PIC16LC773-I/SO - 8-bit MCU, 7KB OTP, 22 I/O, 28-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC773-I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.73 | $9.73 |
| 10 | $8.92 | $89.20 |
| 100 | $7.85 | $785.00 |
| 500 | $6.9 | $3,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.95 | $5,950.00 |
PIC16LC773-I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (Flash/ROM/OTP/EPROM), working RAM, and peripheral blocks such as timers, ADC, communications controllers and I/O. The PIC16C family uses a Harvard RISC architecture with a small, deterministic instruction set, 14-bit instruction width and 8-bit data path. MCUs sit at the lowest layer of embedded electronics - beneath them are analog/mixed-signal ICs, and above them are higher-level processors and SoCs. The PIC16LC773 belongs to the mid-range (14-bit instruction) PIC16 family, suitable for control and human-interface applications where deterministic timing, low power and compact code size matter more than raw throughput.
Key features include an integrated 12-bit ADC (a notable upgrade over the typical 10-bit ADC on earlier PIC16 devices), two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer/counter, a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module, a synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART/SCI) and an SPI/I²C master/slave MSSP peripheral. The 22 I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA each, allowing direct drive of LEDs and small relays. On-chip brown-out reset (BOR), power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer (WDT) and an ICD-friendly in-circuit debugger interface support field reliability and development.
The 'LC' CMOS process delivers low standby current suitable for battery-powered or sleep-dominated designs. The Harvard architecture with separate program/data buses prevents bus contention and contributes to the family's deterministic interrupt latency. The 12-bit ADC provides 4096 steps with up to 12 input channels multiplexed, enabling precision sensor reads without an external converter.
Typical applications include industrial control panels, instrumentation front-ends, sensor signal conditioning, low-power remote keyless entry, white-goods user-interface boards, and small motor-control loops. The 12-bit ADC and 22 I/O make this part especially attractive for precision analog front-ends and mixed-signal I/O boards.
When designing with PIC16LC773, plan the OTP programming step into your manufacturing flow - OTP parts can be programmed only once. For prototyping or small runs, choose the PIC16F877 (Flash) drop-in family; only commit to OTP after firmware is fully validated. Decoupling efficiency across VDD/VSS pairs is critical given the 12-bit ADC; place 100 nF ceramics within 5 mm of each supply pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives (same-brand PIC16C/LC family + cross-brand equivalents), and practical engineering guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC773-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 PIC16LC773-I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in ADC, Core Architecture, Package, Timers, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC773T-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.69 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F876A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877A-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F723A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC773-I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC (PIC16 mid-range, 14-bit instruction) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable), 7 KB (4K x 14) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 12 channels (per digchip listing) |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit Timer/Counter |
| CCP Module | Capture / Compare / PWM |
| Serial Peripherals | USART (SCI) + MSSP (SPI / I²C) |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial grade) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lifecycle Status | ACTIVE |
| ROM Type (datasheet) | UVPROM (EPROM, one-time programmable) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per etei comparison page) |
PIC16LC773-I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 (12-bit ADC) |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 / ADC VREF- |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC VREF+ |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/AN4/SS — PORTA bit 5 / analog input 4 / SPI slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / Timer1 clock input |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator input / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I²C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I²C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / USART clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / USART data |
| Pin 18 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 19 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 20 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 21 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / low-voltage programming |
| Pin 22 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 23 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 24 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICD clock |
| Pin 25 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICD data |
| Pin 26 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 27 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 28 | AVSS — Analog ground |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC773-I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Panel Interface, Precision Sensor Signal Conditioning, White Goods User Interface Boards, Low-Power Remote Keyless Entry / RF Tag, Small Motor-Control Loop (BLDC / Stepper), Instrumentation Front-End with Character LCD.
Industrial Control Panel Interface
The PIC16LC773-I/SO suits industrial control panels thanks to its 22 I/O pins (each capable of 25 mA source/sink) and 12-bit ADC for reading analog sensors and front-panel potentiometers. With 7 KB of OTP program memory, the device holds a complete control-loop state-machine, button-debounce logic and LCD/HMI driver in a single chip. The 2.5-5.5 V supply range allows direct operation from a regulated 24 V industrial rail after step-down. Compared with a 10-bit ADC, the 12-bit converter provides 4× resolution - critical for precise temperature, pressure and process-variable measurement.
