PIC16C773/SS - 8-Bit MCU, 7KB OTP, 12-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C773/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.1 | $8.10 |
| 10 | $7.45 | $74.50 |
| 100 | $6.62 | $662.00 |
| 500 | $5.9 | $2,950.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.18 | $5,180.00 |
PIC16C773/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and programmable peripherals onto one silicon die. The PIC16C family sits at the entry-level tier of Microchip's 8-bit PIC architecture, above base-line PIC10/12/14 parts but below PIC18/24 in terms of peripherals and code density. Within Microchip's taxonomy, PIC16C773 belongs to the PIC16C7x mid-range line that introduced on-chip 12-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion, bridging the gap between simple 8-bit controllers and the higher-end PIC17/18 families. The 'C' suffix denotes OTP EPROM program memory, whereas 'F' denotes Flash and 'LF' denotes low-voltage Flash equivalents.
Key features include 6 channels of 12-bit ADC with high-precision measurement capability, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), a 16-bit timer/counter (TMR1), a 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit period register (TMR2), a Synchronous Serial Port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C, a Universal Synchronous Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) with 9-bit address detection, and a parallel slave port. The brown-out reset (BOR) circuitry and watchdog timer (WDT) provide robust field operation.
The PIC16C773 uses a Harvard architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and a separate 8-bit data path, achieving roughly 5 MIPS at 20 MHz. The 12-bit ADC integrates sample-and-hold and supports both single-ended and differential conversions with selectable acquisition time, allowing direct interfacing to sensors without external analog conditioning. The on-chip voltage reference and oscillator options reduce external component count.
Typical applications include industrial process control, sensor signal conditioning, instrumentation data acquisition, motor control feedback loops, and embedded measurement systems. The 12-bit ADC is particularly attractive for precision temperature, pressure, and flow measurement where 10-bit conversion is insufficient but full 16-bit signal-chain cost is unjustified.
When designing with this part, designers must remember that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit; for prototyping, the PIC16C773-I/SS (Industrial temperature grade) or windowed CERDIP PIC16C773/JW variants are recommended. Adequate decoupling (100 nF ceramic close to VDD) and proper MCLR reset network are critical for ADC accuracy.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C773/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 PIC16C773/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C773-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C773-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F877A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C771-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C770-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C773/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Instruction Word | 14-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| ADC Channels | 6 channels, 12-bit resolution |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit with period register) |
| Serial Interfaces | USART/SCI, SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Parallel Slave Port | Yes (8-bit) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (0.209 inch / 5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
PIC16C773/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / CCP1 module (PWM/Capture/Compare) |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 23 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — Digital I/O / In-circuit debugger clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — Digital I/O / In-circuit debugger data |
| Pin 28 | RE0/AN5/RD — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 5 / Parallel slave port read |
Typical Applications
PIC16C773/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Control, Precision Sensor Data Acquisition, Motor Control Feedback Systems, Embedded Measurement Instrumentation, HVAC Environmental Monitoring, Battery-Powered Telemetry Devices, Automotive Sensor Interface Modules.
Industrial Process Control
The PIC16C773/SS's 6 channels of 12-bit ADC and 5 MIPS throughput make it ideal for industrial process control loops where precise analog measurement drives actuator outputs. With 256 bytes of RAM and 7KB OTP, the device can run PID control algorithms, scan multiple sensor inputs, and update PWM outputs within tight cycle budgets. The PIC16C773 fits PLC analog input modules, valve positioners, and 4-20 mA loop transmitters where 12-bit resolution provides the dynamic range required for industrial-grade measurement. Its commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade is suitable for enclosed control cabinets, while the watch-dog timer and brown-out reset ensure reliable operation in electrically noisy factory environments. Recommended companion parts include the PIC16C773-I/SS (industrial temp grade) for harsh deployments and the PIC16F877A-I/SS for firmware-iterable prototypes.
Recommended
Precision Sensor Data Acquisition
The PIC16C773/SS serves as the central controller in multi-sensor data acquisition boards, leveraging its 6-channel 12-bit ADC to digitize signals from thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, and pressure transducers. The 12-bit resolution provides approximately 1.2 mV LSB at a 5V reference, sufficient for direct bridge-sensor readout without external instrumentation amplifiers. The integrated Synchronous Serial Port supports SPI communication to external ADC or DAC expansion, while the USART enables wired data uplink to a host controller or display. With 7KB OTP program memory, the device can store calibration tables and linearization routines onboard, reducing host CPU load. Recommended companion parts include the MCP3551 22-bit ADC for higher-precision channels and the 25LC256 SPI EEPROM for parameter storage.
Recommended
Motor Control Feedback Systems
In BLDC and stepper motor control applications, the PIC16C773/SS provides closed-loop feedback by sampling current sense amplifiers and Hall-effect position sensors through its 6-channel 12-bit ADC. The 8-bit TMR2 with period register generates the PWM carrier, while TMR1 captures encoder pulses for RPM calculation. At 5 MIPS, the device handles trapezoidal commutation at speeds up to approximately 30,000 RPM with 4-pole motors. The 22 I/O lines accommodate direction control, brake signals, fault inputs, and isolated gate driver interfaces. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer are critical for safety in motor drive systems where firmware lockup could damage the mechanical load. Recommended companion parts include the MCP14E4 dual MOSFET driver and the ACS712 current sensor IC.
Recommended
Embedded Measurement Instrumentation
Portable measurement instruments such as digital multimeters, bench-top calibrators, and handheld oscilloscope front-ends benefit from the PIC16C773/SS's 12-bit ADC and ample I/O count. The ADC's selectable acquisition time allows direct interfacing with high-impedance probes without external buffers, while the parallel slave port enables fast data transfer to a host graphics controller or LCD module. With 7KB of OTP program memory, the device can hold user-interface state machines, range-selection logic, and RMS calculation routines for true-RMS measurements. The commercial temperature grade suits indoor laboratory equipment, and the SSOP package supports compact handheld form factors. Recommended companion parts include the MCP1700 LDO regulator and the MCP4725 12-bit DAC for analog output.
