PIC16C64A-20I/P - 8-Bit CMOS MCU 3.5KB EPROM 20MHz DIP-40
MPN: PIC16C64A-20I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.87 | $9.87 |
| 10 | $9.1 | $91.00 |
| 100 | $8.25 | $825.00 |
| 500 | $7.4 | $3,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.65 | $6,650.00 |
PIC16C64A-20I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory, working RAM, I/O peripherals and interrupt logic on one die. The PIC16C family is a Harvard-architecture, RISC 8-bit line using a 14-bit instruction word and only 35 single-word instructions, positioned in Microchip's classic mid-range hierarchy (PIC12C/PIC16C -> PIC16 family -> 8-bit PIC microcontrollers -> Microcontrollers -> Integrated Circuits). EPROM-based 'C' parts allow field re-programming through UV erasure, which is critical for legacy field-serviced equipment and is one of the few remaining ways to recover firmware when the original source is lost.
Key features include a wide operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.0 V, an industrial temperature range of -40 C to +85 C, 8-bit-wide data path, 22 interrupt sources and an instruction set optimized for compiled C throughput. The EPROM windowed package supports 1000+ erase/program cycles, and the fully-static design permits clock frequencies from DC up to 20 MHz, enabling low-power sleep modes for battery-sustained instruments. Watchdog timer, power-on reset and brown-out protection are integrated on-chip.
Typical applications include industrial process controllers, instrumentation front-ends, motor-control signal conditioning, security panel logic, and automotive aftermarket subsystems. The 40-pin DIP form factor and standard PIC16C64A pinout also make this part attractive for maintaining legacy test fixtures and educational platforms where through-hole solderability matters more than board density.
When designing with this device, ensure a regulated 5 V supply with adequate bulk decoupling near the VDD pins, route the quartz or ceramic resonator traces short and guarded, and use the EPROM window only with a proper UV eraser cover to avoid accidental data loss from ambient light. A 33 I/O budget and 128-byte RAM set the upper bound on concurrent tasks; engineers should validate stack depth for deeply nested C code.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family replacements, and practical design notes that are not collected in any single manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement engineers and embedded designers a single reference for the PIC16C64A-20I/P.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C64A-20I/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-20I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Maximum Clock Frequency, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C64A-10I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / 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 →PIC16C64A-10I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-04E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.35 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-20E/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-20I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C Harvard RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V (operating); 4.0 V to 5.5 V (5 V typical) |
| I/O Ports | 33 digital I/O |
| Timers | Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 (16-bit + 8-bit + 8-bit) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Interrupt Sources | 12 (core); family supports up to 22 with peripheral sources |
| Package | 40-pin CDIP (Ceramic DIP, windowed), 0.600 inch |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole DIP |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (windowed ceramic DIP contains lead-bearing ceramic) |
PIC16C64A-20I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/ — PORTE bit 0 / read control for parallel port |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/ — PORTE bit 1 / write control for parallel port |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/ — PORTE bit 2 / chip select for parallel port |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply (5 V typical) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / T1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 20 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 21 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 22 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 23 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 24 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 25 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 30 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 32 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 33 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 34 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 35 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 36 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 37 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 38 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 39 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply (second VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C64A-20I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Legacy Industrial Process Controllers, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Motor Control Signal Conditioning, Security and Access Control Panels, Educational and Development Platforms, Automotive Aftermarket Subsystems, Medical Device Monitoring (Legacy).
Legacy Industrial Process Controllers
The PIC16C64A-20I/P's 20 MHz instruction rate and 33 I/O lines make it well suited to legacy PLC-style process controllers driving relays, solenoids and 4-20 mA loops. The EPROM-windowed CDIP package allows field engineers to recover or update firmware with a UV eraser, which is invaluable when original source code is unavailable. With 3.5 KB of EPROM and 128 bytes of RAM, the part can hold modest PID routines and ladder-style sequencing logic. Industrial -40 to +85 C operation suits factory floor cabinets.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench instruments and panel meters built around the PIC16C64A-20I/P leverage its USART for SCPI-style serial communication and its SSP for SPI-driven ADC front ends. The 20 MHz core executes fast enough to drive 7-segment or LCD multiplexed displays without visible flicker while still servicing measurement interrupts. The windowed CDIP package simplifies in-house firmware revision during instrument calibration cycles. -40 to +85 C operation supports outdoor or laboratory environmental chambers.
