PIC16C710T-20/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C710T-20/SO โ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.85 | $38.50 |
| 100 | $3.42 | $342.00 |
| 500 | $2.99 | $1,495.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.65 | $2,650.00 |
PIC16C710T-20/SO Overview
What is a PIC16C mid-range microcontroller? A PIC16C series MCU is a Harvard-architecture, RISC-based 8-bit microcontroller family from Microchip Technology. Within the broader taxonomy it sits as: PIC16C71x -> PIC16C family -> PIC mid-range -> PIC microcontrollers -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory variant is intended for low-volume production, prototyping, and legacy designs where firmware is finalized before manufacture, and is upwardly code-compatible with the PIC16C5X baseline and PIC12CXXX devices.
Key features include a wide 4.0 V to 6.0 V operating voltage range (commercial-grade 4.5 V to 5.5 V per the family datasheet), low-power CMOS design, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) support, and a 14-bit instruction word with only 35 single-word instructions for fast code development. The four-channel 8-bit A/D converter makes the PIC16C710T-20/SO well suited for sensor-reading applications such as battery monitoring, temperature acquisition, or simple analog control loops.
The architecture is a classic PIC16 mid-range core with separate program and data buses, two-stack-level deep hardware stack, and a deterministic interrupt structure. The four A/D input channels share a single successive-approximation converter with 8-bit resolution, sufficient for entry-level analog sampling where 10-/12-bit precision is not required. Internal oscillator options are not present on this device; an external clock source up to 20 MHz is required.
Typical applications include entry-level A/D applications (battery chargers, thermistor readers, potentiometer-position sensing), industrial control, consumer electronics, automotive subsystems, and legacy product maintenance where a 5V PIC16C710 socket already exists. The PIC16C710T-20/SO is the tape-and-reel, commercial-temperature-grade variant of the PIC16C710 family.
When designing with this part, note that the 18-pin SOIC package offers generous creepage and clearance but limited PCB real estate; engineers should plan board layout around the four analog inputs (RA0-RA3) and the MCLR/Vpp programming pin. Designers migrating to flash memory should consider the PIC16F710 drop-in replacement family for new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C710T-20/SO โ 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 PIC16C710T-20/SO (same form factor and footprint) โ differing in Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool โ Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C710T-20I/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C710T-20C/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C710T-20E/SO
โ Drop-In โ ๏ธ ๅๆฐๅพ ้ช่ฏโ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet โPIC16C710-20/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C710-04/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F710-I/SO
โ Drop-In โ ๏ธ ๅๆฐๅพ ้ช่ฏ๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C710T-20/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16C (mid-range, 8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14-bit words) |
| Data RAM | 36 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| A/D Converter | 4 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (Timer0) + WDT |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO, 0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C710T-20/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 โ Bidirectional I/O; analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF โ Bidirectional I/O; analog input channel 3; A/D reference voltage |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI โ Bidirectional I/O; Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP โ Master clear reset (active low); programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS โ Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT โ Bidirectional I/O; external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC0 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC1 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD โ Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | RC2 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC3 โ Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 โ Bidirectional I/O; analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 โ Bidirectional I/O; analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C710T-20/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery Monitoring with 8-bit A/D, Industrial Control and Sensor Interface, Consumer Electronics Remote Controls, Automotive Sensor Modules (Legacy), Educational PIC Development Boards, White Goods and Appliance Control.
Battery Monitoring with 8-bit A/D
The PIC16C710T-20/SO's integrated 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter and 13 I/O pins make it a natural fit for battery monitoring modules that read pack voltage, charge current via a shunt, and individual cell voltages. At 20 MHz the 200 ns instruction cycle handles sequential ADC conversions across 4 channels with margin, while the 36-byte RAM is sufficient to store filtered readings and a state machine for SOC (state-of-charge) estimation. The 5V supply tolerance suits 4-cell NiMH or single-cell Li-ion with a regulator. Use RA0-RA3 as analog inputs and assign an RB pin to drive a status LED. For multi-cell Li-ion packs requiring 12-bit precision, consider migrating to PIC16F1765 or PIC16F1778; the PIC16C710T-20/SO remains optimal for cost-sensitive 5V battery management legacy designs.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Sensor Interface
In industrial control panels, the PIC16C710T-20/SO serves as a low-cost sensor interface MCU reading 4 analog channels (temperature, pressure, humidity, potentiometer) and driving 13 digital outputs for relays or solid-state switches. The 5V supply and CMOS design tolerate the noisy 24V industrial bus when paired with a TVS and isolated supply. The 35-instruction PIC mid-range RISC core allows fast response to interrupt-driven events on RB0/INT, while the Watchdog Timer protects against field lockups. Programming via ICSP enables in-circuit firmware updates during panel commissioning. For new designs requiring higher analog resolution, the PIC16F1765 provides 10-bit A/D at the same pin count; for legacy panel retrofits the PIC16C710T-20/SO remains widely supported by industrial OEMs.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote Controls
The PIC16C710T-20/SO is well suited to infrared remote controls, simple consumer appliances, and low-cost toys where 13 I/O pins drive keypads, IR LEDs, status indicators, and a buzzer. At 20 MHz it can generate 38 kHz carrier waveforms for IR transmission with software PWM, and the OTP memory ensures firmware cannot be reverse-engineered through reprogramming - a security advantage for branded consumer products. The 36-byte RAM is sufficient for key debouncing, protocol framing, and sleep-mode state retention. Power-On Reset and Brown-Out Detect provide reliable cold-start behavior across battery-discharge profiles. For new designs targeting USB or BLE connectivity, migrate to PIC16F1455 or PIC16F15323; for cost-driven replacement of legacy IR remotes the PIC16C710T-20/SO remains a strong fit.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Modules (Legacy)
Although the PIC16C710T-20/SO lacks AEC-Q100 qualification, it has historically been used in non-safety automotive subsystems such as climate-control panel sensors, seat-position encoders, and interior lighting controllers. The wide 4.0-6.0 V supply tolerates 12V vehicle rails when regulated, and the 4-channel A/D reads thermistor temperature sensors and rheostat inputs. For new automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, Microchip recommends migrating to PIC16F15313-I/SL or PIC16F1778-I/SP, which are PPAP-capable. The PIC16C710T-20/SO remains a cost-effective solution for end-of-life automotive maintenance where design re-validation is not required.