Recommended
HVAC Environmental Monitoring
The PIC16C773/SS anchors HVAC environmental monitoring nodes that aggregate temperature, humidity, CO2, and airflow sensors into a unified Modbus or BACnet data stream. Six ADC channels accommodate the typical four-zone monitoring plus two spare channels for redundancy or future expansion. The USART with 9-bit address detection simplifies multidrop RS-485 networking common in building automation, while the I2C/SPI master interfaces to digital humidity and gas sensor modules. With brown-out reset, watchdog timer, and 22 I/O, the PIC16C773 handles relay outputs for damper and valve actuators without external logic. Recommended companion parts include the MCP9808 high-accuracy temperature sensor and the MAX485 RS-485 transceiver.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Telemetry Devices
Although PIC16C773/SS operates from 4V to 5.5V, it fits battery-powered telemetry nodes that use a 4-cell alkaline or Li-2S pack with a boost regulator. The MCU's 5 MIPS performance lets it perform complex data compression and encryption algorithms on collected sensor data before transmitting over the on-chip USART to a wireless modem. The watchdog timer with separate on-chip RC oscillator allows sleep-mode current below 1 microampere when not actively sampling. With 7KB OTP program memory, telemetry firmware is locked at production, eliminating field-tampering risk. For designs requiring firmware evolution, the PIC16F877A-I/SS Flash variant is preferred. Recommended companion parts include the MCP1700 LDO and the MCP73831 Li-ion charge controller.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Interface Modules
Although commercial temperature grade limits deployment to cabin electronics, the PIC16C773/SS-E/SS extended temperature variant handles underhood sensor interface modules for body and chassis systems. The 12-bit ADC reads MAP, MAF, and oxygen sensors with the dynamic range required for emissions-relevant measurements, while the USART delivers SAE J1850 or ISO 9141 communication to body control modules. Watch-dog timer and brown-out reset are essential for automotive electrical transients including load-dump and cranking disturbances. The 28-SSOP footprint accommodates tight packaging behind instrument clusters and HVAC controls. Recommended companion parts include the MCP2551 CAN transceiver and the MCP6002 rail-to-rail op-amp.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C773/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C773-I/SS | PIC16C773-E/SS | PIC16F877A-I/SS | PIC16C771-I/SS | PIC16F876A-I/SS | PIC16C770-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP (4K x 14) | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 8 KB Flash | 4 KB OTP (-43%) | 8 KB Flash | 2 KB OTP (-71%) |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 12-bit, 6 channels |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz (5 MIPS) | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC resolution at 6 channels (vs PIC16F877A-I/SS)
- Lockable OTP memory for security (vs PIC16F877A-I/SS)
- Industrial/extended temperature variants in same footprint (vs PIC16C773/SS commercial)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 19), and add a 10 uF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor at the board power entry. The PIC16C773's ADC accuracy degrades with supply ripple: target VDD ripple below 50 mVpp. For best 12-bit ADC performance, use a separate analog AVdd rail filtered with an LC network (10 ohm + 10 uF) and tie AVss to digital Vss at a single star ground point to avoid digital return currents contaminating analog measurements.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short, symmetric, and guarded by ground pours on both sides. Keep the crystal within 10 mm of the MCU. If using an external clock module, place the source within 50 mm. The SSOP-28 package has 0.65 mm pitch - use 0.4 mm-wide traces with 0.2 mm clearance to escape the pin field on inner layers, or use micro-via fanouts to inner power/ground planes. Maintain continuous ground plane beneath the MCU to reduce EMI susceptibility and provide thermal spreading for the SSOP thermal pad area.
OTP EPROM memory cannot be erased or rewritten - any code bug committed to production silicon is permanent. Always prototype firmware on the windowed CERDIP PIC16C773/JW (erasable UV EPROM) or on the Flash equivalent PIC16F877A-I/SS first, and only migrate to PIC16C773/SS for locked-firmware production. Configure the MCLR pin (pin 1) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for proper reset; floating MCLR causes intermittent brown-out behavior and erratic ADC readings. Brown-out reset must be enabled in the configuration word for any field-deployed application.
The 28-SSOP package has theta_JA around 95 C/W in still air. At maximum 5V VDD and 20 MHz clock, the PIC16C773 typically dissipates under 50 mW - well within thermal limits. However, when driving many I/O pins at high DC current (each I/O rated to 25 mA source/sink), aggregate power dissipation can climb. Limit total port current to 200 mA per the datasheet absolute maximum to keep junction temperature below 150 C. No heatsink is required for typical 4-5 mA per I/O switching applications.
When using the MSSP module in I2C mode, install 4.7 kohm pull-ups on SCL and SDA even though the PIC16C773 has configurable internal weak pull-ups - the internal pull-ups (typically 20-50 kohm) are too weak for reliable 400 kHz Fast-Mode operation with multiple slaves. For SPI master mode at clock rates above 4 MHz, use series damping resistors (22-33 ohm) on SCK, SDO, and SDI to reduce ringing on long PCB traces. The parallel slave port lines (RE0/RD and PSP data bus on PORTD) require external 10 kohm pull-ups if multiple masters might drive them simultaneously.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified data; the SSOP 'SS' package suffix typically denotes lead-free terminations but RoHS certificate should be requested from Microchip. PIC16C773 is not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should use PIC16C773-E/SS extended temperature variant with external qualification testing.
