PIC16LC64A-04/PT - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU 3.5KB OTP 44-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC64A-04/PT ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.72 | $3.72 |
| 10 | $3.42 | $34.20 |
| 100 | $3.12 | $312.00 |
| 500 | $2.82 | $1,410.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16LC64A-04/PT Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and a range of peripherals. The PIC16C family specifically targets low-cost, high-performance, fully-static 8-bit applications. The LC suffix indicates a low-power CMOS variant typically rated for 3.0V-6.0V operation, while the F suffix indicates flash. The PIC16LC64A belongs to the PIC16C mid-range sub-family, and it sits within the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor -> integrated circuit.
Key features include 33 I/O lines, an 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC, an internal oscillator option on selected parts, and synchronous/asynchronous serial port (SSP/SCI) peripherals. The LC64A is built on a fully-static CMOS process, meaning the clock can be stopped without losing internal state. Maximum supply voltage is 6V and the device supports parallel slave port for external bus interfacing, plus a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module.
Typical applications include industrial control front-ends, automotive body controllers, sensor signal conditioning, low-power remote sensor nodes, and consumer appliance interfaces. The PT (TQFP) package is suitable for space-constrained SMD designs where 33+ I/O lines are required, especially when the application needs parallel bus expansion.
Designers should note the 4MHz speed grade; if higher MIPS are needed, upgrade to a -20 or -I suffix variant. Also note the OTP memory - firmware must be finalized before production, since OTP cannot be erased. For prototypes consider the JW or QFP windowed package, or the flash-based PIC16F family. The TQFP package requires standard surface-mount reflow and a PCB with adequate thermal copper for the die.
This page consolidates distributor inventory, drop-in alternatives, and engineering design notes not assembled in the manufacturer datasheet alone - enabling faster sourcing decisions and side-by-side replacement analysis for engineers working with legacy PIC16C designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC64A-04/PT — 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 PIC16LC64A-04/PT (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, ADC, Core Architecture, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C64A-04/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC64A-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC65A-04/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC64A-04/PT Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | RISC |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 (128 bytes) |
| Number of I/O | 33 |
| Speed (Clock) | 4 MHz |
| Package | 44-TQFP (PT) |
| Package Family | TQFP / surface mount |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect, Watchdog Timer, PWM, SSP, SCI |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 6 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial, per Jotrin listing) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Series | PIC 16C |
PIC16LC64A-04/PT Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 10 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / Analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 33 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 34 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input (secondary pin for 44-TQFP) |
| Pin 31 | VSS — Ground (secondary) |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC64A-04/PT is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Front-End, Automotive Body Electronics, Low-Power Sensor Node, Consumer Appliance Interface, HVAC Control Unit, Point-of-Sale Terminal I/O, Remote Control / RF Encoder.
Industrial Control Front-End
The PIC16LC64A-04/PT's 33 GPIO and 4MHz core suit low-cost industrial controllers where sensor count is high but compute demand is modest. Engineers typically allocate the 3.5KB OTP for fixed-state control logic and the 128 bytes RAM for state variables; the brown-out detect and watchdog timer ensure brown-out/blackout recovery in noisy industrial buses. With 6V maximum supply, the device can run directly off a 5V regulated rail without level shifting, simplifying the analog front-end design. Compared with modern Cortex-M0 parts, this PIC16C variant costs less than half on obsolete-market pricing.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Although obsolete, the PIC16LC64A-04/PT is still found in automotive body control modules where temperature-grade variants (PIC16LC64A-04I/PT) were qualified to -40C to +85C. The 33 I/O drive window lifters, mirror adjusters, seat controllers, and lighting dimmers using PWM/CCP, with the SSP peripheral supporting I2C communication with body-control network sensors. The low-power CMOS process reduces quiescent draw in key-off modes. The -04 speed grade is adequate for body event rates under 1kHz, keeping power budget low across the 12V automotive rail.
Recommended
Low-Power Sensor Node
The PIC16LC64A-04/PT's LC-suffix CMOS architecture and ability to stop the clock without losing state make it suitable for battery-powered sensor nodes that wake periodically to sample and transmit. With 6V maximum supply and 4MHz max clock, the device draws tens of microamps in sleep and can be powered directly from 2-3 AA cells with a boost or buck. The SSP/SCI peripherals enable SPI sensor reads and UART data upload, while the 33 GPIO can interface with multi-channel analog multiplexer or direct digital sensors.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Interface
Household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens used PIC16LC64A-04/PT for control panels, motor sequencing and timing functions. The 33 GPIO can drive LED indicators, seven-segment displays and keypad scans, while the CCP/PWM module controls low-side motor drivers or buzzer tone generation. OTP memory locks in the appliance-specific firmware at production. According to Microchip's mid-range family datasheet, the CCP/PWM, SSP and SCI peripherals simplify appliance interface design without external logic.
