PIC16C770T/SO - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 3.5KB, 12-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C770T/SO โ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.46 | $1,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16C770T/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and configurable peripherals such as ADC, timers, and communication ports into one package. The PIC16C770 belongs to the PIC16C mid-range family (8-bit -> mid-range MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor), offering low power consumption, deterministic interrupt latency, and RISC-based Harvard architecture. OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory targets cost-sensitive production runs where firmware is finalized and code updates are not required.
The PIC16C770T/SO features 200ns instruction execution time, 35 single-word instructions, 16 I/O pins, and 6 channels of 12-bit A/D conversion for sensor interfacing. It supports a wide 2.5V to 5.5V operating voltage and an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C. The device is upward compatible with the PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX families, simplifying migration paths.
The PIC16C770 architecture uses a 14-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path, providing a compact code density advantage over 8-bit CISC controllers. The integrated 12-bit ADC with 6 channels eliminates external ADC components in applications such as sensor signal acquisition, industrial process control, and instrumentation front-ends.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, sensor interface modules, embedded instrumentation, and low-power data acquisition boards. The 12-bit ADC supports 4096-step resolution across the 2.5V to 5.5V range, enabling precision measurement in tightly constrained analog designs.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed - use the windowed JW variant for prototype development. Ensure the supply decoupling network includes a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the VDD pin for ADC noise immunity.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in same-family alternatives, and engineering design considerations not present in the standalone PIC16C770 datasheet, giving engineers a faster decision workflow.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C770T/SO โ 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 PIC16C770T/SO (same form factor and footprint) โ differing in Package, Program Memory Type, ADC, Core Architecture, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool โ Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C770-I/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C771-I/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C770-E/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C770T/SS
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C770T-I/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C717-I/SO
โ Drop-Inโ In Stock
$2.28 / Unit
View Datasheet โPIC16C770T/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| CPU Core | PIC16C mid-range |
| Operating Frequency | Up to 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 256 x 8 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 12-bit, 6 channels |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SOIC (300 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Family Compatibility | Upward compatible with PIC16C5X, PIC12CXXX |
| Packaging Suffix | T = Tape & Reel, SO = 20-pin SOIC |
PIC16C770T/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR โ Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 โ GPIO / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 โ GPIO / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 โ GPIO / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 โ GPIO / analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 โ GPIO / analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5 โ GPIO / analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS โ Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 โ Crystal oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 โ Crystal oscillator output |
| Pin 11 | RC0 โ GPIO port C bit 0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 โ GPIO port C bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 โ GPIO port C bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 โ GPIO port C bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 โ GPIO port C bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 โ GPIO port C bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 โ GPIO port C bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 โ GPIO port C bit 7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS โ Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD โ Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C770T/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery-Powered Data Acquisition Logger, Embedded Instrumentation Front-End, Appliance Control Board, Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety), Educational Microcontroller Trainer.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C770T/SO is well suited to multi-sensor industrial interface modules thanks to its integrated 12-bit ADC with 6 input channels, which digitizes analog signals from thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, and 4-20mA current loops directly. With 200ns instruction execution at 20MHz, the core can sample all six channels and execute PID control loops at sub-millisecond cadence, while the 256-byte RAM accommodates 16-bit accumulator math. The 2.5V-5.5V supply range accepts the industry-standard 24V bus after a simple linear regulator stage, and the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade operates reliably inside sealed control cabinets without additional thermal conditioning. The 35-instruction RISC kernel simplifies IEC 61131-3 firmware certification by keeping the code review surface compact and deterministic. Pin-compatible 12-bit ADC PIC16C771 upgrade path provides headroom for designs that exceed 3.5KB code size.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Acquisition Logger