Recommended
Motor Control Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C64A-20I/P's capture/compare/PWM (CCP) peripheral and 20 MHz instruction rate support small BLDC or stepper motor commutation loops with deterministic timing. Engineers use the USART to stream telemetry back to a host PLC, while the 33 I/O lines drive opto-isolated gate drivers and Hall-sensor inputs. The legacy EPROM supply chain keeps older motion-control platforms repairable. Industrial temperature grade handles cabinet-internal thermal stress.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
Alarm panels and access-control systems built on the PIC16C64A-20I/P use its EPROM window for in-the-field firmware refreshes, an advantage when keypad scanners and badge readers are deployed for 15+ years. The 128-byte RAM holds keypad debounce state and a small event buffer; the USART talks to the central station modem. 33 I/O lines drive zone inputs, siren drivers and LED indicators. Industrial temperature rating suits unheated vestibules and perimeter boxes.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
The PIC16C64A-20I/P is widely used in university embedded systems courses because its 40-pin windowed DIP package is breadboard-friendly, supports UV erasure, and lets students re-program the same physical part dozens of times. The classic PIC16C instruction set (35 instructions) is small enough to teach assembly fundamentals, while the 20 MHz core executes student code without frustrating waits. Through-hole mounting simplifies lab soldering exercises and repair.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Subsystems
Aftermarket automotive modules — gauge clusters, alarm add-ons, and performance-logger interfaces — often used the PIC16C64A-20I/P because of its 20 MHz throughput, EPROM reprogrammability and broad I/O count. The USART drives OBD-II or RS-232 telemetry, the SSP talks to EEPROM memories for log storage, and the CCP peripheral drives PWM-controlled lighting or fan outputs. The industrial -40 to +85 C rating tolerates cabin and under-dash environments.
Recommended
Medical Device Monitoring (Legacy)
Selected non-critical medical monitoring instruments and laboratory analyzers continue to use the PIC16C64A-20I/P for serial data acquisition and front-panel control. The 20 MHz core samples sensor data fast enough for slow vital-sign trends, and the EPROM window lets field service engineers refresh calibration tables. The 33 I/O lines drive LCDs, keypads and alarm relays. Industrial temperature rating suits clinical and laboratory environments; new designs should consider flash-based parts with longer lifecycles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C64A-20I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C64A-10I/P | PIC16C64A-04I/P | PIC16C64A-04I/PT | PIC16C64A-10I/PT | PIC16C64A-04E/PT | PIC16C64A-20E/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | CDIP-40 (windowed) | CDIP-40 (windowed) - same | CDIP-40 (windowed) - same | CDIP-40 (windowed) - same | CDIP-40 (windowed) - same | CDIP-40 (windowed) - same | CDIP-40 (windowed) - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM | 3.5 KB EPROM |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) |
Key Differentiators
- 20 MHz instruction throughput at industrial temperature (vs PIC16C64A-10I/P)
- Same CDIP-40 windowed package as the entire PIC16C64A family (vs PIC16F74-I/P)
- 33 I/O pins with USART plus SSP (SPI/I2C) (vs PIC16C62B-04I/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16C64A-20I/P draws typically <20 mA at 20 MHz and 5 V across all I/O loads. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to each VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12 and 31/40) and add a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic at the board supply entry. For battery-backed or sleep-mode designs, verify that the brown-out reset threshold is below the minimum operating voltage (2.5 V) so that a sagging battery does not cause latch-up.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 13/14) short and symmetric, and guard them with a ground trace to reduce capacitive coupling into adjacent I/O. Keep the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the MCU body, with load capacitors returned to the analog-ground island if one exists. For socketed EPROM-windowed parts, use a low-profile UV-opaque socket label so ambient fluorescent light does not slowly corrupt EPROM cells over months of unpowered storage.
Do not assume the PIC16C64A-20I/P is RoHS-compliant: the windowed ceramic DIP body uses lead-bearing ceramic seals. Do not erase the EPROM with anything other than a calibrated UV eraser (typical erasure 20-30 minutes at 12,000 uW/cm^2); direct sunlight can partially erase the part and corrupt calibration data. Finally, the 'I' suffix is industrial-grade (-40 to +85 C); for under-hood automotive use choose the 'E' (extended, -40 to +125 C) speed-grade variant instead.
Compliance Information
Windowed ceramic DIP package uses lead-bearing ceramic seals and is therefore not RoHS-compliant. AEC-Q100 not applicable (not marketed as automotive-grade). Reach and conflict-minerals declarations not stated in the verified distributor data; consult Microchip's product compliance page for confirmation.
