PIC16LC770/P - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 16 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.95 | $5.95 |
| 10 | $5.35 | $53.50 |
| 100 | $4.76 | $476.00 |
| 500 | $4.21 | $2,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.74 | $3,740.00 |
PIC16LC770/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory, and peripheral interfaces such as ADCs, timers, and serial communication blocks. PIC16 microcontrollers use a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Harvard architecture, where program and data memories are separate 14-bit-wide buses. Within Microchip's portfolio, PIC16 sits between the smaller PIC10/PIC12 baseline families and the higher-end PIC18 and dsPIC families, targeting cost-sensitive, mid-complexity embedded designs.
Key features of the PIC16LC770/P include 35 instructions at 200 ns per instruction (5 MIPS at 20 MHz), an internal 8 MHz oscillator option, a wide analog front end with 10-bit ADC and analog comparator, a master sync/async serial port (MSSP) configurable for I2C or SPI, an enhanced USART, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, and a programmable brown-out reset plus watchdog timer for safety-critical applications. Its low-power operation and rich peripheral mix make it well suited to mixed-signal embedded boards.
The architecture combines a 14-bit instruction word, 8-bit data path, hardware stack, and a vectored interrupt controller. OTP program memory (versus Flash) reduces per-unit die cost but trades off field reprogrammability - this is acceptable for closed firmware builds in appliance, industrial sensor, and consumer devices. The ADC's 10-bit resolution and the integrated analog comparator eliminate external signal-conditioning parts in many designs.
Typical applications include industrial sensor nodes, motor and pump controllers, low-cost appliance user interfaces, remote control transmitters, automotive body and accessory modules, and analog-front-end data acquisition boards. The 16 I/O count and 20-pin footprint target designs that need analog input plus digital control without exceeding a small PCB budget.
When designing with this device, ensure VDD stays within 2.5V-5.5V and that decoupling is placed within 5 mm of the supply pins. Engineers considering OTP variants should plan for chip-swap when iterating firmware, or select the PIC16F770 Flash equivalent for development.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing and availability, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet for engineers evaluating the PIC16LC770/P for new or legacy embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770/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/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, I/O Pins, Mounting Type, ADC.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC770-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770-E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F770-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC622A-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC715-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.57 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 B |
| EEPROM Size | 0 (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 10-bit, 14 channels (single ADC) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| PWM Channels | 2 |
| Communication Interfaces | USART, MSSP (I2C/SPI), enhanced USART |
| Package | 20-PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Operating Temperature (P suffix) | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes (programmable) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Programming Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
PIC16LC770/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Digital I/O / analog input channel 2 / ADC reference minus |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Digital I/O / analog input channel 3 / ADC reference plus |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 4 (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN5 — Digital I/O / analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 9 | RA7 — Digital I/O / oscillator pin |
| Pin 10 | RA6 — Digital I/O / oscillator pin |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Secondary ground (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage 2.5-5.5 V |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770/P is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Node, Low-Cost Appliance User Interface, Motor and Pump Speed Controller, Remote Control Transmitter, Automotive Body and Accessory Module, Analog Front-End Data Acquisition.
Industrial Sensor Node
The PIC16LC770/P fits industrial sensor nodes that sample slow analog signals and forward readings over a serial link. Its 10-bit ADC with up to 14 channels resolves inputs from thermocouples, bridge pressure sensors, and 4-20 mA loops with simple external signal conditioning. The 256 bytes of RAM cover 10 Hz logging intervals with rolling-average firmware, while the 16 I/O let one device drive LEDs and a relay coil. Power budget at 5V/8 MHz is below 25 mW, so it suits battery- or energy-harvest-powered remote nodes that must live for months without service.
Recommended
Low-Cost Appliance User Interface
The PIC16LC770/P is well matched to appliance UI boards, where it scans a button matrix, drives a small LED or character LCD, and handles motor or heater PWM. Its 2 PWM modules feed triac or MOSFET drivers for fan and pump control, while the analog comparator supervises voltage rails. The 20-PDIP package and 2.5-5.5V range align directly with appliance harnesses, and the OTP memory keeps unit cost low for high-volume white goods. Designers replace the OTP die with the Flash PIC16F770 for development, then move code to the LC variant for production.
