PIC16C716T-20/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 3.5KB, SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C716T-20/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.07 | $30.70 |
| 100 | $2.62 | $262.00 |
| 500 | $2.28 | $1,140.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC16C716T-20/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor that executes instructions on 8-bit data widths, typically used in embedded systems for control, sensing, and low-power signal processing. The PIC16C716 belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC® architecture, which uses a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set) core with only 35 single-word instructions, providing fast context switching and deterministic timing for real-time applications. This places the PIC16C716 in the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor.
Key features of the PIC16C716T-20/SS include a 20MHz oscillator with 200ns instruction cycle, 4-channel 8-bit analog-to-digital converter, Timer0 (8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler), Brown-out Reset (BOR) detection circuitry for safe power-up behavior, and a 4.0V to 5.5V supply voltage range. The 13 I/O pins support flexible digital interfacing, while the integrated ADC enables direct analog sensor acquisition. OTP memory allows one-time programming for low-cost, high-volume production.
The architecture combines a Harvard-bus structure (separate program and data memory buses) with on-chip peripherals to minimize external component count. The brown-out detector protects memory from corruption during unstable power conditions, while the watchdog timer (WDT) provides fault recovery in noisy industrial environments. The 20MHz clock supports instruction timing suitable for motor control, sensor sampling, and low-speed communication protocols.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, automotive sensor interface modules, appliance control boards, hobbyist and educational embedded projects, and low-cost consumer electronics. The wide 5V supply tolerance and integrated analog peripherals simplify designs where external ADCs or sensors would otherwise inflate bill of materials cost.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed - prototype using a windowed (JW) or flash-based variant first. Ensure the external oscillator circuit matches the 20MHz timing budget, and include decoupling capacitors close to VDD and VSS pins to reduce EMI susceptibility.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone PIC16C716 datasheet, helping engineers quickly evaluate replacement options and integration trade-offs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C716T-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 PIC16C716T-20/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, ADC, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F716T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F716-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C716T-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716T-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C715T-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716T-20/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16C (8-bit RISC) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Clock Speed (Maximum) | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| ADC | 8-bit multichannel |
| Timer0 | 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.67 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C716T-20/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input / Synchronous serial port select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM/capture |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / CCP1 PWM/capture/compare |
| Pin 11 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 19 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 20 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C716T-20/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controller, Automotive Sensor Interface Module, Appliance Control Board (Washing Machines, Microwaves), Hobbyist / Educational Embedded Platform, Battery-Powered Sensor Node, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics Controller.
Industrial Automation Controller
The PIC16C716T-20/SS fits industrial automation controllers through its integrated 8-bit analog-to-digital converter, 13 digital I/O lines, and 20MHz instruction rate that supports real-time sensor sampling and actuator control. The Brown-out Reset circuitry protects firmware integrity during brown-out conditions common on factory 24V/5V rails, while the 4.0V-5.5V supply tolerance handles regulated 5V industrial supplies. Placed on a controller board with optically-isolated I/O, it reads analog sensor voltages (temperature, pressure, flow) via the 8-bit ADC and drives relays, solenoids, or PWM-controlled motor drivers through its 13 I/O pins, replacing discrete logic and reducing BOM cost in PLC-style modules.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C716T-20/SS serves automotive sensor interface modules through its 8-bit ADC for reading temperature, position, or pressure sensors, and its 20MHz clock for fast sampling of transient signals. The commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade suits cabin applications, while the extended-temperature PIC16C716T-20E/SS variant covers under-hood environments. With 13 I/O pins, the MCU interfaces to LIN or CAN transceivers, drives LED indicators, and reads switch inputs - all within an OTP-locked firmware architecture that prevents unauthorized modification. Compared to discrete analog conditioning circuits, the integrated approach shrinks PCB area and simplifies EMI/ESD qualification.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board (Washing Machines, Microwaves)
The PIC16C716T-20/SS fits home appliance control boards through its integrated peripherals - 8-bit ADC for temperature and water-level sensing, Timer0 for motor PWM, and 13 I/O pins for keypad, LED indicators, and relay control. The OTP memory locks the final firmware to prevent reverse engineering of proprietary wash cycles or microwave power curves. Operating from a regulated 5V supply common in white goods, the 20MHz instruction rate supports real-time triac control and zero-cross detection. Replacing a discrete 555-timer + CMOS logic design, this MCU reduces component count, simplifies EMC compliance, and enables software-defined feature differentiation across product variants.
