PIC16C710-20/SS - 8-Bit MCU 896B OTP 13 I/O 20MHz SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C710-20/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.7749 | $2.77 |
| 10 | $2.5 | $25.00 |
| 100 | $2.2 | $220.00 |
| 500 | $1.97 | $985.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.46 | $1,460.00 |
PIC16C710-20/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, I/O peripherals, and (in this case) an analog-to-digital converter on a single die. The PIC16C71X family targets cost-sensitive, mixed-signal embedded applications, occupying the mid-range tier in Microchip's PIC architecture hierarchy (PIC10/12/14/16/18/24/32). The PIC16C710's 8-bit RISC core executes most instructions in a single instruction cycle, providing deterministic throughput at clock rates up to 20 MHz. As part of the mid-range family, it sits below the PIC18 and dsPIC families in instruction richness and addressing capability, but above the PIC10/12 baseline families in peripheral integration.
Key features include 4-channel 8-bit ADC with selectable reference, 13 digital I/O pins multiplexed with peripheral functions, a 14-bit instruction word, Harvard bus architecture separating program and data memory, and integrated Brown-Out Detect (BOD) and Power-On Reset (POR). The 8-bit ADC provides up to 4 single-ended input channels with conversion times suitable for low-bandwidth analog sampling. The SSOP-20 footprint balances board-area savings with hand-solder-friendly lead pitch and offers better thermal dissipation than smaller QFN packages at moderate clock frequencies.
The PIC16C710 uses a modified Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. The OTP program memory is field-programmable, meaning each device is programmed once and cannot be electrically erased; this makes the part ideal for low-to-medium volume production where flash reprogrammability is not required. The integrated 8-bit ADC uses successive-approximation conversion with a configurable clock source, supporting both ratiometric measurements with VDD as the reference and absolute measurements using an external reference.
Typical applications include automotive sensor interface nodes, industrial control front-ends, appliance control boards, and consumer product analog front-ends. Designers commonly pair the PIC16C710 with external op-amps for signal conditioning, EEPROM for non-volatile parameter storage, and discrete RS-232 or RS-485 transceivers for legacy communication links. The 20 MHz top clock speed provides 5 MIPS of throughput, ample for polling-based control loops and slow-protocol UART links.
When designing with this device, note that OTP programming means firmware cannot be updated in the field; budget time for one-time prototypes using the UV-erasable PIC16C71 (windowed CERDIP) variant for development, then move to the PIC16C710-20/SS for production. Provide adequate decoupling near the VDD pin and route the ADC analog inputs away from high-frequency digital traces to preserve conversion accuracy.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-specific drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers and procurement teams a faster decision base for the PIC16C710-20/SS.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C710-20/SS — 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 PIC16C710-20/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Timers, Data RAM, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C711-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710T-20/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C710-20/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (8-bit RISC) |
| Family | PIC16C71X mid-range |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 x 14 bits |
| Data RAM | 36 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 5 MIPS (single-cycle instructions) |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC Channels | 4 (8-bit resolution) |
| ADC Resolution | 8 bits |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit Timer0 (per datasheet) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (per datasheet) |
| Brown-Out Detect (BOD) | Yes |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature Range | Commercial (per datasheet /SS suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16C710-20/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO Port A bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — GPIO Port A bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — GPIO Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — GPIO Port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — GPIO Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — GPIO Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — GPIO Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — GPIO Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — GPIO Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — GPIO Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — GPIO Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — GPIO Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 17 | RC2 — GPIO Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — GPIO Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | RC4 — GPIO Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C710-20/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Sensor Interface Node, Industrial Appliance Control Board, Consumer Product Analog Front-End, HVAC Thermostat Control Module, Battery-Powered Portable Measurement, Educational Embedded Development Platform.
Automotive Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16C710-20/SS fits automotive sensor interface nodes by integrating a 4-channel 8-bit ADC that digitizes analog signals from temperature, pressure, or position sensors in a single SSOP-20 chip. Its 20 MHz clock delivering 5 MIPS of throughput handles polling-based sensor scanning at sub-millisecond intervals, while the 13 GPIO pins multiplex key/LED scan and CAN-driver signaling. The 896-byte OTP program memory accommodates typical 600-800 word sensor-fusion and calibration routines, and the integrated BOD/POR ensures clean reset behavior during cranking transients. The SSOP-20 footprint is friendly to compact ECU PCBs, and the part's commercial temperature grade is suitable for cabin modules rather than under-hood. A typical design pairs the PIC16C710-20/SS with an external op-amp for sensor conditioning and a CAN transceiver for bus communication.
Recommended
Industrial Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C710-20/SS suits appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) where cost-sensitive mixed-signal performance is needed. The 4-channel ADC directly reads thermistor, water-level, and motor-current feedback signals, while 13 GPIO pins drive relay coils, triac gate drivers, and 7-segment multiplexed displays. With 5 MIPS throughput at 20 MHz, the MCU comfortably runs state-machine control loops for wash cycles or cooking profiles. The 896-word OTP memory is sufficient for fixed appliance firmware with no field-update requirement. The SSOP-20 package is hand-solder friendly for low-volume appliance production. Brown-Out Detect protects against supply dips during motor inrush, and the integrated Power-On Reset eliminates external reset ICs.
