PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ - 8-Bit 4MHz MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 44-MQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.95 | $8.95 |
| 10 | $7.85 | $78.50 |
| 100 | $6.5 | $650.00 |
| 500 | $5.4 | $2,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.62 | $4,620.00 |
PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a class of compact, Harvard-architecture microcontrollers built around a small RISC instruction set with integrated program memory, data RAM, and peripherals on a single die. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> embedded microcontrollers -> semiconductors, and the PIC16 family specifically targets mid-range 8-bit applications requiring more I/O and peripheral mix than entry-level PIC10/12 devices. The 'LC' suffix indicates a low-voltage CMOS variant (typically 3.0V to 5.5V operation) optimized for reduced power consumption, while the 'A' revision denotes an enhanced silicon revision over the original PIC16C64.
Key features include an 8-level hardware stack, 14-bit wide instruction word, 8-bit data path, an integrated 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), a 16-bit timer/counter (TMR1), a 8-bit timer with PWM (TMR2), a USART/SCI serial port, an SPI/I2C compatible Synchronous Serial Port (SSP), a 10-bit multi-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), and on-chip brown-out reset and power-on reset circuitry. The 33 I/O lines can source/sink up to 25 mA per pin, enabling direct LED and small-solenoid drive without buffering.
The PIC16LC64A uses a two-stage pipeline RISC architecture with 35 single-word instructions, most executing in a single instruction cycle (4 oscillator clocks). At 4 MHz clock the instruction cycle is 1 microsecond, yielding roughly 5 MIPS per MHz sustained throughput. This deterministic instruction-cycle timing simplifies real-time control loops in encoder or motor-control firmware. The 4 MHz oscillator rating reflects the '-04' speed grade; the internal oscillator is not used in the 44-MQFP variant - the part expects an external crystal, resonator, or RC clock source up to 25 MHz when operated at extended VDD.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, HVAC damper/valve actuators, appliance user-interface boards, automotive body controllers (non-AEC-Q100), instrumentation front ends, and embedded remote-sensor nodes. The 33 I/O and 10-bit ADC are well-matched to keypad scan plus analog signal acquisition tasks, while the USART enables wired RS-232/RS-485 host links. The low-voltage 'LC' silicon is particularly suited to battery-backed or 3.3V-powered designs that still need PIC16 mid-range peripheral richness.
When designing with this part, allocate one of the four oscillator pins correctly for the crystal/RC network and ensure the MCLR pin is tied to VDD through the recommended 10 kOhm pull-up or driven by the system reset supervisor. The OTP memory cannot be erased - choose the PIC16F64 or PIC16LF1847 Flash variant if you need in-system re-programmability during prototyping.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric comparison with same-package PIC16 variants, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ for new designs and direct cross-reference searches.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ — 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-04I/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Instruction Set, Peripherals, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC64A-04I/PT
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC64AT-04I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-04I/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-10I/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC64A-04/JP
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 128 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP variant) |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit), TMR2 (8-bit with PWM) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART/SCI, SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| Supply Voltage (LC) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (3.3 V or 5 V typical) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 44-pin MQFP (10x10 mm), PQ suffix |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit opcode |
| Instruction Cycle | 4 oscillator periods (1 us at 4 MHz) |
| Pin Count | 44 |
PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / analog input 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input or external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output or clock output |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0V-5.5V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / In-Circuit Debugger clock |
| Pin 19 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / In-Circuit Debugger data |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 21 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / TMR1 oscillator output / TMR1 clock input |
| Pin 22 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / TMR1 oscillator input / CCP2 PWM |
| Pin 23 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 24 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SSP clock (SPI SCK / I2C SCL) |
| Pin 25 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 |
| Pin 28 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 |
| Pin 29 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SSP data in / I2C data |
| Pin 30 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SSP data out |
| Pin 31 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 32 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 33 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 |
| Pin 34 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 |
| Pin 35 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 |
| Pin 36 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 |
| Pin 37 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 38 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (secondary) |
| Pin 39 | RE0/RD — Port E bit 0 / parallel slave port read |
| Pin 40 | RE1/WR — Port E bit 1 / parallel slave port write |
| Pin 41 | RE2/CS — Port E bit 2 / parallel slave port chip select |
| Pin 42 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (secondary) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel Interface, Appliance User Interface Board, HVAC Damper / Valve Actuator, Automotive Body Controller (Non-AEC-Q100), Instrumentation Front-End with ADC, Embedded Remote Sensor Node.
Industrial Control Panel Interface
The PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ fits industrial control panel interface boards where the device must scan keypads or rotary encoders, drive LED or LCD indicator banks, and communicate with a host PLC over RS-232/RS-485. Its 33 I/O lines are well-matched to 4x4 keypad scan plus 16 status LEDs, and the 10-bit ADC accepts potentiometer feedback or analog sensor inputs without external ADC hardware. The 4 MHz clock yields deterministic 1 us instruction cycle timing, simplifying real-time debounce and encoder pulse-count loops. The LC silicon variant's 3.0V-5.5V range lets the board share a common 3.3V rail with modern peripherals, while the -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade handles factory-floor environments. The integrated USART/SCI peripheral directly drives an RS-485 transceiver without software bit-banging.
