PIC16C771-E/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU, 7KB, 12-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C771-E/SO β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.35 | $335.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.58 | $2,580.00 |
PIC16C771-E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory, timers, and I/O peripherals on one die. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C771 belongs to the PIC16 family of mid-range MCUs, itself a subfamily of Microchip's PIC microcontrollers, which sit inside the larger microcomputer -> microprocessor -> integrated circuit hierarchy. OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory can be written only once using a device programmer, which makes these parts well suited to production-volume embedded designs that do not need firmware updates.
Key features include 6 channels of 12-bit ADC with up to 12-bit resolution, a USART for asynchronous serial communication, an SSP module for SPI / I2C, capture/compare/PWM (CCP), two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a watchdog timer with on-chip oscillator, brown-out reset, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and code protection. The 12-bit ADC is the defining advantage over the older PIC16C71 8-bit ADC parts, allowing direct interface to higher-precision analog sensors without external ADCs.
Typical applications include industrial process control, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip 12-bit ADC, motor control with PWM, battery chargers, instrument panels, and any embedded design that needs a one-time programmable 8-bit controller with precise analog measurement. The wide operating temperature range and 20 MHz instruction execution make it suitable for automotive under-hood nodes and harsh industrial environments.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C771-E/SO 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 PIC16C771-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory Size, Core, Instruction Execution Time.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C771-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C771T-E/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C771T-I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.91 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F777-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F777-E/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C771-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 (8-bit RISC, 35 single-word instructions) |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (5 MHz input) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (ROM/OTP) | 7 KB |
| Data SRAM | 256 B |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP MCU family) |
| ADC | 6 channels, 12-bit resolution |
| Digital I/O Pins | 16 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| CCP Modules | 1 capture/compare/PWM |
| Serial Communication | AUSART + SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP |
| Package | SOIC-20 (300 mil) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (SnPb finish; pre-RoHS process) |
PIC16C771-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- β Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ β Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI β Digital I/O / analog input channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS β Digital I/O / analog input channel 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN β External oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT β External oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 β Digital I/O / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL β Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA β Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO β Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK β Digital I/O / USART TX / USART synchronous clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT β Digital I/O / USART RX / USART synchronous data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT β Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 β Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RB2 β Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16C771-E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery Charger Controllers, Automotive Under-Hood Sensor Nodes, HVAC Control Systems, Test and Measurement Instrument Front-Ends, Embedded Motor Control (Low-Power DC / Stepper).
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C771-E/SO is well matched to industrial sensor front-ends because its 6-channel 12-bit ADC delivers 4096 discrete codes over the reference voltage range - enough resolution to discriminate millivolt-level changes from thermocouples, strain gauges, and pressure transducers without an external ADC IC. The Extended -40C to +125C grade supports factory-floor and outdoor cabinet installations where the temperature swings outside the Industrial -40C to +85C window. Connect the analog sensor directly to RA0-RA3/AN0-AN3, configure the ADC for an internal acquisition time suited to the source impedance, and use the 16-bit timer (TMR1) to schedule periodic conversions. Trade-off: the OTP memory forces you to commit the calibration/linearization coefficients at programming time; consider the Flash-based PIC16F777-I/SO if firmware tuning in the field is required.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controllers
For sealed lead-acid or NiMH charger designs, the PIC16C771-E/SO's Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module generates the switching waveform for a buck or flyback converter, while the 12-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and charge current with high accuracy. The wide supply voltage tolerance (typical 4.0V to 5.5V Vdd) and on-chip brown-out reset ensure the charger survives supply droop without entering undefined states. The 5 MIPS throughput is sufficient for CC/CV (constant current / constant voltage) state-machine firmware. Trade-off: the 20 MHz oscillator required for full performance consumes several milliamps - design switching to a slower clock during idle to extend battery life.
Recommended
Automotive Under-Hood Sensor Nodes
Automotive under-hood and chassis applications push ambient temperatures to +125C and beyond; the PIC16C771-E/SO Extended grade is rated exactly for this envelope. Its 6 analog channels accept 0-5V signals from MAP, MAF, oil-pressure, and temperature sensors, while the AUSART/SSP modules communicate over LIN or CAN via an external transceiver. The OTP program memory is acceptable for body-control firmware that has been finalized and locked. The integrated watchdog timer with on-chip oscillator provides the autonomous reset required by automotive functional-safety basics. Trade-off: the non-RoHS finish rules out RoHS-only OEM assembly lines; switch to a Flash PIC16F1xxx for new automotive designs and review AEC-Q100 compliance separately.
