PIC16C710-20E/SO - 8-Bit OTP MCU 20MHz 4xADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C710-20E/SO ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.6 | $360.00 |
| 500 | $3.15 | $1,575.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.7 | $2,700.00 |
PIC16C710-20E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, program memory, data RAM and integrated peripherals. The PIC16C71X family is a fully-static mid-range family with a 14-bit instruction word, separated program and data buses, and an 8-level deep hardware stack, sitting within the broader PIC16CXX hierarchy (PIC16CXX -> PIC mid-range -> 8-bit microcontroller -> embedded MCU). OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory is non-volatile, retains code without power, and can be written only once during production.
Key features of the PIC16C710-20E/SO include a 4-channel 8-bit ADC with selectable reference sources, an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator plus support for external crystal/RC oscillator modes, a 20 MHz maximum operating frequency, a wide 3.0 V to 6.0 V supply range, and a Power-on Reset (POR) / Brown-out Reset (BOR) mechanism. The 18-pin SOIC variant specified by the "/SO" suffix provides a 7.50 mm (0.295 in) wide gull-wing surface-mount package suitable for standard 300-mil SOIC-18 land patterns.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard-style bus with separate program and data paths, allowing an instruction fetch and a data access to occur in a single instruction cycle. The integrated ADC samples analog inputs through a successive-approximation register (SAR) converter, while the reset and watchdog subsystems increase robustness in electrically noisy environments. Power management is achieved through Sleep mode with Wake-on-pin-change, drawing microamp-level standby current.
Typical applications include analog sensor front-ends in automotive body controllers, industrial process monitoring, white-goods and appliance control boards, low-cost consumer products requiring on-board ADC, and battery-powered measurement nodes where 5V operation and OTP code security are important.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory requires one-time programming during manufacturing, so plan code revisions and firmware validation carefully before mask commitment. Ensure decoupling capacitors are placed close to VDD/VSS, and verify that analog input signals stay within the selected reference range to avoid ADC saturation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers shorten sourcing and qualification cycles.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C710-20E/SO — 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 PIC16C710-20E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C710-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C710-20E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C712-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710T-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C710-20E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C71X (PIC16CXX mid-range) |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory | 896 bytes (512 x 14 OTP) |
| Data RAM | 36 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP family) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| ADC | 4 channels, 8-bit resolution |
| I/O Pins | 13 (RA0-RA3 analog/digital, RB0-RB7 digital) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit Timer0 with prescaler, 1 x Watchdog Timer |
| Oscillator Modes | Internal 4 MHz RC, external RC, crystal |
| Reset Sources | POR, BOR, WDT, MCLR |
| Stack Depth | 8 levels hardware |
| Interrupt Sources | External RB0/INT, RB port change, TMR0 overflow, ADC completion |
| Temperature Grade (E suffix) | Extended -40 C to +125 C |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm body, gull-wing) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C710-20E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / analog input 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply |
Typical Applications
PIC16C710-20E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body-Control A/D Sensing, Industrial Process Monitoring Nodes, White-Goods and Appliance Control, Low-Cost Consumer Sensor Products, Battery-Powered Measurement Nodes, Security and Accessory Modules.
Automotive Body-Control A/D Sensing
The PIC16C710-20E/SO's 4-channel 8-bit ADC and Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade make it well-suited to entry-level automotive body-control modules that must read switches, thermistors or low-bandwidth sensors. With 896 bytes of OTP code and 36 bytes RAM, the MCU fits typical signal-conditioning firmware where the highest priority is cost-per-channel rather than raw conversion speed. Placed near connector pins, it samples analog inputs at up to 20 MHz CPU rate and uses Sleep mode between conversions to minimize quiescent drain on the 12 V battery rail during ignition-off.
Recommended
Industrial Process Monitoring Nodes
Industrial sensor hubs that aggregate 4-20 mA or 0-10 V transducer signals benefit from the PIC16C710-20E/SO's integrated SAR ADC and wide 3.0 V to 6.0 V supply range, allowing direct 5 V operation without an extra LDO. The 8-level hardware stack and 8-bit timer support simple scheduler loops that scan analog channels, debounce digital inputs and drive indicator LEDs. Its RISC core executes one instruction per cycle, keeping interrupt latency deterministic for slow-control loops typical of PLC remote I/O and HVAC damper actuators.
