PIC16LC57C-04I/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 3KB | Microchip | DIP-28
MPN: PIC16LC57C-04I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.75 | $37.50 |
| 100 | $3.2 | $320.00 |
| 500 | $2.8 | $1,400.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.45 | $2,450.00 |
PIC16LC57C-04I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripherals on one silicon die. The PIC16C5X family specifically uses a RISC architecture with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, simplifying code development and reducing execution overhead. The OTP memory variant allows one-time field programming - cheaper than flash but intended for volume production where code is fixed. Positioned within the broader product hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, the PIC16LC57C bridges classic PIC legacy designs and modern low-power applications.
Key features include 4 MHz maximum operating frequency, 2K x 12-bit program word width, 72 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 20 bidirectional I/O pins, an 8-bit timer/counter, and a watchdog timer for reliable operation. The device operates across an industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C, satisfying the "I" (Industrial) suffix designation. Its wide voltage range (typically 2.5V to 6.0V for LC variants) supports both 3.3V and 5V rails commonly found in consumer, industrial, and battery-powered systems.
The PIC16LC57C employs Microchip's classic Harvard RISC architecture with a separate program and data bus, enabling single-cycle instruction execution except for program branches. With its OTP-based program memory and CMOS implementation, the device balances cost efficiency with deterministic real-time performance, ideal for high-volume embedded control where flash reprogrammability is not required.
Typical applications include appliance control, sensor interfaces, LED driving, low-cost consumer electronics, industrial automation peripherals, and battery-operated devices requiring low quiescent power. Its through-hole PDIP-28 package also makes it convenient for prototyping, hobbyist projects, and educational use where hand-soldering or socketed replacement is desirable.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten - firmware must be fully validated before programming. For modern designs requiring in-field updates, consider the PIC16F5X flash-based successor family instead. Engineers should also note that the LC variant's lower voltage limit may require level shifting when interfacing with 5V-only peripherals.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same PIC16C5X family, and practical design considerations not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC57C-04I/P — 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-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Watchdog Timer, Operating Temperature Range, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16CR57C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC57C-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.39 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC56A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC57C-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Number of Timers | 1 x 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (DIP-28, through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
PIC16LC57C-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| 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 (secondary) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Oscillator 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 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 26 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 27 | T0CKI — Timer 0 clock input (shared with RA2) |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC57C-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (Microwave / Washer UI), Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, LED Display and Lighting Controllers, Industrial Automation Peripherals, Consumer Electronics Remote Controls, Hobbyist and Educational Prototyping.
Appliance Control (Microwave / Washer UI)
The PIC16LC57C-04I/P suits appliance user-interface and motor-control logic boards where the 20 I/O pins drive 7-segment displays, keypads, relays, and buzzer outputs. Its 3KB OTP memory fits compact state-machine firmware for washing-machine cycles or microwave user interfaces, while the 4 MHz clock is sufficient for debounced switch scanning at <10 ms latency. The wide 3.3V/5V supply flexibility lets it share the same board with both 3.3V logic-level sensors and 5V relay drivers, eliminating level shifters. Through-hole PDIP also simplifies factory rework in high-volume appliance production.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC16LC57C-04I/P's LC sub-family wide voltage range (down to ~2.5V) makes it well suited for 2xAA or 2xAAA battery-powered sensor nodes reading temperature, humidity, or contact closures. At 4 MHz from a 3V rail, the device still provides deterministic 1 microsecond instruction cycles for time-stamping sensor events. The 20 I/O pins can multiplex multiple analog channels through external FETs, while the watchdog timer prevents lockup in unattended field installations. Its 72-byte RAM accommodates small circular buffers for periodic data logging before transmission.
