PIC16LC710T-04/SO - 4MHz 8-bit OTP MCU, 13 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC710T-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.11 | $1.11 |
| 10 | $1 | $10.00 |
| 100 | $0.9 | $90.00 |
| 500 | $0.82 | $410.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.74 | $740.00 |
PIC16LC710T-04/SO Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller (MCU) is a low-cost, Harvard-architecture CMOS processor that combines a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (ROM/EPROM/OTP/Flash), a small register file, and integrated peripherals such as timers, A/D converters and PWM modules on a single die. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> embedded microprocessors -> digital ICs -> integrated circuits. They are widely used in cost-sensitive, deterministic control applications because the small instruction set and predictable instruction cycle timing make real-time control straightforward.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16LC710T-04/SO include 13 general-purpose digital I/O pins, an on-chip 8-bit Analog-to-Digital converter with 4 input channels, one 8-bit Timer0 with 8-bit prescaler, one 16-bit Timer1 with prescaler that can be clocked during sleep via an external crystal/clock, an 8-bit Timer2, and a Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) module. Brown-out Detect/Reset, Power-on Reset, and a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator round out the safety features that make the part suitable for entry-level signal-conditioning, sensor-interface, and motor-control applications. The CMOS process supports a wide operating voltage range and very low quiescent current, which is essential for battery-powered instruments.
Architecturally, the device uses a 14-bit instruction word with a single accumulator (W) and a 36-byte general-purpose register file. The 4MHz oscillator drives a four-phase internal clock so each instruction executes in 200ns (five million instructions per second at 20MHz, but in this LC part the maximum is 4MHz, giving one instruction per 1 microsecond). Peripherals are accessed via a memory-mapped Special Function Register (SFR) set; the A/D converter is an 8-bit successive-approximation type with four multiplexed input channels, suitable for slow signals such as thermistors, light sensors, and potentiometer feedback.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer sensor interfaces, battery-powered measurement instruments, white-goods and appliance control boards, automotive body and chassis sub-systems (subject to temperature grade), industrial sensor transmitters, and hobby/educational microcontroller development. The combination of integrated A/D and PWM in a compact 18-pin package makes the PIC16LC710T-04/SO especially well suited to closed-loop analog control loops such as LED dimmers, fan-speed controllers and simple motor drives.
When designing with this part, note that the OTP program memory cannot be erased or rewritten, so the firmware image must be fully validated before commitment. The /SO suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging and is therefore aimed at automated SMT lines; if a single-piece engineering sample or a windowed CERDIP for code iteration is preferred, look for the PIC16LC710-04/P (PDIP) or PIC16LC710-04/JW (windowed CERDIP) variants instead.
This page synthesizes the distributor listing summary, cross-references to pin-compatible PIC16LC710 family members and functional drop-ins, and practical design notes that go beyond what is printed in the Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC710T-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 PIC16LC710T-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC710T-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC710T-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC710T-04C/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC710T-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.08 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC710-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC71-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC710T-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C mid-range RISC |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions, 14-bit instruction word |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14 bits) |
| Data RAM | 36 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz (1 us at 4 MHz on LC variant) |
| General-Purpose I/O Pins | 13 |
| A/D Converter | 8-bit, 4 channels, successive approximation |
| PWM Modules | 1 (10-bit resolution) |
| Timers | Timer0 (8-bit), Timer1 (16-bit with prescaler), Timer2 (8-bit) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC low-voltage variant) |
| Brown-out Detect / Reset | Yes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO-18, 0.300 inch body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial grade) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
PIC16LC710T-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 / A/D voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 external clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input / programming voltage input |
| 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 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt input |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 17 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC710T-04/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Low-Cost Sensor Interface Board, Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument, White Goods and Appliance Control, LED Dimmer and PWM Fan Controller, Automotive Body and Chassis Sub-System, Industrial Sensor Transmitter, Educational and Hobby Development Board.
Low-Cost Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16LC710T-04/SO's 4-channel 8-bit A/D converter and 13 GPIO pins make it ideal for sensor-interface boards that read temperature, light, or humidity and drive a relay or LED indicator. With 896 bytes of OTP program memory and 36 bytes of RAM the device is sized for periodic sampling loops that drive one or two PWM outputs. Typical designs use the on-chip Timer0 to schedule a 10 Hz sample interval and the brown-out detector to ensure clean reset on noisy supplies. Power consumption stays in the low-milliamp range at 4 MHz and 3.3 V, which extends battery life in wireless sensor nodes. The SOIC-18 footprint simplifies two-layer PCB layout and supports automated assembly.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Measurement Instrument
The PIC16LC710T-04/SO's 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range and CMOS process suit handheld battery-powered instruments such as digital thermometers, light meters and stud finders. Drawing less than 2 mA at 4 MHz with the A/D enabled, the part runs for months on two AA cells when duty-cycled via Sleep mode and the 16-bit Timer1 with external crystal. The on-chip PWM can drive a piezo buzzer or LED backlight without external drivers. The integrated brown-out detect prevents corruption of the OTP memory image during battery end-of-life, while the watchdog timer with its dedicated RC oscillator resets the MCU if firmware locks up. Tape-and-reel packaging supports high-volume SMT production.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Control
Appliance controllers for dishwashers, washing machines and microwave ovens typically need 4-8 channels of analog sensing, a relay or triac drive output, and a low BOM cost. The PIC16LC710T-04/SO meets all three: four A/D channels read temperature, water level and door-switch state, the 10-bit PWM drives a buzzer or variable-speed pump, and thirteen GPIO lines switch relays or LED indicators. Industrial-grade siblings (PIC16LC710T-04I/SO or PIC16LC710T-04E/SO) extend the operating temperature for oven or refrigerator compartments. The OTP memory locks the firmware image so the controller cannot be re-flashed in the field - exactly what is needed for tamper-resistant appliance logic.
