PIC16C64A-04E/PT - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 3.5KB EPROM, 4MHz, TQFP-44 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C64A-04E/PT ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.2 | $11.20 |
| 10 | $10.05 | $100.50 |
| 100 | $8.95 | $895.00 |
| 500 | $8.1 | $4,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.35 | $7,350.00 |
PIC16C64A-04E/PT Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture, RISC-based CMOS device in which program and data memories use separate buses. This separation allows instruction fetch and operand read to occur in the same cycle, giving PIC MCUs their characteristic deterministic execution time. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C64A belongs to the PIC16 family of mid-range microcontrollers, which sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16 families and the high-end PIC18 family, and ultimately under the umbrella of embedded microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> integrated circuits. The OTP (one-time-programmable) program memory uses EPROM cells, distinct from the flash-based PIC16F series.
Key specifications include an external oscillator interface supporting up 4 MHz (4 in the suffix indicates the maximum frequency), an operating voltage range of typically 2.5 V to 6.0 V, and a brown-out reset / power-on reset subsystem. The device integrates a Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) supporting SPI and I²C master/slave modes, a USART for asynchronous serial communication, and three hardware timers (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) suitable for event counting, input capture, output compare, and PWM generation. Peripherals include a 5-channel 8-bit ADC and a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator.
The PIC16C64A-04E/PT is well suited to embedded control applications that demand deterministic interrupt latency, simple peripheral set, and legacy code reuse. Typical use cases include industrial control logic, sensor interfacing, motor drive sequencing, and brown-field designs maintaining compatibility with the classic PIC16 mid-range instruction set.
A key design consideration when using the PIC16C64A-04E/PT is OTP program memory: once programmed, the device cannot be re-programmed. Engineers should use a windowed (JW) sample for prototype iteration and reserve the OTP -04E/PT for production. The 'E' suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C). Microchip recommends migrating to PIC16F877A for new designs, as the PIC16C64A has been replaced by PIC16C65B per the manufacturer product page.
This page synthesizes drop-in replacement alternatives, parametric comparison data, and application context not aggregated in any single manufacturer or distributor source.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C64A-04E/PT — 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/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, RoHS Status, Operating Temperature Range, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C65B-04E/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877A-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877-04/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C745-I/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-04E/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC16 8-bit RISC, Harvard |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes (128 B) |
| Data EEPROM | Not present on PIC16C64A |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 5 MIPS (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V (typical); 4.0 V to 6.0 V for EPROM programming |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 5-channel, 8-bit |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Peripherals | SSP (SPI / I²C), USART |
| Oscillator Type | External (crystal/RC) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset / POR | Yes |
| Package | 44-pin TQFP (10 x 10 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C (Industrial, 'E' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tray |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (Pb-free package) |
PIC16C64A-04E/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / ADC channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / ADC channel 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock in |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (PWM/capture/compare) |
| Pin 11 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 12 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 13 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 14 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 15 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RE0/RD — PORTE bit 0 / read control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 26 | RE1/WR — PORTE bit 1 / write control for parallel slave port |
| Pin 27 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / chip select for parallel slave port |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 32 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 41 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / ADC channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C64A-04E/PT is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Logic, Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition, Motor Sequencing and Stepper Control, Brownfield Legacy Replacement, HVAC and Building Automation, Simple Serial Communication Bridges.
Industrial Control Logic
The PIC16C64A-04E/PT's deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle, 5 MIPS throughput, and 33 GPIO pins make it well-suited to industrial control logic in legacy equipment such as PLC I/O modules, conveyor sequencers, and HVAC controllers. Its 5-channel 8-bit ADC is sufficient for thermocouple conditioning via external amplifiers, while the SSP and USART enable Modbus RTU or SPI inter-module communication. The 4 MHz oscillator limit keeps EMI low, important in noisy factory environments, and the industrial -40°C to +125°C temperature grade survives unheated cabinet installations.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition
With 33 digital I/O and a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, the PIC16C64A-04E/PT fits multi-sensor data acquisition front-ends - particularly strain-gauge bridges, RTD temperature sensors, and 4-20 mA loop transmitters. The 8-bit ADC resolution suits 1% accuracy industrial measurements, and the USART streams digitized sensor data to a host controller. OTP EPROM program memory locks calibration coefficients permanently once the unit is qualified, preventing field tampering. Engineers designing precision instrumentation should consider the PIC16F877A successor for in-field firmware updates.