Recommended
Hobbyist / Educational Embedded Platform
The PIC16C716T-20/SS serves as a learning platform for students studying 8-bit embedded systems, given its PIC mid-range architecture with only 35 instructions and an accessible SSOP-20 breakout footprint. The 20MHz clock supports demonstration of timer interrupts, ADC sampling, and serial communication without overwhelming beginners with complex peripherals. Although OTP makes classroom firmware iteration costly, pairing the PIC16C716T-20/SS with the flash-based PIC16F716-I/SS for development and the OTP part for final submission teaches real-world design for manufacturing. The 13 GPIO pins and 8-bit ADC provide enough I/O for sensor lab exercises, motor control demos, and embedded C programming coursework.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Node
The PIC16C716T-20/SS supports battery-powered sensor nodes through its low-voltage 4.0V-5.5V supply range (compatible with regulated lithium-ion or 3xAA stacks with boost converter), 13 I/O pins for multi-sensor integration, and 8-bit ADC for analog signal acquisition. The 20MHz clock supports brief active-mode duty cycles, allowing the firmware to enter sleep mode between sensor reads and extend battery life. With OTP firmware and small SSOP-20 footprint, the design fits inside compact IoT sensor housings. The integrated peripherals eliminate separate ADC and timer ICs, reducing quiescent current draw and PCB area versus discrete alternatives.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics Controller
The PIC16C716T-20/SS fits low-cost consumer electronics such as remote controls, toys, and small home devices. The 13 GPIO pins directly drive LEDs, read button matrices, and bit-bang simple protocols (IR, single-wire). The 8-bit ADC handles battery voltage monitoring or simple analog inputs (light sensors, potentiometers). At 20MHz, the MCU executes protocol decoding and PWM generation with headroom for future feature additions. OTP memory locks the firmware against cloning, protecting proprietary IR codes or toy interaction sequences. The SSOP-20 surface-mount package supports automated PCB assembly in high-volume consumer products while keeping per-unit cost minimal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C716T-20/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F716T-I/SS | PIC16F716-I/SS | PIC16C716T-20E/SS | PIC16C716T-20I/SS | PIC16C715T-20/SS | PIC16C712T-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3.5KB) | Flash (3.5KB) | Flash (3.5KB) | OTP (3.5KB) - same | OTP (3.5KB) - same | OTP (2KB) | OTP (2KB) |
| Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 4 MHz (-80%) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C - same | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same | 128 bytes - same |
| ADC | 8-bit multichannel | 8-bit multichannel - same | 8-bit multichannel - same | 8-bit multichannel - same | 8-bit multichannel - same | None (no ADC) | 8-bit multichannel - same |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same |
Key Differentiators
- OTP memory locks firmware against cloning (vs PIC16F716T-I/SS)
- Lower per-unit cost in high volume (vs PIC16F716T-I/SS)
- Broader temperature options in same package (vs PIC16C715T-20/SS)
Design Notes
Power supply decoupling is critical for PIC16C716T-20/SS designs. Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 17), with a 10uF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor at the regulator output. The Brown-out Reset (BOR) circuitry protects RAM and register integrity during supply droops - configure BOR threshold via configuration bits to match your supply tolerance. For battery-powered designs, use the 4.0V minimum supply to avoid BOR events on depleted cells.
OTP memory cannot be re-programmed. Always prototype with the flash-based PIC16F716-I/SS or a windowed PIC16C716 JW variant before committing to PIC16C716T-20/SS production parts. Verify the configuration bits (oscillator selection, watchdog timer, BOR, code protection) before programming - incorrect config bits can lock the part in an unusable state. The 'T-20' suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging and 20MHz grade; do not substitute a -04 (4MHz) variant without reviewing timing budgets.
PCB layout for the PIC16C716T-20/SS should keep the external crystal/oscillator traces short (under 10mm) and shield them from high-current digital traces. Place a ground plane beneath the oscillator to reduce EMI. The MCLR pin (pin 18) typically requires a 10k pull-up to VDD; for ICSP programming, add a diode and series resistor network to allow in-circuit programming without disturbing the reset circuit. Route the analog ADC inputs (RA0-RA5) away from digital switching traces to minimize conversion noise.
Estimated: PIC16C716T-20/SS power dissipation is dominated by I/O pin drive current and oscillator losses. At 20MHz with 13 I/O pins sourcing 20mA each (max per pin), internal die power is approximately 100-150mW; SSOP-20 package thermal resistance theta_JA of ~95 C/W yields a junction temperature rise of 10-15C above ambient at 25C - well within commercial 0C to +70C operation. For applications approaching the upper temperature limit, derate I/O current or improve PCB copper area to reduce theta_JA.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Commercial temperature grade 0C to +70C; not AEC-Q100 qualified (select PIC16C716T-20E/SS for extended temp).