PIC16LC770/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.7539 | $4.75 |
| 10 | $4.27 | $42.70 |
| 100 | $3.62 | $362.00 |
| 500 | $2.98 | $1,490.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.41 | $2,410.00 |
PIC16LC770/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable processor built around an 8-bit data path, on-chip peripherals, and non-volatile program memory. Within the broader taxonomy it is a microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC -> electronic component. PIC16-series devices follow a Harvard RISC architecture with only 35 single-word instructions, an architecture still used today for deterministic interrupt response and very low power consumption in cost-sensitive applications.
Key features of the PIC16LC770 include 6 channels of 12-bit ADC (versus 10-bit on most peers), I2C/SPI peripherals, 16 programmable I/O lines, an internal oscillator option, and a wide operating voltage range suited to the LC variant. The architecture executes one instruction per cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz), and the 14-bit instruction word with 8-bit data bus provides a code-density advantage over typical 8-bit CISC MCUs.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning with embedded ADC, low-power portable instrumentation, consumer device controllers, and embedded mixed-signal boards requiring both analog and digital I/O in a small 20-pin outline. The combination of OTP memory (one-time programmable, low NRE cost for low-volume runs) and small SSOP package makes this part common in mature, stable designs.
Designers should note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed, so code verification must occur in a windowed/UV-erasable PIC16C770 variant or an emulator before production programming. Brown-out and watchdog timer peripherals are integrated but must be configured in firmware. For designs that require re-programmability, the PIC16F870 (Flash) is the recommended migration, not an exact drop-in due to its different memory map.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family PIC16C/LC drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770/SS — 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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, I/O Pins.
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No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC16LC770/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 256 B |
| Number of I/O | 16 |
| ADC | 6 channels x 12-bit |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART |
| Oscillator Type | Internal |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm, 208 mil) |
| Supplier Device Package | 20-SSOP |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
PIC16LC770/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / 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 — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 3 / Voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Digital I/O / Analog input channel 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Digital I/O / Timer1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Digital I/O / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Digital I/O / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Digital I/O / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — Digital I/O / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — Digital I/O / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — Digital I/O / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / External interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation, Consumer Device Controllers, Embedded Mixed-Signal Control Boards, Low-Voltage 3.3V Logic Replacement Designs, Educational and Hobbyist 8-Bit Projects.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC770's 12-bit 6-channel ADC makes it well-suited for industrial sensor front-ends reading thermocouples, strain gauges, and 4-20 mA loops. Its 20 MHz core completes an ADC conversion in microseconds, supporting sample rates above 100 kS/s aggregate. Combined with 256 bytes of RAM and I2C/SPI peripherals for digital sensor chaining, the part fits compact PLC analog-input modules. Source: Microchip datasheet DS30430A. The LC variant's reduced VDD range helps in 3.3V industrial buses.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation
The PIC16LC770's LC-suffix low-voltage CMOS core targets portable, battery-powered products such as handheld multimeters, data loggers, and medical monitors. At 20 MHz it offers sufficient MIPS for filtering and display driving, while the LC process keeps active current low enough for multi-day battery life. The internal oscillator eliminates an external crystal, reducing BOM cost. Reference: Microchip PIC16C770 family datasheet. OTP memory suits low-volume products not requiring firmware updates.
Recommended
Consumer Device Controllers
For cost-sensitive consumer products such as small appliance controllers, IR remote receivers, and LED drivers, the PIC16LC770/SS balances 12-bit ADC precision with a tiny 20-SSOP outline. Its 16 I/O pins handle keypads, displays, and triac interfaces, while the integrated UART supports debug or host communication. The 3.5 KB OTP is adequate for typical consumer control logic. Source: Microchip PIC16C770 family documentation. Drop-in LC770-I/SS variants allow industrial-temperature derivatives without PCB redesign.
Recommended
Embedded Mixed-Signal Control Boards
Designers building compact mixed-signal boards - such as HVAC controllers, motor-control auxiliary logic, and small UPS monitoring units - benefit from the PIC16LC770/SS combining analog inputs (12-bit ADC), digital I/O (16 lines), and serial peripherals (I2C/SPI/UART) on one die. The 20 MHz core handles PID computation while the ADC samples feedback signals in real time. Reference: Microchip datasheet DS30430A. Compared to larger PIC16F877 designs, the 20-SSOP variant saves PCB real estate.
Recommended
Low-Voltage 3.3V Logic Replacement Designs
Mature 5V PIC16C770 designs migrating to 3.3V logic rails benefit from the PIC16LC770's reduced VDD range while keeping the same 20-SSOP footprint and instruction set. The LC process lets designers drop supply voltage without changing firmware, peripheral maps, or PCB layout. This is a common transition path for legacy designs that need lower power but cannot afford full firmware rewrites. Source: Microchip PIC16C770 family datasheet DS30430A.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist 8-Bit Projects
Hobbyists and educators use the PIC16LC770/SS in low-cost 8-bit microcontroller courses because of its small 20-SSOP package, integrated 12-bit ADC, and classic PIC16 instruction set. The OTP memory - while not reprogrammable - is acceptable for final-year student projects and one-off prototypes where a UV-erasable windowed PIC16C770W variant can be used for code development. Reference: Microchip PIC16C770 datasheet DS30430A. Drop-in compatible parts (PIC16LC770-I/SS) ease lab-to-product transition.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770-I/SS | PIC16LC770T/SS | PIC16LC770-E/SS | PIC16LC717-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART | I2C, SPI, UART | I2C, SPI, UART | I2C, SPI, UART | I2C, SPI |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial-grade drop-in with same die (vs PIC16LC770-I/SS)
- Tape-and-reel assembly variant (vs PIC16LC770T/SS)
- Extended temperature for harsh environments (vs PIC16LC770-E/SS)
Design Notes
OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory cannot be erased or reprogrammed. Verify firmware on a windowed PIC16C770W/SS or a compatible PIC16F870 emulator before committing to a production OTP programming run. Programming failures or code bugs in OTP result in dead silicon - so use the Flash-based PIC16F870 for development and only switch to PIC16LC770/SS for final production runs.
The PIC16LC770 (LC variant) is designed for a reduced VDD range relative to the standard PIC16C770. Always verify the operating voltage against the datasheet DS30430A's electrical characteristics table before designing in 3.3V-only systems - exceeding VDD_max can damage the device. For 3.3V-only rails, prefer the PIC16LF variants where available. Brown-out reset (BOR) should be enabled in the configuration bits for reliable startup.
The 20-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pitch - smaller than 20-SOIC (1.27 mm). PCB layout must use fine-pitch SSOP land patterns with appropriate solder mask slivers between pads. Place the decoupling capacitor (typically 100 nF ceramic) within 5 mm of VDD pin 20, and route VSS pin 11 directly to a ground plane for ADC noise immunity. The 12-bit ADC accuracy depends on a clean analog AVSS/AVDD pair - use separate analog and digital ground planes tied at one point.
When using the 12-bit ADC, keep digital traces (especially RB and RC port lines toggling during ADC conversion) away from the analog input pins RA0-RA5. The internal oscillator option eliminates external crystal noise coupling but trades off frequency accuracy; for ADC-clock-derived timing-critical designs, an external crystal on OSC1/OSC2 is recommended. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR if not driven by an external supervisor.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in Verified Web Data; set to unknown per data-authenticity rules. Part is in Microchip obsolete lifecycle.
