PIC16C73A-04E/SP - 8-bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C73A-04E/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.25 | $112.50 |
| 100 | $9.95 | $995.00 |
| 500 | $8.85 | $4,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.75 | $7,750.00 |
PIC16C73A-04E/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/OTP/Flash), data RAM, and peripherals such as timers, communication ports, and analog inputs. The PIC16C7X family belongs to Microchip's PIC16 mid-range architecture (Harvard RISC, 14-bit instruction word), positioned in the product hierarchy as: PIC10/12/16 baseline -> PIC16 mid-range -> PIC18 enhanced mid-range -> PIC32 32-bit MCU. These MCUs are favored for deterministic real-time control, low quiescent current, and easy in-circuit serial programming.
Key features include a wide operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.0 V, 25 mA source/sink current per I/O, and ultra-low-power modes with 1 uA typical standby current at 3 V/32 kHz. The integrated A/D converter offers 8-bit resolution across up to 5 analog input channels, making the part suitable for mixed-signal embedded designs. Two 8-bit timer/counters plus one 16-bit timer/counter provide flexible event capture and PWM generation.
The PIC16C73A-04E/SP uses a Harvard architecture with separate code and data buses, 14-bit-wide instructions, and a 200 ns instruction cycle at 4 MHz (4 MHz oscillator with a 4:1 internal divider). The CMOS process delivers low power with 15 uA active current at 5 V/4 MHz, enabling battery-backed designs. The OTP program memory is programmed once via Microchip's ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) interface.
Typical applications include appliance control panels, automotive body electronics (Extended temp grade), sensor signal conditioning with on-chip A/D, low-cost motor control via PWM, and remote sensor nodes. Its 5-channel 8-bit A/D and 22 I/Os handle small mixed-signal nodes without external ADC ICs.
When designing, verify the OTP memory cannot be re-programmed; for prototype or field-upgradable designs, choose the flash-based PIC16F73 or PIC16C73B successor recommended by Microchip. Always include a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor between VDD and VSS placed within 5 mm of the pins.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and design notes not found on the manufacturer datasheet cover page. XAIPART recommends the PIC16C73A-04E/SP for new designs only when OTP memory is acceptable; otherwise, select the flash-based PIC16F73 successor.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73A-04E/SP — 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 PIC16C73A-04E/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C73A-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-04/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73B-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73B-04/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73A-04E/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (Mid-range, 8-bit) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 instructions) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (0 bytes) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns @ 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + one 16-bit timer/counter |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA / 25 mA per pin |
| Active Current (5V, 4MHz) | 15 uA typical |
| Standby Current (3V, 32kHz) | 1 uA typical |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E' suffix) |
| Package | 28-SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP, 0.300 in) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Mounting Style | Through-Hole |
| Package Code | DIP |
| Number of Terminals | 28 |
| RoHS Status | Non-Compliant (contains lead - SPDIP package) |
PIC16C73A-04E/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 / A/D voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (Capture/Compare/PWM 1) |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock input |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data input/output |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73A-04E/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Panels, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Cost PWM Motor Control, Remote Sensor Data Logger, Smart Home Sensor Hub.
Appliance Control Panels
The PIC16C73A-04E/SP fits appliance control panels (washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers) thanks to its 22 GPIO pins for keypad scanning, LED/LCD drive, and relay switching, plus the integrated 5-channel 8-bit A/D for temperature and humidity sensor readout. With 25 mA source/sink current per I/O, it can directly drive triac-interface optocouplers and indicator LEDs without external drivers. The 7 KB OTP memory holds fixed appliance firmware; the Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade survives the kitchen environment, and the 2.5 V to 6.0 V operating range matches rectified 5 V or 3.3 V supplies. Designers place 0.1 uF decoupling within 5 mm of the VDD/VSS pins and use the 16-bit timer for zero-crossing triac control. Compared with discrete logic or ASIC solutions, this part reduces BOM cost while keeping firmware programmable via ICSP during production calibration.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C73A-04E/SP is well suited to automotive body controllers (door modules, seat controllers, climate panel nodes) because its Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade covers under-dash and under-hood thermal stress. The 5-channel 8-bit A/D converter reads potentiometer inputs (dimmer, climate blend door) and thermistor sensors, while the 16-bit timer/counter captures wheel-speed or fan tach pulses. 25 mA I/O drive handles LED arrays and small relays directly. Power is typically supplied from a 12 V vehicle bus via an LDO to 5 V; the wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V input tolerates crank-dip transients. OTP memory locks the firmware permanently after production calibration. The 28-SPDIP package is preferred over SOIC for automotive-vibration environments where leaded packages withstand thermal cycling and mechanical stress better than gull-wing surface-mount parts.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C73A-04E/SP handles industrial sensor nodes (4-20 mA loop transmitters, pressure transducers, RTD conditioners) by combining the on-chip 5-channel 8-bit A/D, 22 GPIO pins for UART/SPI sensor interfaces, and 7 KB OTP program memory for calibration constants and linearization routines. The 16-bit timer provides accurate PWM excitation for RTD or thermocouple cold-junction compensation. With 15 uA active current at 5 V/4 MHz and 1 uA standby, the part is friendly to loop-powered 4-20 mA designs where the 3.6 mA budget must power both sensor and MCU. The Extended temperature range -40C to +125C tolerates process-control cabinet environments. Designers use the two 8-bit timers for watchdog and sample-rate generation, while ICSP allows factory calibration to write sensor-specific linearization coefficients into the OTP image.
