PIC16C63AT-20/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 7KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63AT-20/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.95 | $89.50 |
| 100 | $7.5 | $750.00 |
| 500 | $6.2 | $3,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
PIC16C63AT-20/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained computing element that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory (here OTP), volatile data RAM, I/O peripherals and interrupt logic onto a single silicon die. The 8-bit PIC16C family sits in the hierarchy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> PIC16 mid-range -> PIC16C63A subgroup, and is widely used in cost-sensitive embedded control tasks where deterministic instruction execution and low external component count are priorities.
Key features of the PIC16C63AT-20/SS include a Harvard-architecture RISC core that executes most instructions in a single 200 ns cycle (at 20 MHz), 22 digital I/O pins with individually programmable direction registers, a Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (USART), a Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) supporting both SPI and I²C, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer/counter, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, an analog comparator, and brown-out reset. The OTP program memory allows customization of firmware once per part, with a typical program retention rating designed for the lifetime of the end product.
Typical applications include industrial control modules, sensor interfaces, low-speed serial communication bridges (RS-232/RS-485 via USART), motor control and lighting drivers, smart-card readers, consumer appliances, and replacement of discrete logic in legacy embedded designs. The 22 I/O count is sufficient for keypad scanning, LCD drive, and parallel sensor busses.
Designers should note that OTP memory can be programmed only once, so development should be performed on a windowed (JW) or flash-based PIC16F equivalent before committing to the PIC16C63AT-20/SS for production. The SSOP-28 footprint is 0.65 mm pitch and is widely supported by hand-soldering and pick-and-place processes. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator plus an external crystal option provide flexibility for system clocking; selecting the correct configuration fuses at programming time is essential to bring up the application correctly.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63AT-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 PIC16C63AT-20/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-04I/SS
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$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C62B-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ATMEGA324P-20MQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63AT-20/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16 mid-range) |
| Family | PIC® 16C |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K × 14) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Package Code (per data) | SSOP-28 |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Timers | 2 × 8-bit + 1 × 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, MSSP (SPI / I²C) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Oscillator Options | External crystal/RC and internal 4 MHz RC |
PIC16C63AT-20/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input (where applicable) |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear (reset) / programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Port A bit 3 / analog input / reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 15 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Pin 20 | RC3/SCL — Port C bit 3 / I2C clock |
| Pin 21 | RC4/SDA — Port C bit 4 / I2C data |
| Pin 22 | RC5/SS — Port C bit 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 23 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX or clock |
| Pin 24 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX or data |
| Pin 25 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 28 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63AT-20/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Low-Speed Serial Communication Bridge, HVAC Damper and Valve Control, Consumer Appliance Front Panel Controller, Replacement of Discrete Logic in Legacy Embedded Designs, Lighting and Signage Controller.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C63AT-20/SS is well suited to industrial sensor-interface modules thanks to its 22 programmable digital I/O lines, integrated USART for serial reporting and an analog comparator for threshold detection. At the 20 MHz CPU clock it executes one instruction every 200 ns, easily handling periodic ADC sampling (when paired with an external ADC), digital filtering and RS-485 half-duplex communication via the USART and a line driver. The 192-byte RAM is sufficient for buffer storage of sensor readings, while the 7 KB OTP program memory holds the calibration tables, control loops and protocol stack. Designers should add ESD protection on the I/O lines and a TVS diode on Vdd, since industrial environments typically need IEC 61000-4-2 level protection.
Recommended
Low-Speed Serial Communication Bridge
With its integrated USART and MSSP (SPI/I²C) peripherals, the PIC16C63AT-20/SS can act as a low-speed protocol bridge between RS-232/RS-485 and SPI or I²C peripherals. The 20 MHz instruction cycle supports sustained serial throughput up to its peripheral maximums without CPU bottlenecks, and the 22 I/O pins give enough headroom for both bus handshaking and status LEDs. Typical application is bridging a legacy industrial sensor (RS-232) to a host microcontroller via SPI. Designers should note the MSSP's I²C mode supports both master and slave, with address matching via mask registers. Use a 16 MHz baud-rate crystal for accurate 9600/19200 bps when precise timing is required.
