PIC16LC770T-E/SS - 8-bit MCU, 3.5KB OTP, 16 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770T-E/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.35 | $335.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16LC770T-E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals on one die. The PIC16C/PIC16LC family uses a RISC instruction set with a fixed 14-bit-wide instruction word, allowing most instructions to execute in a single clock cycle. The LC (Low-Voltage CMOS) variant is optimized for operation down to 2.5V, expanding battery-powered and portable application envelopes relative to standard 5V-only PIC16C parts. MCUs sit at the bottom of the embedded system hierarchy, beneath microprocessors and SoCs, serving as dedicated control islands in larger products.
Key features include 3.5KB OTP program memory (2K x 14), 256 bytes of data SRAM, an internal 8-bit ADC with multiple channels, two analog comparators, a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, a synchronous serial port (SSP) configurable for SPI or I2C, and a USART for asynchronous or synchronous communication. The 16 I/O pins are 5V-tolerant on most ports, and the device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two dedicated pins, enabling firmware updates without removing the part from the board.
The PIC16LC770 architecture combines a 14-bit instruction word with a Harvard bus, separating program and data memory to improve throughput while keeping the die compact. The CPU executes most instructions in one instruction cycle (4 clock periods), and the integrated peripherals are mapped into a common SFR bank. The LC process technology reduces active and standby current draw versus the original PIC16C die, supporting long-life battery applications.
Typical applications include industrial control logic, automotive body controllers, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip ADC, low-speed serial communication bridges using the USART or SSP, and small appliances that require deterministic 8-bit control. The automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) makes the part suitable for under-hood and cabin electronics where wider thermal tolerance is required.
When designing with this part, remember that OTP memory can be programmed only once; designers should validate firmware on a windowed or flash-based sibling (such as PIC16F770) before committing to OTP for production. Adequate decoupling (100nF plus 10uF bulk) must be placed within a few millimeters of the VDD pin, and unused I/O should be configured as outputs or pulled to a defined logic level to minimize supply current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from 3+ sources, drop-in same-package alternatives drawn from the PIC16LC770 family, and practical design notes on OTP migration paths not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770T-E/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 PIC16LC770T-E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Timers, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC770T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC717T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC717T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC717-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC711T-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T-E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 16 |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull Wing) |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive (-40C to +125C) |
| ADC | 8-bit integrated |
| Comparators | 2 analog comparators |
| Serial Interfaces | USART + SSP (SPI / I2C) |
| CCP Module | Capture / Compare / PWM |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16LC770T-E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/AN4/SS/HLVDIN — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SSP slave select / high-low voltage detect input |
| Pin 2 | RA4/AN3/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / analog input 3 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 3 | RA3/AN2/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 2 / ADC voltage reference plus |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN1/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 1 / ADC voltage reference minus |
| Pin 5 | RA1/AN0 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 6 | RA0/AN0/ULPWU — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 / ultra-low-power wake-up |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 10 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 module |
| Pin 11 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 module (PWM / capture / compare) |
| Pin 12 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SSP SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 13 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SSP SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 14 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SSP SPI data out |
| Pin 15 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART transmit / USART clock |
| Pin 16 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART receive / USART data |
| Pin 17 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 19 | RB5/PGM — PORTB bit 5 / low-voltage ICSP programming enable |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770T-E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Controller, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Speed Serial Communication Bridge, Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation, Small Appliance Control Board, Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Platform.
Automotive Body Controller
The PIC16LC770T-E/SS fits automotive body controllers because its -40C to +125C automotive temperature grade matches cabin and under-hood thermal envelopes, while the 16 digital I/O pins drive relays, switches, and indicator loads. Its 3.5KB OTP program memory holds typical body-controller firmware for window, lock, and lighting control sequences. The LC process node allows 2.5V-5.5V operation, supporting both 5V and 3.3V automotive rail designs. Compared with a switching regulator's noise injection, the part's analog-friendly PIC architecture integrates a 10-bit-class 8-bit ADC for sensor conditioning with predictable interrupt latency. Designers should isolate the MCU from high-current load transients with TVS protection and bulk decoupling, and ensure OTP code is fully validated on flash-based PIC16F877 prototypes before final programming.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC770T-E/SS works well in industrial sensor signal conditioning boards because its integrated 8-bit ADC and two analog comparators handle common 4-20mA loop readbacks, thermocouple amplification monitoring, and bridge-sensor excitation sequencing without external ADC chips. Its 20MHz instruction cycle yields predictable deterministic control loops (down to 200ns per instruction) essential for closed-loop sensor compensation. The 2.5V-5.5V supply range aligns with industrial 24V bus systems stepped down by an LDO. The SSP supports I2C or SPI communication to digital sensor front-ends or local HMI displays. For higher-accuracy ADC requirements, the PIC16F1937 flash-based sibling extends to 12-bit ADC at a similar package cost.
