PIC16C65A-20I/PQ - 8-bit OTP MCU, 7KB EPROM, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C65A-20I/PQ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.85 | $14.85 |
| 10 | $13.42 | $134.20 |
| 100 | $11.78 | $1,178.00 |
| 500 | $10.55 | $5,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.4 | $9,400.00 |
| 2,500 | $8.62 | $21,550.00 |
PIC16C65A-20I/PQ Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor with an 8-bit data path, on-chip program memory, data RAM, and integrated peripherals such as timers, communications interfaces, and I/O ports. Within the broader taxonomy, this places the PIC16C65A-20I/PQ in the microcontroller -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device hierarchy. The 'PIC' architecture follows a RISC design philosophy with 35 single-word instructions and Harvard memory separation, enabling deterministic instruction execution and compact code density.
Key features include a fully static CMOS design that allows clock throttling down to DC, an 8-bit arithmetic logic unit, hardware multiply support via the 8 x 8 routine, programmable code protection, and an internal/external interrupt controller with 11 sources. The 8-level hardware stack and 2K x 14-bit data EEPROM emulation area support robust firmware development while preserving legacy industrial control firmware patterns.
Typical applications include industrial process control, motor drive front-end controllers, smart sensor hubs, embedded instrumentation, point-of-sale terminals, and automotive body electronics subsystems where OTP memory cost advantages dominate. The wide operating voltage and low-power modes also suit battery-backed instrumentation and remote monitoring nodes.
When designing with this device, plan your code footprint against the 7 KB EPROM limit before committing to PQ (MQFP-44) layout, since migrating to flash-based PIC16F or PIC18 families is a common modernization path. Always include decoupling capacitors on VDD/VSS pairs and reserve the MCLR pin for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP).
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C65A-20I/PQ — 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-20I/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Serial Interfaces, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C65B-20I/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C65A-20E/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-10/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-20I/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$12.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-20I/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16CXX |
| Device Series | PIC16C65A |
| CPU Architecture | 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Timers | 3 x 8-bit Timer/Counters |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Serial Interfaces | SSP (SPI/I2C) + USART |
| Interrupt Sources | 11 |
| Package | MQFP-44 (PQ) 10x10 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Power Consumption (5V/4MHz) | 15 uA typical |
| Power Consumption (3V/32kHz) | 1 uA typical |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C65A-20I/PQ 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 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 module |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port bit 0 |
| Pin 14 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port bit 1 |
| Pin 15 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port bit 2 |
| Pin 16 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / Parallel Slave Port bit 3 |
| Pin 17 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / Parallel Slave Port bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / Parallel Slave Port bit 5 |
| Pin 19 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / Parallel Slave Port bit 6 |
| Pin 20 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / Parallel Slave Port bit 7 |
| Pin 21 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 22 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 23 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 24 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 25 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 27 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 29 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 30 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 31 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset / programming voltage |
| Pin 32 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 33 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 34 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 35 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 36 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / Parallel Slave Port read / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 37 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / Parallel Slave Port write / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 38 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / Parallel Slave Port chip select / Analog input 7 |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second pin) |
| Pin 40 | VSS — Ground reference (second pin) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C65A-20I/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Motor Drive Front-End Controller, Smart Sensor Hub, Embedded Instrumentation, Point-of-Sale Terminal, Automotive Body Electronics.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C65A-20I/PQ suits industrial process control loops where deterministic 8-bit execution and OTP cost advantages matter more than flash reprogrammability. With 7 KB OTP program memory, 192 bytes RAM, and three 8-bit timers, it can run PID loops at modest sample rates (sub-100 Hz) while the 33 I/O pins handle sensor inputs, actuator outputs, and HMI keypads. The 20 MHz clock delivers approximately 5 MIPS, adequate for slow serial Modbus RTU communication over the integrated USART. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C) supports factory floor deployment. Compared to modern Cortex-M0 alternatives, the PIC16C65A-20I/PQ trades firmware flexibility for sub-$10 unit cost at volume.