Recommended
HVAC Damper and Valve Control
The PIC16C63AT-20/SS fits HVAC damper and valve controllers that require deterministic motor drive and serial feedback. Its two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer provide the PWM generation needed for proportional servo valves, while the 22 I/O pins can drive direction relays, limit switches, status LEDs and a local I²C temperature sensor. The OTP memory holds the closed-loop control algorithm and parameter tables; the 192-byte RAM stores runtime setpoints and history. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure recovery from brown-out or firmware hang, which are both critical for unattended HVAC actuators. Designers should place 100 nF ceramic decoupling at each Vdd pin and a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the MCU.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Front Panel Controller
Consumer appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves benefit from the PIC16C63AT-20/SS's combination of 22 I/O pins for keypad/LED scanning, integrated timers for cycle timing and USART for diagnostics. The 7 KB OTP holds the cycle logic, error codes and buzzer patterns, while the on-chip watchdog prevents firmware hangs from locking up the appliance. Commercial temperature grade (0 °C to +70 °C) covers appliance interiors. Note that OTP memory means production firmware must be fully validated on a JW or flash equivalent first; engineers should prototype on PIC16F876A-I/SS before committing to PIC16C63AT-20/SS for volume production.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic in Legacy Embedded Designs
Many legacy 1990s-2000s embedded designs used discrete 74HC logic gates, counters and latches to implement state machines; the PIC16C63AT-20/SS can replace dozens of those packages with one MCU. Its 22 I/O lines can map directly to a 22-signal glue-logic interface, while the 7 KB OTP holds the state machine, timers and I/O scheduling. The 20 MHz instruction cycle replicates typical 74HC logic propagation delays (about 200 ns) at far lower board area and power. This application is especially common in industrial PLC retrofits, instrumentation front-ends and access-control panels that must remain electrically compatible with older backplanes. Designers should verify that any rising/falling edge timing constraints (typically <1 µs) are met by the firmware loop.
Recommended
Lighting and Signage Controller
Architectural lighting, neon/LED signage and stage lighting controllers can use the PIC16C63AT-20/SS for multi-channel PWM dimming, channel sequencing and DMX-512 reception. The two 8-bit timers plus the 16-bit timer generate up to three PWM outputs simultaneously for RGB or tri-channel dimming; remaining I/O pins drive MOSFET gate drivers via simple NPN/PNP pairs. At 20 MHz, the firmware can refresh PWM at 1 kHz per channel with negligible CPU load, leaving bandwidth for DMX-512 reception over the USART. OTP memory stores the lighting scenes; the 192-byte RAM holds the current scene and fade state. Designers should provide optoisolation on DMX-512 inputs to meet typical 1.5 kV ground isolation requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63AT-20/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-20I/SS | PIC16C63A-04I/SS | PIC16C63A-04I/SP | PIC16C62B-04I/SS | PIC16F876A-I/SS | ATMEGA324P-20MQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-28 | SSOP-28 (same) | SSOP-28 (same) | SPDIP-28 (same pinout, different pitch) | SSOP-28 (same) | SSOP-28 (same) | QFN-44 (different - verify adapter) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range | 8-bit AVR | |
| Max CPU Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 14 KB Flash | 3.5 KB OTP | 32 KB Flash | |
| RAM | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 368 B | 128 B | 2 KB | |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 32 | |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Original Microchip PIC16 mid-range OTP silicon - exact same die as PIC16C63A-20I/SS (vs PIC16C63A-20I/SS)
- Higher CPU speed (20 MHz) than PIC16C63A-04I/SS (4 MHz) for time-critical tasks (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SS)
- Flash reprogrammability vs OTP one-time programmability (vs PIC16F876A-I/SS)
- Lower program memory and RAM than PIC16F876A-I/SS (vs PIC16F876A-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each Vdd pin of the PIC16C63AT-20/SS, plus a single 10 µF bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic at the MCU's power entry. Ground should return to a low-impedance plane directly under the SSOP-28 package, with the Vss pin tied to that plane via a short, wide trace. The ICSP pins (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) must be brought out to a programming header so OTP programming can be performed after PCB assembly; do not place any series resistance above 100 ohm on these lines.
OTP memory in the PIC16C63AT-20/SS can be programmed only once, so always develop and debug firmware on a flash-based PIC16F876A-I/SS or PIC16C63A/JW (windowed) part first. Programming voltage on MCLR/VPP must reach 13.0-13.25 V during the VPP cycle; failure to meet this timing window is the most common reason for verification errors. Brown-out-reset configuration bits must be enabled before the MCU enters production; otherwise a brief Vdd sag can corrupt RAM and send the firmware into undefined states.
When using the MSSP peripheral in SPI mode above 1 MHz, keep traces to SCK/MOSI/MISO under 50 mm and place a 100 ohm source-series termination on SCK if reflections exceed the Vih/Vil margins. The USART baud-rate error exceeds 1% at low-speed baud rates if the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator is used; for any RS-232/RS-485 link above 9600 bps, use an external 20 MHz crystal. The analog comparator input pin (typically RA3) should be guarded by a 100 nF capacitor and a 1 kHz RC filter if the source has high-frequency noise.
The PIC16C63AT-20/SS SSOP-28 has a thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 90 °C/W, but at the typical 20 MHz, 5 V operating point dissipation is under 50 mW, so junction temperature stays below 5 °C above ambient with normal PCB copper pour. Designers should not require a heatsink. If the application uses all 22 I/O pins sourcing 20 mA continuously (which exceeds the absolute maximum of 200 mA total), the SSOP-28 package may enter thermal shutdown; verify total I/O current below 100 mA.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status are not stated in the provided Verified Web Data for PIC16C63AT-20/SS; marked as 'unknown'. AEC-Q100 not applicable (consumer/industrial grade MCU). Conflict-mineral status assumed compliant per Microchip corporate policy.