PIC16C773-E/SS - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB OTP, 12-bit ADC, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C773-E/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.92 | $5.92 |
| 10 | $5.32 | $53.20 |
| 100 | $4.68 | $468.00 |
| 500 | $4.15 | $2,075.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.78 | $3,780.00 |
PIC16C773-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip integrating a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripherals on a single die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing most instructions to execute in one instruction cycle. Within the embedded systems hierarchy, the PIC16C773 belongs to the mid-range PIC16 family, sitting between baseline PIC10/12/16 devices and high-performance PIC18/dsPIC parts. The -E suffix denotes the extended operating temperature range of -40C to +125C, while /SS identifies the 28-SSOP surface-mount package.
Key features include six 12-bit ADC channels with successive-approximation architecture, two 8-bit timer/counters and one 16-bit timer/counter, a synchronous serial port configurable for SPI or I2C, a USART for asynchronous serial communication, and a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable system recovery. Brown-out-reset and power-on-reset circuitry are integrated, simplifying external reset design. The 12-bit ADC offers 4096 discrete codes, significantly finer than the 10-bit (1024 codes) ADCs found on many competing 8-bit MCUs at this price point.
Typical applications include industrial process control loops, sensor signal conditioning, battery management systems, motor control front-ends, instrumentation front panels, and white-goods appliance controllers. The integrated 12-bit ADC reduces BOM cost in transducer and sensor-interface designs, while the OTP program memory suits high-volume cost-sensitive products where firmware is finalised at production.
When designing with this device, pay attention to the OTP memory limitation: firmware cannot be updated in the field. For prototyping or products needing firmware revisions, consider the pin-compatible PIC16F877 (Flash) variant from Microchip. Ensure the 28-SSOP land pattern matches your PCB layout and that the VDD/VSS decoupling network follows the manufacturer reference schematic.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C773-E/SS 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 PIC16C773-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F876A-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773-I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C773-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | None |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz (4 clock cycles per instruction) |
| ADC | 12-bit, 6 channels |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI / I2C (SSP), USART |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, -E suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (208 mil, 5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset / Power-on Reset | Yes |
PIC16C773-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / ADC input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / ADC input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / ADC input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF- β PORTA bit 3 / ADC input channel 3 / ADC negative reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / ADC input channel 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS/VREF+ β PORTA bit 5 / ADC input channel 5 / SSP slave select / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI β PORTC bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 18 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 21 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM β PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming input |
| Pin 24 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC β PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD β PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | GND β Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C773-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery Charger Controller, HVAC and Appliance Control, Motor Control Front-End, Portable Medical Instrumentation, Automotive Body and Sensor Modules.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C773-E/SS suits industrial sensor front-ends where its 12-bit 6-channel ADC replaces external ADC ICs, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. With 20 MHz CPU clock, the MCU can run linearisation math (RTD, thermocouple, strain-gauge compensation) in real time at sample rates up to ~50 kSPS aggregate. The 22 digital I/O pins drive indicator LEDs, opto-isolated outputs, and HMI keypads. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range supports factory-floor enclosures, and the integrated brown-out reset prevents sensor misreads during supply transients.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
The PIC16C773-E/SS is well-matched to multi-cell battery-charger control loops: the 12-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and charge current with 0.1% quantisation at typical Li-ion 4.2 V full-charge levels. PWM outputs from the 16-bit timer/counter drive MOSFET gate drivers, while the USART links the charger to a host BMS for telemetry. The 256-byte RAM holds recent charge-cycle statistics, and the 7 KB OTP program memory is sufficient for state-machine charge profiles. Designers should add external current-sense amplifiers (e.g., INA180) for high-side current measurement.
Recommended
HVAC and Appliance Control
In HVAC control boards and white-goods appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators), the PIC16C773-E/SS provides a cost-optimised MCU with integrated 12-bit ADC for NTC thermistor temperature sensing, capacitive-touch interfacing via the SSP module, and PWM outputs for motor/valve actuators. The OTP memory locks the firmware at production, preventing unauthorised field modifications. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range handles compressor-compartment heat. Cycle timing uses the 16-bit timer/counter, and the watchdog timer recovers the MCU from motor-noise-induced lockups.
