PIC16LC770T-I/SO - 8-bit 20MHz OTP MCU 16 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770T-I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.85 | $3.85 |
| 10 | $3.62 | $36.20 |
| 100 | $3.21 | $321.00 |
| 500 | $2.88 | $1,440.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16LC770T-I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, working RAM, non-volatile data storage, and a set of peripheral blocks such as timers, an ADC, communication ports and I/O. MCUs form the lowest decision-making layer of embedded systems, sitting below application processors and FPGAs in the hierarchy: MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC family is built on a Harvard RISC architecture with a small, deterministic instruction set optimized for low power and compact code.
Key features include 16 digital I/O pins, a 12-bit multi-channel ADC, two analog comparators, a USART/SCI interface, an I2C/SPI synchronous serial port, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM, an internal oscillator and an external oscillator option, and an integrated POR/ELR brown-out reset. The wide-body 20-SOIC (7.50 mm) package provides strong mechanical lead robustness for through-hole-style hand prototyping while still being surface-mount compatible.
The PIC16LC770 architecture separates program and data buses (Harvard), uses a 14-bit instruction word for code density and predictable single-cycle ALU op execution, and provides hardware interrupts with prioritized vectoring. Its 12-bit ADC enables precision sensor readings without external converter cost, while the USART and SSP peripherals cover most asynchronous and synchronous fieldbus needs without additional silicon.
Typical applications include industrial sensor signal conditioning, motor control feedback loops, battery-powered metering, white-goods user-interface boards, and general-purpose embedded control in appliances. The wide -40C to +85C industrial range and OTP memory make it a fit for fixed-code volume production where firmware stability matters more than field upgrades.
When designing with this device, confirm whether your application can tolerate OTP one-time-programmable memory (no in-field firmware updates) or whether a flash-based PIC16F alternative is required. Always place the decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD and use a 100 kohm pull-up on MCLR for clean reset behaviour.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770T-I/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-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, ADC, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, RAM 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/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC717T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC717-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC717-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16C-series 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Digital I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 12-bit, multi-channel |
| Analog Comparators | 2 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit (CCP) |
| Communication Peripherals | USART/SCI, SSP (I2C/SPI) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, -I) |
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295" / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator | Internal + External |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC16LC770T-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 / ADC reference minus |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC reference plus |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — Port A bit 5 / analog input 4 / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / CCP1 PWM/capture |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SSP clock (SPI/I2C) |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SSP data in (SPI) / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SSP data out (SPI) |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770T-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, White Goods User Interface Boards, Battery-Powered Metering, Motor Control Feedback Loops, General-Purpose Embedded Control, Appliance Sensor Hub Boards.
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC770T-I/SO fits industrial sensor signal conditioning boards because its 12-bit multi-channel ADC and 16 I/O pins can digitize several analog inputs simultaneously while still leaving headroom for digital control lines. At 20 MHz, it runs control-loop math and basic filtering in real time; the -40C to +85C industrial grade covers factory-floor temperatures. Place the IC near the analog front end, keep the analog ground plane quiet, and use the integrated ADC instead of an external converter.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Boards
For washing machine, dishwasher and microwave front-panel boards, the PIC16LC770T-I/SO is a strong fit because its 16 I/O pins easily drive LED indicators, keypads and rotary encoder inputs while the USART or SSP links to the main control board. The OTP memory locks firmware against unauthorized code extraction, which matters for brand-controlled appliance code. Its wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range simplifies power design from rectified 5 V or 3.3 V rails.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Metering
Battery-powered metering devices benefit from the PIC16LC770T-I/SO's low-power PIC core, integrated 12-bit ADC for accurate measurement of voltage or current, and integrated analog comparators for battery-level detection without extra parts. The OTP memory prevents firmware tampering that could compromise metering accuracy. Its industrial -40C to +85C range handles outdoor smart-meter cabinets, and the small 20-SOIC package keeps the BOM compact and cheap.
Recommended
Motor Control Feedback Loops
Small motor control boards can use the PIC16LC770T-I/SO for the feedback and supervisory loop: its 16-bit timer with CCP captures encoder pulses, the ADC reads current shunts, and the USART or SSP talks to a power-stage gate driver board. At 20 MHz the part is fast enough for sub-millisecond PID updates on modest motor speeds. The wide VDD range lets the same board work from 3.3 V logic or 5 V supplies.
Recommended
General-Purpose Embedded Control
General-purpose 8-bit control applications such as access control keypads, simple HVAC actuators, and consumer-device controllers benefit from the PIC16LC770T-I/SO's balanced resource mix. The 3.5 KB OTP program memory is enough for modest state machines and UI handling, 256 B RAM covers runtime variables, and 16 I/O handles typical key or LED grids. The Microchip MPLAB X toolchain supports the LC family natively, so existing PIC firmware ports across with minimal change.
Recommended
Appliance Sensor Hub Boards
In multi-sensor appliance boards (refrigerators, ovens, water heaters), the PIC16LC770T-I/SO acts as a local sensor hub: it reads thermocouples or thermistors through the 12-bit ADC, drives relays through GPIO, and reports back to a central controller via USART. The industrial temperature range and OTP security make it a fit for warranty-locked appliance designs. Pair it with a switching regulator on the same board; the MCU accepts 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply without level shifters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770T-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770-E/SO | PIC16LC770/SO | PIC16LC717T-I/SO | PIC16LC717-I/SO | PIC16LC717-E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SOIC (0.295") | 20-SOIC (0.295") - same | 20-SOIC (0.295") - same | 20-SOIC (0.295") - same | 20-SOIC (0.295") - same | 20-SOIC (0.295") - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP (2K x 14) | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| ADC | 12-bit multi-channel | 12-bit multi-channel | 12-bit multi-channel | 12-bit multi-channel | 12-bit multi-channel | 12-bit multi-channel |
| Lifecycle | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade on -I variant vs commercial on non-I (vs PIC16LC770/SO)
- Industrial temperature coverage identical to PIC16LC717 family (vs PIC16LC717T-I/SO)
- Extended -40C to +125C variant available in same footprint (vs PIC16LC770-E/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5 V and active 20 MHz operation, the PIC16LC770T-I/SO draws roughly 10 mA from the supply, so budget decoupling accordingly. Place a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and an additional 10 uF bulk capacitor on the board. Tie VSS (pin 19) directly to a low-impedance ground plane. Do not drive VDD from a high-impedance source; the ADC reference is sensitive to VDD ripple. For sleep-mode designs, verify the brown-out reset trip voltage matches VDD min so the device wakes cleanly.
Use a star-ground or split-ground topology that ties the analog AVSS/VSS path and digital ground together only at one point near the MCU. Route the analog inputs (RA0-RA5) away from switching traces such as the CCP1 PWM output on RC2 to minimize ADC coupling. Keep the trace between OSC1 (pin 9) and the crystal short, and place the crystal loading capacitors within a few millimeters of the pins to maintain oscillator start-up margin across -40C to +85C.
Do not assume MCLR can be tied directly to VDD: always use a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 1) so the reset line has a defined state during power-up. The OTP program memory is one-time programmable - any bit failure during programming bricks the device, so verify VDD stability and programming voltage before each production run. Finally, confirm whether your firmware actually needs OTP one-way security; if field updates are expected, choose a PIC16F flash variant instead.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in the provided web search results. Confirm RoHS, REACH and lead-free status with Microchip's product compliance documentation or with the distributor before committing to a RoHS-critical BOM.
