family (vs PIC16C63A-20/SP)
- Commercial temperature grade for cost-optimised consumer products (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SP)
- Drop-in pin compatible with the flash PIC16F73-I/SP (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16C63A-04/SP draws approximately 2 mA to 5 mA in active mode at 4 MHz and 5 V, falling below 1 uA in Sleep. Estimated: at fOSC = 4 MHz and VDD = 5.5 V, the active current is dominated by digital I/O toggling; place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 11) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum at the regulator output. VSS pins 10 and 28 should both be connected to ground for low-inductance return. The internal brown-out reset is recommended for industrial environments; enable BOR in the configuration word for systems with slowly rising or unstable supplies.
Do not assume a 3.3 V supply is acceptable: the -04 standard variant requires 4.0 V minimum. Programming once and shipping to a 3.3 V system will result in a non-functional board; use the PIC16LF63A-04 variant instead. Another common pitfall is treating OTP as if it were flash: the firmware must be 100% verified before programming each part, since OTP parts cannot be erased or rewritten. Finally, the MCLR pin (pin 1) must not be left floating; tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor to prevent spurious resets.
Route the ICSP signals (RB6/PGC pin 18 and RB7/PGD pin 19) to a 5-pin header so that production programmers can update firmware without removing the part. Keep the crystal or resonator leads short and place the loading capacitors (typically 15 pF to 33 pF) within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 9) and OSC2 (pin 8). For analog accuracy, route AVSS and AVDD separately (if applicable) and keep digital traces away from the analog pins RA0 through RA5. The 28-SPDIP package gives plenty of room for hand-routing on 2-layer boards, but use a ground pour on the bottom layer for noise immunity.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status were not present in the verified web data for PIC16C63A-04/SP; AEC-Q100 is not applicable because Microchip does not list this part in their automotive-qualified portfolio. The /SP package is a plastic SPDIP through-hole form factor produced in commercial temperature grade.