PIC16C64A-20E/P - 8-bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 3.5KB, 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C64A-20E/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.2 | $8.20 |
| 10 | $7.35 | $73.50 |
| 100 | $6.55 | $655.00 |
| 500 | $5.78 | $2,890.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.1 | $5,100.00 |
PIC16C64A-20E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, digital I/O, and on-chip peripherals such as timers, capture modules, and a USART. The PIC16C family sits in the broader taxonomy of microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device. PIC MCUs use a Harvard RISC core with only 35 single-word instructions, where all instructions execute in one cycle except program branches (two cycles), enabling deterministic real-time response in control loops.
Key features of the PIC16C64A-20E/P include five 8-bit I/O ports (PORTA-PORTE), three timer/counters (TMR0, TMR1, TMR2), a 2-capture/compare/PWM module, a USART with on-chip baud-rate generator, an 8-bit A/D converter (on selected pins), a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via RB6/RB7. The device draws < 2 mA typical at 5 V / 4 MHz and < 1 µA typical standby current at 3 V / 32 kHz.
Architecturally, the PIC16C64A uses a 14-bit instruction word with a 8-bit data path, a hardware stack depth of 8, and direct, indirect, and relative addressing modes. The on-chip EPROM-based program store is one-time programmable (OTP), distinguishing it from the FLASH-based PIC16F family; for in-system reprogrammability the PIC16F64A or PIC16F74 family should be considered.
Typical applications include industrial process control, automotive body electronics, motor control (low-side PWM drive), smart sensor interfaces, and legacy embedded systems where the long-life, second-source PIC architecture remains specified by end customers. The 20 MHz throughput supports protocols such as RS-232, RS-485, and I2C master mode in software bit-banging.
When designing with the PIC16C64A, note that MCLR must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up and that decoupling requires a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin. The '20E' suffix denotes 20 MHz operation, Extended temperature; 'P' denotes 40-pin PDIP. Note: this part is Not Recommended for new designs (NRND) per Microchip's product status page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C64A-20E/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-20E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Data EEPROM, Instruction Cycle Time, Maximum Clock Frequency, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F74-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-10I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F74-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C64A-20E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E' suffix) |
| I/O Pins | 33 (PORTA-PORTE, 8-bit bidirectional) |
| Timers | 3 (TMR0, TMR1, TMR2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 module, 16-bit |
| Communication | USART with on-chip baud-rate generator |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (RB6/RB7) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600 in / 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16C64A-20E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset, active low) - tie to VDD via 10 kohm |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O or analog AN0 on '65/'66/'67) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (open-drain, T0CKI clock input) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (also /SS input on synchronous SPI) |
| Pin 8 | RE0 — PORTE bit 0 (/RD control for parallel slave port) |
| Pin 9 | RE1 — PORTE bit 1 (/WR control for parallel slave port) |
| Pin 10 | RE2 — PORTE bit 2 (/CS control for parallel slave port) |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1 — Crystal oscillator or external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator output (or RC mode clock out) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (T1OSO timer1 oscillator output) |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (T1OSI timer1 oscillator input) |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (CCP1 PWM output) |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (SCL I2C clock or SPI clock) |
| Pin 19 | RD0 — PORTD bit 0 (parallel slave port data) |
| Pin 20 | RD1 — PORTD bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2 — PORTD bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3 — PORTD bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (SDA I2C data or SPI data input) |
| Pin 24 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (SPI data output) |
| Pin 25 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (TX USART asynchronous transmit) |
| Pin 26 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (RX USART asynchronous receive) |
| Pin 27 | RD4 — PORTD bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5 — PORTD bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6 — PORTD bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7 — PORTD bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground reference (second pin for noise isolation) |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply (second pin) |
| Pin 33 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (external interrupt INT) |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 39 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (ICSP clock, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 40 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (ICSP data, interrupt-on-change) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C64A-20E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Smart Sensor Interface Node, Motor Speed Control (Low-side PWM), Embedded Serial Display Terminal, Legacy Industrial Controller Retrofit.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C64A-20E/P suits industrial process control boards running closed-loop PID at moderate sample rates. Its 20 MHz clock yields 5 MIPS, which is sufficient to bit-bang RS-485 or Modbus RTU at 9600 baud while servicing one capture input for pulse counting. The 33 digital I/O lines drive opto-isolated inputs and relay outputs directly without external latches. Extended temperature grading (-40C to +125C) supports factory-floor enclosures, and the USART with on-chip baud-rate generator eliminates an external crystal for the comms interface. The 192-byte RAM limits stack depth, so avoid recursive algorithms.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
The PIC16C64A-20E/P historically powered body-electronics modules such as window lifters, seat controllers, and HVAC blend-door actuators. The Extended -40C to +125C temperature range and 6 V tolerant VDD cover 12 V automotive transients after regulation. The PWM module drives brushed DC motors for mirror adjustment; the A/D converter reads NTC thermistor inputs from cabin sensors. The OTP program memory suits cost-sensitive, fixed-function modules where firmware is locked at production.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16C64A-20E/P can serve as a sensor interface node on a 4-20 mA current loop or RS-485 multi-drop bus. Its 8-bit A/D converter (on the PIC16C65/66/67 pin-compatible variants) reads analog sensors with 0.4% resolution after calibration. The USART generates standard baud rates without a host processor, and the watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator recovers from ESD-induced software lockups. Sleep current under 1 µA at 3 V supports battery-sleep duty cycling in remote sensor applications.
