PIC16C64A-10I/P - 10MHz 8-bit OTP MCU 3.5KB | Microchip | DIP-40
MPN: PIC16C64A-10I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.2 | $9.20 |
| 10 | $8.45 | $84.50 |
| 100 | $7.3 | $730.00 |
| 500 | $6.55 | $3,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.8 | $5,800.00 |
PIC16C64A-10I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program + data), and programmable peripherals on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C64A sits in the legacy 8-bit OTP MCU category: MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> PIC16 family -> PIC16C6x sub-family (mid-range OTP). The 'C' suffix designates the OTP/EPROM-based program memory variant (not flash), which is a one-time programmable technology historically favored for low-cost, high-volume, mature designs. The '64A' is the pin/peripheral-compatible upgrade to the original PIC16C64 with extended instruction set and lower power consumption.
Key features of the PIC16C64A-10I/P include 3.5KB OTP program memory, 128 bytes RAM, 33 I/O pins, two 8-bit and one 16-bit timer/counter, USART for serial communication, SSP for SPI and I2C, two CCP modules for PWM/capture/compare, an 8-bit parallel slave port for external bus attachment, and a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator. The 10 MHz clock rate delivers 5 MIPS, which is sufficient for slow control loops, human-machine interface polling, and sensor aggregation.
The architecture uses a 14-bit wide instruction word with separate 14-bit program and 8-bit data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch with concurrent data access. The Harvard structure, combined with a 35-instruction RISC set, produces highly deterministic timing essential for interrupt-driven control firmware. The device includes brown-out reset and power-on reset for reliable startup in electrically noisy industrial environments.
Typical applications for this device include industrial control panels, appliance controllers, automotive body electronics (non-safety), HVAC thermostats, simple sensor aggregators with serial uplink, and legacy embedded products that have been in continuous production since the late 1990s. The PDIP-40 package is also widely used in education and breadboard prototyping.
When designing with the PIC16C64A-10I/P, note that OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten; firmware must be validated on a flash-based sibling (e.g., PIC16F74-I/P in the same 40-pin PDIP) before committing to OTP. Engineers migrating to a flash variant should plan for code-compatibility verification because peripheral registers differ slightly between the PIC16C6x and PIC16F7x families.
This page consolidates distributor stock, parametric alternatives, and drop-in substitution guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone - particularly useful for sustaining legacy designs where the OTP part remains the only BOM-approved option.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C64A-10I/P — 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-10I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Mounting Type, Maximum Clock Frequency, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C64A-10/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F74-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-04E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-10I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | None |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (5 MIPS at 10 MHz) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package / Case | 40-PDIP (0.600 inch / 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Number of Timers | 3 (Timer0 8-bit, Timer1 16-bit, Timer2 8-bit) |
| Communication Interfaces | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI / I2C), Parallel Slave Port |
| CCP / PWM Modules | 2 CCP modules (Capture / Compare / PWM) |
| ADC Channels | None (no on-chip ADC) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole PDIP) |
PIC16C64A-10I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator/counter |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 osc / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 19 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 22 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 25 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 26 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / read strobe for PSP / analog ch5 |
| Pin 27 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / write strobe for PSP / analog ch6 |
| Pin 28 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / chip select for PSP / analog ch7 |
| Pin 29 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 30 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 31 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 32 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 33 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 34 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 35 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 36 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 37 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 38 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0V to 6.0V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C64A-10I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel Logic, Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Ovens), Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), HVAC Thermostat and Zone Controller, Simple Sensor Aggregator with Serial Uplink, Educational Microcontroller Trainer Board.
Industrial Control Panel Logic
The PIC16C64A-10I/P fits industrial control panels because its 33 digital I/O pins can directly drive status LEDs, scan membrane keypads, and control relay coils at 25 mA per pin without external buffers. The 10 MHz clock delivers 5 MIPS, ample for polled button-debounce loops, multiplexed 7-segment display refresh, and Modbus-RTU over the on-chip USART. The 4.0V to 6.0V supply matches 5V industrial backplanes, and the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range survives factory-floor thermal stress. Unlike flash-based successors, the OTP program memory ensures firmware cannot be overwritten by EMI-induced flash corruption in electrically noisy panels.
