PIC16LC63AT-04/SO - 4MHz 8-bit MCU 7KB OTP 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC63AT-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.95 | $5.95 |
| 10 | $5.35 | $53.50 |
| 100 | $4.72 | $472.00 |
| 500 | $4.15 | $2,075.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.7 | $3,700.00 |
PIC16LC63AT-04/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripheral interfaces. The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO belongs to the PIC16C mid-range architecture, a Harvard RISC design with separate program and data buses. Positioned in the broader hierarchy, it is a microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. This taxonomy matters for engineers sourcing drop-in equivalents, because mid-range PIC MCUs share instruction sets, peripheral sets, and pinouts within the family, enabling code portability across the PIC16C6x/6xx/7xx lines.
Key features include 22 I/O pins, an integrated 8-channel 8-bit A/D converter, USART, MSSP (SPI/I2C) interface, two 8-bit timers and one 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM, a 14-bit instruction word, and 35 single-word instructions for compact code. The OTP memory provides one-time programmability, typically used in production volumes where code is finalized. Power management features include dual on-chip voltage regulators, power-on reset, brown-out reset, and a watchdog timer for reliable field operation.
The PIC16LC63A architecture uses a fully-static CMOS design with a 4-stage pipeline for single-cycle instruction execution (program branches take 2 cycles). The high-performance RISC CPU delivers predictable timing suitable for real-time control loops, while integrated peripherals eliminate the need for external ADC, UART, or timer ICs, reducing BOM cost. The 'LC' (Low-voltage CMOS) designation confirms 3.0V minimum operation, distinguishing it from standard 'C' parts that require 4.5V minimum.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, consumer electronics user interfaces, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip ADC, motor control with PWM, and embedded communication nodes using USART or I2C. Its 22 I/O lines and 28-SOIC footprint suit mid-density designs that require analog inputs without external ADC cost.
When designing with the PIC16LC63AT-04/SO, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed, so this part targets mature, high-volume production where firmware is stable. Use the windowed JW variant for development. Ensure MPLAB X IDE with MPASM or XC16C compiler is configured for the PIC16C63A device ID, and verify the 28-SOIC PCB footprint matches standard 1.27 mm pitch SOIC land patterns.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16C6x alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC63AT-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 PIC16LC63AT-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC63A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63AT-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC63A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC62BT-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63-04/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC63AT-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16CXX Mid-Range |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| ADC | Integrated (per datasheet family description) |
| USART | 1 (per datasheet family description) |
| MSSP (SPI/I2C) | 1 (per datasheet family description) |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + one 16-bit (per datasheet family description) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit wide |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial, per MicrochipUSA) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (per datasheet family description) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes (per datasheet family description) |
| Speed Grade Suffix | 04 (4 MHz) |
| Packaging Suffix | T (Tape & Reel) |
PIC16LC63AT-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 3 / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN4/SS — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Bidirectional I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture-Compare-PWM 2 |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — Bidirectional I/O / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 |
| Pin 11 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RD0 — Bidirectional I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 13 | RD1 — Bidirectional I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 14 | RD2 — Bidirectional I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 15 | RD3 — Bidirectional I/O (PORTD) |
| Pin 16 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Bidirectional I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 17 | RC5/SDO — Bidirectional I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 18 | RC6/TX/CK — Bidirectional I/O / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 19 | RC7/RX/DT — Bidirectional I/O / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 21 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 22 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 23 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 24 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 25 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 26 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 27 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 28 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC63AT-04/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Consumer Electronics User Interfaces, Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip ADC, Motor Control with PWM, Embedded Communication Nodes (USART/SPI/I2C), Low-Voltage Battery-Powered Devices, Educational and Hobbyist Microcontroller Projects.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO suits industrial automation with 22 I/O lines for sensor and relay interfacing, integrated A/D for analog monitoring, and USART for PLC communication. Its 3.0V to 5.5V supply range tolerates industrial 24V bus-derived rails after regulation. The 4 MHz clock is sufficient for control logic and slow-speed serial protocols (RS-232/485). Compared to higher-cost ARM Cortex-M0 MCUs, the PIC16LC63A offers deterministic RISC timing and a mature MPLAB X toolchain, reducing firmware development risk in safety-critical industrial nodes.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics User Interfaces
The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO drives consumer user interfaces including key-scan matrices, LED indicators, LCD segment control via I/O expansion, and button debouncing logic. Its 22 I/O lines and integrated 8-bit ADC support direct connection to potentiometers, light sensors, and battery monitors without external ICs. The OTP memory suits high-volume products where firmware is finalized and cost-per-unit matters more than field upgradability. The 28-SOIC package is compatible with standard SMT assembly lines used in consumer electronics manufacturing.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip ADC
The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO integrates an 8-channel 8-bit A/D converter that digitizes analog sensor signals directly, eliminating external ADC cost. Typical sensor interfaces include thermistors (NTC/PTC), photodiodes, and 4-20 mA current-loop transducers (with external shunt). The integrated ADC with sample-and-hold supports up to 8 analog inputs multiplexed through AN0-AN7 pins. The 4 MHz clock allows sequential ADC sampling at the datasheet-specified 5-50 us conversion rates, sufficient for environmental monitoring and process control loops.
