PIC16C73BT-20/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 7KB Flash 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C73BT-20/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.8 | $6.80 |
| 10 | $6.12 | $61.20 |
| 100 | $5.44 | $544.00 |
| 500 | $4.89 | $2,445.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.35 | $4,350.00 |
PIC16C73BT-20/SS Overview
An OTP microcontroller is a one-time programmable device whose program memory uses fuse-link or EPROM-style cells that can be written once during production and cannot be electrically erased; this contrasts with Flash-based PIC16F parts that support in-circuit reprogramming. OTP MCUs deliver lower per-unit cost and higher security in volume production and belong to the broader hierarchy: PIC16C family -> PIC16 mid-range core -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor.
The PIC16C73B operates across 2.5V to 5.5V supply, supports a 35-instruction RISC set, and offers up to 5 MIPS sustained performance, which provides a deterministic execution model suited to real-time control loops. The 28-SSOP footprint exposes dedicated crystal/oscillator pins, an MCLR reset, plus PORTB interrupt-on-change wake-up, giving designers flexible low-power and wake-up behavior.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, automotive body and HVAC subsystems, consumer appliance control boards, sensor conditioning front-ends, and embedded control modules where a small pin count, modest memory, and deterministic timing are required.
When designing with this OTP part, plan the firmware image before ROM submission since field updates are impossible; consider a flash-based PIC16F equivalent for development/production flexibility, and validate SSOP PCB pad geometry against JEDEC MO-150 for reflow yield.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C73BT-20/SS 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 PIC16C73BT-20/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Timers, ADC, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
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Request AlternativesPIC16C73BT-20/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 mid-range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit multi-channel (5 channels) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Serial Interfaces | USART, SPI, I2C (via SSP) |
| CCP Module | 1 x Capture/Compare/PWM |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C73BT-20/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input or external clock input |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3/VREF β PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC reference |
| Pin 8 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RA5/SS/AN4 β PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / analog input 4 |
| Pin 10 | VSS β Ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/PGM β PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 16 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 output |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 28 | VSS β Ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16C73BT-20/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panels, Automotive Body and HVAC Modules, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Sensor Conditioning and Data Acquisition Front-Ends, Embedded Control Modules and Educational Platforms, Compact Power Supply Supervisory and Fan Controllers.
Industrial Control Panels
The PIC16C73BT-20/SS fits industrial control panels where deterministic 20MHz performance, 22 I/O lines, and a 10-bit ADC simplify sensor interface and relay-driver control. Its 7KB OTP program memory holds compact state machines for conveyor logic, motor starters, and interlock supervision. The 28-SSOP footprint keeps PCB size small while supporting surface-mount reflow at production scale. With Brown-out Reset and a wide 2.5V-5.5V supply tolerance, the part tolerates the noisy 24V-bus-derived rails common in factory floors, and its commercial 0C to +70C range covers most indoor enclosures. Microchip datasheet 30390e references typical CCP-based PWM outputs and analog reads through PORTB/PORTC, which panel designers can wire directly to digital I/O and 0-5V sensor signals.
Recommended
Automotive Body and HVAC Modules
The PIC16C73BT-20/SS is well suited to non-safety automotive body electronics such as HVAC blend-door actuators, mirror controllers, and lighting modules where its 22 digital I/O lines drive stepper drivers, FET gates, and LED strings. The 20MHz PIC16C core executes 5 MIPS, enough to handle serial LIN-style comms, PWM fan control, and button debounce within tight latency budgets. Operating from 2.5V to 5.5V tolerates load-dump transient filtering on 12V vehicle rails after regulator conditioning. While the commercial 0-70C range is acceptable for cabin modules, under-hood applications should consider the industrial PIC16C73BT-20I/SS variant, which shares the same SSOP-28 footprint and pinout. Microchip datasheet 30390e documents the CCP module for PWM generation and the 10-bit ADC for thermistor/sensor reading.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C73BT-20/SS integrates well into white-goods control boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens, where 22 I/O lines drive triac/SCR interfaces, keypad scanning, seven-segment or LCD display multiplexing, and buzzer/relay actuation. Its 7KB OTP memory holds state-machine firmware for wash programs or cook profiles at low per-unit cost; OTP also discourages firmware theft which matters for branded consumer OEMs. The 10-bit ADC reads temperature probes, water-level sensors, and humidity sensors through dedicated analog channels. The USART/SPI/I2C peripherals enable connectivity to display-driver ICs and BLE/Wi-Fi companion modules. Operating from 2.5V-5.5V tolerates the rectified 5V/3.3V rails in appliance power supplies; the SSOP-28 footprint supports automated pick-and-place.
