PIC16C773/JW - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB OTP MCU w/ 12-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C773/JW β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.9 | $18.90 |
| 10 | $17.25 | $172.50 |
| 100 | $15.1 | $1,510.00 |
| 500 | $13.85 | $6,925.00 |
| 1,000 | $12.5 | $12,500.00 |
PIC16C773/JW Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a microprocessor optimized for embedded control that combines a CPU, memory (program + data), and peripherals on a single die. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard architecture RISC core (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and sit inside the broader taxonomy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16C family represents Microchip's mid-range 8-bit portfolio, positioned between baseline (PIC10/12) and high-performance (PIC17/18) tiers.
The PIC16C773/JW delivers 35 single-word instructions, of which only program branches take two cycles; all others execute in a single 200 ns cycle at 20 MHz. The 12-bit ADC with 6 channels provides a resolution step of approximately 0.8 mV at the 5V full-scale range, eliminating external analog signal conditioning in many measurement applications. Internal peripherals include one 8-bit timer/counter (Timer0) and one 16-bit timer/counter (Timer1), plus a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator.
Architecturally, the device uses a 14-bit program-memory word width with a 13-bit instruction set, addressing up to 8K x 14 of program space and 368 bytes of general-purpose RAM plus 4-byte SFR page. The windowed CERDIP (JW suffix) allows UV erasure for prototyping and code-development workflows, making this part especially attractive in design labs where firmware iteration is needed before transitioning to OTP (One-Time-Programmable) plastic-package versions for production.
Typical applications include industrial process control loops, precision instrumentation, smart sensor signal conditioning, motor control feedback sampling, and medical measurement devices that benefit from on-chip 12-bit ADC accuracy. The 256-byte RAM ceiling suits small state-machine and data-logging workloads rather than protocol-stack-heavy applications.
When designing with the PIC16C773/JW, note that the windowed CERDIP package is intended for development, not high-volume production; consider PIC16C773-I/SP or PIC16C773T-I/SO for cost-optimized plastic-package drop-ins. Also budget for the external quartz crystal or resonator (typically 4-20 MHz) and ensure the analog AVdd pin is properly decoupled to maximize ADC performance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing snapshots, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance that go beyond what is printed on the Microchip datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for selection and replacement decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C773/JW 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/JW (same form factor and footprint) β differing in ADC, Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C773-I/SP
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773-I/JW
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773-E/SP
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$5.64 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C773T-I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$4.15 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C773-04/JW
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C77-20I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.65 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C773/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| CPU Family | PIC16C mid-range |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions (14-bit wide) |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (1 cycle per instruction except branches) |
| Program Memory | 7 KB EPROM (4K x 14) - UV-erasable (JW suffix) |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 digital |
| ADC | 12-bit, 6 channels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (Timer0) + 1 x 16-bit (Timer1) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Package | 28-pin CERDIP windowed (MO-036, 0.300") |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (THT) |
| Terminal Form | Through-Hole |
| MSL Level | N/A (through-hole part) |
| RoHS Status | Not RoHS compliant (SnPb lead finish on JW CERDIP per legacy datasheet) |
| IC Memory Type | UVPROM (windowed, erasable) |
PIC16C773/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/Vpp β Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/Vref β PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / ADC Vref+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS β PORTA bit 5 / Analog input channel 4 / SPI Slave Select |
| Pin 8 | AVss β Analog ground |
| Pin 9 | AVdd β Analog positive supply |
| Pin 10 | Vss β Digital ground |
| Pin 11 | Vdd β Digital positive supply |
| Pin 12 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / Clock out |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / External clock in |
| Pin 14 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI β PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 15 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 β PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 output |
| Pin 16 | RC2/CCP1 β PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Pin 17 | RC3/SCK/SCL β PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 18 | RC4/SDI/SDA β PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 19 | RC5/SDO β PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 20 | RC6/TX/CK β PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 21 | RC7/RX/DT β PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 22 | RB0/INT β PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 23 | RB1 β PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 24 | RB2 β PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 25 | RB3 β PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 26 | RB4 β PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 27 | RB5 β PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 28 | RB6 β PORTB bit 6 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C773/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Precision Instrumentation & Data Acquisition, Smart Sensor Signal Conditioning, Motor Control Feedback Sampling, Medical Measurement Devices, Educational & Development Platforms.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C773/JW is well suited to closed-loop industrial process control where its 12-bit ADC with 6 channels provides approximately 0.8 mV resolution at the 5V full-scale range, directly digitizing thermocouple-conditioned, 4-20 mA, or bridge-sensor signals without external signal conditioning. The 35-instruction RISC core executes PID control loops in well under 1 ms at 20 MHz, while the on-chip 16-bit Timer1 enables precise PWM generation for actuator drive. In a typical PID temperature controller, the JW windowed CERDIP package allows iterative firmware tuning during bench development before committing to OTP plastic-package production parts. UV-erasable memory supports parameter calibration updates and algorithm experimentation. The 4.0-5.5V supply aligns with industrial 5V rails.
