PIC16LC57CT-04/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 3KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC57CT-04/SS ⚠ Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.5 | $7.50 |
| 10 | $6.85 | $68.50 |
| 100 | $6.1 | $610.00 |
| 500 | $5.45 | $2,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.9 | $4,900.00 |
PIC16LC57CT-04/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral I/O onto one silicon die, allowing it to read sensors, drive outputs, and execute user firmware without external logic. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C5X family sits in the 8-bit RISC MCU segment, alongside other legacy PIC microcontrollers that prioritized deterministic instruction execution and code density (12-bit wide instructions yield roughly 2:1 code compression over 8-bit-wide instruction MCUs of the same era). The 'LC' prefix indicates the low-power CMOS process variant designed for battery-aware designs, and the 'T' suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging.
Key features of the PIC16LC57CT-04/SS include 4 MHz maximum operating frequency (the '04' speed grade), 3 KB OTP program memory organized as 2K x 12, a Harvard RISC architecture with only 33 single-word/ single-cycle instructions, 20 general-purpose digital I/O pins multiplexed with peripheral functions, an internal Power-On Reset, a Watchdog Timer for runaway code recovery, and a commercial temperature grade. The OTP memory allows one-time field programming using standard EPROM programmers, which is useful for low-volume production or design validation before ROM mask versions are ordered.
Architecturally, the PIC16C5X uses a 12-bit instruction word with a two-stage pipeline, where every instruction (except branches) executes in one oscillator cycle, giving 4 MIPS at 4 MHz clock. The 8-bit ALU operates on a 7-level hardware stack for subroutine nesting, and 25 special-function registers control I/O and peripheral configuration. Compared with 8051-class MCUs of the same era, the PIC16C5X delivers significantly higher code density and a much smaller die footprint, but lacks on-chip Flash and modern peripherals such as UART, ADC, or PWM hardware.
Typical applications for this device include legacy industrial control logic, appliance controllers, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, simple state machines, and educational or hobby projects where a 4 MHz 8-bit controller is sufficient. It is also used as a cost-down mask-ROM alternate to higher-end PIC microcontrollers in volume production.
When designing with the PIC16LC57CT-04/SS, note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit; develop code on a windowed (UV-erasable) or flash-based PIC variant and validate firmware completely before ordering OTP parts. The device is now considered legacy; verify long-term availability before committing to new designs.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, parametric data, same-brand drop-in alternatives within the PIC16C5X family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC57CT-04/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 PIC16LC57CT-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Supply Voltage Range, Program Memory Size, Core.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC57C-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.235 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-04/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC56A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC57CT-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| EEPROM Size | 0 bytes (none on-chip) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 12 bits |
| Number of Instructions | 33 (single-word, single-cycle except branches) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel (T) |
PIC16LC57CT-04/SS 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/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| 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 crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock output (Fosc/4) |
| 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 | VDD — Positive supply (5 V) |
| Pin 26 | RD0 — Bidirectional I/O port D bit 0 |
| Pin 27 | RD1 — Bidirectional I/O port D bit 1 |
| Pin 28 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC57CT-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Control Logic, Appliance User Interface Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends, Simple State-Machine Controllers, Educational and Hobby Embedded Projects, Low-Volume Mask-ROM Downgrade Products.
Legacy Industrial Control Logic
The PIC16LC57CT-04/SS suits legacy industrial control panels where a deterministic 4 MHz RISC core and 3 KB of OTP code deliver state-machine logic for relay sequencing, indicator lamp control, and discrete I/O expansion. Its 20 I/O lines and 5 V supply align with industrial 24 V-sensed signal conditioning front-ends, and the LC low-power CMOS process minimizes quiescent current in always-on panels. Compared with a 16-bit MCU, the 8-bit PIC16C5X keeps cost low while still offering a Watchdog Timer and Power-On Reset required by IEC 61131-style reliability expectations. Use it where a long-lived firmware image and absence of in-system reprogramming are acceptable.
Recommended
Appliance User Interface Controllers
Inside a washing machine, microwave, or dishwasher user-interface board, the PIC16LC57CT-04/SS provides a low-cost 8-bit core that scans keypads, drives 7-segment or LED indicators, and supervises basic safety interlocks. Its 4 MHz throughput is sufficient for switch-debounce, rotary-encoder handling, and triac-fire timing, while the 3 KB OTP program memory holds well-tested firmware that does not need field updates. The 28-SSOP footprint keeps the BOM compact for tight UI board layouts, and the LC process keeps standby current low enough to meet energy-star idle budgets.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends
The PIC16LC57CT-04/SS works well as a co-processor in sensor modules, executing linearization routines for thermistor or strain-gauge bridges, and forwarding calibrated digital values over GPIO bit-banged protocols. Its 8-bit ALU and 4 MHz clock are adequate for polynomial correction at modest sample rates, and the 20 I/O lines handle multiple analog-multiplexer channels via on-chip comparators or external ADC ICs. The Watchdog Timer recovers from firmware faults common in electrically noisy industrial sensor environments, and the LC process keeps self-heating low to avoid corrupting precision analog measurements.
