PIC16C73BT-20/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU 7KB 20MHz 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C73BT-20/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.55 | $65.50 |
| 100 | $5.85 | $585.00 |
| 500 | $5.2 | $2,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.6 | $4,600.00 |
PIC16C73BT-20/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals around an 8-bit data bus; it sits within the hierarchy MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16CXX mid-range family adds a 14-bit instruction word, hardware USART, A/D converter, and PWM modules to that base, targeting cost-sensitive embedded control. Within Microchip's portfolio, the PIC16C73B is the mid-tier device between the smaller PIC16C72 and the larger PIC16C74, sharing the same 28-pin pinout family for layout reuse.
Key features include 20 MHz maximum operating frequency, 5 V typical supply (operating range per datasheet), 22 I/O pins, integrated A/D and PWM peripherals, and OTP program memory. The 'B' silicon revision adds enhanced peripherals versus the original PIC16C73, while the 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging. According to the Microchip PIC16C73B datasheet family, the device supports 35 single-word instructions, making code generation compact.
The PIC16C73B uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, and the OTP memory allows factory programming for low-volume production. It includes hardware USART, SPI/I2C, capture/compare/PWM modules, and a multi-channel 8-bit A/D converter, integrating most of what an embedded control node needs without external glue logic.
Typical applications include industrial control nodes, automotive body electronics, appliance control boards, sensor signal conditioning, and low-cost motor control. Engineers select this family when the application needs more peripherals than a PIC16C72 but does not justify stepping up to the larger PIC16C74/PIC16F877A.
When designing with this device, plan OTP programming into the production flow because OTP cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit. For new designs with similar I/O needs but lower cost, evaluate the flash-based PIC16F73 as a modern equivalent; for AEC-Q100 automotive programs, confirm the latest Microchip cross-reference tool recommendations.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, OTP programming notes, and drop-in alternatives not found on a single manufacturer page, helping engineers quickly qualify or replace the PIC16C73BT-20/SO.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73BT-20/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 PIC16C73BT-20/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Serial Interfaces.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C73B-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F73T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73B-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73BT-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73B-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73B-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$7.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73BT-20/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXX 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 x 8 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present on this family variant |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Operating Voltage (typical) | 5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit multi-channel (per family datasheet) |
| PWM Modules | Capture/Compare/PWM (per family datasheet) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, SPI, I2C (per family datasheet) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
PIC16C73BT-20/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / analog input / voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / analog / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM — Digital I/O / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73BT-20/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Nodes, Automotive Body Electronics, Appliance Control Boards, Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs, Low-Cost Motor Control, Legacy Embedded Sustaining Engineering.
Industrial Control Nodes
The PIC16C73BT-20/SO fits industrial control nodes that need 22 digital I/O plus integrated peripherals in a compact 28-SOIC footprint. Its 7KB OTP program memory holds small state machines for PLC-like I/O modules, while the 20 MHz core runs control loops within the 200 ns instruction cycle - fast enough to handle PID updates at 100 Hz sample rates with margin. The integrated USART talks to RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU slaves, and the A/D converter reads 4-20 mA sensor signals through a current-sense resistor. OTP memory means code is fixed at production, so engineers typically pair this MCU with a small character LCD and discrete relay drivers, targeting long-life factory equipment where firmware changes are rare.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C73BT-20/SO has historically been used in automotive body controllers for window lifters, seat controllers, and lighting modules. Its 22 I/O pins handle the multiple switch inputs and H-bridge enable signals typical in body modules, while the integrated PWM outputs drive seat motors with soft-start ramps. The 7KB OTP holds small calibration tables and diagnostic state machines. However, because the PIC16C73B family is mature/obsolete per Microchip's lifecycle archive, new automotive designs should select AEC-Q100 qualified modern PIC16F equivalents; this part remains serviceable for sustaining engineering on legacy vehicle platforms still in production.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
