PIC16C73AT-10/SO - 8-bit RISC MCU, 7KB EPROM, 22 I/O, 20MHz SOIC-28
MPN: PIC16C73AT-10/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.68 | $3.68 |
| 10 | $3.32 | $33.20 |
| 100 | $2.95 | $295.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.4 | $2,400.00 |
PIC16C73AT-10/SO Overview
An 8-bit RISC microcontroller is a processor built on a Reduced Instruction Set Computer architecture with 8-bit data width, optimized for deterministic real-time control. Within the broader system taxonomy, the PIC16C73A sits in the category hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> CMOS MCU -> semiconductor. Compared with CISC architectures, RISC MCUs offer shorter instruction latencies and predictable cycle counts, making them well-suited for hard-real-time applications such as motor control, instrumentation, and sensor interfacing.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16C73A include on-chip A/D conversion (eliminating external ADC chips), a hardware USART for asynchronous serial communication, and dual 16-bit timers with capture/compare/PWM (CCP/DSR) capability. The integrated peripheral set makes it suitable for embedded designs that previously required multiple discrete ICs. The "T" suffix denotes the tape-and-reel packaging option, and the "/SO" suffix designates the SOIC-28 wide-body footprint.
Architecturally, the PIC16C73A employs a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction word, and a two-stage pipeline for predictable instruction throughput. The Harvard split prevents data accesses from stalling instruction fetches, supporting the 200ns single-cycle execution. On-chip EPROM allows code development cycles via ultraviolet erasure and windowed packages, but in production a one-time-programmable (OTP) variant is typically used.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, sensor interfacing with analog inputs, motor drive controllers, embedded serial communication nodes (RS-232/RS-485 bridges), and low-power instrumentation. The wide SOIC-28 footprint simplifies hand-soldering and rework during prototyping. Designers should ensure MCLR is properly handled (internal pull-up enabled via configuration bits) and that the in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface is reserved for firmware updates. This page consolidates distributor pricing, same-brand drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance beyond what the manufacturer datasheet provides.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73AT-10/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 PIC16C73AT-10/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Program Memory Size, ADC, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C73AT-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-10/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-10E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-10/SP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73AT-10/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C7X (PIC16C73A) |
| Architecture | 8-bit RISC, Harvard, 14-bit instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP/EPROM (UV-erasable windowed) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB |
| Data RAM | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (4 clock oscillator) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| ADC | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 2 x 16-bit with CCP |
| Communication | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | SOIC-28 (300-mil wide body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, gull-wing |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Speed Suffix | -10 = 10 MHz instruction rate (20 MHz oscillator) |
| Tape & Reel Suffix | "T" suffix = T&R packaging option |
PIC16C73AT-10/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/THV — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage / Test pin in |
| 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 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 (open-drain output) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Synchronous Serial Port slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock output (Fosc/4) |
| 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 output |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output (PWM/Capture/Compare) |
| 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 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 25 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (interrupt-on-change / ICSP clock) |
| Pin 26 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (interrupt-on-change / ICSP data) |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet package variant) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73AT-10/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Node, Motor Control and PWM Driver, Embedded Serial Communication Bridge, Low-Power Battery Instrumentation, Educational Development Platform, Security and Access Panel Controller, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy).
Industrial Sensor Interface Node
The PIC16C73AT-10/SO fits industrial sensor interface nodes because its integrated 5-channel 8-bit ADC eliminates the need for an external ADC chip, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. Its 22 I/O pins support multiple sensor inputs plus digital actuators in one scanline. Place the device at the end of a sensor string with a 5V supply from a regulated rail; the wide SOIC-28 footprint simplifies hand-prototyping. The 20MHz instruction rate (10 MIPS) provides deterministic 200ns response time, critical for industrial control loops.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Driver
The PIC16C73AT-10/SO's dual 16-bit timers with capture/compare/PWM capability make it suitable for brushed DC motor control, small stepper drives, and DC fan speed regulation. Its 10 MIPS instruction rate supports PWM frequencies up to ~50 kHz with 10-bit resolution, sufficient for low-noise motor commutation. Connect PWM outputs to driver MOSFETs via gate drivers (e.g., TC4427); the 22 I/O pins handle direction logic, fault feedback, and tachometer inputs on a single SOIC-28 footprint.
Recommended
Embedded Serial Communication Bridge
The PIC16C73AT-10/SO integrates a hardware USART and synchronous serial port (SSP) for SPI/I2C peripherals, ideal for RS-232-to-SPI bridges, RS-485-to-I2C gateways, or sensor hubs that re-transmit field data over a serial link. Its 192-byte data RAM is sufficient for 64-byte UART FIFOs and protocol overhead. Place a MAX232 or MAX485 line driver on PORTC; the wide 5V supply tolerance simplifies industrial bus powering. The 28-pin SOIC footprint is breadboard-compatible for prototype serial-protocol debug.
