PIC16C63AT-04I/SS - 8-bit MCU, 7KB OTP, 4MHz, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63AT-04I/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.92 | $7.92 |
| 10 | $7.13 | $71.30 |
| 100 | $6.34 | $634.00 |
| 500 | $5.71 | $2,855.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.08 | $5,080.00 |
PIC16C63AT-04I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces onto one silicon die. The PIC16CXX mid-range family is built on a fully-static CMOS architecture and belongs to the broader 8-bit microcontroller category, which sits within embedded computing, microcontrollers, and finally integrated circuits. These devices are engineered for deterministic real-time control where predictable instruction timing, low cost, and ease of development outweigh raw computational throughput.
Key features of the PIC16C63AT-04I/SS include its 4MHz maximum clock, 192 x 8 bytes of data RAM, 22 digital I/O pins, and integrated peripherals such as a USART for serial communication, a Capture/Compare/PWM module, an 8-bit timer/counter, and a watchdog timer for reliable operation in noise-prone industrial environments. The OTP program memory allows one-time field programming, making the device well-suited for mature production designs where firmware is finalized.
Technically, the PIC16C63A employs a RISC-style Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, providing predictable instruction execution in a single instruction cycle (four clock periods). This makes interrupt response and timing calculations straightforward for embedded developers writing in assembly or C. The 4MHz clock yields a 1-microsecond instruction cycle, sufficient for many sensing, motor, and human-machine-interface tasks.
Typical applications include industrial control subsystems, appliance control boards, sensor signal conditioners, simple sensor hubs, and embedded user-interface modules where cost-sensitive, deterministic 8-bit control is required. The 28-SSOP footprint also makes it attractive for space-constrained PCB designs.
When designing with this device, ensure the 5V supply is well-decoupled with a 100nF ceramic capacitor close to VDD, and configure the MCLR pin with the recommended 10kohm pull-up for clean device reset behavior.
This page synthesizes current distributor inventory, parametric drop-in alternatives, and engineering design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63AT-04I/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 PIC16C63AT-04I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Set, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory 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 →PIC16C62B-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63AT-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O | 22 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 1 us (4 clock periods) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | USART, CCP, Timer, WDT, POR |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
PIC16C63AT-04I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input; tie to VDD via 10kohm pull-up |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA digital I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA digital I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA digital I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA digital I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA digital I/O bit 4 (open-drain option) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA digital I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC digital I/O bit 0 / T1OSO |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC digital I/O bit 1 / T1OSI |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC digital I/O bit 2 / CCP1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC digital I/O bit 3 / SCL |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC digital I/O bit 4 / SDA |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC digital I/O bit 5 / SDO |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC digital I/O bit 6 / TX |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC digital I/O bit 7 / RX |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — PORTB digital I/O bit 0 / INT |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB digital I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB digital I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB digital I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB digital I/O bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB digital I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB digital I/O bit 6 / PGC |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB digital I/O bit 7 / PGD |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63AT-04I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Hub, Appliance Control Board, HMI Keypad and Display Module, Automotive Interior Accessory Controller, Smart Sensor Node with UART Bridge, Legacy Industrial Module Replacement.
Industrial Sensor Hub
The PIC16C63AT-04I/SS fits industrial sensor hub designs because its 22 I/O pins can interface multiple analog and digital sensors, while the integrated USART enables reliable RS-232 or RS-485 backhaul. Its 4MHz clock and 1us instruction cycle are fast enough for periodic scanning of temperature, pressure, and flow sensors at sub-100ms intervals. The industrial -40C to +85C range ensures operation in factory cabinets. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor close to VDD to keep the analog references stable when switching loads.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
For appliance controllers (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens), the PIC16C63AT-04I/SS provides the deterministic control loop timing required for motor PWM and user-interface scanning. The CCP module generates PWM for motor or heater control, while the watchdog timer recovers from power-line transients common in household mains environments. The 28-SSOP footprint allows compact board designs beneath control panels. Use the MCLR pull-up recommended in the Microchip datasheet to ensure clean brown-out recovery.
Recommended
HMI Keypad and Display Module
The PIC16C63AT-04I/SS can drive character LCDs and matrix keypads in cost-sensitive human-machine-interface modules. Its 22 I/O pins easily accommodate a 4x4 keypad plus LCD data bus, while the 192-byte RAM supports button debouncing and menu state machines. The OTP memory is appropriate because UI firmware is typically frozen before production. Use the CCP module to generate a software-driven contrast PWM for the LCD.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Controller
In non-safety automotive interior accessories (ambient lighting, seat controllers, mirror adjusters), the PIC16C63AT-04I/SS offers sufficient I/O count and timing resolution for PWM dimming and switch debouncing. Designers should note that AEC-Q100 qualification is NOT documented for this part; for safety-critical or AEC-Q100-mandated systems, choose a PIC16F equivalent qualified to automotive standards. The industrial -40C to +85C range covers most cabin environments.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Node with UART Bridge
For remote sensor nodes bridged to a host controller via UART, the PIC16C63AT-04I/SS performs local sampling and pre-processing before forwarding formatted packets. Its hardware USART simplifies command/response protocol implementation, while the 7KB OTP is ample for typical sensor-fusion code. The 4MHz clock keeps power consumption low for battery or line-powered nodes; the 28-SSOP package enables compact board placement near the sensor head.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Module Replacement
The PIC16C63AT-04I/SS is well-suited to sustaining production of legacy industrial modules that already have a validated firmware base. Its pin-compatible PIC16C63A-04I/SS and -20I/SS siblings provide drop-in alternatives when original parts are out of stock. The OTP memory is acceptable when firmware revisions are infrequent and traceability is maintained. Designers should plan a migration path to flash-based PIC16F parts for long-term product lifecycle support.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63AT-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/SS | PIC16C63A-20I/SS | PIC16C62B-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Core | 8-bit PIC mid-range | 8-bit PIC mid-range | 8-bit PIC mid-range | 8-bit PIC mid-range |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Higher clock frequency option in identical package (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SS)
- Larger RAM and program memory vs smaller PIC16C62B (vs PIC16C62B-04I/SS)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SS (tube))
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 20), and place a bulk capacitor of at least 10uF near the supply entry point. The PIC16C63A family is sensitive to VDD ripple during oscillator start-up; insufficient decoupling can cause intermittent POR events and corrupted EEPROM/OTP write cycles. Estimated: at 4MHz and 5V supply with all I/O toggling at 50% duty, the device draws approximately 5-10 mA active current.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1 pin 9, OSC2 pin 10) short and direct, with a ground guard ring if possible. Keep high-speed switching traces (CCP PWM outputs, USART lines) away from the crystal traces to prevent injection of noise that can shift the clock frequency or cause spurious resets. The 28-SSOP package has a center thermal pad on some variants; refer to the datasheet to confirm whether thermal pad soldering is required for your specific pinout revision.
Do not assume the PIC16C63A pinout is interchangeable with the PIC16F648A or PIC16F73 families despite identical 28-SSOP package; the I/O mapping and peripheral assignments differ in several positions. Always cross-reference the MCLR pin location and ensure a 10kohm pull-up to VDD is present. Estimated: omitting the MCLR pull-up causes intermittent reset behavior in electrically noisy industrial environments such as motor-drive cabinets.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly documented in the Verified Web Data; the original PIC16C63A family predates widespread RoHS adoption but Microchip transitioned legacy OTP parts where possible. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is NOT documented for this part. Conflict-minerals compliance assumed compliant per Microchip corporate policy but specific declaration not in provided data.
