PIC16C770-E/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU, 3.5KB, 16 I/O, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C770-E/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.12 | $4.12 |
| 10 | $3.72 | $37.20 |
| 100 | $3.3 | $330.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.62 | $2,620.00 |
PIC16C770-E/SS Overview
What is a PIC16C OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time-Programmable) MCU is a microcontroller whose program memory can be written only once by the user, after which the bit pattern is permanent. The PIC16C770 sits within the broader PIC16C mid-range 8-bit family (PIC16C7xx), itself part of Microchip's PIC16 architectural hierarchy (8-bit microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor). This hierarchy positions the PIC16C770 as a code-locked, low-cost solution ideal for mature, stable firmware in industrial and appliance control where field updates are unnecessary.
Key differentiating specifications include the 12-bit on-chip Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), an asynchronous USART for serial communications, two analog comparators with programmable reference, an 8-bit timer/counter and a 16-bit timer/counter, and a programmable watchdog timer. The 20 MHz oscillator yields a 200 ns instruction cycle, and the core supports 35 single-word instructions. Brown-out Reset (BOR) circuitry monitors Vdd to prevent code execution at unsafe voltage levels.
Architecturally, the PIC16C770 uses a Harvard-style bus with separate program and data paths, 14-bit wide instruction words, and a 2-stage pipeline. Its peripheral set is rich for its era: the 12-bit ADC delivers up to 8 analog input channels, the USART supports RS-232/RS-485-style asynchronous links, and the analog comparators can drive hardware interrupts. Brown-out Reset and Power-on Reset are standard.
Typical applications include appliance control (white goods, HVAC damper drives), industrial sensors with analog front ends, low-end motor control loops, and embedded control boards where cost-per-unit outweighs the need for in-field firmware upgrades. The -E temperature grade (extended, -40C to +125C) makes it suitable for non-automotive harsh environments.
When designing with the PIC16C770-E/SS, plan development on a windowed or flash sibling first (e.g., PIC16F77) because OTP parts cannot be re-programmed. Verify the 20 MHz maximum oscillator against the chosen resonator load capacitance, and respect the SSOP thermal pad recommendations for high-density PCBs.
This page synthesizes Microchip parametric data, distributor pricing and inventory as of 2026-09-19, and a drop-in alternatives comparison not found in the standalone datasheet, giving engineers an integrated procurement and substitution reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C770-E/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 PIC16C770-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, ADC, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C770-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C770T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C73B-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.56 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C711-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C716T-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C712T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C770-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C7xx |
| Core | 8-bit PIC16C mid-range |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 12-bit, 8 channels |
| USART | 1 (async) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 4.0 V to 6.0 V (5 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (-E extended grade) |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209 in / 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C770-E/SS 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/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / analog input / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART RX / data |
| Pin 19 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C770-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (White Goods), Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-End Motor Control Loops, Embedded Control Boards with USART Link, Analog Front-End and Comparator-Based Designs, HVAC and Building Automation.
Appliance Control (White Goods)
The PIC16C770-E/SS is well-suited for appliance control boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC damper actuators. Its 3.5 KB OTP program memory holds fixed control algorithms for motor timing, sensor sampling, and user-interface handling, while the 12-bit ADC reads thermistor or pressure-sensor signals directly from the appliance harness. The 16 I/O pins drive relays, triac gates, and LED indicators without external multiplexing. Compared with a flash MCU, the OTP architecture lowers unit cost by approximately 15-25 percent at production volumes of 50K and above. The -E extended temperature grade supports under-hood and behind-panel thermal environments up to 125 C, while Brown-out Reset prevents firmware mis-execution during brown-out events common with inductive loads.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
In distributed industrial sensing nodes, the PIC16C770-E/SS acts as a local controller that samples analog signals, applies digital filtering, and transmits processed values via the on-chip USART. The 12-bit ADC provides 4096 discrete codes across its 0 to 5 V input range, yielding sub-millivolt resolution for bridge sensors, load cells, and 4-20 mA loop receivers. The 256-byte RAM holds a rolling sample buffer for moving-average filters. Brown-out Reset and the programmable Watchdog Timer recover the node from supply transients and software lockups typical on long cable runs. Industrial designers favor OTP parts for field-deployed sensors because firmware bugs discovered post-deployment cannot be patched by unauthorized parties, providing a security advantage over flash MCUs in unattended installations.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control Loops
The PIC16C770-E/SS drives small brushed DC and unipolar stepper motors in low-power control loops such as valve actuators and small fan controllers. Its 16-bit timer provides the PWM period base, while the 12-bit ADC closes the speed or position feedback loop by reading back-EMF or Hall-effect sensor signals. The two on-chip analog comparators offer hardware over-current protection that trips faster than ADC-based software checks, important when driving inductive loads. The 20 MHz instruction rate executes a PID tick in approximately 50 microseconds, sufficient for sub-kHz control loops. The 5 V supply range simplifies integration with traditional analog driver stages, and the extended temperature grade supports fan-hub and under-hood operating environments.
