PIC16C63A-20I/ML - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB OTP MCU 28-VQFN | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63A-20I/ML β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.45 | $7.45 |
| 10 | $6.71 | $67.10 |
| 100 | $5.96 | $596.00 |
| 500 | $5.21 | $2,605.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.65 | $4,650.00 |
PIC16C63A-20I/ML Overview
A PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a compact programmable processor that integrates CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripherals on a single die. PIC16C-series MCUs sit in Microchip's mid-range taxonomy (base PIC -> PIC16C mid-range -> PIC16C6x/7x family -> PIC16C63A), targeting cost-sensitive embedded control with 35 single-word instructions, single-cycle execution except program branches, and DC to 20 MHz operating speed (200 ns instruction cycle). They belong to the broader class of 8-bit microcontrollers and, more generally, embedded microcontrollers within power management and digital control systems.
Key features of the PIC16C63A include three timer modules (Timer0 8-bit with 8-bit prescaler, Timer1 16-bit with prescaler that can increment during SLEEP via external crystal/clock, and Timer2 8-bit), an analog comparator module, a synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART/SCI), and a parallel slave port on selected variants. The device operates over the industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) denoted by the 'I' suffix, supports an external oscillator source, and includes power-managed SLEEP mode for low-power designs.
The architecture uses Harvard-style separate program/data buses, a 14-bit wide instruction word, and an 8-bit data path, allowing deterministic single-cycle instruction execution. This RISC design delivers high throughput per MHz while keeping the instruction set compact enough for assembly or C programming under MPLAB IDE and MPLAB XC8. Code compatibility within the 28-pin PIC16CXX pin family enables drop-in migration across the PIC16C62/65/73/74 sub-families.
Typical applications for the PIC16C63A-20I/ML include industrial control interfaces, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, low-to-medium-speed serial communication bridges (USART), keypad and LED scanning, and general-purpose embedded controllers where OTP programmability and proven PIC16C toolchain support outweigh flash reprogramming convenience. The 28-VQFN exposed-pad package suits space-constrained boards requiring modest thermal dissipation.
When designing with the PIC16C63A, remember that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit, so use a JW (windowed) variant or PIC16F-series equivalent during development and qualification. Ensure the exposed pad is soldered to a sufficient copper area for the package's heat-sinking objective.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives from the 28-pin PIC16CXX family, and practical design notes not aggregated in a single source by the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63A-20I/ML β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-04I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-20E/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C65B-20I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-20I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63-20I/ML
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-20I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16C RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (DC to 20 MHz) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package / Case | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit) + Timer1 (16-bit) + Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Communication Interfaces | USART/SCI (asynchronous/synchronous serial) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect, Watchdog Timer, Power-on Reset, Analog Comparator |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tube |
PIC16C63A-20I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/Vpp β Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/Vref β Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β Port A bit 5 / Analog input 4 / Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | Vss β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO β Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | Vss β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | Vdd β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM β Port B bit 3 / Programming data |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63A-20I/ML is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Controller, USART-to-UART Serial Communication Bridge, Keypad and LED Matrix Scanner, Motor Control PWM Front-End, Security & Access-Control Panel Controller, General-Purpose Embedded Control Board, Automotive Body & Comfort Module (Legacy).
Industrial Sensor Interface Controller
The PIC16C63A-20I/ML's 22 digital I/O pins and 20 MHz throughput make it well-suited for industrial sensor aggregation nodes that poll multiple digital inputs and stream data over its on-chip USART. The OTP program memory locks the firmware so factory calibration routines cannot be electronically extracted from a competitor's clone, which is critical for proprietary sensor algorithms. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range lets the board sit in an enclosed cabinet near the process line. A typical 28-VQFN PCB placement pairs the MCU with an RS-485 transceiver on RC6/RC7 (USART) and an optoisolated MCLR reset. Compared with a flash PIC16F73, the OTP lock adds IP security at the cost of field firmware updates via the ICSP header only. Power dissipation at 20 MHz with 5 V Vdd remains under 100 mW, so the exposed pad's copper pour needs only modest area.
