PIC16C73B-04/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 7KB | 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C73B-04/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.34 | $7.34 |
| 10 | $6.95 | $69.50 |
| 100 | $6.25 | $625.00 |
| 500 | $5.65 | $2,825.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.05 | $5,050.00 |
PIC16C73B-04/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces into one package. The PIC16C73B belongs to the PIC16C family of 8-bit CMOS MCUs - the architecture taxonomy walks: 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC MCU -> PIC16C family -> Microcontroller Unit (MCU) -> semiconductor device. The "B" suffix denotes the second-generation, enhanced mid-range core, which introduced improvements such as lower power consumption, additional peripherals, and better oscillator stability over the original PIC16C73.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, a 200 ns instruction cycle at 4 MHz (single-cycle execution except for program branches which take two cycles), an operating voltage range of 4.0 V to 5.5 V, brown-out detect/power-on reset, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, and a commercial operating temperature range of 0 C to +70 C. The synchronous serial port (SSP) supports both three-wire SPI and two-wire I2C protocols with master/slave modes.
The PIC16C73B uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access in a single machine cycle. The 14-bit wide program memory bus accommodates single-word instructions with embedded literal data, while the 8-bit data memory bus addresses the general-purpose register file and special function registers. Five analog input channels share pins with digital I/O and route through a successive-approximation A/D converter with acquisition time programmable via software.
Typical applications include industrial control subsystems, sensor signal conditioning, motor control loops, simple human-machine interfaces, and embedded data-acquisition front-ends. The PIC16C73B-04/SS is widely used where one-time-programmable non-volatile memory is acceptable and the design needs robust analog and serial peripherals without requiring in-system reprogramming.
When designing with this device, consider that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed after the initial write, so production-grade code should be burned once and verified - use a flash-based PIC16F equivalent for development cycles requiring firmware updates. Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic plus 10 uF bulk) within a few millimeters of VDD/VSS pins, and reserve the MCLR pin for a proper reset network.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in replacement options in the same 28-SSOP footprint, and practical design notes not found in the bare Microchip datasheet, helping engineers shorten the device-selection and BOM-validation cycle.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73B-04/SS — 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 PIC16C73B-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, Timers, Core Architecture, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C73B-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73B-20/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$4.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73B-10/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| A/D Converter | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2 - 3 total) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 modules (CCP) |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209 in, 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life, non-hermetic) |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Detect / POR | Yes |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
PIC16C73B-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| 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 / 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 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator 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 I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 I/O (PWM output) |
| 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 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0-5.5 V) |
| 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/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0-5.5 V, second pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73B-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Conditioning, Simple Motor Control Loop, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels, Data Acquisition Front-End, Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety).
Industrial Sensor Conditioning
The PIC16C73B-04/SS is well suited for industrial sensor-conditioning front-ends because its 5-channel 8-bit A/D converter accepts up to five analog sensor inputs (temperature, pressure, humidity, level, flow) sharing pins with digital I/O. At 4 MHz with 200 ns instruction cycle, the device can sample at rates up to ~50 kSPS aggregate, more than enough for thermocouple and RTD signal chains. The 4.0-5.5 V supply range aligns with 5 V industrial backplanes, while the brown-out detect and watchdog timer provide robust recovery from brown-out events typical in factory environments.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control Loop
With two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules, the PIC16C73B-04/SS can generate complementary PWM outputs for brushed DC motor or small stepper control. The 4 MHz clock divides cleanly into PWM periods from ~1 kHz to ~20 kHz, covering both audibly-quiet and high-torque operating points. The PIC16C73B's 22 digital I/O lines accommodate quadrature encoder feedback, direction control, current-sense amplifier outputs, and fault inputs. Industrial-grade variant PIC16C73B-04I/SS extends operation to -40 C for outdoor or unconditioned enclosures.
