PIC16LC63-04I/SP - 4MHz 8-bit OTP MCU, 7KB, 28-SPDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC63-04I/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.7 | $2.70 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.3 | $230.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
PIC16LC63-04I/SP Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a self-contained compute engine that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and programmable peripheral I/O into a single silicon die. In the system hierarchy, an MCU is a subset of microcontrollers, which in turn belong to the broader category of embedded processors and ultimately semiconductors. The 'LC' suffix denotes the low-voltage CMOS variant, allowing battery-friendly operation from a 3.3V rail while retaining the classical PIC16 instruction set with 35 single-word instructions, of which all execute in one instruction cycle except program branches (two cycles). The '04' suffix indicates the 4 MHz maximum oscillator specification at low VDD, distinguishing it from the 10 MHz '10' and 20 MHz '20' speed grades.
Key features include 22 general-purpose digital I/O pins arranged across PORTA, PORTB, and PORTC, a programmable 8-bit timer with optional external event counter, a 16-bit timer/counter, an analog comparator, a USART serial port, and a synchronous serial port (SSP) supporting SPI and I2C master/slave modes. The device carries brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer (WDT) with on-chip RC oscillator, and a programmable code-protection mechanism. The interrupt structure handles wake-up from Sleep on peripheral events. The 28-SPDIP package exposes all peripherals and supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two dedicated pins.
Architecturally, the PIC16LC63 uses a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction word, and an 8-bit data path. OTP memory is programmed via ICSP and is one-time; for development, Microchip offers windowed CERDIP JW variants. The CMOS design provides low standby current suitable for battery- or line-powered embedded nodes.
Typical applications include industrial control and sensor interfacing, appliance control boards, automotive body electronics subsystems (non-safety), low-power remote sensor nodes, and simple user-interface controllers. The 28-pin SPDIP format is convenient for prototype-breadout testing and through-hole assembly on legacy boards. Industrial designers favor the SPDIP for ease of socket replacement during development and field service.
When designing with this part, note that the '04' speed grade tops out at 4 MHz; select the 10 or 20 MHz variant for compute-bound tasks. The 7KB OTP memory is sufficient for firmware up to approximately 4,000 single-word instructions. Plan for VDD decoupling with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor close to the supply pins, and reserve the ICSPDAT/ICSPCLK pins for in-system programming access.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not gathered in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving procurement and engineering teams a single decision reference.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC63-04I/SP — 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 PIC16LC63-04I/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, ADC, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-04I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.36 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63-10I/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC63T-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63-04I/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None on this variant |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Cycle | 1 cycle (2 cycles for program branches) |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit) and Timer1 (16-bit) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART, SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Analog Peripherals | Analog comparator |
| Special Features | Brown-out reset, Power-on reset, Watchdog timer, ICSP, Code protection |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC63-04I/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 (on A-revision) |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 (on A-revision) |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 (on A-revision) |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3-5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 14 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 15 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 16 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 17 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 19 | RB6/PGC-ICSP — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 20 | RB7/PGD-ICSP — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 output (A-revision) |
| Pin 24 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 25 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 26 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 27 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 28 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC63-04I/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Appliance Control Board, Low-Power Remote Sensor Node, Automotive Body Electronics Subsystem, User Interface / HMI Controller, Prototype and Educational Development Platform.
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16LC63-04I/SP is well suited to industrial sensor interface modules that require stable 3.3V or 5V operation with digital-only I/O. With 22 GPIO lines, the MCU can directly scan a 4x4 matrix keypad, drive indicator LEDs, and read multiple optocoupler-isolated digital inputs from limit switches or proximity sensors. The 4 MHz clock is more than sufficient for 100 Hz sensor polling and the USART easily handles RS-485 Modbus RTU traffic at 9600 baud. The industrial -40C to +85C rating matches IEC 60068-2-1/2 environmental expectations for factory-floor cabinets. The 7KB OTP program memory accommodates state-machine firmware plus a small command parser without external storage. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer provide deterministic recovery from supply glitches common in motor-drive cabinets.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
Home appliance control boards - washing machines, microwave ovens, induction cooktops - frequently use 8-bit PIC MCUs because the firmware complexity is modest and BOM cost dominates. The PIC16LC63-04I/SP supplies 22 I/O lines for relay drivers, triac interfaces, segment displays, and tactile keypads. Its 7KB OTP memory holds UI flow plus safety state machines, while the 192-byte RAM is sufficient for timers and counters without dynamic allocation. The internal brown-out reset protects against brown-outs during compressor inrush, and the analog comparator enables zero-cross detection for triac firing. The 28-SPDIP through-hole package is favored in this segment because it survives hand-soldered rework and is easy to socket for field replacement.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Sensor Node
Battery-powered remote sensor nodes - such as wireless environmental monitors, irrigation soil-moisture sensors, and asset trackers - benefit from the 'LC' low-voltage CMOS variant of the PIC16LC63. The 3.0V minimum VDD allows direct connection to two AA alkaline cells without a boost converter, increasing overall efficiency. Sleep-mode current is dominated by the watchdog timer; the 4 MHz grade's instruction throughput allows the MCU to wake, take a measurement, transmit via USART or SPI, and return to sleep within milliseconds. The 7KB OTP memory holds small packet-formatting libraries, and 192-byte RAM is enough for buffering a single Modbus or LoRaWAN-style frame before transmission. Industrial temperature rating supports outdoor enclosures in cold-climate deployments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Subsystem
Non-safety automotive body electronics - interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, mirror adjusters, and HVAC blend-door actuators - traditionally use 8-bit PIC MCUs. The PIC16LC63-04I/SP integrates the necessary peripherals: USART for LIN-bus or K-line communication, Timer0/Timer1 for PWM-driven DC motor control, and 22 GPIO for switch scanning and LED drivers. The 4 MHz grade and 3-5.5V supply range tolerate 12V battery transients after a downstream regulator. The industrial temperature rating covers under-dash thermal environments. Note that for any safety-critical function, migrate to AEC-Q100-qualified parts such as the PIC16F15344-I/SP family. The 28-SPDIP package supports through-hole assembly common in body controller harnesses.