Recommended
Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Ovens)
White-goods appliance controllers rely on the PIC16C64A-10I/P for motor sequencing, sensor polling, and user-interface handling. The 3.5KB OTP memory holds typical washing-machine state machines, the 128 bytes RAM is enough for run-time status flags, and the 2 CCP modules generate PWM for motor speed control. The OTP-programmed device prevents field tampering with safety-critical firmware - a regulatory plus for IEC 60730 compliant appliances. The 40-pin PDIP through-hole package withstands hand-soldering and wave-soldering production lines used by appliance manufacturers. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against brown-out-induced latch-up common in motor-drive environments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C64A-10I/P appears in legacy automotive body modules such as central locking, mirror control, and seat-position memory. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range covers cabin environments (under-hood modules require the +125C 'E' suffix). The 10 MHz throughput is sufficient for LIN-bus emulation via the USART plus timer-driven bit-banging, and the 33 I/O pins handle multiple switch-scan matrices. While the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified, Microchip supplies automotive-grade PIC16F cousins for new designs. The OTP memory prevents warranty-voiding firmware modifications by end users.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Zone Controller
Thermostat designs use the PIC16C64A-10I/P for temperature polling, schedule execution, and HVAC damper/valve actuator control. The 10 MHz clock executes PID control loops at sub-second intervals for stable indoor climate regulation, and the parallel slave port allows the thermostat to expose its LCD controller as a memory-mapped peripheral. The 128 bytes RAM stores schedule entries and setpoint history. Brown-out reset prevents corruption of the OTP-stored schedule table during power glitches. Migrating to PIC16F74-I/P adds an on-chip ADC for direct thermistor readout without an external ADC IC.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Aggregator with Serial Uplink
Remote sensor aggregators use the PIC16C64A-10I/P to poll multiple digital sensors, perform basic averaging or thresholding, and forward results via USART to a host controller or radio module. The 33 I/O pins support up to 30 discrete sensors with margin for SPI/I2C sensor buses via the SSP peripheral. At 10 MHz, the device can service a 9600-baud Modbus link while still executing a 1 kHz sensor scan loop. The OTP memory secures the proprietary sensor-fusion algorithm against reverse engineering. This topology is common in irrigation controllers and environmental monitoring stations.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer Board
University embedded-systems courses continue to use the PIC16C64A-10I/P on trainer boards because the 40-pin PDIP is breadboard-friendly, the PIC16 instruction set is well-documented in textbooks, and OTP-programmed devices teach students about one-time-programmable memory constraints. The 10 MHz operation exposes students to real interrupt latency (200 ns instruction cycle, 5-cycle interrupt response), and the parallel slave port demonstrates bus-attached microprocessor emulation. Migrating to PIC16F74-I/P enables in-circuit reprogramming during lab sessions, eliminating the need for an EPROM eraser.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C64A-10I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C64A-10/PT | PIC16C64A-04I/P | PIC16C64A-04E/PT | PIC16C65B | PIC16F74-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-PDIP | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (3.5KB) | OTP EPROM (3.5KB) - same | OTP EPROM (3.5KB) - same | OTP EPROM (3.5KB) - same | OTP EPROM (7KB) - upgrade | Flash (4KB) - migration target |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 192 bytes (+50%) | 192 bytes (+50%) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same | 33 - same |
| ADC | None | None - same | None - same | None - same | None | 5-channel 8-bit ADC |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended migration) | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Same-die tape-and-reel variant available for high-volume assembly (vs PIC16C64A-10/PT)
- Microchip-recommended active OTP migration target (vs PIC16C65B)
- Flash-based drop-in for firmware-development workflows (vs PIC16F74-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C64A-10I/P operates from 4.0V to 6.0V; the 5.0V rail of a typical industrial backplane is the canonical supply. Decouple VDD (pin 11/32) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum cap on the same node. Brown-out reset is enabled by configuration fuse and trips when VDD falls below approximately 4.0V (typical), preventing code execution from corrupted memory.
Place the 40-pin PDIP with at least 0.1 inch clearance around the device for through-hole assembly and rework. Route the crystal traces (OSC1 pin 8, OSC2 pin 9) with short, symmetric traces to minimize stray capacitance; use a guard ground trace around the crystal to reduce noise injection. The ICSP pins (RB6/RB7 = pins 35/36) should be brought to a 2x3 or 1x6 header for in-system programming without removing the MCU.
OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory cannot be erased or rewritten - a verification failure during production programming means the entire PIC16C64A-10I/P must be discarded. Always validate firmware on a flash-based sibling device (PIC16F74-I/P) before committing to OTP programming. Note that the 33 I/O pins are shared with peripheral functions (USART, SSP, CCP, PSP, analog inputs); configuration of the ADCON1 register or TRIS bits is required before using analog or peripheral functions. MCLR must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor; floating MCLR causes spurious resets in noisy environments.
The parallel slave port (PORTD pins 18-25 + PORTE pins 26-28) operates in 8-bit bus mode with read/write/chip-select strobes. Add 10 kohm pull-ups on RE0/RD-bar, RE1/WR-bar, and RE2/CS-bar to prevent spurious bus transactions during MCU reset. The 33 I/O pins have 25 mA source/sink capability - sufficient for LEDs but external buffering is required for high-current loads above 25 mA. Watchdog timer should be enabled in software for unattended industrial deployments.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance for PIC16C64A-10I/P could not be confirmed from the provided Verified Web Data; the part is obsolete (pre-dating current RoHS documentation requirements) and Microchip does not provide a current RoHS declaration on the product page. AEC-Q100 qualification is not applicable because the PIC16C64A family was never released as an automotive-grade part; Microchip's PIC16F1xxx automotive variants exist for that purpose.
