PIC16C73AT-20E/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU 7KB 22 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C73AT-20E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.42 | $4.42 |
| 10 | $4.2 | $42.00 |
| 100 | $3.85 | $385.00 |
| 500 | $3.4 | $1,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.98 | $2,980.00 |
PIC16C73AT-20E/SO Overview
An OTP (One-Time-Programmable) microcontroller is a type of embedded MCU whose program memory can be written only once and then permanently retains the code without a quartz window. Compared to UV-erasable EPROM MCUs, OTP variants are typically lower cost and ship in opaque plastic packages, while sharing the same instruction set and peripheral set. In the system hierarchy, the PIC16C73A sits under: microcontroller (MCU) -> 8-bit MCU -> mid-range MCU -> PIC16C family -> PIC16C7X sub-family -> embedded computing subsystem.
Key features include Harvard RISC architecture with 35 single-cycle instructions (200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz), an integrated 8-bit A/D converter with multiple input channels, capture/compare/PWM (CCP) peripherals, a USART for serial communication, and a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation. The device supports brown-out reset, power-on reset, and code protection features, providing robust embedded control.
The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO utilizes a 14-bit instruction word and a separate 8-bit data path, allowing instruction fetch to occur in parallel with data access - the hallmark of the Harvard architecture. This design delivers deterministic single-cycle execution for most instructions and predictable real-time response, which is critical in motor control, instrumentation, and industrial automation loops. The 'E' suffix designates the extended industrial operating temperature grade (-40 °C to +125 °C), while the 'T' denotes tape-and-reel packaging and '20' denotes 20 MHz maximum clock frequency.
Typical applications include industrial process control, automotive body electronics, motor control for small DC and brushless motors, sensor signal conditioning, instrument panels, and battery charging systems. The integrated A/D converter and PWM outputs enable direct interfacing with analog sensors and actuators without external glue logic.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed; for field-upgradable designs, consider the flash-based PIC16F73 family as a pin-compatible alternative. Decoupling capacitors must be placed within 1-2 cm of VDD/VSS pins, and unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs low or inputs with internal pull-ups to minimize power consumption.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers make faster component-selection decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73AT-20E/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-20E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, RAM Size, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C73AT-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$9.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73A-10E/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C72AT-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.16 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F73-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73AT-20E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| CPU Core | 8-bit PIC mid-range (14-bit instruction) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Extended Industrial (-40C to +125C), 'E' suffix |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, multi-channel (integrated) |
| PWM Modules | Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) integrated |
| Communication Peripherals | USART (SCI), SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Timers | TMR0, TMR1, TMR2 (8/16-bit) |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO), 0.295 in / 7.50 mm wide |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin Count | 28 |
PIC16C73AT-20E/SO 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 3 / Voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (PWM/Capture/Compare) |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (+5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 22 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 24 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / Low-voltage programming |
| Pin 25 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 26 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 28 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73AT-20E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Small Motor Control (DC and Brushless), Battery Charging and Power Management, Instrumentation and Sensor Signal Conditioning, Consumer Appliance Control.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO fits industrial process control where deterministic real-time response and integrated analog/digital peripherals reduce BOM cost. Its 20 MHz / 200 ns instruction cycle supports closed-loop PID execution at sub-millisecond intervals, while the 8-bit A/D converter samples 4-20 mA transducer signals directly. With 22 I/O pins driving relays, solenoids, and indicator LEDs via PORTB/C, the device replaces discrete logic in PLCs, motor starters, and conveyor controllers. The extended industrial temperature range (-40 C to +125 C) tolerates factory-floor environments. OTP memory locks firmware against field tampering, while the integrated USART links the controller to HMI panels and SCADA nodes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO suits automotive body modules - mirror controllers, seat positioners, climate control panels, and interior lighting - where its extended temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C) survives cabin and under-hood thermal stress. The integrated CCP PWM module drives LED dimmers and small DC motor speed controls without external driver ICs. The 8-bit A/D converter reads thermistor inputs for cabin temperature sensing, while the USART connects to body-domain CAN gateways. OTP firmware locks the calibration constants for seat memory and lighting presets, eliminating field reprogramming risk. The 28-pin SOIC wide-body package supports standard PCB assembly lines used by Tier-1 automotive suppliers.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (DC and Brushless)
The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO integrates the peripherals required for low-cost small motor drives: CCP module for PWM generation, TMR2 for PWM period control, the A/D converter for back-EMF sensing or current shunt monitoring, and 22 I/O lines to drive half-bridge gate signals. At 20 MHz the device generates PWM frequencies up to ~78 kHz (10-bit resolution) - sufficient for 3-phase brushless DC motor commutation in fans, pumps, and small appliances. The USART/MSSP interface accepts speed commands from a host controller, while the watchdog timer ensures fault recovery from electrical noise. OTP memory locks the motor calibration and acceleration ramps into a tamper-resistant firmware image.
