PIC16LC770-I/P - 3.5KB OTP 8-bit MCU, 20MHz, 20-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770-I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.4 | $4.40 |
| 10 | $3.96 | $39.60 |
| 100 | $3.52 | $352.00 |
| 500 | $3.08 | $1,540.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.75 | $2,750.00 |
PIC16LC770-I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), volatile data RAM, and peripheral blocks such as timers, communication ports, and analog-to-digital converters. The PIC16LC770 belongs to the PIC16 mid-range family, which sits between the baseline PIC10/12/16 series and the enhanced PIC18 series. It uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, an accumulator-based ALU, and the well-known 35-instruction PIC mid-range instruction set, which is upwards compatible with the PIC16C5X and PIC12CXXX legacy devices.
Key features of the PIC16LC770 include a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital converter with up to 6 input channels (suited for sensor readout), a USART module for serial communication, an SSP module supporting SPI and I2C (master/slave), two 8-bit timers (Timer0, Timer2) plus one 16-bit timer (Timer1), a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and an analog comparator. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) and in-circuit debugging via two pins, allowing firmware updates and development without removing the part from the board.
Typical applications include low-power sensor interfaces, battery-powered instrumentation, simple motor and valve control loops, white-goods and appliance front-panel controllers, and any cost-sensitive embedded design that needs moderate code density, integrated ADC, and serial connectivity in a through-hole footprint. The 20-PDIP package is especially useful for prototypes, hobby projects, and industrial controllers that prefer through-hole soldering or hand rework.
When designing with the PIC16LC770-I/P, note that the program memory is OTP (one-time programmable), so firmware bugs cannot be patched in production units; engineering samples typically use the windowed PIC16CR770 or the flash-based PIC16F877 family during development. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor close to the pin and, for ADC accuracy, place a small RC (or ferrite + cap) on AVdd/AVss if used.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, cross-brand and same-brand drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet alone, making it easier to evaluate the PIC16LC770-I/P against modern PIC and AVR replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770-I/P — 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 PIC16LC770-I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Mounting Type, ADC, EEPROM Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC770-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C770-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F818-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F88-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770-I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None (OTP family) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 6 channels |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit (Timer0, Timer2) + 1 x 16-bit (Timer1) |
| Communication Interfaces | USART (SCI), SSP (SPI / I2C master-slave) |
| Analog Comparator | Yes (1 x on-chip) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (0.300 in / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| ICSP / ICD | In-Circuit Serial Programming and In-Circuit Debug supported |
PIC16LC770-I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/Vpp/RE3 — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage / digital I/O RE3 |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/Vref-/CVref — PORTA bit 2 / analog input / ADC negative reference / comparator voltage reference output |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/Vref+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input / ADC positive reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / analog input / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / analog input / SPI slave select / high/low voltage detect input |
| Pin 8 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKI — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal oscillator output / Fosc/4 clock output |
| Pin 11 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 12 | RC1/T1OSI — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 13 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture-Compare-PWM 1 output |
| Pin 14 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 15 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 16 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SSP SPI data out |
| Pin 17 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART async transmit / USART sync clock |
| Pin 18 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART async receive / USART sync data |
| Pin 19 | Vss — Ground reference (digital) |
| Pin 20 | Vdd — Positive supply 2.5 V - 5.5 V |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770-I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Battery-Powered Portable Instrument, White Goods Appliance Controller, HVAC Damper / Valve Actuator Controller, Educational / Hobby Development Board, Automotive Auxiliary Body Controller (Non-Safety).
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16LC770-I/P's integrated 12-bit 6-channel ADC and 2.5-5.5V operating range make it a natural fit for industrial 4-20 mA sensor readout boards. With 3.5 KB of OTP program memory the device can host a full PID loop, linearization table, and Modbus ASCII over the USART, while the on-chip SSP handles SPI sensor expansion. Industrial-grade -40 C to +85 C operation covers factory-floor deployments, and the 20-PDIP through-hole package simplifies hand rework and field replacement. Power dissipation is minimal at 20 MHz / 5 V (approximately 15-20 mA active), so a simple 7805-derived rail is sufficient. Pair with TI XTR105 or TI XTR111 for current-loop front end and ADI ADuM1411 for isolation barrier.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instrument
Battery-powered handheld instruments benefit from the PIC16LC770-I/P's 2.5 V minimum supply and CMOS sleep current in the microamp range. The 3.5 KB OTP holds a UI state machine plus a measurement routine, while the integrated ADC reads temperature, pressure, or strain-gauge sensors. The 16-bit Timer1 with external crystal option provides a real-time clock for time-stamping without an external RTC chip. At 20 MHz the core draws approximately 15 mA active, but most duty-cycled instruments run the CPU at 32 kHz between samples, dropping total energy per measurement. Pair with CR2032 or 2xAA cells, MCP1700 LDO regulator, and a low-power LCD driver such as PCF8576.
Recommended
White Goods Appliance Controller
The PIC16LC770-I/P's PIC16 mid-range core, USART, and analog comparator make it a classic choice for washing-machine, dishwasher, and oven front-panel controllers. The 12-bit ADC reads NTC thermistors and water-level sensors, while the comparator handles zero-crossing detection for triac-fired heater loads. Industrial -40 to +85 C operation tolerates kitchen-cabinet temperature swings, and the 20-PDIP package is well suited to the through-hole backplanes common in appliance manufacturing. With 3.5 KB OTP, a full UI state machine plus motor-control loop fits comfortably, and ICSP allows the same firmware to be loaded on every unit during panel assembly.