Recommended
LED Dimmer and PWM Fan Controller
Closed-loop analog control loops such as LED dimmers, fan-speed controllers and small DC motor drives are natural fits for the PIC16LC710T-04/SO. The 10-bit PWM module provides fine-grained duty-cycle control while the 8-bit A/D samples a feedback signal (photodiode current for LED dimming, tachometer for fan RPM, back-EMF for motor speed). At 4 MHz the firmware can service the feedback loop every 100 microseconds, fast enough for audio-bandwidth lighting and most motor control loops. The Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC oscillator catches firmware faults independently of the main clock, which is critical in motor-control applications where electrical noise can corrupt the system clock.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Chassis Sub-System
Low-speed automotive subsystems such as seat-position controllers, mirror adjusters, climate-control flap motors and ambient lighting use a small MCU with A/D and PWM. The industrial-temperature PIC16LC710T-04I/SO (pin-compatible, -40 C to +85 C) is the typical choice, but the PIC16LC710T-04E/SO extended-grade version handles under-hood or cabin environments up to +125 C. The on-chip A/D reads position potentiometers, the PWM drives small DC motors through an H-bridge, and brown-out reset prevents undefined behavior during cranking. Tape-and-reel packaging supports high-volume automotive SMT lines.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Transmitter
Loop-powered 4-20 mA sensor transmitters require a low-power MCU that can digitize a bridge or thermocouple signal and drive the current loop through a DAC or PWM. The PIC16LC710T-04/SO is a strong fit for the digital side: 8-bit A/D is sufficient for moderate-accuracy transmitters, brown-out reset prevents corruption during loop current dips, and the small SOIC-18 footprint allows the entire transmitter to fit in a head-mount enclosure. Adding a precision op-amp (e.g. MCP6V51) in front of the A/D channel achieves 16-bit effective resolution through oversampling. The OTP memory locks the calibration coefficients permanently.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Development Board
The PIC16LC710T-04/SO is a popular teaching MCU because its 35-instruction RISC core is approachable for assembly programming while the integrated A/D and PWM give students exposure to mixed-signal topics. The 18-pin SOIC package is breadboard-friendly through a SOIC-to-DIP adapter, and Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the XC8 compiler supports the device directly. The PIC16LC710-04/P (PDIP) sibling is preferred for breadboard work, but the SOIC-18 'T' variant used on tape-and-reel trains students in SMT assembly. With 896 bytes of OTP the device is large enough for simple digital filters and state machines but small enough that every instruction cycle is observable on an oscilloscope.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC710T-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC710T-04I/SO | PIC16LC710T-04E/SO | PIC16LC710T-04C/SO | PIC16LC710-04/SO | PIC16LC71-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-18 | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) | 896 B (512 x 14 OTP) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 OTP) |
| Data RAM | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B | 36 B |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial-temperature drop-in compatibility (vs PIC16LC710T-04I/SO)
- Lowest unit cost in the family (vs PIC16F716-I/SO)
- Tighter commercial temperature grade for office/consumer use (vs PIC16LC710T-04E/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) with the ground return connected to the VSS pin (pin 5) through the shortest possible trace. Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply input if the PIC16LC710T-04/SO is more than 25 mm from the system regulator. For A/D accuracy, place an additional 100 nF capacitor on the VREF pin (RA3) when the internal reference is used, to suppress sample-and-hold kickback noise.
The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) is sensitive to voltage transients; in electrically noisy environments (motor control, relay-driven boards) connect MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor and to ground through a 100 nF capacitor. Without this RC network, fast transients on the supply rail can spuriously reset the MCU. If in-circuit serial programming is not needed, the 10 kohm pull-up alone is sufficient.
The OTP program memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Always validate the firmware image on a windowed CERDIP sample (PIC16LC710-04/JW) or on a Flash-based sibling (PIC16F716-I/SO) before committing code to production PIC16LC710T-04/SO devices. Once programmed, the only fix for a firmware bug is to scrap the parts. Also note that the /T suffix denotes Tape & Reel packaging - for low-volume prototyping, order the /SO (tube) sibling instead.
Estimated: at 5 V supply and 4 MHz clock, the PIC16LC710T-04/SO draws approximately 2 mA active and 1 uA in sleep. Power dissipation is therefore around 10 mW, well below the SOIC-18 thermal limit (approximately 800 mW at 25 C). In sealed enclosures above +70 C, derate clock frequency to 1 MHz to keep junction temperature rise below 10 C. Industrial-grade siblings (PIC16LC710T-04I/SO, PIC16LC710T-04E/SO) are recommended for sustained high-temperature operation.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not stated in the provided web data; the PIC16LC71x family is generally supplied in lead-free packages but specific compliance certifications must be confirmed with Microchip or the distributor at order time. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is a commercial/industrial/extended MCU, not an automotive-qualified part.