Recommended
LED Display and Lighting Controllers
In LED chaser, signage, or decorative lighting controllers, the PIC16LC57C-04I/P drives up to 20 individual LED channels directly through current-limit resistors, or multiplexes larger LED matrices via external drivers. Its 4 MHz execution rate supports refresh rates above 100 Hz for 8x8 matrix displays without visible flicker. The OTP memory is ideal for fixed animation patterns in commercial signage where code is locked at production. Industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation in enclosed fixtures where ambient temperatures may rise above 60C during continuous duty.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Peripherals
The PIC16LC57C-04I/P fits industrial peripheral modules such as counter/timer front-ends, simple PLC expansion I/O, and remote terminal unit (RTU) sub-assemblies. Its watchdog timer and -40C to +85C industrial temperature range ensure deterministic operation on factory floors with electrical noise and thermal stress. The 20 I/O pins handle a mix of opto-isolated inputs, relay outputs, and RS-232/RS-485 transceiver handshake lines. Through-hole PDIP assembly simplifies field servicing and module replacement in legacy installations still using socketed MCU designs.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote Controls
Low-cost IR/RF remote controls, smart-home keypads, and toy controllers benefit from the PIC16LC57C-04I/P's small footprint, OTP memory, and low component count. Its 4 MHz clock encodes standard RC5/ NEC protocol bitstreams at 38 kHz carrier without timing issues. The 72 bytes RAM holds button scan tables and last-state flags, while 3KB OTP fits feature-rich remote firmware including pairing logic and battery-low indicators. Industrial temperature grade ensures stable operation across living-room and outdoor environments.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Prototyping
The PIC16LC57C-04I/P through-hole PDIP package is well loved by hobbyists, students, and makers because it fits standard breadboards and IC sockets without soldering. Universities teaching embedded systems use this part for assembly-language and architecture labs where students can hand-solder and replace the MCU between exercises. Its simple 33-instruction RISC set keeps the learning curve manageable while still demonstrating real-world MCU concepts like timers, interrupts, and watchdog handling. DIP-28 sockets also allow quick firmware experiments with multiple OTP samples.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC57C-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-04I/P | PIC16CR57C-04I/P | PIC16LC57C-04I/SP | PIC16C57C-04I/SP | PIC16LC56A-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (through-hole) | 28-pin PDIP - same | 28-pin PDIP - same | 28-pin SPDIP - same pinout, narrower body | 28-pin SPDIP - same | 28-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP - same | 3 KB ROM - mask-programmed | 3 KB OTP - same | 3 KB OTP - same | 1 KB OTP - reduced |
| Operating Voltage | Wide (LC sub-family, ~2.5V to 6.0V) | 5V only (4.0V to 6.0V) | 5V only | Wide (LC) - same | 5V only | Wide (LC) - same |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 12 |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time programmable) | OTP | Mask ROM (factory programmed) | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | Industrial |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage LC sub-family with wide Vdd range (vs PIC16C57C-04I/P)
- 20 I/O pins with full PORT A/B/C structure (vs PIC16LC56A-04I/P)
- OTP allows flexible per-unit programming (vs PIC16CR57C-04I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC57C-04I/P uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) memory - once programmed, code cannot be erased or rewritten. Validate firmware exhaustively on a flash-based equivalent (such as PIC16F57, though it uses 14-bit core) or on a socketed prototype with EPROM-windowed PIC16C57C before committing to OTP volume programming. A single bug in production firmware means scrapping the entire OTP batch. Use Microchip's PICkit 3 or ICD programmers for development, then transition to a production programmer for OTP.
The LC sub-family supports operation down to approximately 2.5V, but confirm exact Vdd min/max from the PIC16C5X datasheet electrical characteristics table. At 4 MHz clock, supply current typically rises to a few mA; for battery-powered designs, consider the slower PIC16LC54C variant or use sleep mode aggressively. Decoupling: place a 0.1 microfarat ceramic capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd/Vss pins (pins 1/5 and 28/14). Add a 10 microfarat bulk capacitor if the supply rail shares digital and analog loads.
Through-hole PDIP assembly tolerates hand-soldering and IC sockets, but designers transitioning to surface-mount should consider the equivalent SSOP variant (PIC16LC57C-04I/SS) for production. Reserve a 4-pin header footprint for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) connections even if final production skips the header - this enables field firmware updates on engineering units. Route MCLR (pin 4) with a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd and a 100 nF cap to Vss for proper reset behavior.
The PIC16LC57C-04I/P's CMOS I/O pins have TTL-compatible input thresholds on PORT B and CMOS thresholds on PORT A and PORT C, per the PIC16C5X family datasheet. Schmitt-trigger inputs are NOT available on all ports - if designing with slow-rising signals (RC filters, long cables), add an external Schmitt trigger (e.g., 74HC14) or use software debouncing. Maximum source/sink current per pin is 25 mA, with a total package limit of 100 mA - budget LED and relay drive currents accordingly.
Compliance Information
Compliance flags not present in the verified web data. The PIC16LC57C-04I/P is an NRND legacy MCU from Microchip; lead-free and RoHS status should be confirmed directly with Microchip product documentation. AEC-Q100 not applicable for general-purpose industrial/consumer MCUs.