Recommended
Precision Instrumentation & Data Acquisition
The PIC16C773/JW's on-chip 12-bit ADC eliminates the external ADC IC that a typical 8-bit MCU would require for instrumentation-grade measurements. With 6 analog channels, the device can multiplex pressure, flow, level, and temperature sensors in a compact instrument, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. The 256-byte RAM accommodates small data-acquisition buffers, while the 200 ns instruction cycle lets the MCU complete per-channel conversions, scaling, and threshold checks within microseconds. In a portable gas analyzer or laboratory meter, the JW windowed package supports firmware calibration routines that can be re-erased and re-programmed during characterization - a critical advantage over OTP parts. Designers should pair the analog AVdd pin with a dedicated low-noise LDO and add 100 nF + 10 uF decoupling.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Signal Conditioning
Integrated 12-bit ADC and 22 digital I/O make the PIC16C773/JW a natural fit for smart-sensor modules that must digitize, linearize, and compensate transducer outputs in real time. The Harvard architecture RISC core executes sensor linearization routines - typically piecewise interpolation or polynomial fits - in under 100 us per sample at 20 MHz, leaving headroom for digital filtering and serial reporting. With 6 analog channels, a single PIC16C773/JW can handle a multi-axis MEMS module or a multi-element sensor array. The Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator ensures recovery from sensor-induced firmware lockups, and the 4.0-5.5V supply matches typical sensor bias rails. For field-upgradeable firmware, the JW windowed CERDIP is preferred.
Recommended
Motor Control Feedback Sampling
The PIC16C773/JW can sample back-EMF, current, and position feedback signals in brushed DC and stepper motor control loops. The 12-bit ADC provides 4x finer current-measurement resolution than typical 10-bit alternatives, enabling smoother torque control and tighter speed regulation. The on-chip 16-bit Timer1 generates the PWM carrier with precise duty-cycle control, while the 35-instruction RISC core runs the velocity PI loop in microseconds at 20 MHz. With 22 I/O pins, the MCU can interface to quadrature encoders, Hall-effect sensors, and a serial link to the host controller without external logic. The JW windowed CERDIP supports iterative tuning of motor control parameters during bench development.
Recommended
Medical Measurement Devices
Medical instruments such as blood-pressure monitors, glucometers, and pulse oximeters benefit from the PIC16C773/JW's 12-bit ADC accuracy, which directly improves measurement repeatability and clinical-grade resolution. The on-chip 6-channel ADC handles multiple physiological sensors - pressure, optical reflectance, temperature - in a single chip, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in compact hand-held designs. The 8-bit PIC RISC core runs pulse-detection or signal-averaging algorithms in real time, while the 4.0-5.5V supply is compatible with battery-powered 5V boost topologies. For development and FDA pre-submission testing, the JW windowed CERDIP enables iterative firmware updates without scrapping hardware.
Recommended
Educational & Development Platforms
The JW suffix - denoting the windowed CERDIP package - was specifically designed for educational and development use, where engineers need to erase and reprogram flash/EPROM multiple times during firmware iteration. Universities, training labs, and prototyping environments favor the PIC16C773/JW because the UV window allows dozens of erase-program-test cycles without part scrappage. At 20 MHz with the standard 35-instruction PIC16C instruction set, students learn embedded programming on a part with real-world industrial pedigree. The DIP-28 through-hole form factor is breadboard-friendly and easy to socket for swapping between lab exercises.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C773/JW β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C773-I/SP | PIC16C773-I/JW | PIC16C773-E/SP | PIC16C773T-I/SO | PIC16C773-04/JW | PIC16C77-20I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin CERDIP windowed (JW) | 28-pin SPDIP | 28-pin CERDIP windowed (JW) | 28-pin SPDIP | 28-pin SOIC | 28-pin CERDIP windowed (JW) | 40-pin PDIP |
| Memory Type | UV-EPROM (windowed, erasable) | OTP EPROM | UV-EPROM (windowed) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | UV-EPROM (windowed) | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 7 KB (4K x 14) | 14 KB (8K x 14) |
| Data RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 33 |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 8 channels |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Surface Mount | Through-Hole | Through-Hole |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip 12-bit ADC with 6 channels eliminates external ADC IC (vs PIC16C73A-20I/SO (8-bit ADC variant))
- UV-erasable windowed CERDIP enables iterative firmware development (vs PIC16C773-I/SP (OTP SPDIP))
- Same-family code compatibility with PIC16C77 for easy scalability (vs PIC16C77-20I/P (40-pin family member))
Design Notes
The PIC16C773/JW operates from a single 4.0V to 5.5V supply and includes separate analog (AVdd/AVss) and digital (Vdd/Vss) supply pins. For maximum ADC accuracy, tie AVdd and Vdd together at the regulator output and decouple each pin individually with 100 nF + 10 uF capacitors placed within 5 mm of the package. Estimated: total quiescent current at 20 MHz is approximately 10-15 mA, so a 100 mA LDO headroom is sufficient for most designs.
Do not confuse the JW (windowed CERDIP, UV-erasable) with production-grade OTP parts (I/SP, E/SP, T-I/SO) when sourcing for volume production - the JW is intended for development and is typically 3-5x more expensive than the equivalent OTP part. Also verify the maximum clock frequency: PIC16C773/JW runs at 20 MHz while PIC16C773-04/JW is limited to 4 MHz - identical part number with a different speed grade.
Place the external crystal or ceramic resonator within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins, with short traces and a ground guard ring to minimize EMI coupling into adjacent analog inputs. For ADC applications, route AVdd traces away from digital switching lines, add a ferrite bead in series with AVdd, and place a small RC low-pass filter on each analog input (typically 1 kohm + 100 pF) to limit input bandwidth below the Nyquist rate of the ADC sampling clock.
The CERDIP-28 package has a thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 60 C/W in still air, so the device dissipates safely across its commercial 0-70C operating range. At maximum clock (20 MHz) the active supply current is typically 10-15 mA, yielding < 80 mW dissipation - well within package limits. No heatsink required.
Compliance Information
JW windowed CERDIP parts use SnPb (tin-lead) lead finish on through-hole terminals and are therefore NOT RoHS compliant by default. PIC16C773 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified - not recommended for new automotive safety-critical designs. Microchip provides PIC16F1xxx flash-memory successors with AEC-Q100 grades for automotive.
