PIC16C64A-20E/L - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 3.5KB, 44-PLCC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C64A-20E/L ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.95 | $14.95 |
| 10 | $13.46 | $134.60 |
| 100 | $11.96 | $1,196.00 |
| 250 | $10.47 | $2,617.50 |
| 500 | $8.97 | $4,485.00 |
PIC16C64A-20E/L Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data memory, and peripherals on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, a microcontroller belongs to the integrated circuit (IC) family and specifically the microcontroller subcategory, sitting alongside microprocessors, DSPs, and FPGAs. The PIC16C6X architecture uses a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) instruction set with only 35 single-word instructions, where all instructions execute in one cycle except program branches (two cycles), making code generation compact and deterministic for embedded developers.
Key features include a wide operating voltage range of 2.5V to 6.0V (commercial/industrial/extended grades), low-power consumption at 5V/4 MHz of approximately 15 µA typical and 3V/32 kHz of approximately 1 µA typical, a fully static design that supports DC to 20 MHz operation, an 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, a watchdog timer, and analog comparator peripheral support. The /L package suffix denotes the 44-lead PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) form factor, a J-lead surface-mount package well suited for socketed industrial designs and through-hole-friendly repair workflows.
The PIC16C64A-20E/L uses Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, EPROM-based program storage, and CMOS fabrication. Its -20E speed designation indicates 20 MHz maximum clock at the Extended temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), distinguishing it from the standard 0°C to +70°C commercial version. This part falls under Microchip's "Not Recommended for new designs" status with the newer PIC16C65B suggested as a successor in the same family.
Typical applications include industrial automation control loops, consumer-electronics user-interface controllers, low-power battery sensing nodes, automotive body and chassis subsystems, and legacy embedded systems that require a stable CMOS OTP supply chain. The wide temperature range and 33 I/O count make it a fit for HMI panels, motor-control front ends, and instrumentation front ends.
When designing with this device, ensure in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) header access for OTP programming, validate the minimum 4.0V Vdd for 20 MHz operation, and budget for the OTP one-time-program window during production. Consider migrating to PIC16C65B or a flash-based PIC16F equivalent for new designs to gain re-programmability and modern peripherals.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives, and practical engineering notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C64A-20E/L — 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-20E/L (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C64A-20/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-10/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-04/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65B-20/L
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-04I/L
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-10I/L
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-20E/L Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 |
| Number of I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package / Case | 44-PLCC (16.59 x 16.59 mm) |
| Operating Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended, "E") |
| Supply Current (5 V / 4 MHz) | 15 µA typical |
| Supply Current (3 V / 32 kHz) | 1 µA typical |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Architecture | Harvard, RISC, 35 single-word instructions |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (PLCC J-lead) |
PIC16C64A-20E/L Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset, active low) |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 / T0CKI (timer0 clock input) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 / analog input |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / programming clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / programming data |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout, reserved) |
| Pin 30 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 31 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 32 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 33 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 34 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 35 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 36 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 37 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 40 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 / read control |
| Pin 41 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 / write control |
| Pin 42 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 / chip select control |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout, reserved) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet pinout, reserved) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C64A-20E/L is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Control, Consumer Electronics User Interface, Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems, Battery-Powered Sensing Nodes, Legacy Embedded System Refresh, Instrumentation Front-End Controller.
