PIC16C773T-E/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 7KB, 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C773T-E/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.96 | $8.96 |
| 10 | $8.07 | $80.70 |
| 100 | $7.17 | $717.00 |
| 500 | $6.44 | $3,220.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.73 | $5,730.00 |
PIC16C773T-E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and configurable peripherals. The PIC16C family is the mid-range tier of Microchip's PIC architecture, positioned between the baseline PIC10/14 families and the high-pin-count PIC17/18 families, offering 35 single-word instructions and source-level compatibility with PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX devices for easy migration. OTP (One-Time-Programmable) memory allows the user to program the device once during production with a custom firmware image, making it well suited to cost-sensitive high-volume embedded products where firmware changes are not required after deployment.
Key features of the PIC16C773 include 200ns instruction execution at 20MHz, a hardware USART for asynchronous serial communication, a Master Synchronous Serial Port (MSSP) supporting both SPI and I2C master/slave modes, and a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC with up to 6 analog input channels sampled from device pins. The integrated peripherals are accessed through 22 general-purpose I/O pins, with programmable weak pull-ups and interrupt-on-change capability on selected ports for direct switch and keypad interfacing without external glue logic.
Architecturally, the PIC16C773 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses, a hardware multiplier, and a 14-bit instruction word that improves code density relative to 8-bit CISC architectures. The 12-bit ADC shares the analog input pins with port A and is suitable for sensor signal acquisition in industrial control loops, while the USART/MSSP combination enables communication with both legacy RS-232/RS-485 modems and modern I2C sensor buses. The 28-SSOP package provides moderate board footprint reduction versus the 28-pin PDIP, making the part attractive for space-constrained designs.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, automotive body and chassis subsystems, sensor-interface modules, low-cost consumer electronics, HVAC controllers, and small appliance control boards. The 4-5.5V operating range, automotive -40C to +125C temperature grade (designated by the E suffix), and 12-bit ADC make it appropriate for harsh-environment analog measurement tasks. The OTP memory architecture suits designs with locked firmware images where the lower per-unit cost of OTP outweighs the field-reprogrammability of Flash-based PIC16F variants.
A key design consideration for the PIC16C773T-E/SS is that OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten, so the firmware must be fully validated before production programming. Engineers migrating from Flash-based PIC16F equivalents must use the same development toolchain (MPLAB X IDE, MPASM assembler, or C18 compiler) but plan for one-time-programming flow.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (including automotive-grade and Flash equivalents in the PIC16C family), and practical design notes that complement - but do not duplicate - the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C773T-E/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 PIC16C773T-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Communication Peripherals, Instruction Execution Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C773-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C773-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C773T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C771T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.22 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773T/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C773T-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (at 20 MHz) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, E grade) |
| ADC | 12-bit, 6 channels |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, MSSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive (E suffix: -40 C to +125 C) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16C773T-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / ADC analog input 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / ADC analog input 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / ADC analog input 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / ADC analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 5 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / ADC analog input 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 6 | RA5/AN5/SS — PORTA bit 5 / ADC analog input 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM/capture input |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 19 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 20 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 24 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 25 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 26 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 27 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply (4.0V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C773T-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Automotive Body and Chassis ECUs, Sensor Interface Modules, HVAC Climate Controllers, Small Appliance Control Boards, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16C773T-E/SS is well suited to industrial automation controller boards where the 12-bit 6-channel ADC acquires 4-20mA loop signals through external shunt resistors and the USART drives RS-485 transceivers for Modbus RTU communication. Its -40C to +125C extended temperature range and OTP-only memory lock the firmware image, preventing accidental field re-flashing that could compromise certified industrial equipment. The 22 digital I/O pins handle discrete sensor inputs and relay-driver outputs directly, while the MSSP provides SPI or I2C connectivity to EEPROM data logs and digital temperature sensors on the same board.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis ECUs
Automotive body and chassis electronic control units benefit from the PIC16C773T-E/SS extended -40C to +125C temperature grade and OTP program memory that locks firmware against unauthorized modification. The device's 12-bit ADC reads wheel-speed sensor signals and throttle-position feedback, while the USART interfaces with automotive network gateways for diagnostic data exchange. The 28-SSOP package conserves PCB area versus 28-PDIP, supporting the space constraints of in-cabin and under-hood ECU housings, and the OTP memory architecture aligns with high-volume cost targets for body controllers.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
Dedicated sensor interface modules for industrial and HVAC systems leverage the PIC16C773T-E/SS 12-bit ADC with 6 input channels to digitize signals from pressure transducers, thermistors, and humidity sensors through op-amp signal conditioning. The MSSP peripheral provides I2C communication to digital sensor companions such as accelerometers and ambient light sensors, while the USART delivers serial data output to upstream controllers. The 20MHz instruction execution allows real-time sampling at 100 kHz with hardware-averaged oversampling for improved effective resolution in precision measurement applications.
