PIC16LC770T-E/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz MCU, 3.5KB OTP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770T-E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.18 | $4.18 |
| 10 | $3.72 | $37.20 |
| 100 | $3.32 | $332.00 |
| 500 | $2.98 | $1,490.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.69 | $2,690.00 |
PIC16LC770T-E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that contains a processor core, program memory, data RAM, and integrated peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. MCUs sit at the bottom of the embedded computing hierarchy - they execute firmware stored in non-volatile memory and interact with the physical world via GPIO, ADC, PWM, and serial peripherals. Within that hierarchy, the PIC16C family is positioned as a low-cost, mid-range 8-bit architecture that balances instruction simplicity, deterministic timing, and wide toolchain support.
Key differentiating features include the 20 MHz clock rate (5 MIPS throughput), 16 I/O pins, the OTP program memory option, and a 10-bit ADC (per the family). The "LC" prefix denotes the low-voltage variant optimized for 3.3V operation with full 5V tolerance, while the "T" suffix indicates Tape and Reel packaging and "E" denotes the extended operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C.
The PIC16LC770 uses a RISC Harvard architecture with 35 single-cycle instructions, separate program and data buses, and a hardware multiplier-free design that minimizes die cost. OTP memory is factory-programmed once and cannot be erased, making the LC770 ideal for high-volume cost-sensitive production runs where firmware is stable.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, low-speed motor control via PWM, battery-powered instrumentation, and industrial control subsystems. The wide 2.5-5.5V range and integrated peripherals reduce external component count.
When designing with this part, plan for OTP programming during board bring-up and consider PIC16F or PIC16LF flash-based equivalents if in-field firmware updates are required. Always derate I/O pin current below the 25 mA per-pin limit and use proper decoupling.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified specifications, drop-in alternative analysis, and practical design notes not found on any single manufacturer or distributor product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770T-E/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 PIC16LC770T-E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, RAM Size, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC770-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC770T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T-E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Series | PIC16C / PIC16LC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 256 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 5 MIPS |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Package | 20-SOIC (7.50 mm / 0.295 in body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (E = Extended) |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
PIC16LC770T-E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 / Vref+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4/AN4 — Port A bit 4 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5/AN5/SS — Port A bit 5 / Analog input 5 / Slave Select |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 8 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / T1 clock in |
| Pin 9 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 PWM |
| Pin 10 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 11 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | Vdd — Positive supply (2.5V-5.5V) |
| Pin 17 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 18 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770T-E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Industrial Sensor Interface, Low-Voltage Battery Instrument, PWM Motor Speed Control, Automotive Body Electronics, LED Display Driver Controller, Remote Control Transmitter.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LC770T-E/SO fits consumer appliance control because its 20 MHz PIC core delivers deterministic 200 ns instruction cycles for real-time button debouncing, relay sequencing, and sensor polling. With 16 GPIO pins it can drive 7-segment displays, keypads, and triac outputs simultaneously, while the integrated PWM supports closed-loop fan or heater control. The 2.5-5.5V supply range aligns with both 3.3V and 5V appliance rails, eliminating level shifters.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
The 10-bit ADC and Brown-out Detect peripherals make the PIC16LC770T-E/SO well-suited for industrial 4-20 mA sensor signal conditioning and bridge sensor readouts. Its extended -40 to +125 C range tolerates factory-floor thermal stress, and the 5 MIPS throughput handles linearization algorithms for thermocouples and RTDs in real time. The wide 2.5-5.5V input survives supply transients common on 24V industrial loops.
Recommended
Low-Voltage Battery Instrument
The LC (low-voltage) designation and 2.5V minimum Vdd make PIC16LC770T-E/SO appropriate for 2x AA or single-cell Li-ion battery instruments where quiescent current matters. The 20 MHz speed allows sensor fusion and LCD driving even at low clock divisions, while Brown-out Reset prevents data corruption during battery end-of-life. The 256-byte RAM accommodates modest log buffers without external memory.