Recommended
Motor Drive Front-End Controller
The PIC16C65A-20I/PQ works as a front-end motor controller that orchestrates enable sequencing, fault detection, and PWM reference generation before passing control to a dedicated driver IC. Its two CCP modules produce complementary PWM outputs at frequencies suitable for brushed DC and stepper motor commutation, while the third timer handles back-EMF sampling. The SSP peripheral supports SPI encoder feedback at moderate update rates. Industrial temperature grade and 4.0-5.5 V operation match 5 V industrial logic rails. Engineers often pair this MCU with an H-bridge driver such as the L293D or DRV8871, using the PIC16C65A's 33 I/O to manage direction, brake, and current-limit interlocks.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Hub
The PIC16C65A-20I/PQ serves as a sensor aggregation hub that reads multiple analog and digital sensors, applies basic calibration in firmware, and forwards conditioned data over USART or SSP. Its 8-bit ADC channels and 33 digital I/O accommodate mixed sensor arrays (temperature, pressure, humidity, switch closures). The 192-byte RAM is tight but adequate for sample-and-forward buffering at low rates (<1 kHz). Low-power modes (1 uA typical at 3 V / 32 kHz) suit battery-backed sensor nodes. For new designs the PIC16F77-I/PT is preferred for in-field firmware updates; the OTP PIC16C65A-20I/PQ remains attractive when firmware is frozen and BOM cost dominates.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation
The PIC16C65A-20I/PQ fits portable embedded instrumentation such as digital multimeters, hand-held oscilloscope front-ends, and bench-top signal generators that require deterministic 8-bit timing and a small BOM. The USART interfaces with Bluetooth or USB-to-UART bridges for PC connectivity, while the SSP supports SPI-controlled DAC or ADC ICs. Industrial temperature operation supports laboratory and field environments. The 20 MHz clock is sufficient to drive graphical LCDs (e.g., HD44780 character displays) at refresh rates up to 60 Hz. Engineers typically surround this MCU with a precision reference (MCP1541), a low-offset op-amp (MCP6002), and a 16-bit ADC (MCP3421) for measurement-grade accuracy.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal
The PIC16C65A-20I/PQ is appropriate for legacy point-of-sale (POS) terminals where OTP cost advantages and 8-bit determinism outweigh the need for firmware updates. Its 33 I/O pins drive keypad scanning, LCD control, magnetic-stripe reader interface, and printer handshake lines, while the integrated USART connects to the main POS host. The 7 KB OTP program memory holds complete transaction-state firmware for fixed-feature terminals. Industrial temperature grade ensures reliability in retail back-office environments. Engineers migrating new POS designs should evaluate the PIC16F877A or PIC18F family for flash flexibility, but the PIC16C65A-20I/PQ remains production-viable for cost-sensitive single-purpose terminals.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C65A-20I/PQ historically served automotive body electronics subsystems such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting modules where 8-bit OTP cost advantages dominated over AEC-Q100 flash alternatives. Its 33 I/O handle multiple switch inputs, relay drive outputs, and LIN-bus communication via the integrated USART. Industrial temperature rating (-40 C to +85 C) supports under-dash deployment, though AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (-40 C to +125 C) typically requires the /E extended grade variant (PIC16C65A-20E/PQ). New automotive designs should target AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F or dsPIC33 families. The PIC16C65A-20I/PQ remains useful for non-safety automotive accessories and aftermarket modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C65A-20I/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C65B-20I/PQ | PIC16C65A-20E/PQ | PIC16C65A-10/PQ | PIC16C64A-20I/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | MQFP-44 (PQ) | MQFP-44 (PQ) - same | MQFP-44 (PQ) - same | MQFP-44 (PQ) - same | MQFP-44 (PQ) - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 7 KB OTP EPROM | 4 KB OTP EPROM (-43%) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz (-50%) | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade variant available in identical footprint (vs PIC16C65A-20/PQ)
- Higher clock speed variant available with identical pinout (vs PIC16C65A-10/PQ)
- Larger program memory than PIC16C64A family (vs PIC16C64A-20I/PQ)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5 V supply, the PIC16C65A-20I/PQ draws approximately 15-25 mA active. Place 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitors on each VDD pin (pins 22 and 39) as close as possible to the package. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the MCU for transient load support, especially when the USART or CCP modules switch outputs simultaneously. The VSS pins (21 and 40) must both connect to a low-impedance ground plane.
The MQFP-44 package requires careful PCB layout because of its 0.8 mm lead pitch. Per Microchip AN202 and IPC-7351 guidelines, use 0.4 mm wide land pads with solder mask defined (SMD) pads to control solder joint geometry. Route signal traces on inner layers to escape the dense perimeter pin field. Maintain a continuous ground plane beneath the IC and avoid routing noisy signals (clock, PWM) directly under the package to minimize capacitive coupling into the analog AVSS reference.
Do not assume the PIC16C65A-20I/PQ can be reprogrammed in-circuit: OTP EPROM requires UV erasure via a windowed package variant. For new designs, prefer the flash-based PIC16F77-I/PT to allow in-system firmware updates. The MCLR pin (pin 31) must NOT be left floating - tie through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and provide a low-impedance path to ground for the reset switch. Failure to disable the watchdog timer in software can cause unexpected resets during low-power sleep modes.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature grade but not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16F1937 or dsPIC33 family for automotive.
