PIC16C64A-04E/PQ - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 33 I/O, 44-MQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C64A-04E/PQ β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.05 | $3,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.4 | $5,400.00 |
PIC16C64A-04E/PQ Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller (One-Time-Programmable Microcontroller) is a small, low-cost computer-on-a-chip that executes a fixed instruction set on 8-bit-wide data. In the embedded-systems taxonomy, it sits beneath general-purpose microcontrollers, above simple logic controllers, and within the broader class of microcontrollers -> MCUs -> semiconductors. OTP means the program memory can be written exactly once, after which the bit pattern is permanent; this makes OTP MCUs attractive for high-volume, cost-sensitive consumer and industrial products where firmware is stable and field re-programmability is not required.
Key features of the PIC16C64A-04E/PQ include a 14-bit wide instruction word, 35 single-word instructions, 200ns instruction execution at 4MHz (5V), an 8-level hardware stack, and integrated peripherals such as Brown-out Detect/Reset, Power-on Reset (POR), Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM), and a Watchdog Timer (WDT). Serial connectivity is supported through I2C and SPI ports. The PIC16C core's RISC architecture with a single-cycle instruction fetch keeps deterministic timing simple for real-time control loops.
Architecturally, the device is fully static CMOS, allowing the clock to be slowed to DC for low-power standby, and supports a 4V to 6V operating voltage range. The 33 I/O pins are grouped into ports for easy interfacing with switches, LEDs, keypads, and small sensor arrays; PWM and WDT are integrated to remove external timing components.
Typical applications include appliance control, HVAC user-interface panels, simple sensor front-ends, automotive body controllers (predecessor generation), industrial operator panels, and white-goods motor control. The compact 44-MQFP footprint also makes it suitable for retrofit and form-factor-constrained boards where the PIC16 ecosystem is already deployed.
When designing with this part, evaluate the supply-rail decoupling strategy (0.1 uF ceramic at VDD/VSS pairs), confirm the I/O sink/source budget against the load, and verify the oscillator configuration matches the in-circuit crystal or resonator. For new designs, prefer the recommended successor PIC16C65B or current-generation PIC16F1xxx Flash MCUs to avoid lifetime-buy pressure on this OTP device.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that are not available in the bare manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and engineering teams a single source of truth for lifecycle, fit, and risk assessment.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C64A-04E/PQ 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 PIC16C64A-04E/PQ (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature Range, Timers, Program Memory Type.
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Request AlternativesPIC16C64A-04E/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC16C (8-bit RISC) |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4 V to 6 V (5V typical) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (extended, "E" grade) |
| Package / Case | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 4 MHz (5V) |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word |
| Stack Depth | 8-level hardware stack |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Lifecycle Status | Not Recommended for new designs (NRND) |
PIC16C64A-04E/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 β Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 β Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 β Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF β Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI β Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/SS/AN4 β Port A bit 5 / SPI slave select / analog input 4 |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 9 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 10 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (5V typical) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6 β Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 19 | RB7 β Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator out / clock in |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 β Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO β Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6 β Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 27 | RC7 β Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 28 | RD0 β Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 29 | RD1 β Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 30 | RD2 β Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 31 | RD3 β Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 32 | RD4 β Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 33 | RD5 β Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 34 | RD6 β Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 35 | RD7 β Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 36 | RE0/RD β Port E bit 0 / read control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 37 | RE1/WR β Port E bit 1 / write control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 38 | RE2/CS β Port E bit 2 / chip select for parallel slave port |
| Pin 39 | VSS β Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 40 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (secondary) |
| Pin 41 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C64A-04E/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: White-Goods Appliance Control, Industrial Operator Panel Interface, Simple Sensor Front-End Hub, HVAC Control Board, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Consumer Electronics User Interface.
White-Goods Appliance Control
The PIC16C64A-04E/PQ is well suited to white-goods appliance control boards such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Its 33 I/O pins connect directly to seven-segment displays, keypads, rotary encoders, and triac-driven relay loads without external muxing, while integrated PWM channels drive motor speed and heater duty cycles. The 4MHz core and 200ns instruction execution provide deterministic loop timing for sensor sampling. Brown-out Reset and Watchdog Timer protect against brown-outs in noisy mains environments, and the -40C to +125C extended range tolerates the thermal cycling typical behind a control panel. The 44-MQFP footprint fits the compact main boards used in modern appliance form factors.
Recommended
Industrial Operator Panel Interface
For industrial operator panels and HMI keypads, the PIC16C64A-04E/PQ offers the right balance of I/O count, processing throughput, and long-term Microchip PIC16 ecosystem support. Its 33 digital I/O drive LED indicators and scan matrix keypads up to 8x8, while the I2C and SPI ports interface to character LCDs and EEPROMs for menu storage. Brown-out Detect protects against industrial 24V bus transients when paired with an external regulator. The 4MHz clock rate keeps button-debounce and display-refresh loops well below 1ms. The 44-MQFP surface-mount package simplifies integration with the rest of the panel's SMT assembly line, reducing manual soldering cost on high-volume builds.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Front-End Hub
The PIC16C64A-04E/PQ fits simple sensor-front-end applications that aggregate multiple analog or digital sensor inputs over I2C or SPI, apply linearization in firmware, and present the result on a local display or serial link. Its 128 bytes of RAM are sufficient for sensor calibration tables and small ring buffers, while 3.5KB of OTP holds the sensor-processing firmware for high-volume deployments. The PWM output drives status LEDs proportional to measured values. Brown-out Detect and Power-on Reset ensure clean startup after power interruptions in field-deployed sensor nodes. The 44-MQFP package and 5V operation make it compatible with industrial 5V sensor busses.