Industrial Automation Control
The PIC16C64A-20E/L fits industrial PLC and sensor-interface boards thanks to its 33 digital I/O across five ports and 20 MHz instruction throughput. Its Extended -40 °C to +125 °C rating matches factory-automation thermal envelopes, while 128 bytes of RAM and 3.5 KB OTP suffice for ladder-logic replacement and discrete I/O scanning. The wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range tolerates 24 V-derived industrial rails after regulation. Compared with switching to a flash MCU, the OTP EPROM supply chain keeps BOM stable for long production runs.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics User Interface
The PIC16C64A-20E/L is well-suited for low-cost consumer UI panels where 33 I/O drive key-matrix scanning, LED indicators, and LCD multiplex control. The RISC core executes branch-light state machines in 200 ns per instruction, letting one MCU poll a 4x5 key matrix, debounce, and refresh an indicator array without timing pressure. Power consumption around 15 µA at 5 V/4 MHz typical keeps standby budgets low for AC-line-derived appliances. OTP code lock protects against firmware cloning.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems
With its Extended -40 °C to +125 °C rating and 33 I/O, the PIC16C64A-20E/L is a fit for body controllers, wiper modules, mirror-adjust ECUs, and instrument cluster back-end drivers where automotive EOL parts are common. The OTP EPROM prevents field firmware tampering, while the Harvard RISC core delivers deterministic interrupt response for safety-relevant actuation. Note: this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified in the verified data, so it is typically used in non-safety automotive subsystems rather than critical chassis controllers.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensing Nodes
The PIC16C64A-20E/L supports 3 V battery operation at 32 kHz with approximately 1 µA typical supply current, enabling multi-year coin-cell or two-AA-node duty cycles for remote sensors. Its fully static design lets the clock halt between samples without state loss, and its wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V range covers Li coin, alkaline, and regulated 3.3 V rails. 128 bytes RAM stores sampled data between wakes. The OTP program memory is well-matched to sealed sensor housings.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Refresh
Engineers maintaining installed PIC16C64A-20E/L-based systems can use the same 44-PLCC footprint to swap in PIC16C65B for active-production lifecycle support. The PIC16C65B preserves the 20 MHz clock and OTP/EPROM architecture while adding timers and updated interrupt structure. This minimizes re-PCB work and lets existing ICSP programming fixtures continue to be used. The migration is suitable for medical-device, industrial-controller, and aerospace ground-support legacy designs.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-End Controller
The PIC16C64A-20E/L acts as a measurement front-end controller, sequencing analog multiplexers, triggering ADC conversions, and packaging results for host transmission. Its 33 I/O drive parallel display drivers and keyboard scan paths simultaneously. With 20 MHz instruction throughput, it can service a 10 kHz sample loop while refreshing a numeric display without jitter. Extended temperature ensures operation in outdoor instrumentation cabinets. The 3.5 KB OTP fits calibration tables and lookup firmware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C64A-20E/L — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C64A-20/L | PIC16C65B-20/L | PIC16C64A-04/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-PLCC | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same | 44-PLCC - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 192 bytes (improved) | 128 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +125 °C (Extended) | 0 to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16C64A-20/L)
- Active-production successor available in same footprint (vs PIC16C65B-20/L)
- 20 MHz full-speed operation at Extended temp (vs PIC16C64A-04/L)
Design Notes
For reliable 20 MHz operation the PIC16C64A-20E/L requires Vdd of at least 4.0 V; at 2.5 V to 4.0 V the oscillator and instruction pipeline must be derated to lower clock rates. Use an LDO such as MCP1700 to hold Vdd steady. Decouple Vdd/Vss pairs with 100 nF X7R placed within 5 mm of each pin pair, and add a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic cap near the MCU. The 15 µA typical at 5 V/4 MHz figure does not include I/O drive current - budget additional mA for heavily loaded ports.
Place the 44-PLCC socket with pin 1 marker matching the PCB silk-screen. Keep the crystal/oscillator traces short (<10 mm) and guarded by a ground ring to reduce EMI. The MCLR pin needs a 10 kΩ pull-up to Vdd and a 100 nF decoupling cap for reset noise immunity. The ICSP header (RB6/RB7/VDD/VSS/MCLR) should be brought to a 5-pin in-line connector for production programming without removing the MCU from board.
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5 V supply, each I/O pin toggles every 200 ns, so external loads above 20 pF can cause ring-on transitions - add 33 Ω series resistors on high-fanout signals. Watchdog timer must be cleared in the main loop; software hangs without WDT service will trigger reset every ~18 ms nominal. OTP EPROM cannot be re-programmed - ensure code is fully debugged on a PIC16F equivalent or windowed PIC16C64A JW device before committing to OTP.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not confirmed in verified web data; the part uses 44-PLCC package which historically contains lead in PLCC socket options. AEC-Q100 not applicable to legacy 8-bit EPROM microcontrollers; verify with Microchip for any automotive qualification.