Recommended
Appliance User Interface Board
The PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ is well-suited for appliance user-interface boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where a small MCU must drive 7-segment LED displays, scan capacitive touch or membrane keypads, and monitor thermistor inputs. The 33 I/O directly multiplex a 4-digit 7-segment display plus indicator LEDs, eliminating external display drivers in cost-sensitive designs. The 10-bit ADC digitizes NTC thermistor or water-level sensor voltages. The 4 MHz clock keeps timing deterministic for buzzer PWM and motor-start relay sequencing. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade handles appliance under-counter and garage environments. Source: typical application circuit in PIC16C6X datasheet.
Recommended
HVAC Damper / Valve Actuator
The PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ suits HVAC damper and valve actuator controllers where the MCU commands a small DC or stepper motor via PWM and analog feedback. The 8-bit TMR2 with PWM produces a 50/60 Hz phase-controlled drive for triac-fired valves, and TMR1 captures Hall-sensor or tachometer pulses for closed-loop speed feedback. The 10-bit ADC reads thermistor temperature sensors and potentiometer set-point inputs without external signal conditioning. The 33 I/O drive indicator LEDs, mode switches, and triac optocoupler gates directly. The -40C to +85C industrial range handles plenum-cabinet thermal stress. The LC silicon's low quiescent current suits battery-backed damper controllers in BMS systems.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controller (Non-AEC-Q100)
The PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ fits automotive aftermarket and non-safety body-controller applications like interior lighting controllers, seat-position memories, and trailer light modules. The 33 I/O drive multiple relay banks for power windows, mirrors, and lighting, while the 10-bit ADC reads current-sensing shunts for fault detection. The USART enables CAN-transceiver pass-through or K-Line diagnostics. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range handles cabin thermal stress. Note: this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; safety-critical modules should use AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F or PIC18F variants. Source: Microchip automotive product selection guide.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-End with ADC
The PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ supports portable instrumentation front-ends like digital multimeter sub-systems, panel meters, and lab-grade sensor readouts where a small MCU samples multiple analog inputs and drives an LCD or LED display. The 10-bit multi-channel ADC digitizes voltage, current, and temperature signals without external ADC hardware. The SSP peripheral drives SPI-connected precision ADCs for 16-bit measurement. The 4 MHz clock supports sustained 8 kSPS ADC sampling with deterministic timing. The LC silicon's 3.0V-5.5V supply range suits 2xAA-battery-powered portable instruments. The industrial temperature grade handles benchtop and field-test environments.
Recommended
Embedded Remote Sensor Node
The PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ is a fit for embedded remote sensor nodes - environmental monitoring stations, weather data loggers, and irrigation controllers - where the MCU must sample sensors, run local averaging, and forward results via UART to a wireless modem. The 10-bit ADC handles battery voltage, solar-panel voltage, and analog sensor channels. The 33 I/O drive SD card chip-select, GPS module reset, and cellular-modem control lines. The LC silicon's low quiescent current extends battery life in solar-powered installations. The -40C to +85C industrial range handles outdoor enclosure thermal stress. Source: typical sensor-node reference designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC64A-04I/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC64A-04I/PT | PIC16LC64AT-04I/PQ | PIC16C64A-04I/PQ | PIC16C64A-10I/PQ | PIC16LC64A-04/JP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 44-pin MQFP (10x10 mm) | 44-pin TQFP - same footprint family | 44-pin MQFP - same | 44-pin MQFP - same | 44-pin MQFP - same | 44-pin MQFP - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) | OTP (3.5 KB) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (C variant) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (C variant) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Carrier Format | Tray (PQ suffix) | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tray | Tray | Tray |
Key Differentiators
- Same-family drop-in tape-and-reel carrier for high-volume SMT (vs PIC16LC64A-04I/PT)
- 5V-only silicon for noise-immune industrial applications (vs PIC16C64A-04I/PQ)
- Faster clock grade for higher-throughput control loops (vs PIC16C64A-10I/PQ)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD (pin 11) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or electrolytic on the supply rail. The 44-MQFP package has multiple VDD/VSS pin pairs (11/10, 38/37, 43/42) - connect each pair to its own decoupling capacitor to suppress digital switching noise from corrupting the ADC reference voltage. Estimated: at 4 MHz clock and full 33 I/O toggling, peak transient current can reach 80-120 mA; a single global 10 uF may not suffice across all pin pairs.
Place the external crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1 (pin 8) and OSC2 (pin 9), with short, symmetric traces and a ground guard ring. Keep RF and switching traces (PWM CCP1/CCP2 on RC1/RC2) routed away from the analog AVdd/VREF+ pin (RA5/AN4/VREF on pin 7) and from the crystal traces. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (10 kOhm typical) close to pin 1; if using an ICSP debugger, place a 10 kOhm series resistor between MCLR and the debugger to allow in-circuit programming without disturbing the user reset network.
Do not assume that the 'LC' silicon will run at 4 MHz down to 3.0V under all conditions - the maximum clock at low VDD is reduced per datasheet Figure 17-2 / Table 17-4. At 3.0V VDD, the safe maximum clock is approximately 1-2 MHz; above that, brown-out reset may mis-trigger. For battery designs using 2xAA cells (3.0V nominal), derate the crystal to 2 MHz or use the 3.3V-regulated supply. Also note: the OTP memory cannot be erased - any code bug requires a new part, so engineering validation must use the Flash-based PIC16F64 or PIC16F877A equivalent first.
Compliance Information
RoHS, lead-free, halogen-free, REACH, and conflict-mineral status not confirmed in the available verified data - check the manufacturer datasheet and product page for current compliance documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - use AEC-Q100 qualified PIC18F variants in safety-critical automotive modules.
