PIC16C63A-20I/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 7KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63A-20I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.42 | $8.42 |
| 10 | $7.58 | $75.80 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $6.05 | $3,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.38 | $5,380.00 |
PIC16C63A-20I/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals onto one die. PIC microcontrollers use a RISC Harvard architecture with 35 single-word instructions and a 200 ns instruction execution time, executing most instructions in one instruction cycle except for program branches which take two. This instruction set and architecture make PIC MCUs well-suited for deterministic real-time control in industrial, consumer, and automotive subsystems.
Key features of the PIC16C63A include 7 KB OTP program memory, 192 bytes of RAM, 22 I/O pins, three timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2), a USART module for serial communication, and a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module. The -20I industrial temperature range covers -40°C to +85°C, and the device includes power-on reset, brown-out detection, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface. Low-power consumption is rated at 15 µA typical at 5 V / 4 MHz and 1 µA typical at 3 V / 32 kHz, supporting battery-backed applications.
The PIC16C63A uses CMOS EPROM cell technology for non-volatile program storage, requiring a quartz-windowed package variant (e.g., PIC16C63A/JW) for UV erasure and re-programming during prototyping. The /SP SPDIP-28 footprint is pin-compatible with PIC16C62B, PIC16C63, and PIC16C73A in the same family, simplifying PCB reuse across legacy PIC designs. Designers should note that OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed; pre-programmed parts are typically ordered for production while windowed samples are used for code development.
Typical applications include industrial control loops, sensor interface boards, low-speed serial communication bridges (RS-232/RS-485), motor control signal conditioning, and legacy embedded designs that originated on the PIC16C family. Designers migrating from PIC16C63A to a flash-based alternative (PIC16F73 or PIC16F873A) gain in-system reprogrammability at the cost of OTP write-once security.
When designing with this part, ensure decoupling capacitors (0.1 µF ceramic) are placed within 5 mm of VDD/VDD2 and VSS pins, and that MCLR is properly pulled up to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor to avoid spurious resets. The ICSP interface uses RB6 (clock) and RB7 (data); reserve these pins for programming access or use them only when ICSP is not required.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16C family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63A-20I/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-20I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, Package, Program Memory Size, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C62B-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-20I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard (PIC16C) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) through-hole |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Interfaces | USART (SCI), SPI (SSP) |
| CCP Module | Capture/Compare/PWM x1 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes |
| Low-Power Consumption | 15 µA typical at 5 V / 4 MHz; 1 µA typical at 3 V / 32 kHz |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
PIC16C63A-20I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog comparator input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 OSC / CCP2 |
| 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 / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| 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-20I/SP is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Board, Legacy Embedded Controller Module, Motor Drive Signal Conditioning, RS-232 Serial Communication Bridge, Battery-Backed Remote Sensor Node, Automotive Subsystem Controller, Consumer Appliance Control Panel.
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16C63A-20I/SP fits industrial sensor interface boards requiring deterministic 8-bit control with hardware USART for digital sensor data aggregation. With its 20 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle, it can sample multiple sensor inputs, run local filtering, and forward processed data over RS-485 at 115200 baud. The -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range handles factory floor thermal stress, while 7 KB OTP memory provides sufficient code space for calibration tables and Modbus-style protocols. Place 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of VDD and MCLR to suppress motor-induced supply noise.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Controller Module
The PIC16C63A-20I/SP suits legacy embedded controller modules originally designed on the PIC16C63 platform that need a like-for-like replacement. The OTP memory ensures write-once security against reverse engineering, which is critical for industrial customers with proprietary firmware. The 22 I/O pins drive discrete logic signals and LEDs, the CCP module generates PWM for motor speed control or display dimming, and the SSP port supports SPI peripherals such as EEPROM or RTC. Designers should preserve MCLR as a hard reset input and reserve RB6/RB7 for ICSP during firmware development with a windowed PIC16C63A/JW variant.
Recommended
Motor Drive Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C63A-20I/SP is well suited to motor drive signal conditioning where the CCP module produces precise PWM timing for brushed DC or stepper motor control. At 20 MHz it delivers 200 ns instruction resolution, allowing accurate PWM frequency control from 1 kHz to 50 kHz with sub-microsecond dead-time insertion. Its 22 I/O pins interface with Hall-effect sensors, encoder feedback, and opto-isolated gate drivers. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against the noisy electrical environment typical of motor inverters, ensuring safe shutdown during fault conditions.