Recommended
Consumer Product Analog Front-End
The PIC16C710-20/SS works as a low-cost analog front-end for consumer products such as digital thermometers, weather stations, and battery chargers. The integrated 8-bit ADC samples up to four analog channels (thermistor, photodiode, current-sense, voltage-divider) at conversion rates suitable for slow-changing physical parameters. Its 13 I/O pins drive LCD segments, push-button inputs, and LED status indicators without external logic. At 20 MHz the core offers enough headroom for keypad scanning, debounce, and display refresh routines within a small OTP memory footprint (896 words). The SSOP-20 footprint drops into small form-factor consumer PCBs where QFN would complicate hand rework. Production cost is minimized by the OTP-only programming model that skips in-circuit programming infrastructure.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Control Module
The PIC16C710-20/SS handles the mixed-signal demands of a thermostat or HVAC controller by digitizing temperature, humidity, and setpoint knob positions via its 4-channel 8-bit ADC. The 13 GPIO pins drive LCD backlight, relay contacts for compressor/heat-pump control, and serial lines for remote thermostats. Operating at 20 MHz, the MCU executes a 1 Hz control loop plus UART-based connectivity without missing scan deadlines. The 896-byte OTP program memory accommodates proportional-integral control algorithms and schedule storage. The SSOP-20 package keeps the controller PCB compact enough to fit standard wall-plate enclosures. Brown-Out Detect prevents relay chatter during brown-out events, and the Watchdog Timer recovers the controller from software lockups.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Measurement
The PIC16C710-20/SS is a reasonable choice for handheld battery-powered measurement tools like digital multimeters, light meters, or portable gas detectors where the 4-channel ADC samples sensor inputs directly. At 20 MHz the MCU delivers 5 MIPS of computation for RMS calculation, peak hold, or unit conversion. With 13 GPIO pins, it can drive LCD displays, rotary encoder inputs, and power-management signals without external glue logic. The OTP memory model is appropriate for production-locked calibration constants and fixed measurement algorithms. The SSOP-20 footprint is small enough to fit handheld enclosures, though designers must manage power consumption carefully because the PIC16C710 is not optimized for ultra-low-power sleep modes compared to PIC16F1xxx successors.
Recommended
Educational Embedded Development Platform
The PIC16C710-20/SS fits entry-level educational boards where students learn 8-bit RISC architecture, ADC programming, and embedded C or assembly fundamentals. The 20-pin SSOP is large enough to be breadboard-compatible with breakout adapters while exposing all 13 GPIO plus 4 ADC channels. With 896 words of OTP memory and 20 MHz operation, students can implement meaningful projects (digital thermometer, light meter, keypad lock) without exhausting resources. The integrated ADC simplifies lab exercises by eliminating external ADC wiring. For repeated student programming cycles, instructors typically use the UV-erasable PIC16C71 (CERDIP) variant for development, then deploy the PIC16C710-20/SS for final project submission. The Microchip PICkit-compatible programming interface keeps the toolchain affordable.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C710-20/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C711-20/SS | PIC16C710-04/SS | PIC16C710-20I/SS | PIC16C710T-20/SS | PIC16F73-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm) | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same | 20-pin SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 896 x 14 OTP | 1K x 14 OTP | 896 x 14 OTP | 896 x 14 OTP | 896 x 14 OTP | 4K x 14 Flash |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| ADC Channels | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 4 x 8-bit | 5 x 8-bit (+1) |
| Data RAM | 36 bytes | 36 bytes | 36 bytes | 36 bytes | 36 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 22 (different port layout) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 4-channel 8-bit ADC eliminates external ADC cost (vs PIC16F73-I/SS)
- Drops to industrial temperature grade without pin changes (vs PIC16C710-20I/SS)
- Doubles program memory for firmware growth (vs PIC16C711-20/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 20 MHz clock and 5 V VDD, the PIC16C710-20/SS typical operating current is approximately 4-7 mA (per Microchip PIC16C71X datasheet DC characteristics). Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the board's main 5 V rail. Brown-Out Detect (BOD) should be enabled in the configuration bits to force a clean reset when VDD drops below the BOD threshold, preventing corrupted EEPROM writes or erratic GPIO behavior. For battery-powered applications, use the SLEEP instruction and wake-up via interrupt to minimize idle current to a few microamperes.
Route the four ADC analog inputs (RA0-RA3 / AN0-AN3) away from high-frequency digital switching traces and from the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces to avoid coupling noise into ADC conversions. Place the 20 MHz crystal (or resonator) close to pins 13 and 14 with short, symmetric traces and add a ground guard ring around the oscillator area. Keep the MCLR/VPP reset line short and avoid running it near noisy switching signals; if the design uses ICSP, route MCLR to the programming header pin directly. Place the VSS pin (5) connection to ground plane with a via close to the pin to minimize ground bounce.
OTP program memory cannot be electrically erased - any code bug committed to OTP is permanent. Always prototype with the UV-erasable PIC16C71 in CERDIP package or the flash-based PIC16F73 in SSOP-20 first, then port the verified firmware to PIC16C710-20/SS for production. Configuration bits (watchdog enable, BOD threshold, oscillator mode, code protection) must be set explicitly during programming; leaving them at default may disable BOD or enable unintended code protection. The I/O pin count (13) includes multiplexed peripheral functions - if you use RB0 as INT and RB4-RB7 for analog or peripheral functions, fewer GPIO pins remain for general use.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free per Microchip product family standard. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose PIC16C710-20I/SS or PIC16F73-I/SS for industrial/automotive-grade requirements. Lifecycle status is Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) per Microchip - new designs should consider flash-based PIC16F73-I/SS or PIC16F73T-I/SS as active replacements.