Recommended
Motor Control Front-End
The PIC16C773-E/SS can act as a sensor interface and command pre-processor for small BLDC or stepper motor drives. The 12-bit ADC samples back-EMF or Hall-derived rotor position with fine resolution, while the 16-bit timer/counter generates the PWM commutation sequence for downstream gate drivers. The USART links to a higher-level motion controller, and the 22 I/O pins handle end-stop switches, fault inputs, and status LEDs. The OTP memory suits cost-driven high-volume products where the motor control algorithm is finalised at production.
Recommended
Portable Medical Instrumentation
Portable medical devices such as pulse oximeters, digital thermometers, and handheld glucose meters benefit from the PIC16C773-E/SS's 12-bit ADC precision and low pin count. The 20 MHz CPU executes averaging and calibration routines on the 12-bit ADC samples to push effective resolution beyond 14 bits. The USART streams data to a Bluetooth or USB bridge IC. The extended -40C to +125C operating range covers sterilisation or extreme clinical environments. The 28-SSOP package allows compact handheld PCB layouts.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Sensor Modules
The PIC16C773-E/SS is used in non-safety automotive body controllers such as seat-position sensors, HVAC blend-door actuators, and interior lighting controllers. The 12-bit ADC reads potentiometric position sensors with 1 mV resolution at 4 V reference, and the 22 I/O pins drive FET bridges via pre-drivers. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range survives under-dash and engine-bay-adjacent environments. For ASIL-classified designs, migrate to AEC-Q100-qualified PIC18 K-series devices; the PIC16C773 is suitable for QM-classified body-electronics modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C773-E/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F876A-I/SS | PIC16C773-I/SS | PIC16C773-E/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP (208 mil) | 28-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 28-SSOP (208 mil) - same | 28-SPDIP (300 mil) - through-hole, not drop-in |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP 7 KB (4K x 14) | Flash 14 KB | OTP 7 KB (same) | OTP 7 KB (same) |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 368 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Serial Interfaces | SPI/I2C (SSP) + USART | SPI/I2C (MSSP) + USART | SPI/I2C (SSP) + USART | SPI/I2C (SSP) + USART |
| In-Circuit Programming | No (OTP) | Yes (ICSP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 12-bit ADC at 8-bit MCU pricing (vs PIC16F876A-I/SS)
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range (vs PIC16C773-I/SS)
- Surface-mount 28-SSOP form factor (vs PIC16C773-E/SP)
Design Notes
The PIC16C773-E/SS uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) memory, so firmware cannot be rewritten in the field. A single bit error in production programming is a permanent defect. Design your programming flow with a verification step and budget for low programming-yield losses. For prototypes or designs requiring firmware updates, validate on the Flash-based PIC16F876A-I/SS (same 28-SSOP footprint) before committing to OTP for production.
Place the 28-SSOP decoupling network as close to the VDD (pin 19) and GND (pin 18) pins as possible. Use a 100 nF ceramic in parallel with a 10 uF tantalum or aluminium-polymer bulk capacitor for switching-noise immunity. For ADC accuracy, add a small RC (10 ohm + 100 nF) between VDD and AVCC/AVSS if the device has separate analog supply pins in this package variant. Keep the analog traces short and guarded by digital ground to minimise ADC crosstalk.
The 12-bit ADC reaches full accuracy only when the source impedance is below 10 kohm per the Microchip datasheet. Add an op-amp buffer (e.g., MCP6V01 auto-zero or MCP6021 rail-to-rail) when driving the ADC from high-impedance sensors such as resistive bridges or pH probes. Do not share analog and digital return paths; use a star-ground topology with the analog ground pin (or VSS pin) as the single-point reference near the ADC input.
Configuration-word settings (oscillator selection, watchdog enable, brown-out voltage, code protection) are programmed at the same time as the OTP program memory. According to Microchip PIC16C documentation, an incorrectly set watchdog can cause unexpected resets. Decide oscillator mode (HS, XT, LP, RC) based on the external crystal frequency and budget; HS mode is required for 20 MHz crystals.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in verified web data. Request the latest material declaration from Microchip Technology for RoHS/REACH/conflict-minerals certificates. The PIC16C773-E/SS is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive safety applications use AEC-Q100 parts such as PIC18 K-series.
