PIC16C65A-20E/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 7KB, 40-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C65A-20E/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.86 | $9.86 |
| 10 | $9.21 | $92.10 |
| 100 | $8.55 | $855.00 |
| 500 | $7.74 | $3,870.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.92 | $6,920.00 |
PIC16C65A-20E/P Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, RAM, peripherals, and I/O on one silicon die. The OTP variant uses One-Time Programmable EPROM for firmware storage, balancing low unit cost with rapid prototyping flexibility, sitting between mask-ROM (cheapest at volume) and Flash (rewritable). The PIC16C65A belongs to the Microchip PIC architecture family, a hierarchy of RISC microcontrollers -> 8-bit microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> integrated circuits.
Key features include 20MHz maximum clock (5 MIPS throughput), 4K x 14 word OTP program memory, 192 bytes of data RAM, 33 I/O pins, a 10-bit ADC with 8 input channels, integrated USART for serial communication, and an MSSP module supporting both SPI and I2C. Power consumption is exceptionally low: 15µA typical at 5V/4MHz and 1µA typical at 3V/32kHz, making the part suitable for battery-backed industrial control. The device supports in-circuit serial programming and operates across commercial, industrial, and extended temperature grades.
The PIC16C65A uses a 14-bit wide instruction word with a RISC core offering 35 single-word instructions, of which all are single-cycle except program branches (two-cycle). Its Harvard architecture separates program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. The integrated 10-bit ADC delivers 8 analog inputs for sensor conditioning, while Capture/Compare/PWM modules support motor control and timing applications.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, automotive body and climate modules, motor control, sensor signal conditioning, embedded serial communication bridges, and legacy equipment retrofits. The -20E temperature grade (Extended, -40C to +125C) makes it especially suited for under-hood automotive and harsh industrial environments where commercial-grade devices cannot survive.
When designing with this part, note that the OTP program memory cannot be reprogrammed - code must be fully validated before burning. Brown-out detection and the Watchdog Timer must be properly configured in CONFIG fuses to ensure reliable reset behavior in noisy industrial environments. Decoupling VDD with 100nF ceramic capacitors near each supply pin is recommended.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison tables, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone - giving engineers a faster path from MPN to schematic.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C65A-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 PIC16C65A-20E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Timers, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C65A-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-10/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-20E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C74A-20E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-20E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Word Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present on this part |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| CPU Performance | 5 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Timers | 3 (TMR0, TMR1, TMR2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | Yes (CCP module) |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, SSP/SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| Package | 40-pin PDIP (0.600 inch, 15.24mm) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | Not applicable for PDIP |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead) |
| Programming Method | In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (software enabled) |
PIC16C65A-20E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Voltage reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 6 | RE2/CS — PORTE bit 2 / Chip select |
| Pin 7 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Write strobe / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Read strobe / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator out / clock in |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / In-circuit serial programming clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / In-circuit serial programming data |
| Pin 29 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 30 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 32 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 33 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 38 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 39 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 40 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C65A-20E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Industrial Sensor Conditioning & Logging, Motor Control and PWM Drives, Legacy Serial Communication Bridges, HVAC Climate Control Panels, Embedded Test and Measurement Fixtures.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16C65A-20E/P's Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade, integrated 10-bit ADC, 33 I/O pins, and USART make it a strong fit for automotive body controllers (door modules, seat controllers, climate panels). Its 5 MIPS throughput handles multiplexed LIN/CAN bridges and switch debouncing. The 25 mA sink/source on each pin drives LEDs, relays, and small solenoids without external drivers. The 20 MHz clock and PWM module support motor and lighting fade control. In-circuit serial programming allows field firmware updates via the OBD port, though OTP limits this to blank devices. The 40-PDIP package is through-hole-friendly for aftermarket replacement.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning & Logging
Industrial sensor nodes use the PIC16C65A-20E/P's 10-bit ADC with 8 input channels to sample strain gauges, thermistors, pressure transducers, and 4-20 mA loops. The 192-byte RAM and USART enable buffered logging to RS-485 networks at 9600-115200 baud. Its 5 MIPS core runs simple moving-average filters and threshold alerts in firmware without an external DSP. The Extended temperature rating supports outdoor cabinet installations where temperatures swing seasonally. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer keep the device recoverable in electrically noisy factory environments where motor contactors switch nearby.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drives
The PIC16C65A-20E/P's Capture/Compare/PWM module and 20 MHz instruction rate make it suitable for brushed DC motor control, stepper sequencing, and small BLDC commutation. Its PWM resolution supports up to 10-bit duty cycles at moderate switching frequencies, and the integrated 10-bit ADC reads back current-sense amplifiers for closed-loop torque control. The 33 I/O pins drive H-bridge gates directly, with optional dead-time generation via firmware. The Extended temperature grade supports under-hood fan and pump controllers in automotive applications.