Recommended
Low-Cost PWM Motor Control
The PIC16C73A-04E/SP drives small DC brush motors, fans, and stepper motors through PWM generated by its 16-bit timer/counter module. With 25 mA I/O source/sink current, it directly interfaces to MOSFET gate drivers such as the IR2104 half-bridge driver for small BLDC or brushed DC motors used in HVAC dampers, water pumps, and small appliances. The 5-channel A/D reads back-EMF or shunt current for closed-loop speed control; the two 8-bit timers handle the watchdog and tachometer capture. The Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade and 28-SPDIP through-hole package are favored for HVAC and appliance environments where leaded parts survive thermal cycling. Designers implement commutation tables in the 7 KB OTP and tune the PWM duty cycle in firmware during production calibration.
Recommended
Remote Sensor Data Logger
The PIC16C73A-04E/SP is deployed in remote sensor loggers (weather stations, environmental monitors, agricultural soil sensors) thanks to its 1 uA typical standby current at 3 V/32 kHz, which extends battery life between wake-up measurements. The on-chip A/D captures up to 5 analog channels (soil moisture, temperature, humidity, light, battery), while the 192-byte data RAM serves as a circular buffer between UART transmissions. Two 8-bit timers plus the 16-bit timer manage sleep/wake cycles, watchdog refresh, and UART baud-rate generation. The 7 KB OTP memory holds the fixed logger firmware. The Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade tolerates outdoor enclosures. For higher-volume logging, the same 28-SPDIP footprint enables migration to the flash-based PIC16F73-I/SP successor without PCB changes, simplifying field upgrades.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hub
The PIC16C73A-04E/SP is used in smart-home sensor hubs (thermostats, occupancy sensors, smoke detectors, CO2 nodes) because of its 22 GPIO pins for multiple sensor buses, the 5-channel 8-bit A/D for environmental sensing, and the low 15 uA active current at 5 V/4 MHz that keeps wall-powered thermostats within energy-budget limits. The 16-bit timer/counter supports IR remote receive decoding for thermostat user input, and the two 8-bit timers manage watchdog and PWM buzzer control. OTP memory secures firmware against field tampering. The Extended temperature range tolerates attic-mounted or outdoor-junction-box sensor nodes. Designers use the 28-SPDIP package for hand-solderable prototypes and field-replaceable units. The same footprint enables drop-in migration to PIC16F73-I/SP for products that later need OTA firmware updates.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73A-04E/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C73A-04I/SP | PIC16C73A-04/SP | PIC16C73B-04I/SP | PIC16C73B-04/SP | PIC16C73A-20I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz (+400%) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (7 KB / 4K x 14) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16C73A-04/SP)
- Highest same-package CPU frequency in the family (vs PIC16C73A-04I/SP)
- Recommended Microchip B-revision successor (vs PIC16C73A-04/SP)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor between VDD (pin 28) and VSS (pins 18, 19) within 5 mm of the package body, per PIC16C7X datasheet decoupling guidance. For multi-supply noise, add a 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the same VDD rail. The wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V operating range allows direct connection to a regulated 5 V or 3.3 V rail, but always include a series ferrite bead if the supply is shared with inductive loads such as relays or motors.
Route the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS to enable ICSP programming and prevent spurious resets during voltage transients. The ICSP pins RB6/PGC (pin 26) and RB7/PGD (pin 27) must be reachable by the programming header without crossing high-current traces. Keep analog input traces (RA0-RA5) short and away from switching PWM traces on RC1/RC2 to minimize coupled noise into the 8-bit A/D converter.
OTP memory is one-time programmable; once written, the firmware cannot be updated. For prototypes or field-upgradable designs, choose the flash-based PIC16F73-I/SP successor instead. The 192-byte RAM is shared between user variables and the stack; do not allocate more than ~120 bytes to user data or stack overflow may result during deep subroutine nesting. The Extended -40C to +125C temperature grade suffix 'E' is mandatory for under-hood automotive or outdoor industrial deployments - commercial-grade PIC16C73A-04/SP will fail above +70C.
Estimated: the PIC16C73A-04E/SP in the 28-SPDIP package dissipates approximately 15 mW active at 5 V/4 MHz with all I/Os unloaded, giving negligible junction temperature rise above ambient. At maximum I/O load with all 22 pins sourcing 25 mA, total power can rise to roughly 200-300 mW; the SPDIP-28 has theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W, so junction temperature stays well within the -40C to +125C rating for normal ambient use. No heatsink is required for typical embedded applications.
Compliance Information
SPDIP-28 package contains lead (Pb); RoHS non-compliant for new EU designs unless exemption applies. No AEC-Q100 qualification per verified data. REACH and conflict-mineral compliance per Microchip product declarations.