Recommended
Low-Power Battery Instrumentation
The PIC16C73AT-10/SO can serve as the controller in battery-powered handheld instruments (digital multimeters, portable test gear, simple data loggers) because its commercial temperature grade and 4.0V-to-5.5V supply range accept 4x AA alkaline or NiMH battery packs directly. The 5-channel ADC reads supply voltage, sensor inputs, and battery level on the same chip. Sleep-mode current is minimized via oscillator shutdown; the SOIC-28 footprint provides adequate thermal dissipation for the modest 5V operating current.
Recommended
Educational Development Platform
The PIC16C73AT-10/SO is widely used in university embedded-systems labs and hobbyist training kits because it is a canonical mid-range PIC16C7X device with documented peripherals, mature toolchain (MPLAB IDE, ICD debuggers), and a breadboard-friendly SOIC-28 package. The 35-instruction RISC ISA is teachable in a single lab session, while the integrated ADC, USART, and SSP expose students to embedded analog/digital, serial, and synchronous peripherals in one chip.
Recommended
Security and Access Panel Controller
The PIC16C73AT-10/SO controls small embedded security panels (keypad door controllers, alarm zone expanders, RFID reader slave nodes) because its 22 I/O lines handle matrix keypads (4x4 = 8 lines), status indicators, and relay outputs in a single chip. The integrated USART connects to a central panel, while the SSP drives peripheral I/O expanders for additional relays. The OTP/EPROM program memory in the SOIC variant provides one-time code security against reverse engineering of the access-control firmware.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Although NRND, the PIC16C73AT-10/SO is still deployed in legacy automotive body-electronics modules (interior lighting controllers, accessory multiplexers, HVAC blend-door drivers) where its -40C to +85C variants ("I" suffix) and AEC-Q100 compliance provide qualified operation. For new automotive designs, Microchip recommends the PIC16F876A or dsPIC33 family, but the PIC16C73A continues to serve in service parts and re-manufactured assemblies.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73AT-10/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C73AT-10I/SO | PIC16C73A-10/SO | PIC16C73A-20I/SO | PIC16C73A-10E/SO | PIC16F73-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-28 | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same | SOIC-28 - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP/EPROM | OTP/EPROM | OTP/EPROM | OTP/EPROM | OTP/EPROM | Flash (10K cycles) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB | 7 KB |
| Max Instruction Rate | 10 MIPS | 10 MIPS | 10 MIPS | 20 MIPS | 10 MIPS | 20 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
| In-Circuit Programming | No (OTP/EPROM) | No (OTP/EPROM) | No (OTP/EPROM) | No (OTP/EPROM) | No (OTP/EPROM) | Yes (ICSP) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade variant available in same SOIC-28 footprint (vs PIC16C73A-10/SO)
- Modern Flash-based migration path with active lifecycle status (vs PIC16C73AT-10/SO)
- Higher instruction throughput at same pin count (vs PIC16C73A-10/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C73AT-10/SO operates from a single 4.0V to 5.5V supply. Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 27), plus a bulk 10uF electrolytic on the PCB. The ADC reference (VREF on RA3) requires a dedicated 0.1uF bypass capacitor; avoid sharing the VDD rail reference with digital switching loads to minimize ADC noise. Estimated: at 20MHz oscillator and 5V supply, the core current is approximately 15mA plus I/O sourcing, so a 100mA LDO is sufficient headroom.
The 28-pin SOIC footprint (300-mil wide body) requires pads on 1.27mm (50-mil) pitch with a 1.0mm land width. Route OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric, with the crystal placed within 5mm of the MCU. The MCLR pin (pin 1) should have a 10kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100nF capacitor to ground for noise immunity. The ICSP interface uses RB6/RB7 plus MCLR; reserve test pads near the SOIC package for in-system programming access during prototyping.
Three common pitfalls: (1) The PIC16C73AT-10/SO uses OTP/EPROM memory - firmware cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit. Plan firmware validation on a windowed CERDIP variant (PIC16C73A-10/JW) before committing to OTP. (2) The 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging; omit it for tube or tray delivery. (3) The speed suffix '-10' indicates 10 MIPS (20MHz oscillator) - if more throughput is needed, choose the '-20' 20 MIPS variant (PIC16C73A-20I/SO).
PORTA pins RA0-RA5 double as analog inputs; configure unused analog pins as digital outputs (low) to prevent floating-input ADC noise. The RA4 pin is open-drain and requires an external pull-up when used as a digital output. PORTB pins RB4-RB7 feature interrupt-on-change - disable this feature if using these pins as general outputs to avoid spurious interrupts. Estimated: enabling all five ADC channels at 20MHz oscillator adds approximately 1.2mA ADC current, included in the 15mA total.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance not explicitly stated in verified web data - marked [DATA_NEEDED] in specs. Legacy 28-pin SOIC variants may be non-RoHS depending on date of manufacture; contact Microchip for current compliance certificates. AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial SOIC variant - contact Microchip for AEC-Q100 qualified automotive-grade options.
