PIC16C771T/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU 7KB OTP 16 I/O 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C771T/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.9 | $4.90 |
| 10 | $4.41 | $44.10 |
| 100 | $3.92 | $392.00 |
| 500 | $3.53 | $1,765.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.14 | $3,140.00 |
PIC16C771T/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as timers, communication ports, and ADCs. The PIC16C architecture uses a RISC-style Harvard design with 35 single-word instructions and 200 ns instruction execution at 20 MHz, which simplifies firmware development while preserving deterministic timing. PIC16C parts are OTP (One-Time Programmable) CMOS devices, historically positioned as a stepping stone between early EPROM-based PIC16C5X and later flash-based PIC16F families, and they are upwards code-compatible with PIC12CXXX and PIC16C5X devices.
Key features of the PIC16C771 include a 12-bit ADC with up to 6 input channels (the highest resolution in this class at introduction), a 20 MHz maximum clock for 5 MIPS throughput, an internal oscillator option, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for fail-safe operation, and an operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 5.5 V. Brown-out Reset and Power-on Reset circuits are integrated, and in-circuit serial programming is supported for development workflows.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning with high-resolution analog front ends, battery charging controllers, closed-loop fan/pump control, instrumentation front panels, and low-cost consumer products that need 12-bit ADC precision without the cost of an external converter. The combination of OTP memory, small SSOP-20 footprint, and 12-bit ADC makes it attractive where code is finalized in production.
When designing with this part, note that PIC16C771 is OTP, not Flash, so firmware must be finalized before programming. Allocate sufficient ADC acquisition time and use the internal RC oscillator only when timing tolerance is non-critical. Decouple VDD/VSS with 100 nF + 10 µF capacitors placed close to the pins.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives from Microchip's own PIC16 family, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers evaluate the part quickly.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C771T/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 PIC16C771T/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Instruction Execution Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C771T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.46 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C771-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C717T/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C717T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C771T/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K × 14) |
| Data RAM | 256 B |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP only) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 6 channels |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Reset, Power-on Reset, Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP supported |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C771T/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — GPIO RA0 / ADC analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — GPIO RA1 / ADC analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — GPIO RA2 / ADC analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — GPIO RA3 / ADC analog input channel 3 / ADC voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — GPIO RA4 / ADC analog input channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS — GPIO RA5 / ADC analog input channel 5 / 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 — GPIO RC0 |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — GPIO RC1 |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — GPIO RC2 |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — GPIO RC3 |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — GPIO RC4 |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — GPIO RC5 |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — GPIO RC6 |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — GPIO RC7 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C771T/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery Charging Controller, Closed-Loop Fan / Pump Speed Control, Instrumentation Front Panel, Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, HVAC Zone Thermostat.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C771T/SS fits industrial sensor signal conditioning because its integrated 12-bit ADC with 6 input channels eliminates the need for an external converter while delivering 4096 quantization steps for accurate bridge, thermistor, or 4-20 mA loop measurements. With 7 KB of OTP memory, designers can host linearization tables, digital filtering (moving average or median), and Modbus or proprietary serial protocols on a single chip. The on-chip brown-out reset and watchdog timer with its own RC oscillator provide robust operation against supply transients common in factory environments. Place 100 nF + 10 µF decoupling capacitors on VDD/VSS within 5 mm of the pins to keep ADC measurements stable across the 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range.
Recommended
Battery Charging Controller
The PIC16C771T/SS is well-matched to closed-loop battery charging because its 12-bit ADC accurately measures charge current via a sense resistor and battery terminal voltage, while its 16 GPIO pins drive MOSFET gate drivers, status LEDs, and a serial interface to a host controller. The 7 KB OTP program memory holds CC/CV charge profiles for Li-Ion, NiMH, and lead-acid chemistries, and the 256-byte RAM supports a real-time state machine. Brown-out reset protects against low-battery lock-up at the end of the discharge cycle. At 20 MHz the MCU runs PID loops with sub-millisecond cycle times, providing stable regulation across the 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range.