Recommended
RS-232 Serial Communication Bridge
The PIC16C63A-20I/SP serves as an RS-232 to RS-485 or RS-232 to TTL bridge using its integrated hardware USART module. The dedicated USART handles asynchronous serial up to 115200 baud without burdening the CPU, while the SPI port can simultaneously drive an LCD or status display. With 7 KB OTP memory the device stores protocol conversion firmware and small routing tables. Designers should use external MAX232 or MAX485 transceivers and route MCLR through a 10 kΩ pull-up to prevent spurious resets during power-up.
Recommended
Battery-Backed Remote Sensor Node
The PIC16C63A-20I/SP fits battery-backed remote sensor nodes where its low-power modes extend operating life on a single battery. Typical consumption is 15 µA at 5 V / 4 MHz and as low as 1 µA at 3 V / 32 kHz in sleep mode with watchdog disabled. The PIC16C63A periodically wakes from sleep to read sensors via SPI, transmit data over USART, and return to sleep under firmware control. Brown-out detection protects the part from voltage drop during transmit bursts, while the industrial temperature range supports outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Automotive Subsystem Controller
The PIC16C63A-20I/SP supports automotive subsystem controllers in non-safety-critical applications such as dashboard lighting, HVAC flap motors, and accessory control where the OTP memory provides write-once security and the industrial temperature range covers -40 °C to +85 °C cabin environments. The CCP module generates PWM signals for motor control while the USART interfaces with body control modules. Designers should add external TVS protection on supply and I/O lines for automotive surge immunity.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Panel
The PIC16C63A-20I/SP fits consumer appliance control panels including washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where deterministic 8-bit control manages display drivers, keypad scanning, and buzzer actuation. With 22 I/O pins the device can multiplex 7-segment displays, scan 4x4 keypads, and drive piezo buzzers directly. The OTP memory locks the manufacturer's firmware against field tampering, and the 20 MHz clock supports sub-millisecond keypad debounce routines. Designers should reserve RB0 for interrupt-driven keypad events and use the watchdog timer for safety.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63A-20I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63-20I/SP | PIC16C62B-20I/SP | PIC16C63A-04I/SP | PIC16C73A-20I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (SP) | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| USART | Yes | Yes | No (SSP only) | Yes | Yes |
| CCP Modules | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 + ADC |
| A/D Converter | No | No | No | No | Yes, 8-bit 5-ch |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated hardware USART module (vs PIC16C62B-20I/SP)
- Higher 20 MHz clock speed grade available (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SP)
- OTP write-once security (vs PIC16F73-I/SP)
- Single 28-SPDIP footprint family compatibility (vs PIC16C73A-20I/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the supply rail to handle switching transients from the oscillator. The PIC16C63A's brown-out reset triggers at approximately 4.0 V; ensure VDD ramps cleanly above this threshold during power-up to avoid reset loops. For battery-backed designs, disable the watchdog timer during sleep to achieve the 1 µA typical sleep current at 3 V / 32 kHz.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1 pin 9 and OSC2 pin 10) as short, symmetrical traces surrounded by a ground guard ring to reduce EMI susceptibility. Keep the MCLR trace short and pulled up to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor; a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to ground provides noise filtering. Reserve RB6 (pin 27) and RB7 (pin 28) for ICSP programming access during development, and avoid routing other signal traces over the ICSP connector footprint.
Do not confuse the PIC16C63A (OTP EPROM, 7KB, USART) with the PIC16F73 (flash, 7KB, USART, ADC) — they share package footprint but differ in program memory type and ADC availability. Always order a PIC16C63A/JW windowed sample for firmware development and code iteration, then switch to PIC16C63A-20I/SP for production. Using an OTP part without a development path leads to waste during code revision cycles. Verify configuration word settings (oscillator, watchdog, code protect) before programming production units, as OTP cannot be re-written.
Assign digital-only I/O to PORTB (pins 21-28) and analog comparator inputs to PORTA (pins 2-7) to minimize digital switching noise coupling into sensitive analog comparator inputs. Route the PORTA traces away from the crystal oscillator and high-current driver outputs. Place the USART traces (RC6/TX and RC7/RX) as a matched-length differential pair if RS-485 or RS-422 communication is used, and add 100 Ω termination at the receiver end to suppress reflections on cables longer than 1 meter.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified — choose PIC16C63A-20E/SP for extended automotive temperature grades only after verifying specific automotive qualification with Microchip.