Recommended
Motor and Pump Speed Controller
In a brush or BLDC pump and small motor controllers, the PIC16LC770/P generates complementary PWM signals and reads back tachometer or current-sense analog signals. Its 10-bit ADC digitizes shunt current for closed-loop torque control, and its capture/compare module triggers MOSFET commutation. Up to 20 MHz enables 100 kHz PWM with up to 10-bit duty resolution for smooth low-speed control. The integrated watchdog and brown-out reset improve field reliability for pumps and fans in unattended industrial enclosures.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16LC770/P is a good fit for handheld remote transmitters where low power, fixed firmware, and small board size matter. The 2.5-5.5V supply runs directly from two AAA cells, the internal oscillator reduces external parts, and the USART drives ASK/FSK modulation in software. OTP memory locks the firmware so production cannot be reflashed in the field. The 20-PDIP package is roomy enough for hand-routed prototypes, while a 20-SOIC sibling (PIC16LC770/SO) drops in for higher-density PCB layouts.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Accessory Module
Although originally commercial-grade, the PIC16LC770/P architecture supports body-control style tasks such as lighting drivers, accessory relays, and mirror control. Its 16 digital I/Os toggle FET gates directly from the 5V rail, and its analog inputs monitor battery voltage and current. For under-hood or exterior modules, designers select the PIC16LC770-E/P variant rated to -40C to +125C. Its small footprint and proven mature tooling reduce BOM cost versus newer 32-bit automotive MCUs.
Recommended
Analog Front-End Data Acquisition
The PIC16LC770/P works as a small data-acquisition board that scans multiple analog channels, applies linearization in firmware, and exports the result over I2C, SPI, or USART. Its 10-bit ADC is adequate for instrumentation up to about 0.1 percent full-scale after averaging, and the integrated analog comparator enables window-comparator functions without external parts. The 256 bytes of RAM support a small sample buffer plus time stamps, and OTP memory preserves field calibration parameters that cannot be erased by stray writes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770-I/P | PIC16LC770-E/P | PIC16F770-I/P | PIC16LC715-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-PDIP (0.300 inch) | 20-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same | 20-PDIP (0.300 inch) - same |
| Program Memory Type | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB Flash (reprogrammable) | 14 KB OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
| ADC Resolution | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 8-bit |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (P suffix) | -40C to +85C (I suffix) | -40C to +125C (E suffix) | -40C to +85C (I suffix) | 0C to +70C (P suffix) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended successor) | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.5-5.5 V operation across the full 20 MHz range (vs PIC16LC622A-04E/P)
- 14 analog input channels via the on-chip 10-bit ADC (vs PIC16LC715-04/P)
- Industrial and extended -40C to +125C variants available in same package (vs PIC16F770-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC770/P needs a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum on the board supply rail. Operating range is 2.5-5.5 V; below 2.5 V the brown-out reset will assert and the part will hold in reset. MCLR must never be left floating - tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor with a 100 nF cap to ground for proper reset on power-up.
Route the 20-MHz crystal traces short and symmetric, with ground guard on either side of the oscillator pins. Keep ADC traces away from PWM and digital switching lines; add a 10 kHz RC filter at the analog input pin if the source impedance exceeds 10 kohm. Avoid running digital returns near analog ground - star-ground the ADC VREF pin to the AGND trace.
OTP memory cannot be erased, so any firmware revision requires a chip swap - always use the Flash-equivalent PIC16F770 for development and switch to OTP only for production. The CONFIG bits are fused at the same time as program memory; review them in the programmer template before locking. Leave RA4 open-drain in mind: it cannot drive a high output without a pull-up resistor.
Compliance Information
PIC16LC770/P predates mainstream Microchip RoHS rollouts; compliance not stated in retrieved distributor listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified.
