PIC16LC770/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz CMOS MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 12-bit ADC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.65 | $4.65 |
| 10 | $4.18 | $41.80 |
| 100 | $3.65 | $365.00 |
| 500 | $3.22 | $1,610.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.88 | $2,880.00 |
PIC16LC770/SO Overview
What is a PIC 8-bit microcontroller? A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor, non-volatile program memory, RAM, and peripheral interfaces (ADC, timers, I/O). PIC16C-series microcontrollers are 8-bit Harvard-architecture MCUs from Microchip Technology, mid-range devices (PIC16) positioned below 16-bit PIC24/dsPIC and 32-bit PIC32 families. The 'LC' suffix indicates an extended-voltage (2.5V-5.5V) CMOS variant optimized for battery and low-power operation, distinct from 'F' (Flash) and standard 'C' EPROM variants. This category sits within the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded computing -> semiconductor.
Key features include a 6-channel 12-bit ADC for high-accuracy analog sampling (uncommon at the 8-bit tier, where 8 or 10-bit is typical), 256 bytes of RAM, an internal oscillator option, and configurable I/O pins with weak pull-ups. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) for OTP memory programming in production environments. The 20-SOIC package is a 300-mil (7.50 mm) wide surface-mount outline with through-hole-friendly pin pitch.
Technically, the PIC16LC770 employs a RISC-like 14-bit instruction set with a 35-instruction opcode map, 8-level deep hardware stack, and a single accumulator (W) plus memory-mapped file registers. Its 12-bit ADC uses successive-approximation register (SAR) topology with programmable acquisition time, enabling measurement resolutions not achievable with 8/10-bit ADCs of the same generation. The OTP memory uses anti-fuse cells, requiring one-time programming at production.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, low-power sensor nodes with analog front-ends, small appliance control, HVAC monitor interfaces, instrumentation, and battery-powered data acquisition devices where the 12-bit ADC gives more headroom than 10-bit alternatives.
A key design consideration is that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed, so firmware development typically uses a Flash or EMULET-package sibling (e.g., PIC16F77) for prototyping, then migrates to the PIC16LC770/SO for production. The wide 2.5V-5.5V input range allows direct operation from a 3.3V or 5V regulated rail.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in OTP-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770/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 PIC16LC770/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, RAM Size, Package, Analog Comparators, Core Processor.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC770-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC770-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F77-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC717-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC® 16C |
| Series | PIC16LC770 |
| Core Processor | PIC 8-bit |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 6 channels x 12-bit |
| Data Converters | A/D 6x12b |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C (industrial, per DigiKey listing) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (LC extended-voltage variant) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm Width) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS Status | Per part number suffix /SO - confirm against distributor listing |
PIC16LC770/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — I/O port A bit 2 / analog input 2 / negative voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — I/O port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — I/O port A bit 4 / analog input 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/SS — I/O port A bit 5 / analog input 5 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKI — External clock input / crystal connection 1 |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKO — Crystal connection 2 / clock output |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5V-5.5V) |
| Pin 10 | RB0/INT — I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RB6/PGC — I/O port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 17 | RB7/PGD — I/O port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | RC0/T1OSO — I/O port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output |
| Pin 19 | RC1/T1OSI — I/O port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input |
| Pin 20 | RC2 — I/O port C bit 2 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered Data Acquisition, Small Appliance Control, HVAC Monitor Interfaces, Portable Measurement Instruments, Automotive Sensor Clusters.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC770/SO fits industrial sensor signal conditioning because its 6-channel 12-bit ADC delivers sub-millivolt resolution (≈1.46 mV per LSB at 6.0 V reference), more than 4x the granularity of typical 10-bit ADCs. The 256-byte RAM and 20 MHz CPU handle moving-average filtering of strain-gauge, thermocouple, or pressure-sensor outputs in real time, while the 2.5V-5.5V supply range accepts 24 V industrial bus rails after external regulation. OTP memory eliminates firmware over-write risk in unattended sensor enclosures.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Acquisition
The 'LC' extended-voltage (2.5V-5.5V) supply range of the PIC16LC770/SO is purpose-built for battery-powered data acquisition modules running directly from 3.3 V Li-ion or two-cell alkaline stacks. The 12-bit ADC consumes ~1 mA during conversion, and the CMOS design reduces quiescent current for sleep-mode datalogging intervals. With 16 I/O and 6 ADC channels, a single chip handles multi-channel battery monitoring without external multiplexer ICs.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
The PIC16LC770/SO suits small appliance controllers (coffee makers, slow cookers, vacuum cleaners, mixers) where the 12-bit ADC reads variable-resistance sensors (NTC thermistors, potentiometer knobs) and the 16 I/O drive relays, triacs, LEDs, and keypads. OTP memory prevents firmware overwrite if a curious user attaches an ICSP programmer, and the 20-SOIC package is compatible with automated SMT lines at moderate volumes.