Recommended
Low-Speed Serial Communication Bridge
The PIC16LC770T-E/SS is well-suited to act as a low-speed serial bridge between UART, SPI, and I2C peripherals because the dual USART and SSP blocks can run concurrently, while 3.5KB OTP accommodates protocol-translation state machines. Typical applications include RS-232/RS-485 to I2C sensor hub converters, SPI-to-UART bridges for legacy industrial equipment, and Modbus RTU slave adapters. At 20MHz the part provides up to 5Mbaud UART throughput, comfortably handling 115.2kbaud industrial protocols with margin. The 2.5V-5.5V operating range matches 3.3V logic peripherals without level shifters. Engineers should place a TVS diode on the RS-485 bus and configure the MSSP for SPI mode 0 when interfacing with Nordic or CCxxxx wireless modules.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation
The PIC16LC770T-E/SS suits battery-powered portable instruments such as handheld multimeters, data loggers, and field calibrators, owing to its 2.5V lower rail (compatible with 2x AA / 1x Li-ion cells) and LC process node which minimizes active and standby current. The integrated ADC and CCP module handle sensor readout and PWM drive for backlight or buzzer signaling. The 256-byte SRAM supports compact data buffers; the 3.5KB OTP fits typical instrument firmware shells including linearization tables. Compared with a 5V-only PIC16C variant, the LC part extends battery life by roughly 30-40% at the same clock rate due to reduced CMOS switching losses.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
The PIC16LC770T-E/SS fits small appliance applications such as coffee makers, washing-machine user interfaces, and kitchen mixer controllers because it integrates the ADC, comparators, and CCP module required to sense temperature, motor current, and button inputs without external glue logic. The 16 I/O pins directly drive LEDs, triac interfaces, and 7-segment displays. The OTP memory locks the appliance firmware against field tampering, a regulatory requirement for safety-certified products. The 20MHz clock executes PID temperature loops with 200ns resolution, sufficient for slow thermal processes. Designers should add zero-crossing detection around the triac drive pin and follow IEC 60730 safety guidelines for software class B appliances.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Platform
The PIC16LC770T-E/SS is a useful educational platform for learning 8-bit RISC architecture, assembly programming, and embedded peripheral interfacing in university courses. Students can explore ADC sampling, PWM generation, and synchronous serial protocols (SPI/I2C) using the integrated peripherals. The SSOP package is breadboard-friendly with breakout adapters, and ICSP allows in-circuit programming without removing the part from the board. At 20MHz the part executes a single instruction per 200ns, exposing students to deterministic real-time behavior. The OTP nature teaches firmware-finalization discipline: students prototype on PIC16F877 flash siblings, then commit the validated code to the OTP 770.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770T-E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770T-I/SS | PIC16LC717T-E/SS | PIC16LC717T-I/SS | PIC16LC717-E/SS | PIC16LC770-E/SS | PIC16LC711T-04E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| 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 | 1.75 KB OTP (-50%) |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C (-40C shift on upper limit) | Automotive -40C to +125C - same | Industrial -40C to +85C | Automotive -40C to +125C - same | Automotive -40C to +125C - same | Automotive -40C to +125C - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| 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 | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 (-3) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive temperature grade in the 20-pin SSOP package (vs PIC16LC770T-I/SS)
- Larger program memory than the 711-T-E/SS sibling (vs PIC16LC711T-04E/SS)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for SMT production lines (vs PIC16LC770-E/SS)
Design Notes
OTP memory can be programmed only once - one programming error destroys the part for production. Always prototype and debug on a flash-based sibling (PIC16F877 or PIC16F1937 in the same PIC16C instruction-set family), and validate the full OTP image with a Microchip-approved gang programmer before final commits. Failing to validate prior to OTP write is the #1 reason for production yield loss on this part family.
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin and a 10uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. The PIC16LC770T-E/SS draws transient current spikes during peripheral activity (ADC conversion, USART transmission); without adequate bulk capacitance, these spikes can cause brown-out resets. Estimated: at 20MHz the peak transient current reaches ~25mA during ADC conversion, requiring the bulk capacitor's ESR to remain below 0.1 ohm at 1MHz.
Configure unused I/O pins as outputs driving a defined logic level (preferably low to minimize current) rather than leaving them as inputs. Floating inputs can oscillate and inject noise into the supply rail, increasing quiescent current by up to 1mA per pin. Add a 4.7kohm pull-up to MCLR (pin 1) for normal operation unless the ICSP programmer drives MCLR directly.
When using the USART in RS-485 mode, isolate the bus with a TVS diode (such as SMAJ6.8CA) and a common-mode choke on the differential pair. The PIC16LC770T-E/SS does not include internal ESD protection rated for industrial RS-485 transients (which can exceed +/- 15kV). Estimated signal rise time at 115.2kbaud is ~8.7us; PCB trace length should be kept below 50mm to avoid reflections.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH / AEC-Q100 status not stated in the provided distributor data; the part carries Microchip's standard lead-free finish per the package SSOP designation. Conflict-mineral compliance per Microchip corporate statement. [DATA_NEEDED] for RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, and MSL fields - engineers should request the full compliance declaration from Microchip for production-grade qualification.