Recommended
HVAC Control Unit
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems historically used the PIC16LC64A-04/PT for thermostat control, fan-speed PWM, and temperature sensing loops. The 33 I/O support keypad entry, LCD interface, and several analog channels via the 8-bit ADC, with the SSP connecting to bower locks and remote sensors. Brown-out detect protects against power-line sag when compressors switch. Designers can replace the LC64A with the PIC16LC65A-04/PT for added 192-byte RAM, or migrate to the PIC16F877A-I/PT for active production supply.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale Terminal I/O
Legacy point-of-sale terminals used PIC16LC64A-04/PT for keypad scanning, display multiplexing, and serial communication to the main processor. The 33 GPIO directly drive a 4x4 matrix keypad or multiplex a 16-digit seven-segment display, while the SCI provides UART link to the central terminal controller. The 3.5KB OTP fits state machines for keystroke buffering and protocol framing. Although modern POS uses ARM Cortex parts, existing terminals still need the LC64A for field repairs.
Recommended
Remote Control / RF Encoder
Battery-powered remote controls and RF encoder modules historically paired PIC16LC64A-04/PT with ASK/FSK transmitters. The 33 GPIO scan large matrix keypads and drive LCD segments, while the CCP generates carrier modulation or PWM dimming for IR LEDs. Low-power CMOS sleep reduces idle current to the microamp range, and the brown-out detector prevents corruption during battery end-of-life. The 4MHz clock is sufficient for IR carrier generation and basic protocol encoding.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC64A-04/PT — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C64A-04/PT | PIC16LC64A-04I/PT | PIC16C64A-04I/PT | PIC16LC65A-04/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-TQFP (PT) | 44-TQFP (PT) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 192 bytes (+50%) |
| Number of I/O | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Max Supply Voltage | 6 V | 6 V | 6 V | 6 V | 6 V |
Key Differentiators
- Only variant of PIC16C64A family with commercial temp grade and standard LC voltage tolerance (vs PIC16LC64A-04I/PT)
- More GPIO than smaller PIC16C6X members (vs PIC16LC63A-04/SO (28-SOIC))
- Wider supply range than F-variant equivalents (vs PIC16F914-I/PT)
Design Notes
The 44-pin TQFP package of PIC16LC64A-04/PT dissipates roughly 1W under typical 4MHz/5V operation with all GPIO sourcing 25mA. With theta_JA around 50C/W for the PT package, junction temperature rise is approximately 50C above ambient - well within the 0C to +70C commercial rating. For the industrial-temperature -I/PT variants rated -40C to +85C, the same thermal envelope applies, but ambient derating should be considered in enclosed industrial enclosures. Estimated: based on 1W dissipation and 50C/W theta_JA.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces symmetrically with ground shielding for stable clock operation, and keep MCLR/VPP trace short to minimize noise pickup on the reset line. Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor on each VDD/VSS pair (pins 11/12 and 32/31), as close to the IC as physically possible. For applications using the parallel slave port, route the 8-bit bus to minimize crossing the analog-input traces on PORTA. Use a single ground plane to reduce EMI on the 4MHz peak performance.
PIC16LC64A-04/PT OTP memory cannot be electrically erased - any firmware change requires a new device and re-soldering on the board. Engineers prototyping with this part should first verify firmware on the JW windowed package or the PIC16F74-I/PT, which uses flash memory. Also note that the -04 speed grade is limited to 4MHz; if higher MIPS are required, choose the -20 suffix variant. The brown-out detect reset threshold must be configured in configuration bits to ensure proper behavior at power-down.
Place the 4MHz crystal/resonator within 5mm of pins OSC1 (pin 33) and OSC2 (pin 34) with grounded copper pour around them. Avoid running digital signal traces beneath the oscillator traces to prevent coupling noise into the clock. Connect MCLR (pin 1) through a 10k pull-up to VDD with a 100nF capacitor to ground for hardware reset generation. The PT (TQFP) package requires a thermal pad layout under the IC with vias to the inner ground plane for heat spreading.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not present in provided data; consult Microchip product declaration for the PT variant. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this 8-bit consumer-grade MCU; for automotive, see PIC16LC64A-04I/PT or the PIC16F family automotive-qualified variants. Conflict minerals compliance assumed per Microchip's corporate CMRT filings.