Recommended
HVAC Control Board
The PIC16C64A-04E/PQ is a common choice for HVAC control boards controlling fans, dampers, and thermostat inputs. Its PWM channels drive variable-speed fans and proportional damper actuators, while the 33 I/O monitor thermistor inputs, mode switches, and status LEDs. Brown-out Detect is critical in HVAC applications where compressor inrush can sag the 5V supply. The extended -40C to +125C operating range covers attic and outdoor unit thermal stress. The 4MHz clock supports the 10ms control loop typical of HVAC thermostatic algorithms, and the 14-bit instruction set keeps the firmware compact in OTP memory.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
The PIC16C64A-04E/PQ has historically been used in non-safety-critical automotive body electronics such as interior lighting controllers, mirror adjusters, and seat-position memories. Its 33 I/O handle switch matrix inputs and relay outputs, while I2C links to dashboard nodes. The extended -40C to +125C range survives cabin and under-hood thermal swings for non-safety applications. Note that this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, so it should be used only in body-electronics retrofits or where AEC-Q100 is not contractually mandated. For new automotive designs, prefer AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F or dsPIC devices.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics User Interface
The PIC16C64A-04E/PQ powers user-interface sub-boards in consumer electronics such as remote controls, audio amplifiers, and small home appliances. Its 33 I/O scan key matrices and drive LED bar-graph displays, while SPI links to a main processor for command hand-off. The integrated Watchdog Timer recovers from firmware lockups in always-on consumer products. Brown-out Reset handles plug-pack power-down events cleanly. The 44-MQFP package fits the constrained PCBs of slim consumer enclosures, and OTP memory provides cost-down for high-volume SKUs where the firmware is final and stable.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C64A-04E/PQ β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C65B-04E/PQ | PIC16C64A-04I/PQ | PIC16C64A-04/PQ | PIC16C64AT-04E/PQ | PIC16C65A-04E/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) - same |
| Core | PIC16C (8-bit RISC) | PIC16C (8-bit RISC) | PIC16C (8-bit RISC) | PIC16C (8-bit RISC) | PIC16C (8-bit RISC) | PIC16C (8-bit RISC) |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (also 10/20 MHz grades) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP | 7.2 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP | 5 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes | 192 x 8 bytes | 128 x 8 bytes | 128 x 8 bytes | 128 x 8 bytes | 192 x 8 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active (recommended successor) | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $8.50 | $9.20 | $7.90 | $6.95 | $8.50 | $8.80 |
Key Differentiators
- Recommended successor has enhanced peripherals (vs PIC16C65B-04E/PQ)
- Wider temperature range than commercial-grade variant (vs PIC16C64A-04/PQ)
- Same die, tape-and-reel packaging option (vs PIC16C64AT-04E/PQ)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5V supply and 4MHz clock, the PIC16C64A-04E/PQ draws approximately 5-10 mA active and <1 uA standby. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling ceramic capacitor as close as physically possible to each VDD/VSS pair (primary pins 11/10 and secondary pins 40/39). Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor at the board input to suppress mains-borne brown-outs that the integrated Brown-out Detect must reject. For battery-backed applications, switch to the lower-power PIC16LF or PIC16F1xxx families.
The 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) footprint requires a JEDEC MS-022-compliant land pattern with 0.8 mm pitch leads. Use a reflow profile with peak temperature below 250C and time-above-liquidus below 60s to avoid OTP memory disturb. Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of pins 7-8 (OSC1/OSC2) and guard the oscillator traces with a ground ring to reduce EMI coupling. Keep MCLR/VPP (pin 9) trace short and add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD with a 100 nF cap to ground for clean in-circuit programming.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 7.0V on the PIC16C64A-04E/PQ - the OTP EPROM cell can be disturbed if VDD exceeds spec during operation. The "04" speed grade is rated for 4MHz at 5V; if you operate at 3.3V, derate to 2MHz or move to a PIC16LF variant. Also note this part is OTP (one-time-programmable): once you commit the firmware, no firmware revision is possible. Plan firmware versioning and last-time-buy strategy accordingly, or migrate to a Flash-based PIC16F equivalent before committing to production.
Estimated: at maximum I/O load (33 outputs each sourcing 20 mA into 5V), the package could dissipate up to 3.3W. The 44-MQFP has a typical theta_JA of ~50 C/W on a 4-layer 1oz PCB, giving a junction temperature rise of 165C above ambient - well above the 125C limit. In practice, not all 33 I/Os source maximum current simultaneously; design the I/O budget to stay below ~1W total dissipation by multiplexing high-current loads through external drivers (ULN2803, TPIC6B595).
Compliance Information
PIC16C64A-04E/PQ predates widespread RoHS adoption (this OTP family was launched in the mid-1990s); RoHS compliance status not confirmed in the Verified Web Data and requires direct Microchip inquiry. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - do not use in safety-critical automotive applications.
