PIC16C63A-20/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 7KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63A-20/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.95 | $4.95 |
| 10 | $4.45 | $44.50 |
| 100 | $3.96 | $396.00 |
| 500 | $3.56 | $1,780.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.17 | $3,170.00 |
PIC16C63A-20/SS Overview
A mid-range PIC microcontroller is a class of 8-bit RISC processor that balances code density, peripheral integration, and cost, sitting between baseline PIC10/12/16 devices and the higher-performance PIC18 family. These MCUs use a 14-bit instruction word and Harvard bus topology, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. They are widely adopted in industrial, consumer, and automotive subsystems where compact code, predictable timing, and a small PCB footprint are priorities.
Key features include a wide operating voltage range from 2.5 V to 6.0 V, industrial and commercial temperature grades, low-power operation with 15 µA typical current at 5 V / 4 MHz and as little as 1 µA at 3 V / 32 kHz, plus 35 single-word instructions of which only program branches take two cycles. The PIC16C63A integrates dual analog comparators, a USART, and a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C master/slave modes, enabling direct connectivity to sensors, EEPROMs, displays, and other microcontrollers without external glue logic.
The OTP EPROM-based program memory supports prototype and low-volume production runs where in-system reprogrammability is not required. Power-on reset, brown-out detection, watchdog timer, and a programmable code-protection bit harden the device against field faults and unauthorized firmware access. The fully static design simplifies clocking and allows operation across DC to 20 MHz.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, motor drive front-ends, sensor conditioning interfaces, low-cost consumer appliances, and instrumentation front-ends. Its OTP memory and small SSOP footprint also suit compact embedded modules. The PIC16C63A-20/SS variants pin-to-pin compatibility with the wider 28-pin PIC16C6X family enables straightforward migration to flash-based PIC16F replacements during lifecycle updates.
When designing with this part, ensure the chosen programmer supports OTP devices and that decoupling capacitors are placed within 5 mm of VDD and VSS to suppress switching transients. Note that OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit, so engineering samples should be allocated for code bring-up before committing to production volumes.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63A-20/SS — 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-20/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-20/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXX 8-bit RISC (mid-range) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (SS) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| USART | Yes (1x) |
| SSP (SPI / I2C) | Yes (SPI master/slave, I2C master/slave) |
| Analog Comparators | Yes (2) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Code Protection | Yes (programmable) |
| Timer Modules | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 |
| CCP Modules | Yes (1x Capture/Compare/PWM) |
PIC16C63A-20/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (active-low reset) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / external ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SSP slave select / analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| 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 async transmit / sync clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART async receive / sync data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply |
| 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/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63A-20/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Motor Drive Front-Ends, Sensor Conditioning Interfaces, Low-Cost Consumer Appliances, Instrumentation Front-Ends, Compact Embedded Modules.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC16C63A-20/SS suits industrial control panels because its 7 KB OTP memory holds complete panel logic for relay sequencing, indicator driving, and keypad decoding without external storage. The 22 digital I/O lines map directly to matrix keypads, LED rows, and opto-isolated outputs, while the USART and SSP support isolated RS-485 links and I2C sensor chains. With 200 ns instruction execution and 35 single-word instructions, deterministic scan loops under 5 ms are achievable for HMI refresh.
Recommended
Motor Drive Front-Ends
For motor drive front-ends, the PIC16C63A-20/SS provides 20 MHz throughput to generate PWM patterns, decode Hall-sensor input, and implement closed-loop speed control without external timers. The integrated Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module delivers hardware PWM, freeing CPU cycles for sensor fusion and protection logic. The 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range lets the MCU share the motor rail directly, simplifying BOM.
Recommended
Sensor Conditioning Interfaces
In sensor conditioning interfaces, the PIC16C63A-20/SS leverages its dual analog comparators and 10-bit ADC-friendly I/O to read thermistors, photodiodes, and bridge sensors with on-board excitation control. The SSP block handles I2C communication with external ADCs or digital sensors, while the USART streams processed readings to a host controller. With 192 bytes of RAM and 7 KB of code, the MCU can host linearization, averaging, and fault-detection algorithms.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliances
The PIC16C63A-20/SS fits cost-sensitive consumer appliances such as coffee makers, washing-machine sub-modules, and small kitchen devices where BOM is the dominant constraint. Its OTP memory prevents firmware theft at high production volumes, while 22 I/O lines drive segment displays, button matrices, and triac-fired loads. Low-power sleep currents of 1 µA typical at 3 V / 32 kHz keep standby energy within energy-star limits.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-Ends
For instrumentation front-ends, the PIC16C63A-20/SS combines the USART and SSP to drive LCD character displays, rotary encoders, and serial-port diagnostics in bench-top meters and data loggers. The 200 ns instruction execution enables real-time FIR filtering of up to 8 samples per cycle, while 7 KB of code fits menu systems, calibration tables, and Modbus-style protocols. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against field glitches.
Recommended
Compact Embedded Modules
The PIC16C63A-20/SS serves compact embedded modules such as wireless sensor nodes, RFID reader heads, and serial-bridge adapters where the 28-pin SSOP footprint keeps the PCB under 25 mm x 25 mm. Its 20 MHz throughput handles protocol parsing (Modbus, custom binary), while the SSP master mode talks to SPI peripherals like EEPROMS, RTCs, and accelerometers. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against voltage dips on long cable runs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63A-20/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/SS | PIC16C63A-20I/SS | PIC16C63A/JW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-28 | SSOP-28 - same | SSOP-28 - same | CDIP-28 (windowed) - different |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB EPROM (UV-erasable) |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Operating Voltage | 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 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Industrial | Industrial | Commercial (windowed ceramic) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | Windowed EPROM (UV-erasable) |
Key Differentiators
- Same-die industrial temp grade option (vs PIC16C63A-20I/SS)
- Lower-speed industrial variant for power-sensitive designs (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SS)
- Windowed EPROM for development (vs PIC16C63A/JW)
Design Notes
OTP EPROM cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit. Allocate engineering samples (such as PIC16C63A/JW windowed ceramic or PIC16F73-I/SO flash parts) for firmware bring-up before committing to PIC16C63A-20/SS OTP production units. Reprogramming a programmed OTP device is impossible, so any firmware bug at the production stage requires full board scrap. Always verify configuration bits in the development sample first.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the main supply rail. The PIC16C63A-20/SS draws 15 mA typical at 5 V / 20 MHz, so trace widths should handle 50 mA peak with a 0.5 V or less drop. Brown-out reset is enabled by configuration bit and should be left on to avoid undefined execution on slow-rising supplies.
Keep the SSOP-28 PCB footprint tight: 0.65 mm pitch, 5.30 mm body width, and exposed pad routed to the ground plane for thermal relief. Place the crystal within 10 mm of OSC1/OSC2 pins with short, symmetrical traces to minimize stray capacitance. For high-noise environments, add a 4.7 kohm pull-up on MCLR and a guard ring around the analog comparator pins (RA0-RA3).
The USART pins (RC6/RC7) and SSP pins (RC3/RC4/RC5) drive high-frequency edges when running at 20 MHz; route them away from analog comparator inputs to reduce crosstalk. If I2C lines exceed 100 kHz, add 4.7 kohm pull-ups and keep total capacitance below 200 pF for reliable communication. Long oscillator traces or missing ground flooding may force the ICSP programming interface to fail at room temperature.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not specified in verified distributor data; PIC16C OTP parts are typically not AEC-Q100 qualified - confirm with Microchip material declaration for RoHS/REACH status before production
