PIC16C73AT-10I/SO - 8-Bit 10MHz OTP MCU 7KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C73AT-10I/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.04 | $4.04 |
| 10 | $3.8 | $38.00 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3.2 | $1,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.85 | $2,850.00 |
PIC16C73AT-10I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and configurable peripheral blocks. The PIC16C7X family is part of Microchip's mid-range architecture - one tier above the baseline 12-bit/14-bit instruction PIC16C5X family and below the enhanced 16-bit PIC17C/PIC18C families. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16C73A sits in the 8-bit MCU segment, sharing its core with PIC16C7X siblings and offering the integrated ADC that distinguishes the 73A from the 72A and 74A flash siblings.
Key features include a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, 8-level hardware stack, 14-bit wide instruction word, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, watchdog timer with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, brown-out reset, and in-circuit serial programming capability via the ICSP interface. The 28-pin SOIC package supports surface-mount assembly in industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C), enabling factory automation and process control deployments where through-hole DIP is impractical.
Typical applications include industrial control, motor drive, instrumentation, sensor signal conditioning, and white-goods control boards. The integrated 8-channel 8-bit ADC supports direct connection to analog front-end signals, eliminating an external converter IC and reducing BOM cost. For new designs Microchip recommends PIC16F73 (Flash) or PIC16C73B as the modern equivalent, but the PIC16C73AT-10I/SO remains in use across long-life industrial and legacy equipment maintenance.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten; use the windowed PIC16C73A-10/P (ceramic DIP) for prototype development, then transition to the OTP/SOIC variant for production. Provide a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR/Vpp and respect the 6 MHz minimum oscillator type for the -10 speed grade (10 MHz maximum).
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73AT-10I/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 PIC16C73AT-10I/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Communication, Instruction Cycle Time, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F73-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-10I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73T-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876A-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73A-10I/SO
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C73AT-10I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC, mid-range family |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 10 MHz |
| ADC | 8 channels x 8-bit (integrated) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication | USART/SCI (SCI/SPI) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial, I grade) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm wide body, SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable, EPROM-based) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes |
PIC16C73AT-10I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 β Port A bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 β Port A bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 β Port A bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF β Port A bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC reference voltage |
| Pin 5 | RA4/T0CKI β Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN4/SS β Port A bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | MCLR/Vpp β Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 10 | Vss β Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 β Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Port C bit 4 / SPI data input / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO β Port C bit 5 / SPI data output |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK β Port C bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT β Port C bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 19 | Vss β Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | Vdd β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 22 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 25 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC β Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD β Port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73AT-10I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Motor Drive and Control, Instrumentation and Data Acquisition, White Goods and Appliance Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C73AT-10I/SO fits industrial process controllers because its integrated 8-channel 8-bit ADC handles sensor inputs directly, eliminating external ADC ICs and reducing BOM cost. With 22 I/O pins and 7 KB OTP program memory, the part manages loop control for temperature, pressure, and flow sensors in factory floor environments. The 10 MIPS throughput at 10 MHz drives PID control loops at millisecond update rates. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) supports cabinet and shop-floor thermal envelopes. Recommend pairing with PIC16F73-I/SO on new builds (Flash for in-field firmware updates) and 24LC256 EEPROM for parameter storage.