Recommended
Simple State-Machine Controllers
For finite-state-machine applications such as automatic test fixtures, vending machine actuators, or traffic-control logic, the PIC16LC57CT-04/SS provides a predictable 8-bit RISC core with 33 single-cycle instructions, enabling tight event-loop timing. The 3 KB OTP fits typical state tables plus I/O handling, while the 7-level hardware stack accommodates nested interrupt service routines without software stack emulation. Its SSOP-28 footprint is widely available on evaluation boards, and the LC CMOS process keeps standby current low for battery-backed or energy-harvesting fixtures.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Embedded Projects
Hobbyists and university embedded-systems classes use the PIC16LC57CT-04/SS to teach 8-bit microcontroller fundamentals, RISC pipeline concepts, and OTP-vs-Flash tradeoffs on a real production part. Its 20 I/O pins drive LEDs, switches, and simple character LCDs, while the 3 KB OTP memory fits introductory lesson firmware. The 28-SSOP package is easy to breadboard with adapter boards, and the low-cost LC CMOS variant lets students keep lab kits affordable. Pairing it with the PICkit programmer and MPLAB X IDE provides a complete classroom learning platform.
Recommended
Low-Volume Mask-ROM Downgrade Products
After firmware is fully validated on Flash or windowed PIC16 variants, the PIC16LC57CT-04/SS serves as the cost-down production MCU for low-volume product lines where OTP programming cost is acceptable. The LC low-power CMOS process keeps per-unit quiescent current low across the temperature range, and the 28-SSOP footprint is shared with most PIC16C5X and PIC16F887-class parts, simplifying BOM reuse. Once volume justifies the mask-ROM NRE, designers typically migrate to a ROM-coded PIC16CR57C or a Flash-based PIC16F1xxx part for the next product revision.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC57CT-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC57C-04I/SS | PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS | PIC16C57C-04/SS | PIC16C57CT-04/SS | PIC16LC56A-04/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| 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 OTP (2K x 12) | 1 KB OTP (smaller) |
| Process Variant | LC (low-power CMOS) | LC (low-power CMOS) | LC (low-power CMOS) | Standard CMOS | Standard CMOS | LC (low-power CMOS) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tube (non-T) | Tape & Reel | Tube (non-T) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible | Yes (this part) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in, smaller memory) |
Key Differentiators
- Low-power CMOS process variant with reduced quiescent current (vs PIC16C57C-04/SS)
- Commercial temperature range for low-cost applications (vs PIC16LC57C-04I/SS)
- Larger program memory than the PIC16LC56A sibling (vs PIC16LC56A-04/SS)
Design Notes
Because PIC16LC57CT-04/SS uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) EPROM, it cannot be re-programmed in-circuit. Any firmware bug discovered after programming bricks the device and forces replacement. Always validate firmware on a Flash-based PIC16F variant (for example PIC16F877A-I/P) or a windowed PIC16C57C JW device before committing to OTP production parts.
The LC (low-power CMOS) process variant reduces quiescent current relative to the standard PIC16C57C, making it suitable for battery-backed or standby applications. Decouple VDD (pin 25) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or electrolytic cap on the 5 V rail to suppress supply glitches during MCLR transitions.
The 28-SSOP package has 0.65 mm pitch gull-wing leads that require careful PCB layout: keep solder mask dams between pads, and use a fine-pitch soldering profile with peak temperature under 250C to avoid lifting the small gull-wing leads. Place the MCLR/VPP pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm to VDD) close to pin 4 to ensure clean reset behavior, and route the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric for stable oscillator operation.
The PIC16LC57CT-04/SS has only 20 usable I/O pins despite the 28-SSOP package; the remaining 8 pins are dedicated to VDD, VSS, MCLR/VPP, OSC1, OSC2, and two redundant VSS/VDD pins. Plan your PCB I/O assignment to avoid wasting pins on functions that could be moved to existing port pins, and route the high-current switching outputs (driving relays or LEDs) on RC0-RC7 to balance thermal dissipation across the die.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not present in the verified web data for this legacy OTP MCU - consult Microchip product compliance documentation. AEC-Q100 not applicable (legacy commercial/industrial part, not automotive qualified).
