PIC16C76-20/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 14KB EPROM, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C76-20/SP ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.1 | $12.10 |
| 10 | $11.25 | $112.50 |
| 100 | $9.8 | $980.00 |
| 500 | $8.65 | $4,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.95 | $7,950.00 |
PIC16C76-20/SP Overview
A PIC16C76 is an 8-bit microcontroller built on Microchip's PIC RISC architecture, which belongs to the broader microcontrollers (MCU) category in the integrated-circuits hierarchy. PIC MCUs are microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The 16C76 specifically sits within the PIC16C mid-range family, which combines Harvard-architecture RISC performance with rich peripheral integration including analog-to-digital converters, making it suitable for mixed-signal embedded control rather than purely digital logic.
Key features that differentiate the PIC16C76 include 22 digital I/O lines, 25 mA source/sink per I/O (suitable for direct LED drive), wide 2.5V-6.0V operating voltage, and 8-bit A/D conversion on 5 input channels with multiplexed sampling. The device supports both commercial (0C to +70C) operating ranges and integrates power-management features such as low-power standby (15 uA typical at 5V/4MHz, 1 uA at 3V/32kHz). The PIC16C76 also supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, simplifying field firmware updates without part removal.
Architecturally, the PIC16C76 uses a 14-bit instruction word with a 35-instruction RISC set, 8-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing modes. The integrated analog peripherals share pins with digital I/O via configuration registers, and the SSP module can be software-switched between SPI master/slave and I2C master/slave modes, providing flexible bus connectivity. Power-on reset, brown-out detect, watchdog timer, and code protection features are all standard.
Typical applications include industrial control logic, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip ADC, motor drive PWM control loops, low-cost consumer appliances with serial display or remote control interfaces, and embedded data-acquisition front-ends. The 28-pin SPDIP package remains popular for prototype development, educational kits, and legacy industrial designs that require through-hole soldering.
Designers should plan around OTP memory constraints: code cannot be erased or rewritten, so production firmware must be fully validated before programming. Use ICSP for prototyping with windowed (JW) variants and migrate to OTP only once firmware is frozen. For new designs, consider flash-based PIC16F76 or PIC18F equivalents unless OTP cost advantage or non-volatility-without-flash is required.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C76-20/SP — 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 PIC16C76-20/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F76-I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C76-20I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C76-20E/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C73A-20/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C745-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C76-20/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C7X (mid-range) |
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 14 KB (8K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA / 25 mA per pin |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 5 channels |
| Timers | 3 (Timer0, Timer1, Timer2) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 2 modules (CCP) |
| Serial Interfaces | 1x SSP (SPI or I2C), 1x USART |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP), through-hole |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial, /SP grade) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| ICSP Programming | Yes (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16C76-20/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| 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 / ADC reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| 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 |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C76-20/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Logic, Sensor Signal Conditioning & Data Acquisition, Motor Drive PWM Control, Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controllers, Educational MCU Trainer Boards, Legacy Industrial Replacement & Repair.
Industrial Control Logic
The PIC16C76-20/SP fits industrial control logic because of its 20MHz RISC core delivering 5 MIPS deterministic throughput, 22 I/O lines rated at 25 mA sink/source for direct relay or solenoid drive, and integrated 8-bit ADC with 5 channels for sensor feedback. The wide 2.5V-6.0V supply tolerates 24V-derived rails after regulation. Compared to discrete logic designs, the PIC16C76 reduces BOM by integrating timers, ADC, and serial interfaces. The 28-SPDIP package suits legacy through-hole industrial PCBs. Designers should plan around OTP non-rework memory: validate firmware on JW-windowed prototypes before committing to OTP production units.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning & Data Acquisition
The PIC16C76-20/SP suits sensor signal-conditioning front-ends thanks to its 5-channel 8-bit ADC, sufficient for temperature, pressure, or strain-gauge digitisation at moderate resolution. Combined with 368 bytes of RAM and the SSP module (SPI/I2C), it can communicate with external ADCs or digital sensors while conditioning analog inputs internally. The 8-bit resolution gives ~0.4% step size at 5V full-scale, adequate for threshold detection rather than precision measurement. The PIC16C76's 20MHz clock allows full ADC conversion in <2 us, enabling sample rates above 50 kHz aggregate across channels.
Recommended
Motor Drive PWM Control
The PIC16C76-20/SP fits motor drive PWM control because of its two Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) modules that generate complementary or independent PWM outputs at adjustable frequency and duty cycle. The 20MHz clock gives 200 ns resolution on PWM edges, fine enough for BLDC commutation at 24 kHz. Combined with the 5-channel ADC for current sensing and the 25 mA I/O for optocoupler interface to inverter stages, it provides a complete single-chip FOC or 6-step commutation controller. Hardware limitations: the 8-bit PWM resolution may be marginal for sinusoidal drives; consider PIC18F or dsPIC for sinusoidal control.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16C76-20/SP suits low-cost consumer appliance controllers due to its 14KB OTP program memory (enough for user-interface state machines, debounce logic, and serial display drivers), 22 high-current I/O (drives LEDs and triacs directly), and 8-bit ADC (monitors thermistors or potentiometers). The USART supports debug logging or modem interfaces, while the SSP can drive SPI displays. Cost is minimised by OTP memory which is cheaper per bit than flash. Trade-off: no field upgrades; if firmware evolves post-launch, switch to PIC16F76 to allow firmware revision.