White-goods control boards such as washing machine panels, dishwasher timers, and microwave user interfaces are classic applications for the PIC16C73BT-20/SO. The 22 I/O pins drive 7-segment LED displays via multiplexing, scan keypads for user input, and switch TRIAC gate drivers for motor/heater control. The integrated capture/compare/PWM modules generate the timing signals needed for TRIAC phase-angle firing, and the 7KB OTP stores wash-cycle programs that never change in production. The 28-SOIC package is small enough for the densely populated control panels of modern appliances, and the part's mature lifecycle suits 5-10 year production runs typical in white goods.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Hubs
Sensor hubs that aggregate multiple analog inputs - such as multi-zone thermostats or environmental monitors - fit the PIC16C73BT-20/SO profile well. The integrated 8-bit A/D converter handles up to 8 analog sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure) through resistive bridges, while the USART outputs processed data to a host controller or display. The 7KB OTP stores linearization tables for thermocouples or thermistors, and 192 bytes of RAM buffer readings between host polls. Engineers choose this part when the design needs to combine sensor reading with local display/keypad handling in one MCU.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Control
Brushless DC or stepper motor control in cost-sensitive products is a sweet spot for the PIC16C73BT-20/SO. The integrated PWM module drives MOSFET gate drivers through complementary outputs, while the A/D converter reads back-EMF or current-sense signals for commutation. With 22 I/O pins, the part can run a 3-phase BLDC driver (6 PWM outputs plus 3 feedback inputs) plus additional Hall-sensor inputs or fault signals. The 7KB OTP holds open-loop or simple closed-loop commutation algorithms; for vector control requiring more compute, step up to a dsPIC33. The 28-SOIC package suits fan, pump, and small appliance motors.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Sustaining Engineering
Sustaining engineering on legacy products still using the PIC16C73BT-20/SO - such as industrial controllers shipped 10-15 years ago - requires continued sourcing of the same part for service replacements. Because OTP memory means firmware cannot be updated, the only safe replacement is the identical part or a Microchip-confirmed migration target. According to Microchip's PIC16C73B-to-PIC16F73 migration note, the flash-based PIC16F73-I/SO is the recommended replacement; it shares the same 28-SOIC footprint, the same peripheral set, and the same instruction set, with minor SFR remapping. Engineers planning lifetime buys should stock sufficient PIC16C73BT-20/SO inventory for the production run.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73BT-20/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C73B-20/SO | PIC16F73-I/SO | PIC16C73B-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same | 28-SOIC (0.295 in) - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP |
| Shipping Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel shipping format suits SMT production (vs PIC16C73B-20/SO)
- Flash memory enables in-circuit reprogramming during development (vs PIC16C73B-04/SO)
- Higher 20 MHz clock versus 4 MHz speed grade (vs PIC16C73B-04/SO)
Design Notes
PIC16C73BT-20/SO is OTP (One-Time Programmable); the program memory cannot be erased or rewritten in-circuit. Plan a development flow using the flash-based PIC16F73-I/SO (same 28-SOIC footprint and pin-compatible), then migrate to the OTP variant only for the production run. Per Microchip's PIC16C73B-to-PIC16F73 migration note, code is largely source-compatible with minor SFR remapping (e.g., EECON1/EECON2 register differences). Programming tools such as PICSTART Plus or ICD2 are required.
The PIC16C73BT-20/SO operates from a single 5 V supply; typical VDD is 4.0 V to 5.5 V (per family datasheet). Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD (pin 11) and another on the second VDD pin if available, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum at the regulator output. For analog A/D accuracy, add a small ferrite bead or inductor isolating analog VDD from digital VDD to reduce switching-noise coupling into the A/D converter readings.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 8-9) as short as possible and keep them away from switching traces such as PWM outputs (RC1/RC2) or USART lines. Place the crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the MCU pins with a grounded guard ring for noise immunity. For ICSP programming access, expose the RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD pins to test points or a programming header; if not exposed, factory programming is the only option because OTP parts cannot be field-reprogrammed.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data; Microchip legacy OTP parts typically predate full RoHS documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - confirm automotive qualification status before vehicle use. For new automotive programs, select PIC16F73-I/SO or PIC18F equivalents with AEC-Q100 documentation.