Recommended
USART-to-UART Serial Communication Bridge
The PIC16C63A-20I/ML integrates a synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART/SCI) that operates up to several hundred kbps in async mode, enough to bridge a legacy RS-232 device to an MCU with limited UARTs. Its 192-byte RAM buffers small protocol frames without external memory, and the 35-instruction RISC core executes the parser loop in a few hundred nanoseconds per byte. The 28-VQFN exposed-pad package fits on compact interface cards behind a DB-9 connector. Compared with software bit-banging on a smaller PIC, the hardware USART eliminates jitter at higher baud rates. The OTP memory holds the protocol converter firmware permanently, which is desirable for certification-locked medical or industrial bridges. Designers should reserve one I/O pin for a hardware flow-control RTS line and put a 100 nF decoupling cap within 5 mm of Vdd.
Recommended
Keypad and LED Matrix Scanner
With 22 I/O pins and a 200 ns instruction cycle, the PIC16C63A-20I/ML can scan a 4x4 keypad plus an 8-digit 7-segment LED matrix at refresh rates well above 100 Hz, eliminating visible flicker. Timer0 generates the scan tick, while the PIC16C core reads the column state and debounces in firmware. The OTP program memory holds the lookup table and key-code map securely, preventing reverse-engineering of custom keypad layouts. Industrial temperature operation supports outdoor kiosks and access-control panels. The 28-VQFN (ML) package occupies roughly 6x6 mm, allowing slim panel-mount designs. Compared with a discrete 8051-based scanner, the PIC16C63A draws under 10 mA active at 5 V and below 1 uA in SLEEP, enabling battery-backed keypads.
Recommended
Motor Control PWM Front-End
Although the PIC16C63A lacks a hardware PWM module, its 20 MHz instruction cycle combined with Timer2's 8-bit period register supports software-generated PWM up to ~20 kHz with 8-bit resolution, sufficient to drive small brushed DC motors or low-side MOSFET switches. The 22 I/O pins route direction, enable, brake, and fault feedback signals. OTP memory stores proprietary commutation tables securely. The industrial -40C to +85C range handles under-hood or factory-floor thermal stress. The 28-VQFN exposed pad solders directly to a copper pour that doubles as a heat spreader for the gate-drive traces. Compared with a dedicated motor-control PIC16F, the PIC16C63A trades flexibility for IP security via OTP. Add a gate-driver IC for any motor above 1 A.
Recommended
Security & Access-Control Panel Controller
The PIC16C63A-20I/ML's OTP program memory is ideal for access-control panels where the credential-handling firmware must be locked against tampering. Its USART connects to a magnetic-stripe or RFID reader frontend, while its I/O pins drive relays, buzzers, and LED indicators. The 35-instruction PIC16C RISC core runs the door-decision logic in microseconds, fast enough to log events without bottlenecking reader throughput. Industrial temperature operation covers outdoor enclosures. The 28-VQFN package profile allows slim panel-mount housings. Compared with flash-based PIC16F variants, the OTP variant blocks firmware extraction through standard ICSP or debug tools, raising the bar for reverse-engineering attacks. Pair with a Wiegand-to-UART converter card for legacy readers.
Recommended
General-Purpose Embedded Control Board
The PIC16C63A-20I/ML serves as the heart of a generic embedded controller board for hobby, education, and small-batch industrial products. Its PIC16C mid-range core is supported by MPLAB IDE, MPLAB XC8 C compiler, and the PICkit 3 / ICD programmer ecosystem, dramatically lowering the learning curve. 22 I/O pins handle buttons, LEDs, character LCDs, and SPI/I2C peripherals via software bit-banging. The 28-VQFN exposed-pad package is small but the part is also available in DIP/SPDIP variants for breadboarding. OTP memory forces production-grade firmware discipline: prototype with the JW windowed variant, then move to OTP for production. Compared with an ATmega328P, the PIC16C63A draws less active current but lacks flash for iterative development.