Recommended
Motor Speed Control (Low-side PWM)
The PIC16C64A-20E/P drives low-side PWM motor controllers for small DC and unipolar stepper motors up to ~1 A. The Capture/Compare/PWM module delivers a hardware PWM at up to 20 kHz without CPU overhead, while TMR2 provides the period base. The 33 I/O lines accept quadrature encoder feedback for closed-loop speed regulation. Rated to 6 V VDD, the device can be powered directly from a 5 V regulated bus without level shifting to logic-level gate drivers.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Display Terminal
The PIC16C64A-20E/P can act as a low-cost serial-to-parallel interface for character LCD or vacuum-fluorescent displays. The USART receives ASCII data at standard baud rates and the 8-bit PORTA-PORTE pins drive the LCD in 4-bit or 8-bit parallel mode. The 192-byte RAM holds one display line plus a small command interpreter. Combined with the 20 MHz instruction rate, full screen redraws of 16x2 character LCDs complete in milliseconds via software-driven strobing.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Controller Retrofit
The PIC16C64A-20E/P remains in service as a pin-compatible replacement for original PIC16C64-04/P and PIC16C64-10/P sockets in long-life industrial equipment. The 40-pin PDIP footprint is mechanically identical to the older PIC16C64, allowing board-level swaps without PCB rework. The 20 MHz speed grade exceeds the older 4 MHz and 10 MHz parts, so existing firmware executes faster; code timing loops may require recalibration if delays were calibrated for the slower grades.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C64A-20E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F74-I/P | PIC16C64A-04I/P | PIC16C64A-10I/P | PIC16C64A-20/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same | 40-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 4 KB FLASH | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM (one-time) | FLASH (10K erase cycles) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND (Not Recommended for new designs) | Active | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Higher clock speed than the 04 and 10 MHz siblings in the same PIC16C64A family (vs PIC16C64A-04I/P)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range vs commercial 0C to +70C of PIC16C64A-20/P (vs PIC16C64A-20/P)
- OTP program memory costs less than FLASH-based PIC16F74 in low-volume runs (vs PIC16F74-I/P)
Design Notes
Power the PIC16C64A-20E/P from a regulated 3.0 V to 6.0 V supply. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 11) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the supply rail. Both VDD pins (11 and 32) and both VSS pins (12 and 31) must be connected; floating any of these can cause latch-up or ADC reference drift. For battery applications, the on-chip brown-out reset is unavailable on this family - implement external voltage supervision with a discrete reset IC such as the MCP130.
Route the 20 MHz crystal traces symmetrically and keep them short (under 10 mm). Use a grounded guard ring around OSC1/OSC2 to prevent the oscillator from coupling into adjacent analog or EEPROM signals. MCLR must connect to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor; do not drive MCLR directly from a logic output without isolation. For in-circuit serial programming, expose RB6 and RB7 on a 6-pin header with VDD, VSS, and MCLR to enable field firmware update during the PIC16C64A NRND lifetime window.
Do not assume the PIC16C64A's PORTA includes the A/D converter - the PIC16C64A is the digital-only member of the PIC16C6X family; A/D appears only on PIC16C65/C65A/C66/C67. Do not connect external EEPROM I2C devices to SCL/SDA without pull-up resistors to VDD - the PIC16C64A's PORTC has no internal weak pull-ups on RC3/RC4. Finally, note that OTP memory cannot be erased - a programming error on the PIC16C64A permanently bricks the device; develop and debug firmware on a PIC16F74-I/P or windowed PIC16C64A JW version first.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance and lead-free status not stated in the verified web data. As an older EPROM-based OTP part originally released in the 1990s, PIC16C64A-20E/P may not be RoHS compliant - confirm with Microchip or distributor before using in RoHS-restricted regions.