Recommended
Closed-Loop Fan / Pump Speed Control
The PIC16C771T/SS suits variable-speed fan or pump control because the 12-bit ADC reads tachometer feedback or pressure-sensor voltage with high precision, while PWM outputs on GPIO pins drive a power MOSFET or gate driver at 25 kHz to keep the switching noise above the audible band. The 20 MHz instruction cycle gives a 200 ns PID step time, fast enough to react to load transients in HVAC or process-control loops. Internal oscillator option reduces BOM cost when absolute RPM accuracy is not required. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer maintain control integrity through brown-out events typical in motor-drive circuits with high dI/dt transients.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front Panel
The PIC16C771T/SS works well as an instrumentation front-panel controller because its 16 GPIO pins can scan a 4×4 keypad matrix and drive a character LCD or seven-segment display with minimal external logic. The 12-bit ADC with 6 channels reads multiple analog inputs such as thermocouples, strain gauges, or potentiometer set points. With 7 KB of OTP memory and 35 single-word instructions, firmware engineers can implement menu navigation, calibration routines, and serial output to a host PC. The 20-SSOP package fits behind a small display panel, and the 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct connection to a 3.3 V or 5 V system rail.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C771T/SS fits low-cost consumer appliances such as coffee makers, rice cookers, washing machines, or air purifiers, where the 12-bit ADC precisely monitors temperature, water level, or humidity sensors and the 16 GPIO pins drive relays, triacs, buzzers, and indicator LEDs. OTP memory is acceptable for these high-volume products because the firmware is locked at production. The integrated watchdog timer with its own RC oscillator resets the MCU if the main program hangs due to ESD or supply noise. The 20-SSOP package and 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range allow the MCU to share a regulated 5 V rail with the appliance power supply.
Recommended
HVAC Zone Thermostat
The PIC16C771T/SS is appropriate for HVAC zone thermostats because its 12-bit ADC reads 10 kΩ thermistor divider voltages with ±0.1 °C resolution when paired with a 10 kΩ reference resistor, while the 16 GPIO pins drive a relay or triac for the zone damper and an LCD for set-point display. The 7 KB OTP memory holds scheduling logic, hysteresis tables, and I2C/SPI master routines for an external real-time clock or wireless module. The on-chip brown-out reset prevents erratic thermostat behavior during compressor inrush, and the 20 MHz instruction cycle keeps keypad scan latency below 20 ms. The 20-SSOP package fits inside a wall-mount thermostat housing.
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C771T/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C771T-I/SS | PIC16C771-I/SS | PIC16C770T/SO | PIC16C717T/SS | PIC16C717T-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | SOIC-20 - different | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Data RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC resolution vs 10-bit on PIC16C717/PIC16C770 (vs PIC16C717T/SS)
- Larger program memory (vs PIC16C717T/SS)
- Industrial temp grade option (I-suffix) (vs PIC16C771T/SS (commercial))
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz clock and 5.5 V VDD with all peripherals active, the PIC16C771T/SS typically draws 10-15 mA. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the same rail near the MCU. Add a 100 nF cap on VSS (pins 8 and 19) if the layout forces a long ground return. Enable brown-out reset (BOR) in the configuration word to ensure a clean restart when VDD drops below the BOR threshold (~3.8 V at 5 V operation).
PIC16C771T/SS is OTP (One-Time Programmable), not Flash - once programmed it cannot be erased or rewritten. Validate firmware on a PIC16F-series equivalent or windowed PIC16C77X/JW prototype part before committing production code. Forgetting to set the configuration word correctly (oscillator selection, watchdog enable, code protect) is a common production lock-out that requires scrapping the programmed OTP units. Always read-back the programmed device and verify ID locations before final assembly.
The 12-bit ADC achieves rated accuracy only with proper analog supply decoupling and a clean VREF. If using an external voltage reference, place a 10 µF + 100 nF combination on the VREF/RA3 pin and add a small RC filter (10 Ω + 100 nF) to isolate the reference from digital switching noise. Keep analog traces (RA0-RA5) short and away from the OSC1/OSC2 crystal traces. The ADC acquisition time must be programmed to at least 19.72 µs per the datasheet (Tad = 1.6 µs at 20 MHz) to settle the sample-and-hold capacitor before conversion.
Estimated: at 20 MHz clock, 5.5 V VDD, and all peripherals active, the PIC16C771T/SS draws ~15 mA, dissipating ~83 mW - well within the SSOP-20 thermal envelope. In a sealed enclosure at +70 °C ambient, the junction temperature rise is roughly 5-10 °C above ambient (theta_JA approximately 80-100 °C/W for SSOP-20), keeping Tj below +85 °C. For extended-temperature operation above +85 °C ambient, derate clock frequency or switch to the PIC16C771T-I/SS industrial-grade variant (-40 °C to +85 °C).
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free confirmed via DigiKey product listing (443451). Halogen-free status not explicitly listed in the verified data and marked unknown. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial-grade MCU intended for consumer/industrial applications; automotive designs should use AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F-series equivalents.