Recommended
Sensor Conditioning and Data Acquisition Front-Ends
The PIC16C73BT-20/SS works as a low-cost sensor-conditioning front-end for distributed measurement nodes. Its 10-bit multi-channel ADC samples resistive-bridge sensors, thermistors, and 0-5V analog signals; the on-chip CCP module triggers synchronized ADC conversions via timer compare events. The USART streams processed readings to a host controller or Bluetooth module, while SPI/I2C talks to external EEPROM for data logging. At 5 MIPS sustained throughput the PIC16C core can run digital filtering on each sample before transmitting, reducing host load. The 2.5V-5.5V supply range accommodates battery or USB-powered sensor pods. Per Microchip datasheet 30390e, the SSP module supports both SPI and I2C master/slave modes for flexible peripheral interconnect.
Recommended
Embedded Control Modules and Educational Platforms
The PIC16C73BT-20/SS is a frequent subject in academic curricula and hobbyist embedded courses because the PIC16C mid-range architecture is simple to teach: 35 instructions, single accumulator (W) plus file-register map, 8-level hardware stack, and orthogonal addressing. The 28-SSOP carrier-board form factor fits training kits and breadboard adapters, and the 22 I/O lines plus CCP, ADC, and USART peripherals expose enough features to teach timers, PWM, ADC, and serial protocols in one semester. The OTP memory, while not field-rewritable, encourages disciplined code development and version control. Per Microchip datasheet 30390e, the device is supported by MPLAB IDE and PICSTART Plus programmers for educational labs.
Recommended
Compact Power Supply Supervisory and Fan Controllers
The PIC16C73BT-20/SS controls fan speed and monitors supply rails in compact PSU and UPS modules. The CCP module generates PWM to drive a fan FET gate; the 10-bit ADC reads fan tach feedback and supply voltage rails for closed-loop control and fault detection. The USART reports telemetry to a host MCU over RS-232 or RS-485. Brown-out Reset and the 2.5V-5.5V operating range suit 3.3V and 5V logic rails typical in telecom and server PSUs. With 22 I/O lines, designers can multiplex multiple fans, status LEDs, and alert outputs without an external expander. Microchip datasheet 30390e documents the ADC's acquisition time and the PWM resolution achievable at the 20MHz core clock.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C73BT-20/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C73B-20/SS | PIC16C73BT-20I/SS | PIC16C73B-04/SS | PIC16C73B-04I/SS | PIC16C72T-20/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP (-50%) |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 128 bytes (-33%) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| ADC | 10-bit multi-channel | 10-bit multi-channel | 10-bit multi-channel | 10-bit multi-channel | 10-bit multi-channel | 8-bit multi-channel |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-speed 8-bit PIC16C73B member at 20MHz in SSOP-28 (vs PIC16C73B-04/SS)
- Commercial temperature grade for cost-sensitive consumer/embedded designs (vs PIC16C73BT-20I/SS)
- PIC16C73B family - largest program memory in PIC16C 28-SSOP lineup (vs PIC16C72T-20/SS)
Design Notes
OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Once the PIC16C73BT-20/SS is programmed, any firmware bug becomes a permanent hardware defect. Always validate the entire firmware image on a flash-based PIC16F73-I/SS development board before committing to OTP production units. Lock-out the code-protection bits only after the verified image is final. Per Microchip datasheet 30390e, code-protect can be set but is irreversible on OTP.
Brown-out Reset (BOR) holds the part in reset until VDD reaches the BOR threshold (~2.0-4.0V depending on configuration). For battery-powered or unstable rails, leave BOR enabled. If VDD can droop below 2.5V during motor start-up, add bulk capacitance (>=10uF) at the SSOP VDD/VSS pins and keep traces short to minimize inductance-induced dips.
Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 11) and a bulk capacitor (>=10uF) within 10 mm. Per JEDEC MO-150 SSOP land pattern recommendations, use 0.65mm-pitch pads with solder mask defined (SMD) openings for reliable reflow. Route the ICSP signals PGC (RB6) and PGD (RB7) on the same side of the board as the connector to keep programming impedance low.
Estimated: At VDD = 5.5V with all 22 I/O pins sourcing 20mA, total power dissipation is approximately 1.0 W internally (worst-case all outputs sourcing). The SSOP-28 package has theta_JA of approximately 95 C/W on a 1oz 4-layer board, giving a junction rise of ~95 C above ambient. With a commercial 0-70 C ambient rating, maximum junction temperature limits output drive simultaneously on all pins; derate outputs to 10-15mA per pin in production layouts.
Route the analog inputs (RA0-RA5) on a separate analog ground island and join at a single point to the main VSS to avoid digital switching noise coupling into ADC readings. Keep the analog VREF trace short and bypass with a 10nF NPO capacitor plus 10uF bulk. Avoid routing the USART TX/RX traces parallel to the OSC1/OSC2 traces for more than 10mm to minimize crosstalk into the serial stream.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in verified distributor or manufacturer data; RoHS and REACH markers left as unknown per Data Authenticity Rule 9. Part is end-of-life, released before modern automotive grade tracking was common; AEC-Q100 qualification not published.
