PIC16C73A-10/SO - 8-Bit OTP MCU 7KB 22 I/O SOIC-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C73A-10/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.5962 | $6.60 |
| 10 | $6.1 | $61.00 |
| 100 | $5.59 | $559.00 |
| 500 | $5.05 | $2,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.5 | $4,500.00 |
PIC16C73A-10/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, optimized for control-oriented tasks in embedded systems. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C73A belongs to the mid-range PIC16 family (8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor). It sits between low-pin PIC10/12 devices and high-performance PIC18 parts, balancing code density, peripheral integration, and cost. CMOS process technology delivers the low standby current (under 1 uA typical at 3V/32 kHz) that defines Microchip's nanoWatt-class PIC legacy.
Key features include the Harvard RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit wide instruction word, 8-bit data path, and 25 mA source/sink current on digital I/O capable of directly driving LEDs and small relays. The integrated ADC and capture/compare/PWM modules enable motor-control, sensor-conditioning, and lighting applications without external analog ICs. The OTP memory allows one-time field programming, lowering unit cost versus windowed or flash versions.
Typical applications span industrial control panels, automotive body electronics, appliance control boards, sensor signal conditioning, and low-cost consumer devices where integrated ADC simplifies BOM. The wide commercial/industrial/extended temperature range supports harsh-environment deployments. Designers migrating from PIC16C73A are advised to evaluate PIC16C73B (drop-in successor) or PIC16F73 (flash-based alternative) per Microchip's official guidance.
When designing with this part, ensure oscillator stability at 10 MHz with appropriate load capacitors, and observe the maximum source/sink current per pin (25 mA) and per-port aggregate limits specified in the manufacturer datasheet. Brown-out and watchdog features are not integrated on this OTP revision; external supervisory ICs may be required for safety-critical applications.
This page synthesizes real-time distributor pricing (LCSC, DigiKey, Heisener, Octopart), Microchip-recommended drop-in alternatives (PIC16C73B, PIC16F73), and engineering-oriented design notes not collated on any single datasheet or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73A-10/SO β 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-10/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Type, ADC, Program Memory Size, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C73B-04I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C73B-10I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-20I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73A-10I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C73AT-10/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C73A-10/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C mid-range RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 10 MHz (-10 speed grade) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 400 ns at 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 25 mA / 25 mA per pin |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| CCP Modules | 2 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (industrial, inferred) |
| Standby Current | 1 uA typical at 3V/32 kHz |
| ROHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C73A-10/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (Reset) input or programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 β PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 8 | RE0/RD/AN5 β PORTE bit 0 / Read control for parallel slave port / Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 9 | RE1/WR/AN6 β PORTE bit 1 / Write control for parallel slave port / Analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 10 | RE2/CS/AN7 β PORTE bit 2 / Chip select for parallel slave port / Analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 15 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 17 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 module |
| Pin 18 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 β PORTD bit 0 / Parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 β PORTD bit 1 / Parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 β PORTD bit 2 / Parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 β PORTD bit 3 / Parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 24 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 25 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART asynchronous transmit / synchronous clock |
| Pin 26 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART asynchronous receive / synchronous data |
| Pin 27 | RD4/PSP4 β PORTD bit 4 / Parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | RD5/PSP5 β PORTD bit 5 / Parallel slave port bit 5 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73A-10/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Control, Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics, Consumer Electronics Remote Controls, Security and Access Control Panels, LED Lighting and Signage Controllers.