Recommended
HVAC Monitor Interfaces
In HVAC monitor interfaces, the PIC16LC770/SO reads up to 6 analog channels of temperature, humidity, and air-quality sensors with 12-bit resolution, transmitting aggregated data over a UART/I2C link to a central controller. Its 2.5V-5.5V supply operates from 24 VAC adapter-derived DC rails, and the 20-MHz clock supports 9600/19200 bps UART rates with comfortable headroom for protocol overhead. The industrial temperature grade suits unconditioned mechanical-room installations.
Recommended
Portable Measurement Instruments
Hand-held multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation testers benefit from the PIC16LC770/SO's 12-bit ADC - delivering 0.5% typical reading accuracy versus the 1.5% accuracy ceiling of 10-bit designs. The 256-byte RAM holds rolling min/max statistics and peak detection, while 16 I/O drive the LCD segment drivers, rotary encoder, function buttons, and buzzer. The 20-SOIC fits compact handheld enclosures with low BOM cost.
Recommended
Automotive Sensor Clusters
The PIC16LC770-E/SO variant (extended -40°C to +125°C grade, same 20-SOIC package) supports automotive sensor clusters including fuel-level senders, oil-pressure transducers, and coolant thermistor interfaces. The 6x12-bit ADC handles multiple analog channels per node, and the OTP memory prevents inadvertent firmware updates in a vibration-prone under-hood environment. The 2.5V-5.5V supply accepts 5 V regulated automotive rails.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770-I/SO | PIC16LC770T/SO | PIC16LC770-E/SO | PIC16F77-I/SO | PIC16LC717-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 20-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 20-SOIC - same | 20-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (3.5 KB / 2K x 14) | OTP (3.5 KB) - same | OTP (3.5 KB) - same | OTP (3.5 KB) - same | Flash (3.5 KB) - reprogrammable | OTP (3.5 KB) - same |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same | 256 bytes - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit (6 channels) | 12-bit (6 ch) - same | 12-bit (6 ch) - same | 12-bit (6 ch) - same | 12-bit (6 ch) - same | 12-bit (6 ch) - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C - same | -40°C to +85°C - same | -40°C to +125°C (extended) | -40°C to +85°C - same | -40°C to +85°C - same |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active (recommended migration) | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 6-channel 12-bit ADC (vs PIC16F84 (8-bit MCU, no internal ADC))
- 20 MHz clock speed (vs PIC16F628 (20 MHz at 5V, 10 MHz at 3.3V))
- 16 I/O pins on 20-pin SOIC (vs PIC16C711 (18 pins, 13 I/O))
Design Notes
The PIC16LC770/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory - the firmware cannot be erased or rewritten after programming. For new design development, always prototype with the Flash-reprogrammable PIC16F77-I/SO (same 20-SOIC pinout) and only migrate to PIC16LC770/SO once firmware is final. Programming is performed via the ICSP interface on RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD pins, which must be accessible on the production PCB.
The 'LC' suffix indicates the extended-voltage variant (2.5V-5.5V); operating below 4.0 V on a standard 'C' variant will produce undefined behavior. Decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 9) and a 10 µF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor on the supply rail. Power-on reset (POR) timing is internal - no external RC delay is required.
Pin 5 and Pin 8 are both VSS (ground); both must be connected for proper operation and thermal dissipation, even though the pinout shows ground twice. Pin 7 (OSC2/CLKO) is the system clock output and is a high-impedance output - do not load it heavily or the crystal oscillator may fail to start. Leave pin 6 (OSC1/CLKI) floating if using the internal oscillator.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH / lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data snippets; confirm against Microchip product page or distributor listing (DigiKey 442459-ND) for authoritative compliance information. Part is obsolete.