Recommended
HVAC Climate Controllers
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning climate controllers use the PIC16C773T-E/SS to read multiple thermistor inputs through its 12-bit ADC and drive triac-controlled fan and compressor outputs through the 22 digital I/O pins. The 20MHz instruction cycle supports PID control loop updates at sub-100ms intervals, while the USART provides connectivity to wall-mounted thermostats and building management system gateways. The OTP-only memory architecture is well-matched to HVAC OEM products where the firmware is finalized during development and per-unit cost matters at high production volumes.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Boards
Small appliance control boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens integrate the PIC16C773T-E/SS to handle user keypad input, drive 7-segment or LCD displays, and control motor triac or relay outputs. The 12-bit ADC reads water level, motor current, and NTC temperature sensors, while the MSSP peripheral communicates with LED driver ICs and capacitive touch controllers. The OTP-only program memory architecture lowers per-unit cost in high-volume appliances, and the 28-SSOP package fits within the compact control board layouts typical of consumer appliances.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
Low-cost consumer electronics products such as remote controls, toys, and educational kits integrate the PIC16C773T-E/SS as the central controller, leveraging its 22 digital I/O pins for keypad scanning, LED driving, and audio buzzer PWM generation. The OTP memory locks the user interface code into the device, preventing end-user firmware modification and protecting the OEM's intellectual property. The 20MHz operating frequency supports IR protocol generation for remote controls at sub-microsecond timing accuracy, while the 256-byte RAM accommodates user-mode state machines without external memory expansion.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C773T-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C773-E/SS | PIC16C773-I/SS | PIC16C773T-I/SS | PIC16F873A-I/SS | PIC16F876A-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | 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 | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Temperature Grade | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +125 C (E) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) | -40 C to +85 C (I) |
| ADC | 12-bit, 6 ch | 12-bit, 6 ch | 12-bit, 6 ch | 12-bit, 6 ch | 10-bit, 5 ch | 10-bit, 5 ch |
| Max Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time) | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (field-reprogrammable) | Flash (field-reprogrammable) |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive-extended temperature OTP MCU in 28-SSOP (vs PIC16C773-I/SS)
- 12-bit ADC at 20 MHz instruction rate (vs PIC16F873A-I/SS)
- OTP memory locks firmware against modification (vs PIC16F876A-I/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 1cm of each VDD pin (pins 18 and 28) with a short ground return to the nearest VSS pin. Add a 10uF bulk tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor at the regulator output to supply transient current during ADC conversions and USART transmissions. Avoid routing high-current switching traces near the VDD pins to minimize digital switching noise coupling into the analog supply rail and degrading 12-bit ADC linearity.
OTP memory is one-time-programmable and CANNOT be erased or rewritten. If your firmware requires field updates or iterative development cycles, migrate to a Flash-based PIC16F876A-I/SS in the same 28-SSOP package. The configuration word (address 2007h) must be programmed with the correct oscillator mode, watchdog timer setting, and code-protect bits before any program memory is written; incorrect configuration words can brick the device since OTP cannot be re-programmed.
The 28-SSOP package has a 0.65mm pitch and a thermal pad area on the underside; provide 0.4mm-wide PCB traces between pins and a continuous ground plane on the layer beneath the IC. For high-noise environments, add a guard ring connected to analog ground around the ADC input pins (RA0-RA5) to improve ADC signal integrity. Keep crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and surrounded by ground pour to reduce EMI and improve oscillator stability across the -40 C to +125 C temperature range.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per DigiKey product listing and Microchip product page. The E suffix designates the extended automotive temperature grade (-40 C to +125 C) but does not by itself constitute AEC-Q100 qualification; consult Microchip for Q100-qualified variants if required. Conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip corporate statement.
