PIC16LC57CT-04/SO - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 3KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC57CT-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.45 | $6.45 |
| 10 | $5.85 | $58.50 |
| 100 | $5.15 | $515.00 |
| 500 | $4.62 | $2,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
PIC16LC57CT-04/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral I/O on one silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, microcontrollers belong to the embedded computing category, sitting alongside microprocessors, DSPs, and FPGAs. The PIC16C5X family specifically targets cost-sensitive 8-bit applications where deterministic instruction execution, low power, and small footprint outweigh the need for high computational throughput. PIC16C5X MCUs use a 12-bit instruction word (vs. 14-bit for mid-range PICs), which simplifies the decoder logic and keeps die size minimal.
Key features of the PIC16LC57CT-04/SO include 20 digital I/O pins organized across three ports (RA, RB, RC), two 8-bit timer/counters, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, and code protection. The device supports an operating voltage range of 3.0 V to 6.25 V with a commercial temperature range of 0 °C to +70 °C. Its CMOS process combined with sleep mode delivers very low standby current for always-on appliances.
The LC suffix in the part number designates the low-power CMOS process variant, distinguishing it from the standard PIC16C57 (which uses EPROM/UV erasable memory) and from the PIC16CR57 (which uses mask ROM). The T suffix indicates Tape & Reel packaging, while -04 denotes the 4 MHz speed grade. All PIC16C5X family members share a common instruction set and pinout, simplifying code portability across family members.
Typical applications include consumer appliances, simple motor control, automotive body electronics, security alarm panels, and low-cost remote-control transmitters. The 12-bit-wide OTP memory allows cost-optimized one-time programming in volume production without the tooling cost of mask ROM. The 28-SOIC package also supports automated pick-and-place assembly for medium-volume production runs.
When designing with this part, ensure your development strategy accounts for OTP memory limitations - since OTP can only be programmed once, code must be fully validated on an emulator or windowed CERDIP version (PIC16C57/JW) before committing to production. Brown-out detection and watchdog timer should be enabled for unattended installations.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16C5X family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC57CT-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 PIC16LC57CT-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Watchdog Timer, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Package, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC57C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC57CT-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC57C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC56A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC558T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC558-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554T-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC57CT-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC |
| Clock Speed (Maximum) | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) |
| Package Type | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit timer/counter |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Code Protection | Yes |
| Instruction Set | PIC16C5X (12-bit wide instructions, 33 instructions) |
| External Oscillator Type | RC or external clock input |
PIC16LC57CT-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | T0CKI — Timer0 clock input / RA4 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC57CT-04/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Security Alarm Panels, Remote Control Transmitters, Industrial Automation I/O Modules, Simple Motor Control (Brushed DC).
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LC57CT-04/SO is well-suited for consumer appliance controllers such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances. Its 4 MHz clock provides sufficient throughput for sensor polling, button debouncing, and relay sequencing, while 3 KB of OTP memory holds typical appliance firmware including state machines and timing routines. The 28-SOIC package supports automated pick-and-place assembly for medium-volume production. Compared to more expensive Flash MCUs, the OTP part reduces BOM cost in mature designs where firmware is locked. With 20 I/O pins, the device interfaces directly to LED indicators, keypads, seven-segment displays, and triac-driven load controls.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
For automotive body modules such as interior lighting, mirror controllers, and seat-position switches, the PIC16LC57CT-04/SO offers a cost-optimized solution. Note that the standard part has a commercial temperature range of 0 °C to +70 °C; for under-hood or cabin applications, use the industrial-grade PIC16LC57CT-04I/SO variant (-40 °C to +85 °C). The 28-SOIC package withstands automotive vibration profiles when properly soldered. With 3 KB of OTP, the device handles seat memory, lighting fade algorithms, and switch matrix scanning. Designers must add external EMI filtering and load-dump protection per ISO 7637-2.