Recommended
Motor Sequencing and Stepper Control
The PIC16C64A-04E/PT's three timers (T0/T1/T2) provide the hardware basis for stepper motor step-rate generation, acceleration profiles, and PWM chopping current control. Its 33 GPIO pins can drive stepper drivers such as the A3967 or ULN2003A via discrete logic levels, and the SSP peripheral synchronizes multi-axis motion via SPI to the host CNC controller. At 5 MIPS, the firmware can manage up to ~20 kHz step rates without interrupt overrun. The OTP memory is appropriate for production stepper controllers where firmware is finalized after qualification.
Recommended
Brownfield Legacy Replacement
The PIC16C64A-04E/PT is widely deployed as a drop-in firmware-compatible MCU in brownfield replacements where the original PCB was designed around PIC16C64A and the firmware image is already validated. Its instruction set, register map, and peripheral layout are identical to earlier PIC16C64, allowing recompiled firmware to run unchanged. Common legacy applications include point-of-sale terminals, security alarm panels, and elevator controllers. Use of OTP EPROM here is intentional: the firmware is mature and re-programmability is not required.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation
HVAC and building automation controllers benefit from the PIC16C64A-04E/PT's 5-channel ADC for temperature/humidity sensing, USART for BACnet MS-TP or Modbus connectivity, and watchdog timer for unattended long-term operation. The -40°C to +125°C industrial temperature grade survives rooftop installations and unconditioned plant rooms. Firmware can implement PID loops at sub-millisecond cadence thanks to the 5 MIPS core, while OTP EPROM locks the control algorithm permanently to meet certification requirements.
Recommended
Simple Serial Communication Bridges
With integrated SSP (SPI/I²C) and USART peripherals, the PIC16C64A-04E/PT is a natural fit for protocol-conversion bridges such as SPI-to-UART or I²C-to-UART repeaters, common in legacy industrial networks. Its 128 B RAM is sufficient for short frame buffering, and the 4 MHz clock keeps power consumption around 5 mA typical for battery-backed bridgers. OTP EPROM provides cost savings versus flash for volume production where firmware is finalized. Pair the MCU with an external RS-485 transceiver for multi-drop industrial networks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C64A-04E/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C65B-04E/PT | PIC16F877A-I/PT | PIC16C64A-04I/P | PIC16F877-04/PT | PIC16C745-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-44 (10x10 mm) | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same | PDIP-40 - NOT pin-compatible | TQFP-44 - same | TQFP-44 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 14 KB Flash | 3.5 KB OTP EPROM | 8 KB Flash | 16 KB OTP EPROM |
| RAM | 128 B | 192 B | 368 B | 128 B | 368 B | 256 B |
| Max Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 24 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 29 |
| ADC Channels | 5 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 5 x 8-bit | 8 x 10-bit | 5 x 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash | OTP EPROM | Flash | OTP EPROM |
Key Differentiators
- Deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle at 4 MHz (vs PIC16F877A-I/PT)
- OTP EPROM locks firmware permanently for production (vs PIC16F877A-I/PT)
- Industrial -40°C to +125°C temperature grade (vs PIC16C64A-04I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C64A-04E/PT operates from 2.5 V to 6.0 V; ensure VDD rise time meets the power-on reset specification in the datasheet (typically VDD monotonic rise in less than the POR delay window). Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic plus 10 uF tantalum placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin to suppress switching noise from internal peripherals. For ADC accuracy, place a separate AVRC/AVSS pair and a 100 nF decoupling cap on the analog supply pin if your PCB design exposes AVRC separately from VDD.
Because PIC16C64A-04E/PT uses OTP EPROM, once programmed the firmware cannot be changed. Engineering teams must validate firmware on a windowed (JW) sample before committing to OTP production units. MCLR/VPP pin must be held low for reset and pulled to 13 V for programming; leave a programming header accessible on the PCB until final QA. Avoid using the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7) for general-purpose I/O if you plan to reprogram units during development.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces symmetrically and as short as possible to the crystal or ceramic resonator. Place the crystal within 5 mm of the MCU and surround it with a ground guard ring to minimize radiated noise coupling to analog inputs. For 4 MHz designs, typical Cload values are 15-33 pF - check the crystal datasheet. Keep ADC traces away from PORTA digital signals to avoid crosstalk into the ADC measurement.
The PIC16C64A-04E/PT TQFP-44 package has a thermal resistance junction-to-ambient (θJA) of approximately 80 °C/W. At 5 V / 25 mA active current and 4 MHz, dissipation is approximately 125 mW, leading to a 10 °C temperature rise above ambient - well within the industrial -40°C to +125°C envelope. For high-temperature installations, ensure the PCB copper pad under the exposed thermal flag (if present) is connected to a ground pour for additional heat sinking.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and authorized distributor listings; AEC-Q100 not applicable for this legacy industrial-grade MCU. The 'E' suffix denotes industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C).
