PIC16C64A-10/P - 8-Bit 10MHz OTP MCU 3.5KB DIP-40 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C64A-10/P β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.69 | $8.69 |
| 10 | $7.82 | $78.20 |
| 100 | $6.95 | $695.00 |
| 500 | $6.08 | $3,040.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.21 | $5,210.00 |
PIC16C64A-10/P Overview
What is a microcontroller (MCU)? A microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C64A sits in the 8-bit MCU class (8-bit -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor). Its RISC core uses only 35 single-word instructions, making it friendly for assembly and C developers. OTP memory allows the device to be programmed once and retained for the life of the product.
Key features include five 8-bit I/O ports, three hardware timers, a USART, a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI/I2C, an 8-bit parallel slave port, and dual analog comparators. The instruction set executes every instruction in a single cycle except program branches (two cycles), which keeps interrupt latency predictable. Power consumption is approximately 15 Β΅A typical at 5V/4 MHz and as low as 1 Β΅A at 3V/32 kHz, enabling battery-friendly designs.
The PIC16C64A architecture uses Harvard memory buses - separate program and data paths - so instruction fetch and operand access occur in one cycle. This contrasts with Von Neumann MCUs that share a bus. The wide operating range (commercial/industrial/extended temperature) and windowed ceramic variants make the family useful in both production deployments and engineering development where UV-erasable versions speed iteration.
Typical applications include industrial control boards, motor drive front-ends, smart sensor interfaces, and legacy consumer electronics. Designers value the PIC16C64A-10/P for its deterministic timing, mature toolchain (MPASM, MPLAB), and pin compatibility with newer flash-based siblings such as the PIC16F74.
When designing with this part, reserve a 4.7 kΞ© pull-up on MCLR and decouple VDD with a 100 nF plus 10 Β΅F bulk capacitor near the package. Because the OTP memory cannot be erased, verify firmware in a windowed (JW) ceramic variant or a flash-based sibling during development before committing to OTP for volume.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C64A-10/P 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-10/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in MSL Level, Maximum Clock Frequency, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C64A-10I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C64A-04I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F74-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C65B-10/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F46K22-I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-10/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (single cycle) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 33 |
| I/O Ports | 5 x 8-bit (PORTA-PORTE, partial) |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, SSP (SPI/I2C), Parallel Slave Port |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600", 15.24 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
PIC16C64A-10/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR β Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| 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 / voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 β PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RD0/PSP0 β PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 15 | RD1/PSP1 β PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | RD2/PSP2 β PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | RD3/PSP3 β PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | RD4/PSP4 β PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | RD5/PSP5 β PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RD6/PSP6 β PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 21 | RD7/PSP7 β PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 22 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 23 | VDD β Positive supply (4.0V-6.0V) |
| Pin 24 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 25 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 26 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 27 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 28 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 29 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 30 | RB6 β PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 31 | RB7 β PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 32 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 33 | VDD β Positive supply |
| Pin 34 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 35 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 36 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / clock |
| Pin 37 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / data |
| Pin 38 | RE0/RD β PORTE bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port read control |
| Pin 39 | RE1/WR β PORTE bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port write control |
| Pin 40 | RE2/CS β PORTE bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port chip select |
Typical Applications
PIC16C64A-10/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Boards, Motor Drive Front-End, Smart Sensor Interface, Legacy Consumer Electronics, HVAC Control Modules, Security Keypads and Access Panels.
Industrial Control Boards
The PIC16C64A-10/P fits legacy industrial control boards because its 10 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle provide deterministic timing for PLC scan loops, while the 33 digital I/O lines drive relays, optocouplers, and indicator LEDs directly. The wide 4.0V-6.0V supply tolerates unregulated 5V industrial rails, and the USART plus SSP peripherals communicate with sensor front-ends and operator panels. Designers value the PIC16C64A's predictable interrupt latency for time-critical interlocks. For new industrial designs, the flash-based PIC16F74-I/P is preferred for in-field firmware updates.
Recommended
Motor Drive Front-End
In motor drive front-ends, the PIC16C64A-10/P generates PWM signals, reads Hall-effect sensors, and manages direction logic for brushed DC and small stepper motors. The three hardware timers (Timer0/1/2) handle PWM generation and tachometer capture, while the parallel slave port connects to a host motion controller for trajectory updates. Its 4.0V-6.0V operation aligns with 5V gate driver supplies, simplifying PCB layout. The OTP memory locks firmware against field tampering, which matters for OEM-locked motor control modules. Migrate to PIC16F74-I/P if in-field firmware updates are required.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Interface
The PIC16C64A-10/P serves as a smart sensor interface reading multiple analog signals through its two analog comparators and digitizing via the parallel slave port, then forwarding data via USART or SPI to a host processor. The 200 ns instruction cycle samples sensors at rates suitable for vibration and temperature monitoring. Low-power modes (1 Β΅A typical at 3V/32 kHz) extend battery life in remote sensor nodes. The OTP memory is ideal for fixed-function sensor modules where firmware never changes. Pair with the PIC16C64A-10I/P variant for outdoor temperature extremes.