Recommended
Motor Control with PWM
The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO implements DC motor speed control and stepper motor sequencing via its Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module on the RC2/CCP1 pin. The 16-bit timer provides PWM frequency control up to the 4 MHz system clock rate, supporting DC brushed motors, small BLDC drivers, and solenoid actuation. The OTP memory is suited for high-volume motor control products with stable firmware. Compared to dedicated motor-control ICs, this PIC16C63A-based approach offers flexibility (firmware-driven control law) at lower BOM cost for sub-100W applications.
Recommended
Embedded Communication Nodes (USART/SPI/I2C)
The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO functions as a slave communication node in multi-device networks, using its integrated USART (RC6/RX, RC7/TX) for RS-232/485 links and MSSP for SPI or I2C peripherals. The 192-byte RAM supports modest buffering for protocol stacks. Typical deployments include sensor hubs reporting to a central controller, or peripheral controllers interfacing with EEPROMS, displays, and A/D converters via SPI/I2C. The 28-SOIC footprint allows drop-in replacement with higher-memory PIC16F73 if firmware upgrades are anticipated.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Battery-Powered Devices
The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO operates from 3.0V minimum, enabling direct connection to 2xAA alkaline (3.0V) or single-cell Li-ion (3.3V) batteries without boost converters. The 'LC' low-voltage CMOS design reduces quiescent current versus standard PIC16C63A, extending battery life in portable products. Combined with sleep mode and watchdog timer, this MCU suits remote controls, wireless sensor nodes, and handheld instruments. The 28-SOIC package is compatible with compact handheld PCB layouts where board space is at a premium.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Microcontroller Projects
The PIC16LC63AT-04/SO serves as a teaching platform for 8-bit RISC architecture fundamentals, with the 35-instruction PIC16CXX mid-range instruction set being widely documented in textbooks and online tutorials. Its 28-SOIC package is breadboard-compatible via SOIC-to-DIP adapters. Hobbyists benefit from the extensive Microchip MPLAB X IDE ecosystem, MPASM assembler, and XC8 C compiler. OTP memory teaches the production mindset (commit code once) versus iterative Flash development, preparing students for manufacturing-engineering roles.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC63AT-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC63A-04/SO | PIC16LC63AT-04I/SO | PIC16LC63A-04I/SO | PIC16LC62BT-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | OTP (smaller; exact size from datasheet) |
| Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 3.0V to 5.5V supply voltage enables direct battery operation (vs Standard PIC16C63A (4.5V to 5.5V))
- Industrial temperature grade variant available with same silicon (vs PIC16LC63AT-04/SO (commercial 0C to +70C))
- Higher memory and more peripherals versus PIC16LC62B family (vs PIC16LC62BT-04I/SO)
Design Notes
The 28-SOIC footprint uses 1.27 mm (0.050 in) pin pitch and 7.50 mm (0.295 in) body width. Ensure PCB land pattern follows IPC-SM-782 standard SOIC-28 dimensions with pad width of 0.40 mm minimum and length of 1.55 mm. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 21) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the board power-entry point. The MCLR pin (pin 1) needs a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; do not leave floating.
OTP memory can be programmed only once. Verify firmware thoroughly with the windowed PIC16LC63A-04/JW variant before committing to the OTP PIC16LC63AT-04/SO for production. Programming the OTP incorrectly bricks the part permanently. Use a Microchip-approved programmer (PICkit 3, MPLAB ICD 3/4) with the PIC16C63A device ID selected; ensure high-voltage (13V) VPP is applied during programming cycle per datasheet specifications.
Estimated: At 5.5 V VDD, 4 MHz clock, and 22 I/O active with 10 mA load each, total power dissipation is approximately 220 mW. The 28-SOIC package has thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W on a 1-oz copper 2-layer board, leading to ~11 C junction rise above ambient at full load. For wide-temperature industrial applications, derate I/O drive or reduce clock below 4 MHz to stay within thermal limits.
Keep the crystal oscillator traces (OSC1/CLKIN pin 6, OSC2/CLKOUT pin 7) short and surrounded by ground pour to minimize EMI pickup. Place the crystal within 5 mm of the MCU pins with symmetric trace lengths (length matching within 1 mm). For noise-sensitive analog applications using the ADC, separate analog AVSS/AVDD traces (if used) from digital VDD traces to avoid digital switching noise coupling into ADC readings.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not present in the verified web data; marked as unknown per Data Authenticity Rules. AEC-Q100 not applicable for non-automotive 8-bit MCU.