Recommended
Automotive Body & Comfort Module (Legacy)
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16C63A-20I/ML has been used in legacy automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting drivers where its industrial temperature range, OTP code security, and proven long-term reliability suit cost-sensitive designs. The 20 MHz core executes multiple PWM channels in software for soft-start bulb drivers, while the USART interfaces with the body-CAN bridge. The 28-VQFN exposed-pad package handles under-dash mounting. Compared with newer AEC-Q100 PIC16F variants, the PIC16C63A trades automotive qualification for firmware security. Designers targeting new automotive designs should migrate to AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F or dsPIC parts per Microchip's automotive roadmap.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63A-20I/ML β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/ML | PIC16C63A-20E/ML | PIC16C65B-20I/ML | PIC16C73B-20I/ML | PIC16F73-I/ML | PIC16C63-20I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 28-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB (4K x 14) Flash | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | OTP |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC | None | None | None | None | 8 channels, 8-bit | 5 channels, 8-bit | None |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active (recommended for new designs) | Obsolete (predecessor) |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory locks firmware against electronic extraction (vs PIC16F73-I/ML)
- 28-VQFN exposed-pad (ML) footprint for compact designs (vs PIC16C63A-20I/SO (SOIC-28))
- Industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) is more conservative than automotive (vs PIC16C63A-20E/ML (Extended -40C to +125C))
- PIC16C63A bare core vs PIC16C73B ADC-equipped variant (vs PIC16C73B-20I/ML)
Design Notes
The 28-VQFN exposed-pad package dissipates heat primarily through the bottom pad. Per Microchip packaging guidelines for 28-VQFN parts, design the PCB with a continuous ground-plane copper pour directly under the exposed pad and stitch it to the system ground with at least 8 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.5 mm pitch). At 20 MHz with 5 V Vdd, active current is under 10 mA and self-heating is negligible, but adequate pad soldering is still required for mechanical reliability.
Decouple Vdd (pin 20) and Vss (pins 8/19) with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the MCU pins, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor on the same supply rail. PIC16C63A Vdd typically operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V (verify against the exact datasheet section 'Electrical Characteristics'). During in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), ensure the MCLR/Vpp line is held cleanly to avoid programming failures.
Route the ICSP signals (RB6/PGC, RB7/PGD, MCLR/Vpp) as short traces and place a 6-pin ICSP header (or test pads) accessible from the board edge to allow programming and debugging. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric for clean external oscillator operation. Place a 1 MOhm pull-up on MCLR to Vdd and a small series capacitor if your programming tool expects one. Per the Microchip 28-pin PICmicro MCU Pin and Code Compatibility Chart, the same PCB layout can accommodate PIC16C62/65/73/74 die variants.
Because the PIC16C63A-20I/ML uses OTP program memory, you cannot reprogram it in-circuit; OTP mistakes are permanent. Always prototype with the PIC16C63A/JW windowed ceramic variant or the PIC16F73-I/ML flash equivalent, then port verified firmware to the OTP part for production. Also note the NRND status as of 2026-09-17: confirm Microchip's last-time-buy window before committing to a long-lifecycle design, and migrate to the PIC16F73 or dsPIC equivalents where possible.
For USART communications up to several hundred kbps, place the RS-232/RS-485 transceiver within 50 mm of the PIC16C63A and route TX/RX traces as a matched-length differential pair with ground on each side. Add a series ferrite bead on Vdd if the analog comparator is in use to avoid switching-noise coupling. The USART alternate-function pins (RC6/TX, RC7/RX) are also general-purpose I/O, so do not rely on them in firmware if the USART is enabled.
Compliance Information
The 'I' suffix denotes industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). AEC-Q100 not qualified - PIC16C63A targets industrial/consumer applications, not automotive. RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data; verify via the manufacturer's full material declaration before compliance-critical deployments.
