PIC16C716-04E/SO - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C716-04E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.35 | $235.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.89 | $1,890.00 |
PIC16C716-04E/SO Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An OTP MCU is a microcontroller whose program memory can be written once during production or prototyping and is permanently retained afterward. It belongs to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> digital ICs -> semiconductors. OTP variants typically offer lower per-unit cost than Flash-based equivalents in high-volume production, while sharing the same instruction set, peripherals, and pinout. The PIC16C716 uses the industry-standard PIC mid-range RISC core executing 35 single-word instructions, most in a single instruction cycle (200 ns at 4 MHz).
Key features include: 200 ns instruction cycle for deterministic control loops; 13 bidirectional I/O pins with individual direction control; an 8-bit ADC with multiple channels for sensor interfacing; an 8-bit Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler for timing/counting; and a Capture/Compare/PWM peripheral for motor control or waveform generation. Brown-out Reset holds the MCU in reset when VDD drops below a threshold, preventing code corruption at low supply voltages. The device operates from 4.0 V to 5.5 V with low power consumption, making it well-suited for both line-powered and battery-backed industrial equipment.
Architecturally, the PIC16C716 uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access. Its 14-bit wide program memory word supports compact encoding of opcode plus literal/address, and the 8-bit data path keeps register manipulation efficient. The integrated ADC samples at a rate proportional to Fosc/32, and the CCP module can be configured for input capture, output compare, or PWM generation up to 10-bit resolution.
Typical applications include motor speed controllers, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, simple closed-loop fan/valve controllers, appliance control modules, and industrial instrumentation where deterministic real-time response is required. The extended temperature range allows deployment in automotive under-hood, HVAC, and outdoor industrial environments.
A key design consideration is that OTP parts cannot be re-programmed in-circuit - code must be fully validated before commitment. Designers typically prototype with the PIC16F716 (Flash) equivalent then migrate to the PIC16C716 for cost-down production. Decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 10 uF) should be placed close to VDD/SS pins, and unused I/O should be configured as outputs low to minimize current draw.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in any single manufacturer datasheet revision, giving procurement and engineering teams a single authoritative reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C716-04E/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 PIC16C716-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Timers, RoHS Status, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C716-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C716-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C716T-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F716-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C711-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C715-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.93 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C (8-bit RISC, Harvard) |
| Clock Speed (max) | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 8-bit multichannel |
| Timers | Timer0: 8-bit with 8-bit prescaler |
| CCP Module | Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended, -E suffix) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ROM Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C716-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / Interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / Interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / Interrupt-on-change / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / Interrupt-on-change / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM output |
| Pin 18 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16C716-04E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Motor Speed Controller, Appliance Control Board (Washing Machine / Dishwasher), HVAC Fan and Damper Controller, Automotive Sensor Interface Module, Smart Battery Charger Controller, Industrial Process Timer / Sequencer, LED Lighting Dimmer and Color Controller.
Industrial Motor Speed Controller
The PIC16C716-04E/SO fits closed-loop DC motor speed controllers where deterministic 200 ns instruction cycles enable precise PWM generation via the integrated Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module. With 13 I/O pins and an 8-bit multichannel ADC, the MCU can read a tachogenerator or Hall-effect speed sensor on one ADC channel while driving an H-bridge through four GPIO pins and outputting PWM on RC2. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range supports industrial cabinet installations near variable-frequency drives. The 3.5 KB OTP program memory comfortably fits BLDC commutation tables, PI controller coefficients, and fault-handling routines for a single-axis drive. Use the Brown-out Reset to safely disable outputs during supply dips. Estimated cycle budget: 8 MHz instruction rate leaves ~80 cycles per PWM period at 10 kHz switching frequency, sufficient for current-loop computation.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board (Washing Machine / Dishwasher)
The PIC16C716-04E/SO suits washing-machine and dishwasher control boards where cost-sensitive high-volume production is paramount. The OTP program memory reduces per-unit cost versus Flash equivalents once firmware is locked, and the 18-pin SOIC package enables compact single-sided PCB layouts behind the front-panel display. The 8-bit ADC reads water-level sensors, temperature probes (NTC), and turbidity sensors, while the CCP module drives the motor triac and the GPIO ports switch solenoid valves, door locks, and buzzer indicators. The extended -40C to +125C range tolerates under-counter thermal stress and cold-start conditions in unheated garages. Brown-out Reset prevents lockup during line-voltage sags from adjacent motor inrush. The 128-byte RAM is adequate for cycle-state variables, error counters, and a small user-interface buffer.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Damper Controller
Commercial HVAC systems require reliable fan-speed and damper-position controllers operating across wide temperature ranges, an ideal application for the PIC16C716-04E/SO. The MCU reads duct-temperature sensors via the 8-bit ADC, computes PI control loops in software, and outputs PWM drive signals through the CCP module to variable-frequency fan drivers. The 13 I/O pins handle multiple relay outputs (for staged heating/cooling contactors), key-switch inputs, and LED status indicators. The OTP memory locks the safety-interlock logic (high-temperature cutout, freeze protection) so field technicians cannot inadvertently reprogram safety code. The Brown-out Reset holds outputs in a safe state during brown-out conditions. Estimated power budget: at 4 MHz the device draws ~2 mA active, allowing continuous operation from a small linear supply without thermal concerns.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Interface Module
Automotive under-hood sensor modules benefit from the PIC16C716-04E/SO's extended -40C to +125C temperature range and integrated 8-bit ADC. The MCU reads multiple analog sensors (MAP, MAF, oil-pressure, coolant-temperature) and outputs conditioned signals over LIN or PWM to the vehicle ECU. The 3.5 KB OTP program memory holds calibration tables, sensor-linearization routines, and diagnostic-trouble-code (DTC) logging. The CCP module generates a PWM output proportional to sensor reading for legacy ECU interfaces. Brown-out Reset protects against cranking-voltage dips. The 18-pin SOIC is footprint-compatible with the automotive-grade PIC16F716-I/SO, allowing rapid design migration between consumer and AEC-Q100 grades if automotive certification becomes required for higher-volume programs.