Recommended
Motor Drive and Control
The PIC16C73AT-10I/SO drives DC, stepper, and small BLDC motors via its 16-bit Timer1 for PWM generation and capture/compare modules for commutation timing. 22 I/O pins accept quadrature encoder inputs and drive H-bridge power stages directly. The integrated A/D converter reads back current shunt amplifiers for closed-loop current control. At 10 MIPS the part executes field-oriented control math at the rates required for fractional-horsepower motor control. Industrial temp grade handles motor-driver thermal ambient. Pair with IR2104 gate driver and ACS712 current sensor; choose PIC16F73-I/SO for serviceability via Flash.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
The PIC16C73AT-10I/SO serves instrumentation front-ends where its 8-channel 8-bit ADC multiplexes thermocouple, strain-gauge, or 4-20 mA loop signals. The integrated USART (SCI) connects to RS-485 transceivers for distributed measurement networks. 192 bytes RAM and 7 KB OTP accommodate modest calibration tables and signal-processing routines. Industrial temperature range supports laboratory and field-deployed instrumentation. The 28-SOIC wide-body package fits hand-held meter form factors. Pair with MCP6022 op-amp for signal conditioning and MAX485 for RS-485 networking.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
The PIC16C73AT-10I/SO is a proven workhorse in washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and microwave oven controllers. Its integrated peripherals handle user interface (keypad scanning on Port B), sensor inputs (temperature via ADC), and actuator control (valves, pumps, motors via PWM). OTP memory secures firmware against unauthorized copying - a critical IP protection requirement in the appliance market. Industrial temperature grade supports under-cabinet and garage installation environments. Pair with ULN2003 driver array and triac-based power switching.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
The PIC16C73AT-10I/SO functions as a sensor hub that digitizes analog signals, applies linearization and calibration in firmware, and exposes processed values via the USART or SPI to a host processor. The 8-bit ADC with 8 channels handles multi-sensor arrays (temperature, humidity, light, pressure) from a single IC. Programmable gain on analog input channels (via Port A digital-mode switching) supports 0-5 V sensor output ranges. 7 KB OTP holds calibration coefficients and lookup tables. Industrial temperature grade supports outdoor and industrial enclosures. Pair with HTU21D humidity sensor via I2C bit-banging.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Repair
The PIC16C73AT-10I/SO remains in demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of industrial machinery, medical instrumentation, and white goods where the part was originally designed in. Long product lifetimes (15-25 years) in industrial and medical equipment create sustained aftermarket demand for obsolete PIC16C7X family parts. Authorized distributors and brokers carry limited stock; verify date code and lot traceability per AS6081 / AS5553 counterfeit avoidance standards before use. Cross-reference against Microchip's Pin and Code Compatibility Chart (DS00148J2) when proposing Flash replacements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73AT-10I/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F73-I/SO | PIC16C73B-10I/SO | PIC16F73T-I/SO | PIC16F876A-I/SO | PIC16C73A-10I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm wide) | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 inch) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash (rewritable) | 7 KB OTP (enhanced) | 7 KB Flash (rewritable) | 14 KB Flash (double density) | 7 KB OTP (same) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes (almost double) | 192 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (10 MHz variant) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit (8 channels) | 8-bit (8 channels) | 8-bit (8 channels) | 8-bit (8 channels) | 10-bit (8 channels) - upgraded | 8-bit (8 channels) |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) | Flash (100k erase cycles) | OTP (same) | Flash | Flash (100k erase cycles) | OTP (same) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active (recommended replacement) | Obsolete (legacy) | Active | Active (enhanced) | Obsolete (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 8-bit ADC eliminates external converter (vs PIC16C72-10I/SO (sibling without ADC))
- OTP memory provides IP protection and security (vs PIC16F73-I/SO (Flash replacement))
- Established long-life-cycle platform (vs PIC16F73-I/SO)
Design Notes
OTP memory cannot be erased - any programming mistake wastes the device. Develop firmware on the windowed ceramic DIP variant (PIC16C73A-10/P with JW package) before committing to the OTP/SOIC production variant. Verify all configuration bits, oscillator calibration, and ID locations at the top of every program build. Test on the development part first, then move to OTP only after the firmware is fully locked.
The 28-SOIC wide-body package requires a 0.295 inch (7.50 mm) wide SOIC land pattern with 1.27 mm pitch. Place a 10 kohm pull-up resistor on the MCLR/Vpp pin (pin 9) to Vdd - floating MCLR will cause spurious resets in electrically noisy industrial environments. Add 100 nF decoupling capacitors on Vdd (pin 20) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and surround with a ground guard ring if the design is exposed to EMI.
Estimated: at 10 MHz operating frequency and 5 V supply, the PIC16C73AT-10I/SO draws approximately 10-15 mA active current and 1-2 uA in sleep mode (per Microchip datasheet typical characteristics). When using ADC, allow an additional 0.5-1 mA for the ADC module. For battery-backed designs, leverage the sleep mode extensively - wake via watchdog timer, external interrupt on RB0/INT, or Timer1 overflow. Brown-out reset should be enabled at the lowest acceptable Vdd (typically 4.0 V for 5 V designs) to prevent undefined operation as supply droops.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in Verified Web Data. Microchip 28-SOIC PIC16C7X parts are typically lead-free / RoHS compliant per Microchip's product family standards, but verify with manufacturer documentation for the specific date code before procurement.
