PIC16C63A-20I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 7KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63A-20I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.24 | $8.24 |
| 10 | $7.61 | $76.10 |
| 100 | $6.42 | $642.00 |
| 500 | $5.86 | $2,930.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.41 | $5,410.00 |
PIC16C63A-20I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and configurable peripheral I/O on one die. PIC microcontrollers sit in the 8-bit RISC MCU category within the broader hierarchy of microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device. The PIC16C6x family specifically targets cost-sensitive, deterministic embedded control applications, blending Harvard architecture, OTP program memory, and low-power CMOS design with extensive peripheral integration.
Key features include five 8-bit I/O ports (PORTA-PORTE), a USART for serial communication, an MSSP module supporting SPI and I²C, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM, a 10-bit multi-channel analog-to-digital converter, and an 8-bit parallel slave port. The wide operating voltage (to 6.0V) and three temperature grades (commercial, industrial, extended) support deployment across consumer, industrial, and automotive under-hood environments.
Internally, the PIC16C63A uses a 14-bit instruction word with a single-cycle fetch (200 ns at 20 MHz) and a two-cycle pipeline for program branches. An 8-level deep hardware stack, watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and brown-out reset circuitry add fault resilience. Power-saving SLEEP mode draws microamp-level current while retaining RAM, enabling battery-backed applications.
Typical applications include appliance control, automotive subsystems, industrial sensors and actuators, remote keyless entry, and smart-card readers. Pin-compatibility across the PIC16C63/63A/65B/73B/74B family lets designers scale code size and peripheral mix without PCB rework.
When designing with this OTP MCU, plan code and programming flow early; OTP parts cannot be re-flashed and require windowed ceramic variants (e.g., JW package) for prototype iteration. Verify supply chain continuity, as PIC16C OTP devices are mature parts with Microchip's "Not Recommended for new designs" (NRND) status - existing designs are supported, but new product introductions should evaluate the flash-based PIC16F7x successor family.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63A-20I/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 PIC16C63A-20I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65B-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-20I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC® 16C |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (1 MIPS at 20 MHz) |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V (operating), up to 6.0 V wide range |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial, "I" suffix) |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit with CCP |
| Serial Interfaces | USART + MSSP (SPI / I²C) |
| Parallel Slave Port | 8-bit PSP on PORTE |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes |
| Power-Saving Mode | SLEEP mode, RAM retention |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO), wide-body, 7.50 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C63A-20I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (active-low reset) / Programming voltage input |
| 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 positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 (open-drain) / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 10 | INT/RB0 — External interrupt / PORTB bit 0 |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output (PWM/capture/compare) |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63A-20I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Panels, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interfaces, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and RF Receivers, Smart Card and RFID Readers, HVAC and Building Automation Controllers.
Appliance Control Panels
The PIC16C63A-20I/SO is well suited for appliance control panels - washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers - where cost, deterministic real-time response, and small footprint matter. Its 200 ns instruction cycle and 35-instruction RISC core deliver the bandwidth needed to multiplex key/LED scanning matrices while servicing AC-zero-cross detection timers. The five-channel 10-bit ADC reads temperature sensors, motor current, and water-level probes. The 22 I/O pins drive 7-segment displays, triac optocouplers, and buzzer PWM at minimal BOM cost. The 4.0-5.5 V supply aligns with universal 5 V derived rails, and the 7 KB OTP program memory holds complete state-machine and safety-logic code. Microchip's datasheet 30212D application notes recommend this part for white-goods designs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C63A-20I/SO serves automotive body-electronics modules - remote keyless entry, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting drivers - within its industrial -40 to +85 °C range. The USART links to LIN or K-Line transceivers for body-bus communication, while MSSP supports SPI peripherals such as LED drivers and EEPROM memory. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer with a dedicated on-chip RC oscillator give automotive-grade fault resilience against cranking transients. The 22 I/O lines drive H-bridge relays and FET inputs without external muxing. Designers planning for -40 to +125 °C should up-spec to PIC16C63A-20E/SO. Pair with TVS diodes and ISO 7637-2 compliant transceivers.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interfaces
For industrial 4-20 mA sensor transmitters and bridge-sensor signal conditioners, PIC16C63A-20I/SO provides an integrated ADC, USART, and ample I/O for relay or 4-20 mA loop drive. Its 10-bit 5-channel ADC digitizes thermocouple, RTD, and pressure-sensor inputs at the bandwidth required for closed-loop control at 1 kHz update rates. The MSSP block interfaces I²C temperature sensors and SPI ADCs for higher-precision channels. Industrial -40 to +85 °C operation supports factory-floor deployment. Watchdog timer and brown-out reset protect against supply transients in motor cabinets. The 7 KB OTP code space holds PID loops, calibration tables, and HART protocol state machines.
