PIC16LC57C-04/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 3KB | 28-SOIC
MPN: PIC16LC57C-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.307 | $3.31 |
| 10 | $2.85 | $28.50 |
| 100 | $2.35 | $235.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC16LC57C-04/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and peripheral I/O on one die, enabling compact embedded designs. The PIC16C5X family is part of the broader 8-bit microcontroller taxonomy: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> CMOS microcomputer -> semiconductor IC. Within Microchip's portfolio it sits at the entry-level / cost-optimized branch beneath the PIC16F and PIC18 families, favored for high-volume cost-sensitive applications.
Key features of the PIC16LC57C-04/SO include a 12-bit instruction word with 33 single-cycle instructions, an 8-bit data path, a hardware watchdog timer, a power-on reset (POR) circuit, and an internal RC oscillator option that lets the device operate without an external crystal. The OTP program memory allows one-time programming in production, lowering unit cost compared to flash parts for mature, fixed-code designs. The wide 2.5V-6.0V VDD range suits both 3.3V and 5V systems.
Architecturally, the PIC16LC57C uses a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, two 8-bit I/O ports (RA, RB) and two additional I/O lines on PORTC, plus a 5-channel 8-bit ADC on selected siblings. The "C" suffix denotes the CMOS-process revision that delivers low quiescent current versus the older NMOS "B" die, and the "LC" prefix indicates the low-voltage (2.5V min) variant suitable for battery operation. The "-04" speed grade indicates a 4 MHz maximum oscillator frequency.
Typical applications include appliance controls, remote keyless entry, smart sensors, low-end user-interface boards, battery-powered instruments, and simple motor-control front ends. Industrial designers often select this part for its wide supply range, robust I/O count (20 pins), and low unit cost.
When designing with the PIC16LC57C-04/SO, ensure that your code fits within the 2K x 12 program memory and that the 20 I/O pins cover your signal requirements; the OTP memory means firmware changes require device replacement, so design final-code images only.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, LCSC, and Heisener, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and engineering design notes not found on any single distributor listing.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC57C-04/SO — 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 PIC16LC57C-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Package, Mounting Type, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC57C-04/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC57C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC56A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC57C-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit RISC Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16C5X Harvard RISC |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-cycle instructions, 12-bit wide |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (hardware WDT) |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | Yes (RC option, external crystal also supported) |
| Speed Grade | -04 (4 MHz) |
PIC16LC57C-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset input) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC57C-04/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), Smart Sensor Interfaces, Battery-Powered Instruments, User Interface Boards (Keypads / Displays), Simple Motor Control Front Ends.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC57C-04/SO fits appliance control boards such as washing-machine front panels, microwave keypads, and dishwasher timers where cost dominates and firmware is finalized. With 3 KB of OTP program memory, 20 I/O pins, and a 4 MHz instruction cycle, the part scans key matrices, drives LED or 7-segment displays, and reads temperature sensors with millisecond response. The 2.5V-6.0V LC supply range lets the same board run from a 3.3V regulator or a 5V rectified-rail supply. Real-world washing-machine designs cite PIC16C5X for sub-$1 MCU cost in high-volume SKUs.
Recommended
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
The PIC16LC57C-04/SO is well-suited for remote keyless entry fobs and small battery-powered transmitters where standby current and unit cost dominate. The CMOS "C" process revision and 2.5 V minimum VDD let the part idle in the microamp range on a CR2032 cell for years. Its 4 MIPS instruction throughput is more than adequate to encode a 40-bit rolling-code transmission via ASK or FSK at 315/433 MHz using a small SAW-resonator transmitter companion. 20 I/O can drive 4-5 buttons plus an LED indicator.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16LC57C-04/SO acts as a smart-sensor interface MCU for HVAC, building automation, and environmental monitors. Its 20 I/O pins read thermistor bridges, photo-diodes, and 4-20 mA loops while its on-chip watchdog timer (WDT) recovers the part from sensor-line glitches. With 72 bytes of RAM the firmware can buffer a few calibration samples before UART or PWM retransmission to a host controller. The industrial-temp -I variant survives outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instruments
The PIC16LC57C-04/SO is a natural fit for handheld multimeters, portable thermometers, and consumer battery-powered test gear where low-voltage operation and low BOM cost matter most. The 2.5 V minimum VDD lets a 2x AA or 2x AAA battery stack power the entire board down to the brown-out threshold, and the SLEEP-plus-WDT wake mode can extend battery life to years of standby. 20 I/O drive LCD segments directly via the 4-bit port pattern common in PIC16C5X firmware libraries.
Recommended
User Interface Boards (Keypads / Displays)
The PIC16LC57C-04/SO serves as the controller for low-end user-interface boards such as security keypads, microwave ovens, and thermostat displays. Its 20 I/O pins scan a 4x4 matrix keypad while simultaneously driving a 4-digit 7-segment LED or a character LCD via software. The RISC instruction set completes a full key-debounce cycle in well under 1 ms at 4 MHz, and the wide 2.5V-6.0V VDD range lets the same firmware run on 3.3 V LCD or 5 V VFD displays.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control Front Ends
The PIC16LC57C-04/SO works as a low-cost front-end controller for small brushed-DC and unipolar stepper motor drives in fans, blinds, and small pumps. Its 20 I/O can source/sink the gate-drive signals for low-side MOSFET switches, while its hardware watchdog recovers from motor-stall-induced brownouts. At 4 MIPS, the firmware can implement a basic PID loop on a Hall-effect sensor input and update PWM duty every 5 ms - sufficient for low-bandwidth thermal or position control.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC57C-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC57C-04/SP | PIC16C57C-04/SO | PIC16LC57C-04I/SO | PIC16F57-I/SO | PIC16LC56A-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC (SO) | 28-PDIP (SP) - different PCB footprint, not 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same | 28-SOIC (SO) - same |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB Flash (2K x 12) | 1 KB OTP (1K x 12) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 16 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V (C variant, no LC low-voltage) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (re-programmable) | OTP EPROM |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.5 V VDD support in the same 28-SOIC footprint (vs PIC16C57C-04/SO)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature option in the same 28-SOIC (vs PIC16LC57C-04/SO (commercial 0C to +70C))
- Flash memory upgrade path with 5x clock headroom (vs PIC16F57-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=5.0 V and active mode at 4 MHz, the PIC16LC57C-04/SO draws roughly 2 mA active and under 1 uA in SLEEP. Always place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the main supply rail. If the design also powers a transmitter or relay, add a TVS diode across VDD to clamp inductive transients below the 6.0 V absolute-maximum rating.
Per Microchip PIC16C5X layout guidelines, place the 28-SOIC footprint with the standard 1.27 mm pitch and 0.65 mm lead span. Route the oscillator traces (OSC1, OSC2) as short as possible and surround them with a ground pour to minimize EMI coupling into the ADC or comparator pins. MCLR should have a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for clean reset - omit the cap only if you never rely on internal Power-On Reset timing.
OTP memory means you cannot reprogram the PIC16LC57C-04/SO in-circuit: every firmware revision requires a new part. For prototype development choose the PIC16F57-I/SO (Flash) instead. Also note that the WDT is enabled by configuration bit and may need to be cleared in the configuration word if not used - a stale WDT reset is one of the most common field-return causes. Verify the configuration word in your programmer software before locking the device.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status were not stated in the verified web data. The part is a commercial-grade MCU not qualified to AEC-Q100 (automotive); use PIC16LC57C-04I/SO for industrial temperature grade.