Recommended
Embedded Control Boards with USART Link
The PIC16C770-E/SS serves as a sub-controller on multi-board industrial systems where a host MCU delegates I/O expansion and analog sampling. Its USART links to the host controller via RS-232 or RS-485 transceivers, while the 16 I/O lines and 12-bit ADC handle local keypad scanning, LCD multiplexing, and analog signal acquisition. The 256-byte RAM is sufficient for a 64-byte command queue plus local scratch buffers, and the 35 single-word instruction set keeps firmware compact within the 3.5 KB OTP. The -E temperature grade supports cabinet-mounted equipment, and the 20-SSOP package offers a smaller footprint than 20-DIP variants for high-density PCB designs.
Recommended
Analog Front-End and Comparator-Based Designs
Engineers use the PIC16C770-E/SS in designs that rely heavily on its two analog comparators and 12-bit ADC for sensor threshold detection and waveform analysis. The comparators can generate hardware interrupts on threshold crossings, offloading the CPU from software polling in battery-monitoring or window-comparator applications. The 3.5 KB OTP holds compact threshold tables and hysteresis logic without a flash memory cost premium. The Watchdog Timer and Brown-out Reset ensure recovery from comparator-induced interrupts or supply glitches, making the part well-suited for unattended monitoring nodes. The 5 V Vdd range matches typical analog sensor supplies, simplifying mixed-signal board design.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation
In HVAC damper actuators, thermostats, and building-automation peripherals, the PIC16C770-E/SS controls analog outputs, reads temperature and humidity sensors, and communicates over low-speed serial links. The 12-bit ADC digitizes thermistor and ratiometric sensor outputs with sub-1 C resolution when paired with a 10K NTC. The two analog comparators detect supply undervoltage and zero-crossing of the AC mains for triac-fired heater control. The 16 I/O pins directly drive seven-segment displays, keypads, and triac optocouplers. The extended -40C to +125C operating range covers rooftop and basement HVAC enclosures, and the OTP architecture ensures firmware cannot be altered by unauthorized field technicians, providing IP protection for OEMs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C770-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C770-I/SS | PIC16C770T-E/SS | PIC16C73B-20/SS | PIC16C711-04/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 4 KB OTP | 1.75 KB OTP |
| Max Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +125C (E) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| ADC | 12-bit, 8 channels | 12-bit, 8 channels | 12-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 8 channels | 8-bit, 4 channels |
| USART | 1 (async) | 1 (async) | 1 (async) | 1 (async) | 0 (none) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C operating range in 20-SSOP (vs PIC16C770-I/SS)
- Higher 12-bit ADC resolution vs 8-bit legacy siblings (vs PIC16C711-04/SS)
- On-chip USART for serial communications (vs PIC16C711-04/SS)
Design Notes
PIC16C770-E/SS uses OTP program memory - once programmed, the firmware cannot be modified. Prototype and validate the complete firmware on a flash-based sibling such as the PIC16F77, which shares the same peripheral set, instruction set and pinout, before committing to OTP production units. A single bug discovered post-programming requires scrapping all parts. Maintain a signed firmware image archive for traceability across production lots.
Operating voltage range is 4.0 V to 6.0 V at 20 MHz; below 4.0 V the oscillator must be derated. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to pin 20 (VDD) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the VDD pin for transient load support. Brown-out Reset (BOR) should be enabled in the configuration word to prevent code execution at unsafe voltage levels. For sensor or analog applications, place a 10 uF capacitor on the AVdd/VREF pin and tie unused analog inputs to Vss to minimize ADC conversion noise.
The 20-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pitch and 5.30 mm body width - keep-out zones beneath the IC should be free of vias and signal traces to prevent solder joint stress. Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and shielded with a ground guard trace to reduce EMI pickup. Maintain a continuous ground plane on the top or second layer directly under the MCU for thermal spreading and return-current continuity. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; if ICSP programming is required in production, add the standard 10 kohm / diode / capacitor ICSP circuit.
Estimated: at 5 V VDD, 20 MHz oscillator and full I/O switching, the typical supply current is approximately 16 mA, dissipating about 80 mW at room temperature. The 20-SSOP package has theta-JA of approximately 100 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test PCB, giving a junction rise of 8 C above ambient at typical operating current - well within the 125 C ceiling. For enclosed or non-standard PCB stack-ups, verify thermal performance against the manufacturer's thermal characterization.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified distributor data - manufacturer Microchip product page should be consulted. PIC16C family is not AEC-Q100 qualified, so not suitable for automotive under-hood applications. Conflict-minerals compliance assumed per Microchip corporate policy.
