PIC16F57-E/SS - 20MHz 8-Bit 3KB Flash MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F57-E/SS ✓ ActivePIC16F57-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a programmable semiconductor that integrates a processor core, flash program memory, data RAM, I/O ports, and clock circuitry into one device. Within the embedded-control hierarchy, this MCU belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller category, provides application-specific I/O, and operates below the processing level of 16- or 32-bit microcontrollers while offering a compact, low-cost solution for control, measurement, and interface tasks.
Key features include a 20 MHz operating speed, 3 KB of flash memory for firmware, 72 bytes of data RAM, and 20 general-purpose I/O pins. The E/SS ordering code identifies the extended-temperature variant in the SSOP package. The verified product information also identifies a 2 V minimum operating condition at 4 MHz and a general 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range, supporting both low-voltage operation and conventional 5 V systems.
The device uses Microchip's PICmicro architecture with 33 single-word instructions, which simplifies firmware development and reduces code size for embedded control tasks. Its flash-based program memory allows the device to be reprogrammed during development, production programming, or field updates. The 28-pin SSOP package uses a 0.65 mm terminal pitch and supports 20 I/O pins, providing connectivity for digital control, sensing inputs, and output functions in space-constrained designs.
Typical applications include industrial automation and embedded control modules, appliance controllers, consumer-product interfaces, automotive and industrial equipment, and compact instrument-control boards. The 20 I/O count allows the PIC16F57-E/SS to connect switches, indicators, sensors, relays, and discrete interface signals without requiring a high-pin-count package.
When designing around this MCU, verify the clock configuration, oscillator connection, programming interface, and required I/O assignments against the manufacturer datasheet. The stated 2 V minimum supply condition applies at 4 MHz, so the operating frequency and supply voltage must be considered together rather than selected independently.
This page consolidates verified manufacturer and distributor information, package-specific drop-in alternatives, and application guidance. It is intended to help engineers identify the correct programming, sourcing, and replacement decisions while clearly separating documented values from specifications that still require datasheet confirmation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F57-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 PIC16F57-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Instruction Execution Time, Package, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, MSL Level.
PIC16F57T-E/SS
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F57T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Device Type | 8-bit CMOS flash-based microcontroller |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3 KB flash (2K x 12) |
| Data Memory | 72 bytes RAM |
| General-Purpose I/O Pins | 20 |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Minimum Supply Voltage | 2 V at 4 MHz |
| General Operating Supply Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.65 mm |
| Pin Count | 28 |
| Program Memory Type | Flash |
| Architecture | PICmicro RISC |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
PIC16F57-E/SS 28-pin ssop Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for PIC16F57-E/SS (28-pin ssop package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for PIC16F57-E/SS.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
PIC16F57-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Control Modules, Appliance and Household Controller Boards, Automotive Auxiliary Control Modules, Digital Instrumentation and Sensor Interface Boards, Consumer Products and Small Embedded Systems, LED Displays and Signage Controllers.
Industrial Automation Control Modules
The PIC16F57-E/SS fits compact industrial automation modules because it combines 20 I/O pins with a 20 MHz clock in a 28-pin SSOP package. Its 3 KB Flash memory accommodates sequencing logic, input filtering, and actuator-control routines, while the 33-instruction PICmicro architecture keeps basic control code compact. The documented 2 V minimum supply condition at 4 MHz can support low-voltage sensing subsystems when the operating frequency is reduced. In a control module, the MCU can operate discrete limit switches, status LEDs, relay drivers, and digital sensor interfaces without requiring a higher-pin-count device.
Recommended
Appliance and Household Controller Boards
The PIC16F57-E/SS is appropriate for appliance and household controllers where a modest control program and a modest I/O count are sufficient. Its 20 digital I/O pins can connect push buttons, indicator lamps, door switches, and discrete display-control signals, while the 72-byte RAM supports operating states and temporary counters. With 3 KB of flash memory, the device can hold a bootable control routine, but complex animation, logging, or protocol stacks may require a larger MCU. Its 28-pin SSOP package also supports compact control-board layouts.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Control Modules
The PIC16F57-E/SS can be evaluated for automotive auxiliary control functions that use a small number of digital inputs and outputs, such as relay logic, body-status interfaces, or compact subsystem controllers. The manufacturer identifies the PIC16F57 family as adaptable to automotive applications, and the E ordering suffix indicates a temperature-grade option intended for a different qualification range than the I grade. Actual automotive use requires confirmation of AEC-Q100 qualification, transient protection, EMC performance, and operating-temperature limits from the manufacturer datasheet before production release.