Recommended
White-Goods and Appliance Control
Washing machines, dishwashers and small home appliances frequently use 8-bit OTP controllers like the PIC16C710-20E/SO because the firmware is locked at production and the BOM cost must stay below a dollar. The 13 digital I/O pins drive relays, triac control outputs and LED status indicators, while the 4 ADC inputs read water level, temperature and motor current. Its small 18-SOIC outline simplifies double-sided PCB layouts in tight enclosures.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Sensor Products
Battery-powered consumer gadgets such as portable thermometers, environmental meters and educational electronics kits benefit from the PIC16C710-20E/SO's compact 18-SOIC package and Sleep-mode microamp-level standby current. With 896 bytes of OTP the controller can run linear calibration tables, pushbutton debouncing and UART-style debug output without external memory. The 20 MHz instruction rate keeps numeric refresh latency well under the 100 ms perceptual threshold for human-facing displays.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Nodes
Wireless or wired remote measurement nodes that transmit sensor data periodically are a natural fit for the PIC16C710-20E/SO because the integrated 4-channel ADC captures multiple sensor inputs and the Sleep/wake-on-change mechanism minimizes average current. The 5 V operating range matches small Li-ion or 4xAA battery chemistries through a buck/boost stage. OTP code protects firmware IP, important for vendors shipping sensors into third-party installations.
Recommended
Security and Accessory Modules
Door access controllers, alarm keypads and aftermarket automotive accessories use the PIC16C710-20E/SO for key-scan input decoding, tamper detection via analog inputs and EEPROM emulation in spare flash pages. The Extended temperature grade supports outdoor and engine-bay installations, while the small 18-SOIC outline fits behind a keypad housing. The OTP memory prevents code readout, important for anti-tamper products.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C710-20E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C710-20I/SO | PIC16C711-20E/SO | PIC16C712-20E/SO | PIC16C710T-20E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) - same | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 OTP) | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) - same | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) - same |
| Data RAM | 36 B | 36 B - same | 68 B | 128 B | 36 B - same |
| ADC | 4 ch x 8-bit | 4 ch x 8-bit - same | 4 ch x 8-bit - same | 4 ch x 8-bit - same | 4 ch x 8-bit - same |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V - same | 3.0 V to 6.0 V - same | 3.0 V to 6.0 V - same | 3.0 V to 6.0 V - same |
| Temperature Grade | Extended -40 C to +125 C | Industrial -40 C to +85 C | Extended -40 C to +125 C | Extended -40 C to +125 C | Extended -40 C to +125 C |
| PWM Modules | 0 | 0 - same | 0 - same | 1 (PWM) | 0 - same |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade in 18-SOIC package (vs PIC16C710-20I/SO)
- Larger program memory available in same package (vs PIC16C711-20E/SO)
- On-chip PWM module option for motor and dimming control (vs PIC16C712-20E/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the 18-SOIC. The PIC16C710-20E/SO operates from 3.0 V to 6.0 V; below 3.0 V the BOR circuit triggers a reset, so choose your supply rail accordingly. Add a series ferrite bead if the supply is shared with switching regulators to suppress noise coupling into the ADC reference.
Keep analog traces (RA0-RA3/AN0-AN3) short and away from digital switching nodes. Use a separate analog ground pour tied to VSS at a single point near the MCU. The 18-SOIC gull-wing leads benefit from standard 300-mil SOIC land patterns. Maintain a continuous ground plane under the device to provide low-impedance return for high-frequency ADC sampling edges.
OTP memory can only be programmed once - any firmware bug becomes a bricked part. Always validate firmware on a flash-based PIC16F710 or PIC16C710 development equivalent before committing to mask programming. Also, configure unused I/O pins as outputs and tie them low to minimise Sleep current and prevent floating-input current injection through the analog mux.
Compliance Information
Compliance information not present in verified web data. PIC16C71X family devices are typically Pb-free for new orders but RoHS certification must be confirmed with Microchip product documentation. AEC-Q100 not explicitly qualified.
