PIC16LC770T/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC770T/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.1 | $3.10 |
| 10 | $2.78 | $27.80 |
| 100 | $2.41 | $241.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.72 | $1,720.00 |
PIC16LC770T/SS Overview
An OTP microcontroller is a non-flashless Flash Online-erasable variant of a programmable MCU: code is written once and retained permanently without the need for an in-circuit programmer. PIC microcontrollers integrate a Harvard RISC core, on-chip non-volatile memory, peripherals, and a CPU on a single die - the PIC16LC770T/SS belongs to the PIC16 mid-range family, sitting in the hierarchy microcontroller -> MCU -> embedded controller -> semiconductor, with the OTP variant of this family offering low unit cost for mature production runs.
Key features of this device include 16 I/O pins (with individual direction control), a 5-channel 8-bit ADC, two 8-bit timers (Timer0/Timer2) plus one 16-bit timer (Timer1), an enhanced CCP module, a Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (USART/SCI), and an SSP peripheral for SPI/I2C master-slave communications. Additional capabilities include power-on reset, brown-out reset (BOR), a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and an In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) interface.
The 8-bit RISC architecture executes most instructions in a single cycle, and the high-performance Harvard bus separates program (14-bit wide) and data (8-bit wide) paths to avoid fetch-execute bottlenecks. The mid-range core provides 35 single-word instructions, 8-level hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing modes with FSR register-based memory banking. Integrated analog and digital peripherals reduce BOM cost in compact embedded designs.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, simple motor control drivers, LED lighting controllers, and industrial control logic where OTP program security and small-form-factor SSOP packaging are preferred. It is also used in appliance user-interface boards and HVAC thermostat controllers that require reliable fixed-code execution.
When designing with the PIC16LC770T/SS, ensure the OTP programming is performed before final assembly since OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed; the ICSP header should still be accessible for one-time production programming. The 20-pin SSOP footprint requires standard surface-mount reflow and a 0.65 mm lead pitch pad pattern.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC770T/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/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Package, Operating Voltage Range, Comparators, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC770-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC770-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F690T-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC770T/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (mid-range) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| ADC | 5 channels x 8-bit |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | USART/SCI + SSP (SPI/I2C) |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Lead Pitch | 0.65 mm |
PIC16LC770T/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — PORTA bit 5 / Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / Analog input channel 3 / Voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA4/AN4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Analog input channel 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5-5.5 V) |
| Pin 11 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RB3/CCP1 — PORTB bit 3 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 output |
| Pin 16 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | RB1/INT — PORTB bit 1 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 19 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock line |
| Pin 20 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data line |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC770T/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Controllers, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends, HVAC Thermostat Controllers, LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Control Logic Modules, Remote Control and User Interface Boards.
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16LC770T/SS is well suited for low-cost consumer appliance control boards where the 3.5 KB OTP program memory and 256 B RAM cover basic state-machine logic without firmware updates. Its 20 MHz core delivers 5 MIPS throughput sufficient for key-scan debouncing, simple LED driving, and PWM-based small-load control. The OTP design prevents reverse engineering of proprietary appliance algorithms. SSOP-20 packaging is compatible with standard reflow profiles used in white-goods manufacturing.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends
With its 5-channel 8-bit ADC, the PIC16LC770T/SS can digitize multiple analog sensors (temperature, light, humidity) and implement on-chip linearization. The 16 I/O pins support direct connection to thermistor dividers, photodiodes, and digital sensor outputs. Operating from 2.5-5.5 V allows direct interfacing to single-cell Li-ion or 3.3 V regulated supplies commonly used in environmental sensor hubs.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Controllers
The PIC16LC770T/SS enables reliable thermostat logic where OTP firmware locks the temperature curve and prevents field modification. Its PWM output (via CCP module) can drive TRIAC-based HVAC actuators, while the 16-bit Timer1 provides precise long-duration timing for hysteresis-based temperature control. The wide 2.5-5.5 V supply range accommodates common 24 VAC transformer-derived DC rails in HVAC systems.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LC770T/SS can drive RGB or single-channel LED fixtures using its CCP PWM module, with software-implemented color mixing and brightness ramps. The 20 MHz core provides 5 MIPS, enabling smooth 256-level PWM dimming without flicker. OTP memory ensures lighting patterns cannot be modified by end users, protecting OEM lighting designs from unauthorized color profile changes.
Recommended
Industrial Control Logic Modules
Industrial logic modules benefit from the PIC16LC770T/SS OTP security for fixed-function PLC-like signal processing. Its USART supports RS-232/RS-485 communication with industrial sensors, while the SSP peripheral handles SPI/I2C sensor networks. Operating from 2.5-5.5 V and supporting the industrial -40C to +85C variant (PIC16LC770T-I/SS) ensures reliability in factory-floor environments with temperature variation.
Recommended
Remote Control and User Interface Boards
The PIC16LC770T/SS is ideal for IR remote control transmitters and small user-interface boards where the 16 I/O pins can directly scan key matrices and drive status LEDs. Its low 2 mA active current at 5V/4 MHz extends battery life in handheld remotes. The OTP memory prevents unauthorized firmware cloning - a critical security feature for OEM remote control designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC770T/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC770-I/SS | PIC16LC770-E/SS | PIC16LC770T-I/SS | PIC16LC770T-E/SS | PIC16F690T-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash |
| RAM | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B | 256 B |
| CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| ADC Resolution | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 8-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 12 channels |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash |
Key Differentiators
- OTP code security (vs PIC16F690T-I/SS)
- Lower unit cost at high volume (vs PIC16F690T-I/SS)
- Compact SSOP-20 footprint (vs PIC16LC717T-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC770T/SS is OTP (One-Time Programmable), meaning code cannot be erased or rewritten - lock in firmware revision and configuration bits before production programming. According to the Microchip PIC16LC770 datasheet (DS39591), once VPP programming voltage is applied and the OTP cells are written, the firmware is permanent. Maintain a backup source of verified HEX files and verify configuration word (CONFIG) settings (WDT, BOR, oscillator, code protection) before each production batch.
The 20-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm lead pitch and 5.30 mm body width - the PCB land pattern must use SSOP-IPC-7351 nominal dimensions with 0.30 mm wide pads and 0.40 mm solder mask openings. Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of the VDD pin (pin 10), with a 10 µF bulk capacitor at the board supply input. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for normal operation; the ICSP programmer drives VPP through this same pin.
The PIC16LC770T/SS operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V with a typical active current of 2 mA at 5 V / 4 MHz. Estimated: at 20 MHz / 5 V the active current rises to approximately 10 mA, and the brown-out reset (BOR) is recommended to be enabled in the configuration word for reliable supply-voltage supervision. The watchdog timer on-chip RC oscillator (~18 ms nominal) provides protection against software hangs without external components.
Place the ICSP connector at the board edge or near the MCU with dedicated PGD (pin 11) and PGC (pin 12) traces routed as short, parallel traces with a ground reference to minimize programming noise. The OSC1/OSC2 pins (7, 8) must be routed with short, symmetric traces to the crystal/oscillator and surrounded by a ground pour. According to Microchip oscillator design notes (TB097), keep high-frequency digital signal traces at least 3 mm away from the oscillator traces to prevent injection locking and EMI.
Compliance Information
RoHS, lead-free, and halogen-free status not specified in the provided web data - marked as unknown. AEC-Q100 not qualified per Microchip datasheet. Conflict-minerals compliance assumed per Microchip corporate standard.