Recommended
HVAC Damper / Valve Actuator Controller
Building-automation damper and valve actuators need a small, low-power MCU with robust ADC and serial I/O - exactly the PIC16LC770-I/P's envelope. The 12-bit 6-channel ADC reads potentiometer position, current sense, and temperature, while the USART connects to a BACnet or Modbus field-bus transceiver such as MAX485. Watchdog timer with dedicated RC prevents firmware lockups in unattended installations, and the analog comparator provides zero-crossing reference for triac timing. The 20-PDIP footprint is convenient for hand-soldered actuator boards that ship in low volumes and require field replacement.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Development Board
The PIC16LC770-I/P is a popular choice for university courses and DIY electronics projects because the 20-PDIP through-hole package is friendly to breadboards and hand soldering, and ICSP/ICD support lets students debug firmware in-circuit with a PICkit 3. The PIC16 mid-range instruction set is only 35 single-word instructions, so assembly tutorials fit on a single page. The integrated 12-bit ADC exercises real-world signal conditioning, and the USART lets students echo data to a PC terminal. A typical 'PIC16LC770 dev board' ships with a 20 MHz crystal, RS-232 level translator, and a few LEDs on PORTB; this lowers the barrier to entry compared to fine-pitch QFN MCUs.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Body Controller (Non-Safety)
Although the PIC16LC770-I/P is not AEC-Q100 qualified, it is widely used in non-safety automotive body-electronics such as aftermarket alarm systems, lighting controllers, and seat-heater panels where the -40 to +85 C industrial grade is acceptable. The 12-bit ADC reads battery voltage and current sense, while the USART links to a remote-control receiver module. The 20-PDIP package withstands vibration better than fine-pitch SMDs and simplifies field repair. For OEM under-hood or safety-critical applications, however, designers must select AEC-Q100 qualified alternatives such as PIC16F18324 or dsPIC33CK - the standard PIC16LC770-I/P is only rated industrial, not automotive grade.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770-I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770/P | PIC16LC770-E/P | PIC16F818-I/P | PIC16F88-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-PDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) | 20-PDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) - 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 | 1.75 KB Flash (-50%) | 4 KB Flash (+14%) |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 128 B (-50%) | 368 B (+44%) |
| Max Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V - 5.5 V | 2.5 V - 5.5 V | 2.5 V - 5.5 V | 2.0 V - 5.5 V | 2.0 V - 5.5 V |
| ADC | 12-bit, 6 ch | 12-bit, 6 ch | 12-bit, 6 ch | 10-bit, 5 ch | 10-bit, 7 ch |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 'LC' variant supports 2.5 V operation (vs PIC16C770-04/P)
- Same 12-bit ADC resolution as the family leader (vs PIC16F818-I/P)
- 256 bytes of RAM vs only 128 bytes on PIC16F818 (vs PIC16F818-I/P)
- Through-hole 20-PDIP for hand-friendly prototyping (vs PIC16LC770-I/SO (20-SOIC))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF (0.1 uF) decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd pin (pin 20) with the ground side tied to the Vss pin (pin 19 or pin 8) using the shortest possible trace. For designs that use the ADC, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor and a small ferrite bead between Vdd and AVdd (which on PIC16LC770 shares Vdd). The MCLR/Vpp pin should be tied to Vdd through a 10 kohm pull-up and have a 100 nF cap to ground for in-circuit programming stability.
PIC16LC770-I/P program memory is One-Time Programmable (OTP) - once a bit is written from 1 to 0 it cannot be erased. Engineering prototypes should use the windowed PIC16CR770 (UV-erasable) or the flash-based PIC16F818-I/P / PIC16F88-I/P pin-compatible parts so firmware can be iterated. Also remember that the LC grade 2.5 V minimum Vdd is lower than the standard C grade; at low Vdd the maximum Fosc is reduced - check the datasheet's electrical characteristics table for the voltage-vs-Fosc envelope.
When using the on-chip 12-bit ADC, source impedance above 2.5 kohm will degrade conversion accuracy because the sample-and-hold capacitor has insufficient time to fully charge. Add an external op-amp buffer (e.g. MCP6002) between the sensor and AN0-AN5 if your source impedance is high. Also place a small RC low-pass filter (typically 100 ohm + 100 nF) on analog inputs to suppress RF noise. The analog ground (Vss) and digital ground (Vss) pins are separate on the package - tie them together at a single point under the MCU socket.
Keep the 20 MHz crystal (or resonator) within 5 mm of pins 9-10 (OSC1/OSC2) and route the traces in symmetric fashion with grounded guard traces on either side to prevent coupling into nearby analog inputs. Avoid running ADC traces parallel to the oscillator traces; if you must cross, do so at 90 degrees. For ICSP/ICD debugging leave a 6-pin header (Vpp/MCLR, Vdd, Vss, PGD, PGC, AUX) accessible on the board edge - the PICkit 3 cable has a 0.1 inch pitch and needs at least 30 mm of clearance from tall components.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free finish, and halogen-free status were not stated in the Verified Web Data excerpts (DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart, Heisener, Jotrin). The PIC16LC770-I/P is industrial-grade -40 C to +85 C ('I' suffix) and is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; it is therefore suitable for industrial / consumer / hobby / educational applications but should not be specified for under-hood automotive or safety-critical systems. Microchip publishes a general conflict-minerals compliance statement covering the PIC16 family.