Recommended
Smart Battery Charger Controller
The PIC16C716-04E/SO provides an 8-bit MCU core with ADC and PWM peripherals well-matched to smart lead-acid or NiMH charger designs. The 8-bit ADC samples battery voltage, charge current, and temperature at up to 8 channels; the CCP module produces PWM drive for a buck-converter power stage; and 13 GPIO pins manage relay outputs, status LEDs, and AC-line zero-cross detection. The extended temperature range supports installations in unventilated enclosures or outdoor chargers. The Brown-out Reset prevents over-discharge of deeply discharged batteries by holding the MCU in reset until valid VDD is restored. The 3.5 KB OTP memory accommodates multi-stage charge profiles (bulk/absorption/float) with temperature compensation curves and fault-state machines.
Recommended
Industrial Process Timer / Sequencer
Standalone industrial process timers and sequencers - common in packaging lines, plating baths, and chemical dosing systems - are well-served by the PIC16C716-04E/SO. The MCU's Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler provides accurate timing intervals from microseconds to minutes; the CCP module generates precision output pulses for solenoid actuation; and 13 I/O pins drive multiple relay channels plus accept start/stop/reset inputs from operator panels. The OTP memory locks the timing sequence so production-floor operators cannot alter cycle parameters. The 128-byte RAM stores runtime counters, batch numbers, and error logs. Brown-out Reset ensures safe shutdown during power interruption. Estimated timing accuracy: at 4 MHz the instruction-cycle quantization of 200 ns yields 0.05% timing error over 1 ms timing intervals - sufficient for most process-control applications.
Recommended
LED Lighting Dimmer and Color Controller
Architectural and stage-lighting LED dimmers use the PIC16C716-04E/SO for logarithmic-dimming curve generation and RGB color-mixing control. The 8-bit ADC reads a potentiometer or DMX-decoded brightness level; the CCP module produces a high-resolution PWM output to drive MOSFET-controlled LED strings via constant-current drivers. With 13 I/O pins, three PWM-capable channels can independently control RGB LEDs while additional GPIOs manage mode selection and status display. The OTP memory locks factory-calibrated dimming curves and color-temperature look-up tables. The extended temperature range suits outdoor architectural fixtures. The 200 ns instruction cycle enables smooth transitions across 256 brightness levels without visible stepping. Brown-out Reset ensures graceful fade-out on power loss rather than abrupt cutoff.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C716-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C716-04I/SO | PIC16C716-04/SO | PIC16C716-20E/SO | PIC16F716-I/SO | PIC16C711-04E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Clock Speed (max) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash | 1.75 KB OTP |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | OTP |
| ADC | 8-bit multichannel | 8-bit multichannel | 8-bit multichannel | 8-bit multichannel | 8-bit multichannel | 8-bit multichannel |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| CCP/PWM | Yes (1 channel) | Yes (1 channel) | Yes (1 channel) | Yes (1 channel) | Yes (1 channel) | Yes (1 channel) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature range (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC16C716-04/SO)
- 4 MHz speed grade optimizes EMI signature for low-noise designs (vs PIC16C716-20E/SO)
- OTP memory provides lowest per-unit cost in volume (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
- Full 3.5 KB program memory for larger application code (vs PIC16C711-04E/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic at the board's power-entry point. The PIC16C716-04E/SO can draw brief current spikes of ~30 mA during ADC conversion; the bulk capacitor prevents VDD sag that could trigger Brown-out Reset. Keep the analog AVDD supply (when used separately from VDD) bypassed with its own 100 nF + 10 uF pair to maintain ADC accuracy - shared digital/analog ground returns must use a star-ground topology or split plane to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the analog reference.
Because the PIC16C716 is OTP (One-Time Programmable), firmware must be 100% validated before commitment - there is no second chance to correct code bugs. Always prototype with the PIC16F716-I/SO (Flash equivalent, same pinout) and only migrate to the PIC16C716 once firmware is locked. Verify all unused I/O pins are configured as outputs (not inputs floating) to prevent SCL/Schmitt-trigger shoot-through currents that can add 1-2 mA to quiescent draw. The MCLR pin must never be left floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or directly for normal operation.
For designs using the on-board ADC, route analog input traces away from digital switching lines (PWM, CCP outputs, oscillator) and keep them short to minimize capacitive coupling. A ground plane is recommended; place the MCU's VSS pin connection to the plane with a short trace. The OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces (when using a crystal instead of internal oscillator) should be kept short and symmetric, with the load capacitors placed within 2-3 mm of the pins. If the device is used in a noisy environment (motor drive, relay switching), add a ferrite bead on the VDD supply and consider an RC low-pass filter on MCLR to improve noise immunity.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications requiring full AEC-Q100 certification, contact Microchip for the automotive-grade variant. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance documentation.