Recommended
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and RF Receivers
The PIC16C63A-20I/SO is a cost-effective decoder for sub-GHz RKE receivers, combining low SLEEP-mode current consumption, MSSP-based SPI interface to RF front-ends, and a USART for diagnostics. Its 20 MHz core and CCP module easily handle rolling-code encryption routines for KeeLoq or similar algorithms within the 7 KB OTP budget. The watchdog timer prevents lock-up if RF noise corrupts program flow, while brown-out reset handles battery-voltage dips during crank events. Industrial temperature grade supports under-dash deployment. Pair the MCU with an SAW-stabilized receiver front-end and a low-dropout regulator for battery-backed keyfob designs.
Recommended
Smart Card and RFID Readers
The PIC16C63A-20I/SO is well suited for smart-card and 13.56 MHz RFID reader base stations where deterministic response timing is critical. Its 200 ns instruction cycle and SPI-driven MSSP interface handle ISO 14443 A/B layer-2 framing within tight latency budgets. The five-channel 10-bit ADC monitors RF envelope strength for collision detection, while general-purpose I/O drives the card-presence switch, status LEDs, and host serial interface. The 7 KB OTP code space holds the protocol state machine, CRC, and basic anti-collision logic. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor kiosks and turnstile readers. Upgrade paths include Microchip's PIC18F family for higher-throughput contactless protocols.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation Controllers
The PIC16C63A-20I/SO controls small HVAC and building-automation subsystems - fan-coil units, zone valves, thermostats, and damper actuators - where its 22 I/O lines drive triac outputs, sense NTC thermistors, and run user-interface keypads. The 5-channel 10-bit ADC reads multiple temperature zones and humidity sensors, while the 16-bit CCP generates PWM for variable-speed blower motors. The USART supports BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RTU to building-management systems over RS-485 transceivers. SLEEP-mode power savings extend battery life in wireless thermostats. Industrial temperature grade handles plenum and equipment-room environments. Brown-out reset protects against HVAC transformer inrush events.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63A-20I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-20E/SO | PIC16C63-20I/SO | PIC16C65B-20I/SO | PIC16C73B-20I/SO | PIC16F73-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (7 KB / 4K x 14) | OTP EPROM (7 KB / 4K x 14) | OTP EPROM (7 KB / 4K x 14) | OTP EPROM (8 KB / 4K x 14) | OTP EPROM (7 KB / 4K x 14) | Flash (7 KB / 4K x 14) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 33 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +125 °C (extended) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Parallel Slave Port | Yes (PORTE) | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | No (OTP only) | No | No | No | No | Yes (flash) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Mature industrial-temperature OTP MCU with 22 I/O at 20 MHz (vs PIC16C62B-20I/SP)
- Flash migration path available without PCB rework (vs PIC16C73B-20I/SO)
- Higher I/O count with parallel slave port (vs PIC16C63-20I/SO)
Design Notes
PIC16C63A-20I/SO requires a clean, well-decoupled 4.0-5.5 V supply. Place a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12 and 28/12), plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor at the regulator output. The internal brown-out reset triggers at approximately 4 V; if your downstream rails permit, choose a regulator setpoint of 4.5 V minimum to give 500 mV of margin. For battery applications, route the MCU VDD through a Schottky diode so the SLEEP-mode current draw does not pull the cell voltage below the BOR threshold. The Microchip datasheet 30212D recommends a 4.7 kΩ pull-up on MCLR to VDD.
PIC16C63A-20I/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory - once a device is programmed, it cannot be erased or re-flashed. During firmware development, use the PIC16C63A-20/JW windowed ceramic DIP variant (available on the Site MPN list) so you can erase under UV light. For production, lock down the configuration word with CP (code-protect) bits, but remember that OTP parts cannot be unlocked - a misconfigured security bit bricks the device. Microchip's datasheet 30212D documents all configuration bits including WDT, BOR, PWRT, and oscillator selection. Always order 5-10% overage for OTP programming yield and rework.
Route the 20 MHz crystal traces (pins 8 OSC1 and 9 OSC2) as short and symmetric as possible, with the load capacitors placed within 3 mm of the package. For HS-mode 20 MHz crystals, use 15-33 pF NP0/C0G ceramic capacitors matched within 10%. Keep the crystal traces away from switching nodes such as triac outputs and PWM signals - cross-coupling at 20 MHz can shift the effective load capacitance and cause frequency error. Place a ground guard ring around the oscillator area tied to VSS at a single point. The PORTA analog-input pins (RA0-RA5) should have their digital I/O function disabled (ANSEL register) when used as ADC inputs to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the sample-and-hold capacitor.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations were not present in the Verified Web Data provided. AEC-Q100 is not qualified - PIC16C63A is a commercial/industrial part. For automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100, evaluate the PIC16F or PIC18 K-series flash-based migration targets. Contact Microchip's product compliance group or review the full PIC16C63A material declaration sheet for certified values.