Recommended
PWM Motor Speed Control
The on-chip PWM peripheral and 20 MHz core make PIC16LC770T-E/SO suitable for brushed DC motor speed control loops in small fans, pumps, and toys. The 10-bit ADC reads back tachometer or current-sense signals, while the integrated Watchdog Timer protects against software lockups during high-inductive-load switching. The 20-SOIC footprint provides enough thermal mass for typical 50-100 mA motor drive currents.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The -40 to +125 C extended temperature grade qualifies PIC16LC770T-E/SO for non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat position memories, and HVAC blend-door actuators. The 5V-tolerant I/O interfaces directly with legacy automotive sensor harnesses, while the integrated PWM drives small DC motors for mirror or headlamp leveling. The WDT and POR provide the fault recovery required for OEM automotive specs.
Recommended
LED Display Driver Controller
With 16 GPIO and PWM, the PIC16LC770T-E/SO can directly multiplex 7-segment numeric displays or Charlieplex LED matrices without external drivers. The 5 MIPS throughput refreshes 8-digit displays at >100 Hz with no flicker, while the OTP memory locks the display pattern to prevent firmware tampering in commercial signage. The 20-SOIC footprint supports hand-soldering for prototype fixtures.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16LC770T-E/SO suits low-cost IR/RF remote control transmitters where its 16 GPIO scan matrix keypads, the integrated PWM modulates 38 kHz IR carrier, and the 2.5V minimum Vdd enables 2x AAA battery operation. The 256-byte RAM stores pairing codes and rolling-code state machines. OTP memory protects against firmware cloning attacks in security-sensitive garage-door or access-control applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770T-E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770-E/SO | PIC16LC770-I/SO | PIC16LC770T-I/SO | PIC16LC770T/SO | PIC16LC770T-E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SOIC (7.50mm) | 20-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 20-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 20-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 20-SOIC (7.50mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30mm) - smaller |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +125 C (E) | -40 to +125 C | -40 to +85 C | -40 to +85 C | 0 to +70 C | -40 to +125 C |
| 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 5.5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel (SSOP) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16LC770-I/SO)
- Tape and Reel packaging for SMT assembly (vs PIC16LC770-E/SO)
- Larger SOIC body for hand prototyping and rework (vs PIC16LC770T-E/SS)
Design Notes
PIC16LC770 OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Estimated: programming flow uses high-voltage (typically 13V) Vpp on the MCLR/RA5 pin via a parallel programmer. For development cycles, migrate to PIC16F76 or PIC16F876A flash equivalents first, then port the validated HEX image to PIC16LC770 OTP for production. Skipping this step leads to bricked parts during firmware iteration.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (pin 16) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the IC supply entry point. The LC variant's 2.5V minimum allows operation from 2x AA cells, but Brown-out Reset threshold around 4.0V (BOR enabled) requires careful selection if running from a slowly declining battery - configure BOR voltage below minimum operating Vdd to avoid spurious resets.
Route the crystal traces (OSC1 pin 6, OSC2 pin 7) as short as possible with a ground guard ring, and place the load capacitors within 3 mm of the OSC pins. For 20 MHz operation, stray capacitance above 5 pF on these traces can shift the oscillator off-frequency. Keep digital switching signals (PWM outputs on RC1/RC2) at least 5 mm away from the crystal loop to avoid injection locking.
The 20-SOIC package has a typical theta_JA around 70-80 C/W on a 1 oz 2-layer board. At 20 MHz and 5V with all peripherals active, supply current is approximately 10-15 mA, dissipating roughly 50-75 mW. This yields a junction rise of only 4-6 C above ambient, well within the 125 C maximum - no heatsinking is required, even at the extended temperature grade upper limit.
Compliance Information
Compliance information not explicitly provided in the Verified Web Data - marked unknown per Data Authenticity Rules. AEC-Q100 is not_applicable because PIC16LC770T-E/SO is a general-purpose MCU not specifically qualified for automotive safety; it does cover automotive body-electronics temperature range (-40 to +125 C) but is not formally AEC-Q100 qualified.