Recommended
Security Alarm Panels
Security alarm panels and PIR motion detector controllers benefit from the PIC16LC57CT-04/SO's low power consumption and deterministic response. The CMOS LC process combined with sleep mode delivers standby current well below 1 mA, extending backup-battery runtime in normally-off installations. The 4 MHz clock enables fast polling of multiple zone inputs and PIR sensors within sub-millisecond response budgets. With 72 bytes of RAM and 20 I/O pins, the device interfaces directly to piezo buzzers, reed switches, and wireless RF modules. Code-protection features prevent firmware reverse engineering.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
Low-cost RF remote controls for ceiling fans, garage doors, and consumer A/V equipment commonly use PIC16C5X-family MCUs. The PIC16LC57CT-04/SO's 3 KB OTP memory holds button-matrix scan tables and transmit protocols for fixed-code or simple rolling-code systems. The 4 MHz clock supports both ASK and FSK modulation at 315 MHz / 433 MHz / 868 MHz carrier frequencies when paired with SAW-resonator-based RF transmitters. The 28-SOIC package keeps the remote hand-held unit thin and lightweight. Low-voltage operation down to 3.0 V enables single-cell lithium coin-cell battery designs.
Recommended
Industrial Automation I/O Modules
Simple industrial I/O expansion modules use the PIC16LC57CT-04/SO for digital input aggregation and relay output control. The 20 I/O pins handle up to 20 opto-isolated inputs or 20 relay-driver outputs, while the 4 MHz clock executes ladder-logic equivalents at scan rates compatible with sub-10 ms update requirements. The wide supply voltage range (3.0 V to 6.25 V) accommodates 5 V industrial backplanes. Watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator prevents lockup in electrically noisy factory environments. Code protection secures proprietary I/O mapping logic.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control (Brushed DC)
Brushed DC motor control in toys, small fans, and pump controllers leverages the PIC16LC57CT-04/SO's PWM-friendly timer architecture. Although this baseline PIC lacks a hardware PWM peripheral, software-based PWM at the 4 MHz clock generates adequate drive signals up to a few kHz for low-speed motor control. The 20 I/O pins drive H-bridge FET gates directly or via low-side switching transistors. Current sensing via ADC is not available on this baseline part, so designers rely on back-EMF or shunt-amplifier-based protection. The 28-SOIC package suits compact motor-controller PCBs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC57CT-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC57C-04/SO | PIC16LC57CT-04I/SO | PIC16LC56A-04/SO | PIC16LC558T-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC |
| Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP | 1 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 80 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 12 | 20 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| ADC | No | No | No | No | Yes (8-bit, 4 channels) |
Key Differentiators
- Low-power CMOS LC process variant of the PIC16C57 (vs PIC16C57 (standard EPROM/CMOS))
- Industrial-temperature variant available with same die (vs PIC16LC57CT-04I/SO)
- Family-internal drop-in option without firmware changes (vs PIC16LC56A-04/SO)
Design Notes
OTP memory can be programmed only ONCE. All firmware validation must be completed on a windowed CERDIP emulator (such as PIC16C57/JW, which uses UV-erasable EPROM) or on a Flash-based equivalent (PIC16F57-I/SO) before committing to PIC16LC57CT-04/SO production parts. Designing with the OTP part directly risks scrapping inventory if firmware bugs are found late in the development cycle. Always order development units from the JW package for code bring-up.
Decouple VDD with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 26) and a 10 µF bulk capacitor near the supply input. The PIC16LC57CT-04/SO can operate from 3.0 V to 6.25 V per the datasheet, but switching noise from relays or solenoids should be filtered with RC snubbers or TVS diodes at the supply input. For battery-powered applications, leverage the device's CMOS sleep mode to drop quiescent current below 1 µA.
The 28-SOIC package has a 1.27 mm pin pitch and should be routed on a 4-layer or 2-layer PCB with adequate thermal relief. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kΩ) close to the MCLR pin (pin 4) to ensure reliable reset behavior. For long MCLR traces in noisy environments, add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor between MCLR and VSS to prevent spurious resets. Keep oscillator traces short and surround them with a ground pour for noise immunity.
The PIC16LC57CT-04/SO commercial-temperature variant operates from 0 °C to +70 °C. For under-hood automotive or outdoor industrial installations, migrate to the industrial-temperature PIC16LC57CT-04I/SO variant (-40 °C to +85 °C), which shares the same die and 28-SOIC footprint. Note that the SO package has limited thermal dissipation; at sustained high clock rates and elevated ambient temperatures, ensure junction temperature stays below the datasheet limit by verifying with the thermal-resistance specification in the family datasheet.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in the Verified Web Data provided - marked as [DATA_NEEDED] in specs. Microchip Technology generally maintains a robust compliance program; consult the manufacturer product page for current certifications.