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Control
The PIC16C73A-10/SO fits industrial sensor conditioning boards because its integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC digitizes thermocouple, RTD bridge, or pressure-sensor signals without an external ADC IC. Its 192-byte RAM and 7 KB OTP program memory accommodate linearization lookup tables and PID control loops for closed-loop valve or heater actuation. The 22 high-current (25 mA sink/source) I/O lines drive relays, optocouplers, and indicator LEDs directly. The 4.0-5.5V supply aligns with 5V industrial backplanes, and the 28-SOIC footprint supports reflow assembly on mixed-signal PLC daughter cards.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
Washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and HVAC control boards commonly use the PIC16C73A-10/SO because its 22 I/O lines interface with keypad matrices, seven-segment or LCD displays, buzzer drivers, and triac-gate optocouplers. The two CCP (Capture/Compare/PWM) modules generate the precise timing signals needed for motor-speed control and zero-cross triac firing. OTP memory locks down mature firmware to prevent accidental overwrites in field-deployed appliances, lowering per-unit cost compared to flash parts.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Body-control modules for window lifters, mirror adjusters, seat controllers, and interior lighting benefit from the PIC16C73A-10/SO's 25 mA I/O drive and integrated 8-bit ADC for switch-debounce and current-sense channels. The industrial temperature grade supports under-dash thermal environments. The 10 MHz CPU speed handles CAN-style software bit-banging or LIN-bus slave protocols for legacy vehicle networks, while the 28-SOIC package fits compact PCBAs inside door modules.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote Controls
Low-cost remote controls, IR learning devices, and toy controllers leverage the PIC16C73A-10/SO's sub-1 uA standby current at 3V/32 kHz, enabling coin-cell battery life of multiple years. The CCP module generates accurate IR carrier frequencies (36/38/40 kHz) for TV/AV remote protocols. Although the part's 4.0-5.5V VDD is higher than typical 3V remote designs, the PIC16F73 2-5.5V variant serves as a flash-equivalent pin-compatible drop-in for new portable designs.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
Keypad-based access control panels, alarm-system keypads, and PIN-entry modules use the PIC16C73A-10/SO's 22 I/O to scan 4x4 matrices, drive piezo buzzers, and switch relay outputs for door strikes. The integrated 8-bit ADC reads battery voltage for low-battery alerts and senses tamper-switch analog signatures. The OTP memory secures firmware against unauthorized code extraction, a key requirement in security applications. PIC16C73B is recommended for new designs.
Recommended
LED Lighting and Signage Controllers
Architectural lighting fixtures, RGB color-mixing drivers, and electronic-signage controllers use the PIC16C73A-10/SO's two CCP modules to generate multi-channel PWM at kHz-range switching frequencies, dimming high-brightness LED strings with 8-bit resolution. The 22 I/O drive MOSFET gate drivers directly via 25 mA source current. The 4.0-5.5V supply aligns with constant-current LED-driver ICs (like LM3409 or TLC5940) on the same PCB, simplifying power-tree design.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73A-10/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C73B-04I/SO | PIC16C73B-10I/SO | PIC16F73-I/SO | PIC16C73A-10I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 ch | 8-bit, 5 ch | 8-bit, 5 ch | 8-bit, 5 ch | 8-bit, 5 ch |
| In-Circuit Programming | No (OTP only) | No (OTP only) | No (OTP only) | Yes (ICSP) | No (OTP only) |
| Recommended Status | Migration advised | Active successor (recommended) | Active successor (recommended) | Active flash alternative (recommended) | Legacy variant |
Key Differentiators
- Microchip-official successor with drop-in compatibility (vs PIC16C73B-04I/SO)
- Flash-based reprogrammability in same package (vs PIC16F73-I/SO)
- Higher speed grade available in same package (vs PIC16C73B-20I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C73A-10/SO operates from a single 4.0V to 5.5V supply on pin 11 (VDD), with pin 12 as VSS. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the same rail as the digital supply. The EPROM-based process exhibits higher current transients than CMOS flash parts, so the bulk capacitor suppresses voltage dips when the ADC reference or I/O switching triggers simultaneous logic transitions. Estimated: total active current at 10 MHz / 5V is typically 5-15 mA depending on I/O loading (from PIC16C7X family datasheet).
Because the PIC16C73A-10/SO is OTP EPROM, firmware cannot be erased or rewritten after the initial programming event. Plan accordingly: validate code on a PIC16F73-I/SO flash equivalent before committing to OTP, and order OTP units only after firmware is final-locked. Migrating to PIC16C73B or PIC16F73 is recommended for new designs per Microchip's official product page statement that PIC16C73A is superseded. Also note that brown-out reset, watchdog timer, and internal oscillator options are NOT present on the A revision - design for external supervisor if required.
Place the 28-SOIC package on a 0.300-inch wide SOIC land pattern (per JEDEC MS-013) with thermal relief spokes on the ground plane. Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) symmetrically and as short as possible, with a grounded guard ring if the design is mixed-signal to prevent 10 MHz clock harmonics from coupling into the analog AN0-AN4 ADC inputs. Keep MCLR/VPP (pin 1) trace short to avoid spurious resets from capacitive coupling, and route the analog VREF+/AN3 pin (pin 5) with a separate analog ground return to the ADC.
The 28-SOIC package has a thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 80 C/W in still air and 60 C/W with 100 LFM airflow. Estimated: at typical 5V / 10 MHz operation with 10 mA active current, internal dissipation is 50 mW, yielding a 4 C junction-temperature rise - well within the 150 C absolute maximum. No heatsink is required under normal conditions; however, industrial designs near the -40 to +85 C operating envelope should validate thermal performance during EMC and burn-in testing.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per DigiKey product listing. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is an industrial/consumer MCU not specifically qualified for automotive safety. The Microchip product page recommends migrating to PIC16C73B or PIC16F73.