Recommended
Educational PIC Development Boards
Universities and training institutes use the PIC16C710T-20/SO in introductory embedded systems courses because of its simple 35-instruction RISC core, predictable interrupt structure, and easy-to-trace Harvard architecture. The 18-pin SOIC variant works in breadboard-friendly DIP adapter boards, and the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface allows students to flash code with a PICkit 3 or MPLAB SNAP. The 8-bit A/D introduces ADC concepts such as acquisition time, quantization, and reference selection. Modern curricula increasingly use PIC16F18855 or PIC16F15376 for new courses, but the PIC16C710T-20/SO continues to teach foundational PIC mid-range concepts at very low cost.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
White goods such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens historically used PIC16C71x microcontrollers for user-interface control, timer sequencing, and sensor readout. The PIC16C710T-20/SO with its 4-channel A/D reads water level, door switch, and temperature sensors; its 13 I/O pins drive triac-triggered loads, segment displays, and buzzer feedback. The wide supply range tolerates rectified mains with regulation, and the OTP memory prevents unauthorized firmware modifications. Modern appliance designs migrate to PIC16F18855 or PIC16F1765 for touch-sense and BLDC motor control; the PIC16C710T-20/SO continues to support repair and refurbishment of legacy appliances already in the field.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C710T-20/SO โ comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C710T-20I/SO | PIC16C710T-20C/SO | PIC16C710T-20E/SO | PIC16C710-20/SO | PIC16C710-04/SO | PIC16F710-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO) | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same | 18-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 2 KB Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| A/D Converter | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit | 4 channels x 8-bit + comparators |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Data RAM | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B | 64 B (upgraded) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended replacement) |
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (in-circuit reprogrammable) |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging media (vs PIC16C710-20/SO (tube))
- Modern flash replacement available (vs PIC16F710-I/SO)
- Commercial temperature grade (vs PIC16C710T-20I/SO)
- 20 MHz speed grade (vs PIC16C710-04/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C710T-20/SO requires a stable 5V supply within 4.0-6.0 V across the full temperature range. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. The internal Brown-Out Detect (BOD) trips below approximately 4.0 V to prevent code corruption during supply droop; configure the BOD fuse bits appropriately for the application's supply tolerance. Estimated: quiescent current in SLEEP mode is approximately 5-15 uA typical per the PIC16C71X family datasheet.
Route the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and place a 100 nF capacitor to ground to suppress noise-induced resets. Keep analog traces (RA0-RA3) short and guarded by a ground plane to minimize ADC crosstalk. The 18-SOIC footprint uses 1.27 mm pitch - ensure your PCB fabricator supports fine-pitch SMT assembly. Place the ICSP programming header (ICSPCLK on RB6, ICSPDAT on RB7, MCLR/VPP, VDD, VSS) on the board edge for production programming access.
Three common pitfalls when migrating code from PIC16C5X to PIC16C710: (1) the page-boundary wraparound at 512-word OTP boundary differs from the PIC16C5X 2K architecture; (2) the 14-bit instruction set is upward-compatible but the banked memory model requires PCLATH initialization; (3) the A/D converter requires adequate acquisition time (approximately 20 us at 5V) before channel switching. Always verify with the family datasheet section on A/D configuration (typically section 11 of the PIC16C71X datasheet) before bringing up analog sampling.
Estimated: at 20 MHz CPU clock the PIC16C710T-20/SO generates harmonic content near 40 MHz on I/O toggles. Place a ground plane directly under the 18-SOIC and keep switching traces (RC0-RC3, RB ports driving LEDs) short to minimize radiated EMI. If the application drives an IR LED at 38 kHz, route the IR trace away from the analog inputs. Add a ferrite bead on VDD for noise-sensitive sensor applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed via Microchip product page; PIC16C710 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs use PIC16F15313-I/SL or PIC16F15323-I/SO with PPAP documentation.
