PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.8137 | $2.81 |
| 10 | $2.6 | $26.00 |
| 100 | $2.3 | $230.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.235 | $1,235.00 |
PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that combines a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral set on one silicon die. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the OTP/EPROM-based CMOS 8-bit MCU category, which sits within the broader microcontroller taxonomy of: MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> PIC family. These devices are optimized for low-power operation, simple peripheral integration, and small-form-factor designs.
Key features of the PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS include a 33-instruction RISC instruction set with 12-bit-wide opcodes yielding approximately 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit architectures, a Power-on Reset (POR) circuit, an integrated Watchdog Timer (WDT) with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, an 8-bit real-time timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, and a programmable code-protection mechanism. The industrial-grade -40C to +85C operating range and SSOP-28 footprint make it well suited for space-constrained designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 12-bit instruction word, and a two-stage pipeline that allows most instructions to execute in a single clock cycle at 4 MHz (250 ns instruction time). On-chip peripherals are mapped to a small register file to keep context-switch latency minimal.
Typical applications include low-cost appliance controllers, remote sensor signal conditioning, LED driver sequencers, simple user-interface panels, battery chargers, and consumer white-goods motor controllers. Industrial uses span logic replacement, smart metering peripherals, and cable equalization front-ends.
When designing with this part, derate clock speed at high temperature corners and verify that the EPROM programming algorithm timing (per Microchip programming specification) is observed to avoid OTP programming failures. The "T" suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging and "I" denotes the industrial temperature grade.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, SSOP-28 drop-in alternatives drawn from the same PIC16C5X silicon family, and design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate sourcing and PCB bring-up decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC57CT-04I/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-04I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC56A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC56A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54A-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC505T-04/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Core Architecture | Harvard, 12-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 250 ns at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm Width) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| On-chip Peripherals | POR, WDT, 8-bit Timer/Counter with 8-bit prescaler |
| Packaging Code | T/R (Tape and Reel) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | OSC1 — Crystal/Resonator oscillator input |
| Pin 6 | OSC2 — Crystal/Resonator oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | T0CKI — Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (+5 V) |
| Pin 26 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Appliance Control, Remote Sensor Signal Conditioning, LED Driver Sequencing, Simple User-Interface Panels, Battery Charger Controllers, Logic Replacement / Glue Logic Consolidation.
Low-Cost Appliance Control
The PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS fits appliance control boards such as coffee makers, microwave user interfaces, washing-machine timers, and toaster oven controllers. The device's 3 KB OTP program memory holds small finite-state-machine control loops, its 4 MHz clock provides deterministic 250 ns instruction timing suitable for TRIAC zero-crossing and relay debounce routines, and its 20 I/O pins directly drive multiplex LED displays, keypads, and optotriac outputs. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade supports kitchen and laundry-room thermal environments. Compared with a discrete logic-replacement design using 74HC-series gates, the PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS cuts board area by ~60% and reduces BOM cost. OTP is acceptable because appliance firmware is locked at production and never field-updated.
Recommended
Remote Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS suits remote sensor signal-conditioning nodes that aggregate analog sensor readings (thermistor, photodiode, humidity) and forward them over a simple UART or one-wire protocol. Its on-chip 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler supports precise sensor-sampling intervals without an external RTC, and the integrated Watchdog Timer protects unattended nodes from software lock-ups. The 4.5-5.5 V supply range pairs naturally with 5 V rail-powered sensor bridges. With 20 I/O pins, the MCU can directly multiplex up to four sensor channels plus an LED status indicator and a UART link, eliminating the need for external I/O expanders. Its low-cost OTP programming matches the small-batch production volumes typical of industrial sensor modules.
Recommended
LED Driver Sequencing
The PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS acts as a sequencer for multi-channel LED drivers in decorative lighting, signage, and status-indicator panels. Its 4 MHz clock supports PWM generation at audio-band-above frequencies to avoid flicker, and 20 I/O pins drive up to 20 LED channels directly through current-limit resistors, or fewer high-current channels through external MOSFETs. The 3 KB OTP program memory stores multi-pattern chase, fade, and color-mixing sequences. Industrial temperature grade tolerates enclosed fixture environments. Compared with dedicated LED-driver ICs, this general-purpose MCU approach enables custom protocols, OTA-style pattern updates at production time, and unique animations differentiated by firmware rather than hardware.
