PIC16C773-I/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB OTP MCU 12-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C773-I/SS โ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.63 | $11.63 |
| 10 | $10.47 | $104.70 |
| 100 | $9.31 | $931.00 |
| 500 | $8.15 | $4,075.00 |
| 1,000 | $7 | $7,000.00 |
PIC16C773-I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a small computing system-on-chip that integrates a CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripheral interfaces into a single IC. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C773 belongs to the Microchip PIC16C family of mid-range microcontrollers, which sit between the baseline PIC10/12/16 families and the high-performance PIC18/PIC24 families, and are widely used in industrial control, instrumentation, and embedded sensor applications.
Key features include 6 channels of 12-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion with multiple input ranges, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer/counter, a Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) configurable for SPI or I2C, a USART with 9-bit address detection, a 10-bit Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) module, a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, an 8-bit parallel slave port, and a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation. The device also integrates brown-out reset, power-on reset, and in-circuit serial programming for robust embedded designs.
Built on Microchip's low-power CMOS process, the PIC16C773 delivers typical active current around 2 mA at 5V/4 MHz and supports standby currents below 1 ยตA, making it suitable for battery-backed applications. The 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) footprint supports compact PCB layouts, and the wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V operating range allows direct interfacing with both 3.3 V and 5 V peripherals.
Typical applications include industrial process control, sensor signal conditioning, instrumentation and data acquisition, automotive body and chassis subsystems (non-safety), and consumer white goods. The integrated 12-bit ADC eliminates the need for an external precision converter, reducing BOM cost in measurement-focused designs.
When designing with this part, remember the OTP program memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit beyond the ICSP window - choose the Flash-based PIC16F876 (pin-compatible drop-in) for prototype iteration, or remain on PIC16C773 for low-cost volume production where firmware is finalized.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C773-I/SS 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 PIC16C773-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) โ differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool โ Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C773-I/SO
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773T-I/SS
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773-E/SS
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876-I/SS
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C771-I/SS
โ Drop-In๐ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC 16C, 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 0 bytes (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 5 MIPS (200 ns per instruction) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Digital I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 12-bit, 6 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit Timer/Counter |
| PWM Modules | 1 x 10-bit PWM + 1 x CCP |
| Communication Peripherals | USART (9-bit addr), SSP (SPI/I2C), PSP |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, -I suffix) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-Out Reset / Power-On Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming | Yes (ICSP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SSOP) |
PIC16C773-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP โ Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | OSC1/CLKIN โ Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 3 | OSC2/CLKOUT โ Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 4 | RA0/AN0 โ PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN1 โ PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN2 โ PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 7 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ โ PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 8 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI โ PORTA bit 4 / analog input 4 / Timer0 clock |
| Pin 9 | RA5/AN5/SS/LVDIN โ PORTA bit 5 / analog input 5 / SPI slave select / LVD input |
| Pin 10 | VSS โ Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD โ Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT โ PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 โ PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 โ PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/PGM โ PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 16 | RB4 โ PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 โ PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC โ PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD โ PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 20 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI โ PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 21 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 โ PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 22 | RC2/CCP1 โ PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (capture/compare/PWM) |
| Pin 23 | RC3/SCK/SCL โ PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 24 | RC4/SDI/SDA โ PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 25 | RC5/SDO โ PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 26 | RC6/TX/CK โ PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 27 | RC7/RX/DT โ PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 28 | RE2/CS โ PORTE bit 2 / parallel slave port chip select |
Typical Applications
PIC16C773-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Precision Sensor Signal Conditioning, Data Acquisition Systems, Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body and Chassis Modules, Battery-Powered Instrumentation.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C773-I/SS fits industrial process control designs where its 12-bit 6-channel ADC directly digitizes 4-20 mA or 0-10 V sensor signals without an external converter. At 20 MHz / 5 MIPS, the firmware can run PID loops at 1 kHz update rates while the 22 digital I/O drive actuator relays, opto-isolators, and HMI displays. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range covers factory-floor enclosures, and the 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply rail is tolerant of 24 V loop-powered transducer outputs stepped down by external regulators. The 256-byte RAM plus 35-instruction PIC16C RISC core keeps the BOM, code footprint, and qualification cost low for high-volume panels.