Recommended
User Interface / HMI Controller
Dedicated HMI controllers for small appliances, instrumentation front panels, and kiosk peripherals often offload keypad scanning, debounce, and display refresh to a small PIC. The PIC16LC63-04I/SP handles a 4x4 matrix keypad, drives a character LCD via 4-bit parallel interface, and communicates with a host processor over USART or SPI. The 22 GPIO lines comfortably cover keypad, LCD data lines, backlight PWM, status LEDs, and a buzzer. The 4 MHz instruction rate keeps keypad scan latency under 10 ms, perceived as instantaneous by users. The 7KB OTP memory holds keypad mapping tables and display character sets without overflow. The 28-SPDIP package is socket-friendly for field-serviceable HMI boards.
Recommended
Prototype and Educational Development Platform
Universities, training centers, and hobbyists choose the PIC16LC63-04I/SP because the 28-SPDIP package is breadboard-friendly and the PIC16 instruction set is documented in countless textbooks. Engineering students can write assembly or C code, compile with MPLAB XC8, and program the OTP memory via a PICkit 3/4 in-circuit serial programmer. The 7KB program memory accommodates a complete curriculum project - line-following robot, traffic-light controller, simple calculator - while the 192-byte RAM exercises students on banked memory management. The industrial temperature range means projects survive classroom climate swings. The through-hole package allows easy replacement if a student accidentally shorts an I/O pin.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC63-04I/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/SP | PIC16LC63-04I/SO | PIC16LC63-10I/SP | PIC16LC63T-04I/SO | PIC16LC63-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SOIC (surface-mount) | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SOIC (tape and reel) | 28-SOIC (commercial temp) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Analog Peripherals | Comparator only | 10-bit ADC + comparator | Comparator only | Comparator only | Comparator only | Comparator only |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
Key Differentiators
- Lower minimum VDD for battery operation (vs PIC16C63 (non-LC variant))
- Industrial temperature range versus commercial variants (vs PIC16LC63-04/SO)
- Drop-in SOIC upgrade without redesign (vs PIC16LC63-04I/SO)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 11) with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10uF electrolytic or tantalum on the same rail. The PIC16LC63 draws roughly 2 mA active at 4 MHz/5V and under 10 uA in Sleep mode, so the local decoupling sustains VDD during transient load steps when peripherals enable. Tie MCLR (pin 1) to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up and a 100 nF cap to ground for power-on-reset timing; do not leave MCLR floating.
Keep the 28-SPDIP socket footprint compatible with standard 0.300 inch row spacing (7.62 mm). Leave at least 1 mm clearance around the ICSP pins (RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD) for programming clip access without removing surrounding components. For production programming, route ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK to a 2x3 or 1x6 header on the board edge with no series resistors - ICSP requires direct pin access.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum VDD of 7V (per datasheet) during board bring-up - a common pitfall is feeding 12V accidentally. The '04' speed grade is rated for 4 MHz at full 3-5.5V; exceeding 4 MHz with this part can cause unstable peripheral timing or instruction corruption. For USART baud-rate generation, verify the SPBRG value against the actual Fosc, accounting for load capacitance on OSC1/OSC2. Brown-out reset voltage should be configured via the configuration word to match your supply rail.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance inferred from Microchip product page statements. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety-critical applications use AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F15344-Q1 family. Conflict-mineral compliance per Microchip CMRT filings.