Recommended
Simple User-Interface Panels
The PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS powers user-interface panels with keypads, 7-segment displays, and buzzer feedback in industrial controllers and consumer appliances. The Harvard architecture's 12-bit instructions deliver efficient I/O bit manipulation - critical for matrix-keypad scanning without introducing scan-rate jitter. With 20 I/O pins, the MCU drives a 4x4 keypad plus 4-digit 7-segment display directly, with no external logic. The 72-byte RAM holds debounce state and display-refresh buffers. OTP programming suits high-volume UI panels where firmware is finalized and locked. Power-on Reset and Watchdog Timer ensure clean recovery from brown-out or keypad-induced ESD events in factory-floor panels.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controllers
The PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS functions as a NiCd, NiMH, or simple Li-ion charger controller in low-cost consumer battery packs. Its 4 MHz clock supports accurate charge-timing algorithms (-deltaV detection for NiMH, timer-based termination for NiCd), and its integrated ADC-less architecture pairs with external comparators for voltage and current sensing. The Watchdog Timer guards against charge-state-machine lock-ups. OTP suits the high-volume, fixed-algorithm nature of consumer battery chargers where field firmware updates are not required. The industrial temperature grade tolerates warm charging environments, and 20 I/O pins drive charge-status LEDs, enable FETs, and temperature-sense inputs.
Recommended
Logic Replacement / Glue Logic Consolidation
The PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS replaces discrete 74HC-series glue logic in legacy industrial control boards, integrating state machines, pulse generators, and timing circuits into one 28-pin SSOP device. Compared to a board populated with 74HC00, 74HC74, 74HC123, and 74HC138, this MCU approach consolidates 4-6 logic packages into one, reducing PCB area by ~70%, lowering BOM cost, and enabling post-design logic changes via OTP reprogramming. Its 4 MHz clock supports 250 ns response time - faster than typical mechanical-relay or contactor debounce requirements. The 20 I/O pins accommodate direct wire-OR replacements of standard SSI/MSI logic functions, and industrial temperature grade maintains timing accuracy across factory-floor thermal swings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC57C-04I/SO | PIC16LC56A-04/SS | PIC16LC56A-04I/SS | PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS | PIC16LC54A-04E/SS | PIC16LC505T-04/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm) | 28-SOIC (0.300", 7.50 mm) - differs | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP | 3 KB (2K x 12) OTP | 1 KB (1K x 12) OTP | 1 KB (1K x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B OTP | 1.5 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 12 | 12 | 20 |
Key Differentiators
- 3 KB OTP program memory - the highest memory variant in the PIC16C5X SSOP-28 family (vs PIC16LC56A-04I/SS)
- 20 I/O pins - matches the maximum I/O count for the PIC16C5X SSOP-28 family (vs PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS)
- Industrial temperature grade with verified distributor stock and supply chain (vs PIC16LC56A-04/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as physically possible to the VDD pin (pin 25) of the PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS, with the ground return via a short trace to the VSS pin (pin 7). For SSOP-28 packages, use a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic cap on the bottom side of the board directly under the IC. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer cap on the +5 V rail within 25 mm of the device to suppress voltage transients from relay or motor switching on the same supply. Avoid running digital signal traces under the SSOP-28 body to minimize crosstalk into adjacent analog sensor lines.
The PIC16LC57CT-04I/SS uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory - once programmed, the firmware cannot be erased or rewritten. A single bit error in the OTP programming sequence bricks the device permanently. Always verify the programming algorithm timing (per Microchip programming specification) and use a verified programming fixture before production runs. Common pitfalls include: (1) failing to observe VDD ramp-up timing before MCLR release, (2) incorrect oscillator start-up delay configuration bits, and (3) code-protection bit set before verification read-back. For development, use PIC16F57 (Flash) or PIC16CR57 (ROM) prototypes first.
The MCLR pin (pin 26) requires careful reset-circuit design. Do not leave MCLR floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor and place a 100 nF cap to ground for noise filtering. The MCLR trace should be short and kept away from high-frequency switching nodes (relay coils, motor drivers) to prevent spurious resets. For in-circuit programming capability, route the MCLR signal to a programming header. The OSC1/OSC2 pins (5, 6) should be kept short and surrounded by a ground guard ring if using a crystal oscillator to prevent EMI coupling into adjacent analog sensor pins.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page and distributor listings (Hotenda, Jotrin). AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a general-purpose MCU not qualified for automotive safety-critical applications. For automotive designs, consider PIC16F57-E/SS extended-temperature variants or PIC16F1938 (AEC-Q100 qualified).