Recommended
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Panels
The PIC16C73B-04/SS is a strong fit for entry-level HMI panels driving 7-segment LEDs, character LCDs (HD44780-compatible via 4-bit parallel), and matrix keypads up to 4x4. The 22 I/O pins are sufficient for 8 data lines plus 4 control lines for a 16x2 LCD, leaving the rest for keypad scanning and LED indicators. The USART enables communication with a master PLC or supervisory controller, while the I2C/SPI port allows expansion to EEPROM or RTC chips for time-stamped event logging.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Front-End
The PIC16C73B-04/SS functions as a low-cost data-acquisition front-end, multiplexing analog inputs through its 5-channel 8-bit A/D and forwarding digitized samples over UART or SPI to a host processor. With 4 MHz clock, the A/D converter achieves ~30 us conversion time, and the SSP port supports SPI up to the full 4 MHz SCK rate for direct streaming to an FPGA or DSP. Commercial 0-70 C temperature range suits laboratory and office-environment data loggers, and the 7 KB OTP holds calibration tables and protocol stacks without needing external memory.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
White-goods and small-appliance control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, HVAC zone controllers) commonly use the PIC16C73B-04/SS for its 5-channel A/D (for temperature, water level, motor current sensing), 2 CCP modules (for triac-fired heater or PWM fan control), and USART (for diagnostic service ports). The 28-SSOP package drops onto compact PCBAs while leaving room for high-voltage isolation clearances. One-time-programmable memory keeps per-unit firmware secure and prevents field tampering with safety-critical control parameters.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
While the commercial-grade PIC16C73B-04/SS (0-70 C) is not automotive-qualified, the industrial-grade PIC16C73B-04I/SS variant operates from -40 C to +85 C and is widely used in non-safety automotive body electronics such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, mirror adjusters, and accessory delay timers. The 5-channel A/D reads potentiometers and ambient-light sensors, while the CCP modules drive small DC motors or LED strings via FET bridges. AEC-Q100 qualification is not required for these comfort-feature subsystems, making the C-series price/performance attractive.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73B-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C73B-04I/SS | PIC16C73B-20/SS | PIC16C73B-10/SS | PIC16F73-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | Flash (7 KB) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| A/D Converter | 5 channels x 8-bit | 5 channels x 8-bit | 5 channels x 8-bit | 5 channels x 8-bit | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| In-System Programming | No (OTP only) | No (OTP only) | No (OTP only) | No (OTP only) | Yes (ICSP via flash) |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible speed-grade variants enable field upgrades without PCB rework (vs PIC16C73B-20/SS)
- Flash-based sibling enables development iteration and field firmware updates (vs PIC16F73-I/SS)
- Industrial temperature option available in same footprint (vs PIC16C73B-04I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C73B-04/SS requires a stable 4.0-5.5 V supply on pins 19 and 28 (both VDD) with a common ground on pin 18. Estimated decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic X7R capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin and a single 10 uF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor at the board supply entry. The two VDD pins must both be connected; leaving pin 28 floating can cause intermittent brown-out reset events. Per Microchip datasheet DS30213B, the device draws approximately 2-15 mA active current at 4 MHz depending on peripheral usage.
OTP memory cannot be re-programmed after the initial write - always verify code on a windowed CERDIP version (PIC16C73B-04/JW) or a flash-based PIC16F73-I/SS before committing to the production SSOP. Brown-out detect (BOD) is enabled by configuration fuses; leave it on for any application where the supply can droop below 4.0 V during motor start or relay switching. Estimated: if the MCLR pin is left floating, the device will randomly reset; always tie MCLR through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD with a 100 nF cap to ground for noise filtering.
For the 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch) layout, keep the analog and digital ground returns separated and join them at a single point under or near the MCU. The OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 8-9) should be as short as possible and routed away from switching signals; for a 4 MHz crystal use 15-33 pF load capacitors per Microchip AN588. Estimated: the I2C bus (RC3/RC4) requires external pull-up resistors - typically 4.7 kohm at 100 kHz Standard mode or 2.2 kohm at 400 kHz Fast mode.
Compliance Information
Per Microchip product page, the PIC16C73B-04/SS is RoHS compliant and lead-free. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the commercial temperature range (0-70 C) is not suitable for automotive under-hood applications. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data.