Recommended
HVAC Control Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) controllers require multiple analog inputs (temperature sensors, humidity transducers, pressure switches) and several PWM outputs (fan speeds, damper actuators). The PIC16C771-E/SO provides 6 analog inputs and a CCP PWM channel - exactly what a single-zone thermostat needs. The 256 bytes of SRAM and 7KB of OTP comfortably hold a multi-mode control algorithm, dew-point compensation, and user-interface state. Industrial-grade or extended-grade variants are chosen based on the installation environment. Trade-off: the single CCP limits PWM channel count; for multi-zone control with separate damper drives, choose a PIC16F887 with 2 CCP modules.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrument Front-Ends
Handheld digital multimeters, panel meters, and process calibrators rely on a 12-bit ADC to read voltage, current, or frequency signals with reasonable precision. The PIC16C771-E/SO's 12-bit ADC paired with its 5 MIPS CPU handles simultaneous auto-ranging and display refresh tasks. The AUSART provides isolated RS-232/RS-485 to a host computer for data logging. The 16-bit timer (TMR1) with its dedicated low-power oscillator input enables frequency-counting operation. Trade-off: only one PWM channel is available; for instruments that drive a backlight with PWM, plan to bit-bang it on a spare I/O pin.
Recommended
Embedded Motor Control (Low-Power DC / Stepper)
Stepper-motor indexers and small DC-motor speed controllers benefit from the PIC16C771-E/SO's 16-bit timer (TMR1) for precise step-rate generation and its CCP module for PWM speed control. The 12-bit ADC reads back-EMF or current sense signals for closed-loop regulation. With 16 I/O pins available, the MCU can simultaneously drive two stepper axes via step/direction lines, or one BLDC motor with complementary PWM through an external gate driver. Trade-off: the 7KB OTP is tight for advanced field-oriented-control (FOC) algorithms - for FOC, migrate to a dsPIC33 or PIC32MK with dedicated motor-control peripherals.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C771-E/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C771-I/SO | PIC16C771T-E/SO | PIC16C771T-I/SO | PIC16F777-I/SO | PIC16F777-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-20 (300 mil) | SOIC-20 - same | SOIC-20 - same | SOIC-20 - same | SOIC-20 - same | SOIC-20 - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | OTP (7 KB) | Flash (7 KB) | Flash (7 KB) |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit |
| ADC Channels | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| SRAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (5 MIPS) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Highest ADC resolution (12-bit) in the PIC16C7xx OTP family (vs PIC16C770-I/SO)
- OTP memory vs Flash-based PIC16F777-E/SO (vs PIC16F777-E/SO)
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC16C771-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C771-E/SO operates from a single Vdd supply, typically 4.0V to 5.5V. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD (pin 20) and VSS (pin 19) pair, and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer cap near the IC. The analog supply AVdd and AVss pins (if present in your package variant) should be filtered with a ferrite bead from the digital Vdd, with their own 100 nF decoupling caps. Brown-out reset is enabled by configuration bit and recommended for any design where Vdd can sag (battery, long cables).
Layout for the SOIC-20 footprint requires a 0.65 mm pitch land pattern with 0.4 mm wide pads. Keep analog traces (RA0-RA5) short and routed away from digital lines, especially the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces and the PWM outputs on RC2/CCP1. Use a single-point ground (star ground) tying the analog and digital ground planes at one point near the MCU's VSS pin. Place the crystal and its load capacitors within 5 mm of pins 8 and 9 to avoid stray capacitance that detunes the oscillator. The ICSP pins RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD must remain accessible even in production - either route to a header or use tag-Connect pads.
Because the PIC16C771-E/SO uses OTP memory, the firmware image committed at programming time is final - any logic bug discovered after production cannot be corrected in the field. Mitigate this by (1) verifying firmware on a Flash-equivalent PIC16F777 during development, (2) implementing extensive code-protect and checksum schemes to detect code corruption, and (3) enabling the configuration-bit code protection to prevent reverse engineering. Watch out for the 8-bit CCP timing resolution - PWM frequencies above ~50 kHz have only a few timer counts per cycle, leading to coarse duty-cycle steps. Use TMR2/PR2 with the PWM mode for frequencies below 50 kHz where higher resolution is needed.
Estimated: at the maximum operating frequency of 20 MHz with Vdd = 5.0V, the PIC16C771-E/SO typically draws 15-25 mA active, dissipating 75-125 mW. The SOIC-20 package has a theta_JA of approximately 80 C/W, so the die-to-ambient temperature rise at full load is roughly 6-10 C above ambient. In free air at +25C ambient, this is well within the +125C junction limit. In enclosed housings or above +60C ambient, derate the clock frequency or switch to the Flash-based PIC16F777 which has lower active current.
Compliance Information
The PIC16C771-E/SO uses SnPb (tin-lead) finish and is not RoHS compliant. This is consistent with the OTP process line which predates the RoHS transition. The part does not carry AEC-Q100 automotive qualification (separate parts exist for automotive). For automotive or RoHS designs, choose the Flash-based PIC16F777-E/SO or PIC16F887-E/SO.