Recommended
Legacy Consumer Electronics
The PIC16C64A-10/P powers legacy consumer products such as washing machine controllers, microwave user interfaces, and small appliance displays, where its 33 I/O lines drive 7-segment displays, keypads, and buzzer circuits. The mature MPLAB toolchain and MPASM assembler reduce firmware development risk for products with decade-long lifecycles. OTP memory prevents end-user firmware modification, protecting OEM IP. Designers maintaining such products often stock the PIC16C64A-10/P for board-level repairs because firmware-compatible replacements are scarce.
Recommended
HVAC Control Modules
HVAC control modules use the PIC16C64A-10/P for thermostat signal processing, fan speed control via PWM, and communication with indoor/outdoor unit boards over UART. The industrial temperature variant (PIC16C64A-10I/P) is preferred for outdoor unit boards exposed to -40C conditions. The 33 I/O lines handle multiple thermistor inputs, relay outputs, and LED indicators without external I/O expanders. Its deterministic interrupt response ensures clean zero-crossing detection for TRIAC-based load switching, critical for HVAC efficiency.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Panels
Access control panels deploy the PIC16C64A-10/P for keypad scanning, RFID reader interfacing via SPI, and door strike relay control. The OTP memory secures authentication firmware against extraction, important for security applications. The USART links to a central access controller over RS-485, while the parallel slave port connects to a 4x4 or 4x5 matrix keypad with low BOM cost. The 10 MHz clock supports debounce algorithms with predictable timing. Modern designs should consider the PIC16F74-I/P for firmware update capability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C64A-10/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C64A-10I/P | PIC16C64A-04I/P | PIC16F74-I/P | PIC16C65B-10/P | PIC18F46K22-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-40 | PDIP-40 - same | PDIP-40 - same | PDIP-40 - same | PDIP-40 - same | PDIP-40 - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP | 64 KB Flash |
| Maximum Clock | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 64 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0V to 6.0V | 4.0V to 6.0V | 4.0V to 6.0V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.0V to 6.0V | 1.8V to 5.5V |
| Temperature Range | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | OTP | Flash |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature variant available in identical package (vs PIC16C64A-10I/P)
- Flash-based successor with active production (vs PIC16F74-I/P)
- Microchip-recommended upgrade path with more peripherals (vs PIC16C65B-10/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD pin (pins 11 and 32 on the 40-pin PDIP), and add a single 10 Β΅F bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic cap on the supply rail. The PIC16C64A's wide 4.0V-6.0V operating range tolerates unregulated 5V industrial rails, but supply noise above 50 mV can couple into the analog comparator reference - route analog VDD through a ferrite bead if precision analog readings are needed. Estimated: at 10 MHz clock and 5V supply, core current is approximately 5-10 mA typical, well within the package dissipation limits.
Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI. If using a crystal, place load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) within 5 mm of the oscillator pins. The MCLR pin (pin 1) requires a 4.7 kΞ© pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity - omitting this capacitor is a common cause of spurious resets in industrial environments. Avoid routing digital signals under the IC body to prevent coupling into the substrate.
OTP memory is one-time programmable - any code bug locks the part permanently. For prototype development, use the windowed ceramic (JW) variant or the flash-based PIC16F74-I/P, then port the validated firmware to OTP for production. Watch the configuration word: an incorrect oscillator selection or watchdog timer setting can render the device unresponsive. Brown-out reset (BOR) is not enabled by default; configure it explicitly if operating near the 4.0V supply minimum.
The PDIP-40 package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of approximately 70 C/W. At typical 10 MHz/5V operation with 33 I/O switching, total power dissipation is under 100 mW, keeping junction rise below 7C above ambient - no heatsink required. Estimated: worst-case I/O sink current (25 mA per pin on PORTB, 20 mA per pin on PORTA/PORTC/PORTD/PORTE) can push dissipation above 500 mW if all pins sink max current simultaneously; derate accordingly in dense designs.
Compliance Information
PIC16C64A-10/P is a vintage OTP part from the 1990s. RoHS compliance status not explicitly stated in the verified web data - vintage Microchip PIC16C OTP parts typically contain lead and are non-RoHS. Verify with manufacturer before use in RoHS-restricted designs.