Recommended
Educational MCU Trainer Boards
The PIC16C76-20/SP fits educational MCU trainer boards because of its through-hole 28-SPDIP package (easy to socket and replace if student damage occurs), comprehensive peripheral set (ADC, PWM, USART, SPI, I2C) covering most teaching topics in a single chip, and ICSP support for in-circuit reprogramming during labs. The 35-instruction RISC set introduces students to assembly without overwhelming them, while the C-friendly architecture supports Hi-Tech PICC or XC8 compilers. The 20MHz clock allows timing demonstrations up to 200 ns resolution.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Replacement & Repair
The PIC16C76-20/SP remains relevant for legacy industrial replacement and repair of equipment originally designed around it. Industrial control systems with 10-20 year lifecycles often ship with PIC16C-series MCUs, and field repairs require functional equivalents rather than redesigns. Microchip's PIC16C76-20I/SP and -20E/SP variants in the same 28-SPDIP footprint allow direct PCB swap while extending temperature range. Engineers maintaining installed-base equipment should stock these parts or migrate to PIC16F76-I/SP flash equivalents which can emulate the PIC16C76 instruction set identically.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C76-20/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F76-I/SP | PIC16C76-20I/SP | PIC16C76-20E/SP | PIC16C73A-20/SP | PIC16C745-I/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB Flash (reprogrammable) | 14 KB OTP | 14 KB OTP | 4 KB OTP (-71%) | 16 KB OTP (+14%) |
| Data RAM | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 368 bytes | 192 bytes (-48%) | 256 bytes (-30%) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 24 MHz (+20%) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| ADC Channels | 5 ch x 8-bit | 5 ch x 8-bit | 5 ch x 8-bit | 5 ch x 8-bit | 5 ch x 8-bit | 5 ch x 8-bit |
| Special Peripherals | USART + SSP (SPI/I2C) + 2 CCP | USART + SSP + 2 CCP (flash variant) | USART + SSP + 2 CCP | USART + SSP + 2 CCP | USART + SSP + 2 CCP | USART + USB 1.1 SIE + SSP + 2 CCP (adds USB) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (as of 2026-09-19) | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Reprogrammable flash memory instead of OTP (vs PIC16C76-20I/SP)
- Industrial temperature range -40C to +85C (vs PIC16C76-20E/SP)
- Extended temperature -40C to +125C for automotive/under-hood (vs PIC16C76-20I/SP)
- Adds USB 1.1 full-speed peripheral for tethered devices (vs PIC16C76-20I/SP)
- Active lifecycle status for new designs (vs PIC16C76-20I/SP)
Design Notes
OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Verify firmware on PIC16C76/JW (windowed) prototypes or PIC16F76-I/SP flash equivalents before committing to OTP production units. Estimated: each OTP programming cycle costs developer time equal to a full re-spin if a bug is found post-production, so plan for at least 2-3 iteration cycles during development.
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD (pin 19) and a 10-100 uF bulk capacitor at the board power entry. The PIC16C76-20/SP can source/sink 25 mA per pin but total package dissipation (typically 800 mW) limits simultaneous high-current outputs. Ensure MCLR (pin 1) has a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for reliable reset behaviour, or use the internal MCLR configuration if not using external reset.
The 20MHz oscillator pins OSC1/OSC2 (pins 8/9) should be routed with short traces and a ground guard ring if high EMI is expected. Crystal load capacitors must match the crystal manufacturer's CL specification (typically 15-33 pF). The ICSP pins RB6/RB7 (pins 26/27) require no isolation resistors for in-circuit programming but adding 10 kohm series resistors can prevent programming conflicts with external loads.
Estimated: at maximum 20MHz and 5V operation, the PIC16C76-20/SP typically draws 15-25 mA supply current, dissipating approximately 100 mW of power - well within the 800 mW package limit. However, when driving 22 I/O pins at 25 mA simultaneously (550 mA aggregate), I/O power dissipation can exceed 1W. Distribute high-current loads across non-adjacent pins and verify against package thermal limits in worst-case ambient.
The 28-SPDIP package has 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) pin pitch, standard through-hole footprint. Reserve adequate clearance around the part for socket replacement during development. Keep analog input traces (RA0-RA5) short and away from digital switching signals (RB4-RB7, RC0-RC7) to minimise ADC crosstalk. Use a ground plane under the MCU to reduce EMI susceptibility, and keep oscillator traces away from analog inputs to avoid clock-feedthrough.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance status not stated in verified web data; marked unknown. Conflict-minerals compliance assumed compliant per Microchip corporate policy. AEC-Q100 not qualified - this is a commercial/industrial part not targeting automotive.