Low-power embedded data loggers benefit from the PIC16C770T/SO's 8-bit RISC architecture and OTP cost model. The 200ns instruction cycle at 20MHz provides sufficient throughput to capture, timestamp, and write 12-bit ADC samples to an external EEPROM via I2C/SPI before returning to sleep, and the 3.5KB OTP holds multi-channel sampling schedules without needing external program storage. Operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, the MCU can be powered directly from two AA cells or a single Li-ion cell with a low-dropout regulator, eliminating boost converters. Industrial temperature grade permits outdoor deployment. Designers should disable unused peripherals via the PCON register and switch the CPU to the 32kHz internal oscillator to achieve microamp-level sleep current for multi-year battery life on slow-logging duty cycles.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation Front-End
Test and measurement instrumentation front-ends leverage the PIC16C770T/SO's 12-bit ADC and deterministic interrupt latency to digitize transducer signals with low jitter. The 4096-code resolution over a 0-5V input range yields 1.22mV LSB, sufficient for bench multimeters and panel meters where 1% accuracy is acceptable. The 20MHz CPU bandwidth handles RS-232/USB bridge duties alongside ADC sampling, eliminating a second MCU. The 16 I/O pins drive 7-segment LED displays, rotary encoders, and keypads through direct GPIO without external drivers. OTP memory locks the firmware against accidental field reprogramming, an important consideration for calibration-traceable instruments. The 20-pin SOIC footprint enables compact 50mm x 30mm PCB layouts suitable for handheld meter enclosures.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
White-goods appliance controls (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) are a strong application fit for the PIC16C770T/SO because OTP memory locks the firmware against end-user tampering while keeping BoM cost low. The 16 I/O pins drive triac-triggered AC loads (water pumps, solenoid valves, heater relays), read rotary encoder knobs, and scan 4x4 membrane keypads without external logic. The 12-bit ADC samples motor current via shunt resistors for stall detection and closed-loop speed control of universal motors. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade survives the under-counter kitchen environment, and the 2.5V-5.5V supply works directly from a 5V regulator fed by the appliance SMPS. Code density from the 14-bit instruction word keeps program footprint under 3.5KB for typical appliance state machines.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Module (Non-Safety)
Non-safety automotive body electronics such as mirror adjusters, seat controllers, and ambient lighting modules can use the PIC16C770T/SO for low-cost local intelligence. The 6-channel 12-bit ADC reads potentiometers for mirror position feedback, photo-sensors for auto-dimming, and current shunts for LED driver monitoring. The 20MHz CPU runs LIN (Local Interconnect Network) slave protocol stacks for communication with the body control master, while 256 bytes RAM holds the last-known position state across ignition cycles. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade covers cabin environments but NOT under-hood applications - design engineers should select AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F-series parts for under-hood use instead. The OTP memory model protects against unauthorized firmware modifications in consumer automotive accessories.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer
University and vocational training labs use the PIC16C770T/SO as an instructional MCU because its 35-instruction RISC set can be memorized in a single lab session, leaving more class time for peripheral and algorithm study. The 12-bit ADC with 6 channels exercises the full signal-conditioning chain (sensor -> amplifier -> ADC -> display), and the 16 I/O pins support breadboard experiments with LEDs, switches, UART bridges, and motor drivers. The 20-pin SOIC package fits standard 0.1-inch pitch breakout boards, and the 2.5V-5.5V supply works from a USB-powered bench supply. Compared to the JW (windowed) PIC16C770, the OTP T/SO variant is preferred for student take-home kits where UV erasure is impractical. The PIC16C mid-range architecture prepares students for migration to PIC18, PIC24, and dsPIC families in advanced coursework.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C770T/SO โ comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C770-I/SO | PIC16C771-I/SO | PIC16C770-E/SO | PIC16C717-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SOIC (300 mil) | 20-SOIC (300 mil) - same | 20-SOIC (300 mil) - same | 20-SOIC (300 mil) - same | 20-SOIC (300 mil) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit |
| ADC Channels | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Operating Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC integrated with 6 channels (vs PIC16C717-I/SO)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for SMT automation (vs PIC16C770-I/SO)
- Mid-range PIC core compatibility (vs ATMEGA88-20AU)
Design Notes
Estimated: power dissipation at 20MHz, 5.0V VDD and full GPIO load (16 outputs at 20mA each, not realistic) yields P = 0.020 * 16 = 320mA total from VDD. In a typical use case with 4 outputs at 10mA, P = V * I = 5.0 * 0.040 = 200mW. Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a 10uF bulk capacitor at the PCB power input. The PIC16C770 datasheet recommends a bulk decoupling capacitor on each VDD/VSS pair when the ADC is enabled.
Route the analog signals (RA0-RA5/AN0-AN5) as short traces away from the digital I/O and oscillator traces to minimize ADC crosstalk. Keep the VDD/VSS traces wide (>0.5mm) and use a ground plane on Layer 2. For 12-bit ADC accuracy, ensure the analog supply rail is bypassed with both a 0.1uF ceramic and a 10uF tantalum/electrolytic capacitor. The crystal oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) should be surrounded by ground copper to reduce EMI radiation. Per Microchip application note AN546, for example.
OTP memory cannot be erased or reprogrammed - any code bug is permanent on the production part. Always prototype using the JW (windowed) PIC16C770 or the PIC16F770 (Flash) equivalent to validate firmware before committing to OTP volume. Ensure the MCLR pin (pin 1) has a 10k pull-up to VDD; leaving MCLR floating causes unreliable resets. Do not connect analog inputs to signals exceeding VDD or VSS by more than 0.3V (per datasheet absolute maximum) - external clamp diodes are required for over-voltage protection.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - do not use for automotive safety-critical or under-hood applications. For automotive use, select PIC16F-series parts with AEC-Q100 qualification.