Recommended
Battery Charging and Power Management
The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO fits intelligent battery chargers and DC power management modules where its 8-bit A/D converter monitors battery voltage and charge current via shunt resistors, while the CCP module generates PWM signals to drive the switching converter or linear regulator pass element. The 192-byte RAM holds charge state-machine variables, and the integrated timers support trickle/fast-charge timing without external RTC. OTP firmware stores the battery chemistry profile (Li-Ion, NiMH, lead-acid) at production, ensuring no field-reprogramming risk. The extended industrial temperature range (-40 C to +125 C) handles battery-pack thermal environments during fast charge.
Recommended
Instrumentation and Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO serves low-cost digital panel meters, weigh scales, and sensor-signal-conditioning front-ends where the 8-bit A/D converter digitizes thermocouple, RTD, or strain-gauge signals. The 20 MHz clock executes linearization lookup tables and digital filtering in real time, and the 22 I/O lines drive multiplexed 7-segment LED or LCD displays directly. The USART/MSSP ports stream digitized data to data loggers or host PCs. OTP firmware locks the calibration coefficients, eliminating field-calibration drift. The 28-pin SOIC wide-body package eases hand-soldering during prototype development and supports reflow soldering in volume production.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO powers washing-machine timers, dishwasher control boards, microwave oven keypads, and small kitchen appliances where its 22 I/O lines drive keypads, relays, and LED/LCD displays while the USART interfaces to inverter boards or sensor hubs. The integrated 8-bit A/D converter reads temperature (NTC) and water-level sensors, and the CCP generates PWM for variable-speed motor control. The OTP program memory locks the appliance's firmware at production, eliminating warranty-fraud risk from aftermarket reprogramming. The extended temperature range covers appliance thermal chambers, and the 28-pin SOIC package supports automated pick-and-place assembly.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73AT-20E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C73AT-20/SO | PIC16C73A-20I/SO | PIC16C73A-10E/SO | PIC16C72AT-20E/SO | PIC16F73-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body - same | 28-pin SOIC (SO) wide-body - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 128 B | 192 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (field-upgradable) |
| Temperature Grade | Extended Industrial (-40C to +125C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended Industrial | Extended Industrial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, multi-channel | 8-bit, multi-channel | 8-bit, multi-channel | 8-bit, multi-channel | 8-bit, multi-channel | 8-bit, multi-channel |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature grade in OTP family (vs PIC16C73AT-20/SO)
- Flash-based pin-compatible upgrade path (vs PIC16F73-I/SO)
- Full 7 KB OTP program memory vs reduced-memory family (vs PIC16C72AT-20E/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 1-2 cm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk capacitor (e.g., 10 uF tantalum or ceramic) at the board power entry. Add a 0.1 uF cap on the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) to suppress reset glitches from supply transients. For OTP programming, ensure VPP rises cleanly without overshoot - use a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR for normal operation.
Use a ground plane under the SOIC-28 wide-body package to provide low-inductance return paths for the high-speed digital edges on PORTB and PORTC. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 9-10) short and surround them with ground pour to minimize EMI. If using a crystal, place load capacitors within 3 mm of OSC1/OSC2 and route them symmetrically. Avoid routing digital signals under the analog input traces (RA0-RA5) to prevent coupling into the A/D converter readings.
Do not program the configuration bits for LVP (low-voltage programming) unintentionally - it can interfere with RB3/PGM pin operation if not used. Always configure unused I/O pins as outputs low (or inputs with internal weak pull-ups enabled) to minimize power consumption. When migrating to the flash-based PIC16F73-I/SO, review the oscillator configuration bits which have different defaults. Verify that the brown-out reset voltage threshold matches your supply tolerance - selecting too high a threshold can cause intermittent resets on noisy rails.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance status not present in verified distributor listings. The PIC16C73AT-20E/SO is a legacy OTP part classified NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs); new automotive projects should consider AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F families or dsPIC alternatives.