Recommended
Digital Instrumentation and Sensor Interface Boards
The PIC16F57-E/SS suits small digital instrumentation boards where the instrument needs local sensing, control, and communication support but not high-volume data processing. The 20 I/O pins provide parallel connections for switches, alarm outputs, status indicators, and external sensor-control lines. Its 20 MHz execution capability and 72-byte RAM are sufficient for measurement sequencing and calibration tables of moderate size. A communications companion such as an RS-232 or RS-485 transceiver can extend the design, while the MCU manages configuration, sampling timing, and fault reporting.
Recommended
Consumer Products and Small Embedded Systems
The PIC16F57-E/SS fits consumer products and small embedded systems that need a low-cost, deterministic controller for simple user inputs and outputs. The 33 single-word instructions and 200 nanosecond instruction execution time support responsive state-machine control, while flash memory permits reusable firmware for product variants. The 28-pin SSOP package provides a practical balance between 20 I/O, board area, and assembly cost. Designers should treat the 3 KB program-memory limit as the primary architecture boundary and reserve sufficient Flash space for the bootloader, calibration data, and safety checks.
Recommended
LED Displays and Signage Controllers
The PIC16F57-E/SS can serve as a local controller for small LED displays or signage systems because it provides 20 I/O pins for multiplexed rows, columns, drivers, and control signals. Its 72-byte RAM is adequate for display-state buffers in modest designs, and the 200 nanosecond instruction execution time supports deterministic refresh routines. The programmer would normally drive external LED-driver circuits rather than source display current directly from the MCU. Applications requiring large video memory, high refresh rates, or extensive graphics rendering should instead use a dedicated display controller or higher-capacity MCU.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F57-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F57T-E/SS | PIC16F57-I/SS | PIC16F57T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP | 28-pin SSOP - same | 28-pin SSOP - same | 28-pin SSOP - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3 KB flash (2K x 12) | 3 KB flash (2K x 12) | 3 KB flash (2K x 12) | 3 KB flash (2K x 12) |
| Data Memory | 72 bytes RAM | 72 bytes RAM | 72 bytes RAM | 72 bytes RAM |
| General-Purpose I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions | 33 single-word instructions | 33 single-word instructions | 33 single-word instructions |
| General Operating Supply Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Minimum Supply Condition | 2 V at 4 MHz | 2 V at 4 MHz | 2 V at 4 MHz | 2 V at 4 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Documented E temperature-grade ordering option in a compact 28-pin SSOP (vs PIC16F57-I/SS)
- Compact 28-pin SSOP implementation with 20 usable I/O pins (vs PIC16F57T-E/SS)
- Simple 33-instruction PICmicro control engine for compact firmware (vs PIC16F57T-I/SS)
Design Notes
The verified operating data distinguishes a 2 V minimum condition at 4 MHz from the general 4.5 V to 5.5 V range. Do not assume the full 20 MHz clock is available at 2 V; use the manufacturer timing and electrical tables when selecting the oscillator, regulator, and decoupling network. Decoupling capacitance and ESR recommendations should be taken from the datasheet rather than copied from another PIC device.
The 28-pin SSOP package has a verified 0.65 mm terminal pitch and leaves the board free of a large exposed thermal pad. Route sensitive oscillator and programming signals away from high-current switching nodes, place the MCU close to its decoupling capacitors, and preserve adequate assembly clearance around the closely spaced leads. Confirm the land pattern against the official package drawing rather than adapting a generic SOIC footprint.
Do not interchange the E, I, T, SS, SO, or SP ordering suffixes without reviewing the Microchip ordering table. The SS suffix selects the SSOP package, while SO and SP identify different packages; this prevents an otherwise electrically similar MCU from fitting the PCB. Because the supplied records do not state the numerical temperature ratings, qualify any replacement against the required ambient range and confirm code compatibility using the manufacturer's pin and code compatibility chart.
Compliance Information
The verified product and distributor snippets do not state RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals status. These fields remain unknown rather than being inferred from the manufacturer.
