PIC16C63AT-20I/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU, 7KB, 20MHz, SSOP-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C63AT-20I/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.65 | $365.00 |
| 500 | $3.28 | $1,640.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC16C63AT-20I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals. Within the broader component taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU belongs to microcontrollers, which fall under integrated circuits and the embedded computing domain. The PIC16C63AT operates from a 4.0 V to 5.5 V supply, features a high-performance RISC CPU, and supports two-cycle program branches (other instructions complete in a single cycle), making it well suited to deterministic real-time control tasks.
Key features include 22 general-purpose I/O pins arranged across multiple ports, hardware peripherals compatible with the PIC16C63A/65B/73B/74B family (Capture/Compare/PWM, USART, and synchronous serial port), and on-chip A/D conversion capability per family datasheet. The -20I temperature grade designates industrial range operation from -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C. The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging; the /SS suffix denotes the 28-SSOP outline.
Architecturally, the PIC16C63AT uses a Harvard-style RISC engine and OTP program memory, which is one-time programmable in production - field re-programmability requires the flash-based PIC16F63x or PIC16F87x equivalents. Compared with older PIC16C5x parts, the mid-range core adds interrupts, a hardware stack, and a richer peripheral set while retaining the classic 35-instruction RISC instruction set, easing porting of legacy code.
Typical applications include industrial control, motor control (PWM-driven), embedded serial communications (USART/SPI/I2C via the synchronous serial port), instrumentation, and any 5 V 8-bit embedded system that requires a small-form-factor SSOP-28 footprint. When designing, ensure your programmer supports the OTP device variant and that your firmware revision strategy accounts for one-time-only programming; consider the flash-based PIC16F873A-I/SS for prototypes requiring iteration.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63AT-20I/SS β 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-20I/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-20I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F873A-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F648A-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-20I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C65B-20I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63AT-20I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16CXX mid-range (PIC16C63A) |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Programming Type | One Time Programmable (OTP) |
| Data Sheet Family | PIC16C63A/65B/73B/74B |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active |
PIC16C63AT-20I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR/Vpp β Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/Vref β PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / Vref |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | Vss β Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | Vss β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | Vdd β Positive supply (4.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM β PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63AT-20I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control & Automation, Motor Control / PWM Drive, Embedded Serial Communications, Instrumentation & Data Acquisition, Consumer Electronics Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Industrial Control & Automation
The PIC16C63AT-20I/SS suits factory-floor PLC-style controllers and sensor-interface boards thanks to its 22 GPIO pins, 5 V industrial supply range, and -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C operating temperature. The 20 MHz RISC core delivers deterministic 200 ns instruction execution, which is critical for digital control loops and timing-sensitive I/O scans. The 7 KB OTP program memory holds substantial state-machine logic, while the 192 B RAM handles real-time data buffers.
Recommended
Motor Control / PWM Drive
The PIC16C63AT-20I/SS provides hardware Capture/Compare/PWM peripherals that drive brushed DC and stepper motor stages in compact 5 V systems. With 22 I/O and 20 MHz instruction throughput, the MCU generates multiple PWM channels for H-bridge control and quadrature-encoder feedback. The 28-SSOP package keeps the BOM small for tightly-packed motor-driver PCBs, and the industrial temperature grade handles motor housing environments.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Communications
The PIC16C63AT-20I/SS integrates a USART plus a synchronous serial port (SSP) that supports SPI and I2C master/slave operation, making it ideal for sensor hubs and gateway modules that bridge RS-232/RS-485 to SPI peripherals. The 192 B RAM buffers incoming frames before forwarding, while the 35-instruction RISC core executes the protocol stack with predictable timing. Industrial -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C support lets the part operate in outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Instrumentation & Data Acquisition
The PIC16C63AT-20I/SS family integrates a multi-channel A/D converter, making the MCU well suited for low-speed data-acquisition front-ends such as temperature, pressure, and flow loggers. At 20 MHz, the device sequences A/D conversions with deterministic latency, and 22 I/O lines accommodate keypad, LCD, and EEPROM interfacing. The 5 V supply simplifies analog signal-chain design versus 3.3 V MCUs.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Control Boards
The PIC16C63AT-20I/SS drops into small consumer appliances (washing-machine user-interface boards, HVAC thermostats, security keypads) that need 5 V tolerant I/O and a small PCB footprint. The SSOP-28 package keeps the controller under 14 mm long, and the 7 KB OTP ROM stores fixed-function firmware at minimal unit cost. The industrial temperature rating (-40 Β°C to +85 Β°C) handles garage, attic, and outdoor-sheltered environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Although automotive under-hood applications require AEC-Q100, the PIC16C63AT-20I/SS still serves non-safety automotive subsystems such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory modules, and mirror adjusters. Its 5 V supply, 22 I/O, and -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C temperature range match cabin-electronics needs, while the 20 MHz core handles LIN-style software-UART bit-banging where a hardware USART is otherwise occupied.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63AT-20I/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-20I/SS | PIC16F873A-I/SS | PIC16F648A-I/SS | PIC16C73B-20I/SS | PIC16C65B-20I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 4 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP | OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 33 |
| RAM | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 256 B | 192 B | 192 B |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest unit cost in PIC16CXX mid-range family (vs PIC16F873A-I/SS)
- Industrial temperature range with SSOP-28 form factor (vs PIC16C73B-20I/SS)
- Established mid-range architecture with 35-instruction RISC core (vs PIC16F648A-I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 20 MHz clock and 5.0 V supply, the PIC16C63AT-20I/SS draws approximately 15-20 mA active Icc, depending on peripheral enable state and I/O loading. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 10 mm of Vdd (pin 20) and a 10 Β΅F bulk capacitor on the supply rail. The MCU has no internal regulator, so the upstream 5 V rail must remain inside the 4.0 V to 5.5 V operating window or the brown-out reset will fire.
Keep the SSOP-28 land pattern on a 0.65 mm pitch with at least 0.20 mm clearance to adjacent traces for reliable reflow soldering. Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring around the crystal to reduce EMI coupling into the oscillator. Place /MCLR (pin 1) decoupling (typically 10-100 nF to Vdd) close to the pin to avoid spurious resets during in-circuit programming.
The PIC16C63AT-20I/SS is OTP (one-time programmable) - once programmed, the memory cannot be erased. Engineers developing firmware must use a flash equivalent such as PIC16F873A-I/SS or PIC16F648A-I/SS during prototype bring-up, then port the final code to the OTP device for production. Also confirm that the production programmer (MPLAB PM3 or compatible) supports the PIC16C63AT device ID before committing to high-volume programming runs.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per /SS ordering code suffix (lead-free SSOP). Industrial temperature range (-40 Β°C to +85 Β°C) only - not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive under-hood. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
