PIC16C63A-04I/SP - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 7KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63A-04I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.93 | $8.93 |
| 10 | $8.04 | $80.40 |
| 100 | $7.14 | $714.00 |
| 500 | $6.25 | $3,125.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.36 | $5,360.00 |
PIC16C63A-04I/SP Overview
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63A-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 PIC16C63A-04I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-10I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876A-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-04I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16CXX mid-range RISC |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP EPROM |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module |
| Communication | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI/I²C) |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Supply Current (5 V, 4 MHz) | 15 µA typical |
| Supply Current (3 V, 32 kHz) | 1 µA typical |
| Programming Method | OTP (one-time programmable) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C63A-04I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| 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
PIC16C63A-04I/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Appliance User Interface Panels, Automotive Body Electronics, Legacy Instrumentation and Measurement, Remote Control and IR Communication, Security and Access Control Panels.
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP fits low-cost industrial motor control applications including small DC motor drivers, stepper sequencers, and fan controllers. The integrated 8-bit ADC with 5 channels can read current-sense amplifiers and tachometer feedback directly, while the single CCP module delivers PWM at up to 10-bit resolution for smooth speed control. With 15 µA active current at 5 V, the part contributes minimally to driver-stage quiescent loss. Engineers typically pair it with gate drivers such as the IR2104 for full H-bridge control. Its OTP memory is acceptable for fixed-speed profiles where firmware is locked at production, and the 2.0 V to 6.0 V operating range supports both 3.3 V logic and 5 V motor rails.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP's 1 µA typical sleep current at 3 V makes it well suited to battery-powered wireless sensor nodes where the MCU spends most of its life in sleep and wakes periodically to sample sensors and transmit data. The 2.0 V to 6.0 V operating range allows direct connection to two AA alkaline cells or a single Li-coin cell. The integrated SPI port supports modern low-power radios such as the nRF24L01+, while the 5-channel ADC can read temperature, humidity, or strain-gauge sensors directly. The 7 KB OTP program memory fits typical sensor-fusion firmware for environmental monitoring, and the USART supports RS-485 wired backhaul when wireless is not appropriate.
Recommended
Appliance User Interface Panels
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP serves as a cost-effective controller for washing machines, microwave ovens, and HVAC control panels where the 22 I/O pins are sufficient to drive 7-segment LED displays, button matrices, and rotary encoders simultaneously. The CCP/PWM module can directly control buzzer tones and LED backlight brightness. With industrial temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C and ESD tolerance typical of CMOS EPROM parts, the device handles the harsh electrical environment of white goods. The OTP memory prevents accidental firmware corruption by line-voltage transients, a critical advantage in cost-sensitive appliance designs where field returns are expensive.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP is used in automotive body-electronics modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting timers where the wide 2.0 V to 6.0 V supply range tolerates 12 V battery transients after external regulation. The PIC16C63A's EPROM-based silicon offers proven tolerance to under-hood temperature and EMI extremes that flash parts sometimes struggle with. The 5-channel ADC monitors wiper-position potentiometers and ambient-light sensors, while the USART links to other body modules via LIN bus (with external transceiver). Production volumes are high and code is fully mature, making OTP memory an asset rather than a limitation. AEC-Q100 qualification should be verified for the specific lot.
Recommended
Legacy Instrumentation and Measurement
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP remains specified in legacy laboratory instruments, panel meters, and process-control transmitters where installed-base reliability is paramount and the OTP-programmed firmware has been validated over decades of field use. The 10-bit-equivalent ADC resolution (8-bit native) is sufficient for 4-20 mA loop readouts and thermistor linearization. The USART provides RS-232 or RS-485 communication to host PCs or PLCs. Designers retain the PIC16C63A rather than redesign around flash parts because long-term firmware stability is more important than field-update convenience for these mature products.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Communication
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP serves as the host MCU in universal remote controls and IR-transceiver modules, leveraging its low 1 µA sleep current to deliver multi-year battery life from a single coin cell. The CCP module generates accurate 38 kHz carrier modulation for IR LEDs, while the external interrupt pins decode incoming RC5 or NEC protocol streams directly. The 22 I/O lines support large keypads, LCD interfaces, and rotary encoders typical of universal remote designs. The OTP memory locks in the code table at production, preventing accidental over-the-air firmware corruption during programming errors.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP is well suited to security-system keypad panels and access-control readers that need a rugged, low-power MCU with deterministic response time. The 35-instruction RISC core executes every instruction in one cycle (except branches), giving predictable scan-loop timing for keypad debounce and tamper-switch monitoring. The USART links the panel to a central controller via RS-485 multi-drop, while the I²C SSP port reads timekeeping from a DS1307 RTC and non-volatile parameter storage from an external EEPROM. OTP programming prevents code injection attacks that target field-updatable flash bootloaders, an advantage for security-certified installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63A-04I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/SO | PIC16C63A-10I/SP | PIC16C63A-20I/SP | PIC16F73-I/SP | PIC16F876A-I/SP | PIC16C63-04I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SPDIP-28 (SP) | SOIC-28 (SO) - different package | SPDIP-28 (SP) - same | SPDIP-28 (SP) - same | SPDIP-28 (SP) - same | SPDIP-28 (SP) - same | SPDIP-28 (SP) - same |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes | 192 bytes |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP (legacy) |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0 V to 6.0 V supply range supports both 3.3 V and 5 V rails (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
- Lower quiescent current for battery applications (vs PIC16F876A-I/SP)
- Established long-term availability for industrial designs (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP operates across 2.0 V to 6.0 V, but the brown-out reset (BOR) trip point is not enabled by default. For designs connected to 5 V rails that may brown out during power-down, configure BOR via the configuration word to a threshold compatible with your system voltage (typically 4.0 V). Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor at the regulator output to suppress voltage transients. The MCLR pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for normal operation; tie directly to VDD only if external reset is unnecessary.
Because the PIC16C63A-04I/SP is OTP (one-time programmable), any firmware bug that reaches production becomes permanent. Mitigate this by (1) extensively validating firmware on a flash-based sibling such as PIC16F73-I/SP, then porting the final image to PIC16C63A for production programming, (2) implementing a thorough verification test at the OTP programmer station including ID check, blank check, and vector test, and (3) considering the PIC16C63A-04I/SS SOIC-28 variant for the same die in a smaller footprint. Estimated unit reprogramming recovery is impossible - discard any incorrectly programmed parts.
When laying out a 28-SPDIP PCB for the PIC16C63A-04I/SP, keep the analog-input traces (RA0-RA5) short and away from the OSC1/OSC2 clock traces to minimize ADC coupling noise. Use a ground guard ring around the AVSS/AGND reference if the design separates analog and digital grounds, but for the PIC16C63A the analog and digital grounds share VSS (pin 8 and pin 19). Place the decoupling capacitor on pin 20 within 5 mm trace length. The MCLR pull-up network (10 kΩ + 100 nF cap for debounce) should also be located close to pin 1 to avoid false resets from injected noise.
The PIC16C63A-04I/SP's USART and SSP peripherals share pins with PORTC, so careful assignment of RC6/TX and RC7/RX is critical to avoid contention with general-purpose I/O. For RS-485 bus applications, the USART must be configured for 9-bit mode with address-detect to support multi-drop protocols; for I²C, the SSP module requires 4.7 kΩ pull-ups on SCL (RC3) and SDA (RC4) when VDD is 5 V, or 10 kΩ at 3.3 V. Estimated maximum SPI clock at 4 MHz Fosc is 1 MHz master-mode, sufficient for most sensor and EEPROM interfaces.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications consult Microchip's PIC16F and dsPIC automotive-grade portfolios.