Recommended
Legacy Serial Communication Bridges
Bridging between legacy RS-232, RS-485, and modern SPI/I2C peripherals is a classic strength of the PIC16C65A-20E/P. Its USART module handles asynchronous serial at up to 1.25 Mbaud at 20 MHz, while the MSSP module concurrently services SPI or I2C peripherals. Embedded firmware can implement protocol converters, packet formatters, and Modbus RTU slaves - all within 7 KB of OTP and 192 bytes of RAM. The Extended temperature grade suits factory floor installations where ambient temperatures exceed 70C near machinery.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Control Panels
HVAC control panels leverage the PIC16C65A-20E/P's 10-bit ADC for thermistor temperature sensing, its PWM module for fan speed control and damper actuation, and its 33 I/O pins for keypads, displays, and relay drivers. The Extended temperature grade supports attic-mounted equipment where ambient reaches 70C+ during summer peaks. Low power consumption (15 µA at 5V/4 MHz) keeps standby draw minimal. The 40-PDIP through-hole package simplifies hand-soldered prototyping and field repairs on legacy systems still in service.
Recommended
Embedded Test and Measurement Fixtures
Production test fixtures and bench instruments frequently use the PIC16C65A-20E/P for go/no-go testers, cable continuity checkers, and calibration rigs. The 10-bit ADC measures analog stimulus responses; the USART reports pass/fail results to a host PC; the I/O pins drive LEDs and buzzer indicators. With 7 KB OTP, production code is locked-in and tamper-resistant. The Extended temperature range supports lab environments that occasionally exceed 70C near ovens or environmental chambers. The PIC16C6X instruction set is well-documented and supported by Microchip's legacy MPLAB toolchain.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C65A-20E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C65A-20/P | PIC16C65A-04E/P | PIC16C65A-04/P | PIC16C74A-20E/P | PIC16C711-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 40-PDIP (0.600 inch) | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same | 40-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP (4K x 14) | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash (rewritable) | 1.75 KB OTP |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 68 bytes |
| ADC | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 13 |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| Approx. Qty-1 Price (2026-09-17) | $9.86 | $8.69 (commercial grade, ~12% lower) | $8.55 (lower speed) | $7.74 (commercial grade, lower speed) | $9.20 (Flash variant) | $6.40 (smaller memory) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16C65A-20/P)
- 20 MHz / 5 MIPS throughput (vs PIC16C65A-04E/P)
- Integrated 10-bit ADC with 8 channels (vs PIC16C711-04/P)
- Industry-standard PIC16C6X compatibility (vs PIC16C64A-20E/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5 V VDD, the PIC16C65A-20E/P core draws approximately 5-15 mA typical depending on peripheral activity, while standby current at 3V/32 kHz drops to 1 µA typical. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 20 and 40) and a single 10 µF bulk capacitor near the supply origin. Tie both VSS pins to a low-impedance ground plane, not just a trace. For battery-backed designs, add a 100 kΩ pull-up on MCLR/VPP to ensure reliable reset on power-up.
The PIC16C65A-20E/P uses One-Time Programmable EPROM - once burned, the firmware cannot be erased or rewritten. Always validate firmware on a Flash-equivalent PIC (such as PIC16F74) before committing to OTP production. Also note: PORTB pull-ups are software-disabled by default; enable them in firmware if reading switches or buttons. Configuring the CONFIG fuses for brown-out reset and watchdog timer is critical in noisy industrial environments - failure to do so can leave the device in indeterminate states after supply transients.
Keep the crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1 (pin 9) and OSC2 (pin 10), with a ground guard ring around the oscillator traces to minimize noise coupling into adjacent analog inputs. The analog VDD/VSS reference pins should be bypassed with separate 100 nF capacitors. For ADC accuracy, route analog traces away from digital switching signals, especially the PWM output on RC2/CCP1. Place a small RC filter (1 kΩ + 100 nF) on analog inputs if the source impedance exceeds 2.5 kΩ, otherwise ADC sample-and-hold settling is compromised.
Compliance Information
The 40-PDIP through-hole package is non-RoHS due to lead-bearing solder terminations. Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) supports automotive cabin/under-hood environments but the part is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified. Microchip documents this part as NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs); the F-series Flash variants are recommended replacements.