Recommended
Precision Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C773-I/SS is well suited for precision sensor signal conditioning applications, where its integrated 12-bit ADC replaces a separate converter and reduces BOM cost in multi-channel thermocouple, RTD, or bridge-sensor front ends. The on-chip USART streams digitized data to a host display or logger, while the SSP peripheral drives SPI/I2C sensors such as external temperature or pressure ICs. The 7 KB OTP memory holds linearization tables and calibration constants, and the 256-byte RAM accommodates moving-average filters and oversampling routines that push effective resolution beyond 12 bits. With 22 I/O, the same MCU can also drive alarms, displays, and user-interface switches.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Systems
The PIC16C773-I/SS provides a complete 6-channel 12-bit data-acquisition front end for compact instrumentation. With sample rates up to ~50 ksps at 12-bit resolution and a 22 I/O count, the device can simultaneously digitize multiple analog channels while communicating results via USART or parallel slave port. The 10-bit PWM and CCP module generate excitation signals for resistive-bridge sensors, while timers enable precise sample-interval scheduling without CPU overhead. Its 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports battery-powered portable instruments, and the SSOP-28 footprint enables dense PCB layouts in multi-board data loggers and bench-top meters.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Consumer white-goods controllers such as washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC blower boards benefit from the PIC16C773-I/SS's combination of 22 I/O, 6 ADC channels, PWM outputs, and low-cost OTP memory. The PWM drives motor-speed references, the ADC monitors temperature and water-level sensors, and the USART links to inverter or display modules. OTP memory at the $7-11 unit price point supports cost-optimized mass production where firmware is finalized. The integrated brown-out reset and watchdog timer improve field reliability in noisy appliance environments, eliminating external supervisor components and reducing overall BOM cost.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Modules
For non-safety automotive body and chassis subsystems - door modules, seat controllers, lighting drivers, and HVAC blend-door actuators - the PIC16C773-I/SS offers sufficient ADC, PWM, and I/O resources. The 12-bit ADC reads potentiometers and thermistors, the PWM drives small DC motors, and the USART interfaces with body-control network gateways. Note that PIC16C773 is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for safety-relevant or harsh under-hood applications select PIC16F876A or PIC18F family derivatives. Operating range is -40 C to +85 C, adequate for cabin environments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Battery-powered instruments leverage the PIC16C773-I/SS's CMOS process and on-chip brown-out reset to extend operating life. At 4 MHz / 3 V, active current is typically below 2 mA and standby currents fall below 1 ยตA with the watchdog disabled, making the device suitable for portable data loggers, hand-held meters, and remote sensor transmitters. The 2.5 V minimum supply permits operation from two AA cells down to 2.0 V under load (with brown-out trip), and the 12-bit ADC at sample rates you control preserves battery capacity between measurements. The 256-byte RAM is sufficient for cyclic buffer storage before periodic dumps over USART.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C773-I/SS โ comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C773T-I/SS | PIC16C773-E/SS | PIC16F876-I/SS | PIC16C771-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 8 KB Flash | 7 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 368 bytes (+44%) | 256 bytes |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 6 channels |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Memory Technology | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | OTP | Flash (re-programmable) | OTP |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC resolution (vs PIC16C771-I/SS)
- OTP memory cost optimization (vs PIC16F876-I/SS)
- Same die for tape-and-reel inventory flexibility (vs PIC16C773-I/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD/VSS pins, plus a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum on the same rail. The PIC16C773 has no internal regulator; supply noise above 50 mVpp can couple into ADC results - use a linear regulator rather than a switching converter when ADC accuracy matters. Brown-out reset (BOR) is enabled by configuration fuse and trips below ~4 V at 5 V nominal operation.
The 28-SSOP package has 0.65 mm pitch leads - use 0.4 mm-wide PCB traces with 0.2 mm solder mask expansion and keep analog traces (AN0-AN5) short and away from digital lines and oscillator traces. Provide a ground pour on the top layer stitched with vias to the bottom ground plane. Keep the crystal or external clock traces within 10 mm of OSC1/OSC2 with a grounded guard trace to minimize EMI susceptibility.
Remember that OTP memory is one-time programmable - once programmed, the firmware cannot be erased or rewritten. For prototype development use the PIC16F876-I/SS (Flash, pin-compatible) and only migrate to PIC16C773-I/SS for volume production with finalized firmware. Configuration fuses (oscillator, BOR, watchdog) must be set correctly at programming time; incorrect fuse settings can lock the device. ICSP requires MCLR pulled high, RB6 (PGC) clock, RB7 (PGD) data, and VDD/GND connected during programming.
The 12-bit ADC delivers ~ +/-2 LSB INL and 72 dB SINAD typical at 50 ksps with a clean reference. Use a low-noise dedicated ADC reference (e.g. MCP1525 for 2.5 V or MCP1541 for 4.096 V) rather than VDD to preserve absolute accuracy. Average 16-64 samples in firmware for effective resolution beyond 12 bits. Add an RC filter (1 kohm + 100 nF) on each analog input to limit source-impedance-induced settling errors.
Compliance Information
RoHS-compliant per Microchip product page; not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only). For automotive safety-relevant applications select PIC16F876A or PIC18F family derivatives with AEC-Q100 documentation.