Recommended
Precision Sensor Signal Conditioning
The integrated 12-bit ADC (up to 12 channels) makes the PIC16LC773-I/SO an attractive frontend for bridge sensors, RTDs and 4-20 mA loop transmitters. The Harvard RISC core runs the linearisation and filtering math with deterministic interrupt latency, while the 20 MHz clock provides enough headroom for digital filtering. The 256-byte RAM is sufficient for moving-average buffers and PID control loops. The low-power CMOS 'LC' process keeps sleep current under 1 µA typical, supporting battery-powered sensor nodes.
Recommended
White Goods User Interface Boards
The PIC16LC773-I/SO drives washing-machine, dishwasher and oven user-interface boards where 22 I/O pins handle button scanning, 7-segment or character LCD multiplexing, buzzer control and relay drivers. The 12-bit ADC reads the temperature sensor (NTC) and water-level sensor with enough precision for closed-loop control. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade handles under-cabinet and behind-panel thermal stress. The OTP memory locks the final UI code at production programming, preventing field tampering.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Keyless Entry / RF Tag
Battery-powered keyfobs and RFID-tag readers benefit from the PIC16LC773-I/SO's low-power CMOS process, 2.5 V minimum supply and <1 µA sleep current. The MSSP peripheral drives an SPI-interfaced RF transceiver or 125 kHz RFID front-end. The USART handles return-channel communication. OTP memory stores the rolling-code or authentication key without risk of firmware extraction. The 22 I/O pins drive LEDs, tactile buttons and the piezo buzzer for user feedback.
Recommended
Small Motor-Control Loop (BLDC / Stepper)
The Capture/Compare/PWM module on the PIC16LC773-I/SO generates PWM drive signals for small brushless DC or stepper motors up to ~25 mA per pin (with external MOSFET driver). The 16-bit timer provides precise PWM period control, while the 12-bit ADC reads back-EMF or current-sense for closed-loop commutation. The 20 MHz clock gives 200 ns instruction cycle - adequate for trapezoidal commutation up to a few kHz electrical frequency. Add external gate drivers like the TC4427 for higher-current motors.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front-End with Character LCD
Handheld multimeters, bench-top signal sources and process calibrators use the PIC16LC773-I/SO to drive a character LCD, scan a keypad and read the measurement ADC. The 12-bit ADC is essential for displaying 3½-digit or 4½-digit readings with 1 mV / 0.1 mV resolution. The USART provides isolated RS-232 or RS-485 comms for SCPI-style remote control. The industrial temperature grade supports factory-floor calibration environments, and OTP locks the calibration constants at final test.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC773-I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC773T-I/SO | PIC16F873A-I/SO | PIC16F876A-I/SO | PIC16F723A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash | 14 KB Flash | 7 KB Flash |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit | 12-bit | 10-bit | 10-bit | 8-bit |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 192 bytes | 368 bytes | 256 bytes |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 25 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 1.8 V to 5.5 V |
| Memory Reprogrammability | OTP (one-time only) | OTP (one-time only) | Flash (10k cycles) | Flash (10k cycles) | Flash (10k cycles) |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit ADC vs 10-bit on sibling PIC16F87xA (vs PIC16F876A-I/SO)
- OTP locks firmware permanently for tamper resistance (vs PIC16F873A-I/SO (Flash))
- Low-power CMOS 'LC' process for sleep-dominated designs (vs PIC16F877A-I/P)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of every VDD/VSS pair on the PIC16LC773-I/SO, plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the board's main supply rail. The 12-bit ADC draws fast transient pulses during conversion, and poor decoupling shows up as noise and gain error. For AVdd/AVss pair, use a separate filtered analog supply if the digital I/O is switching high currents; otherwise tie AVdd to VDD but keep the AVss trace short to the chip ground pin.
OTP memory can be programmed only once - there is no second chance. Validate firmware on a Flash-based sibling (PIC16F876A-I/SO or PIC16F877A-I/P) before committing to OTP production programming. Programming voltage VPP must reach 13.0-13.5 V on MCLR/VPP during programming pulse - low-voltage ICSP mode (LVP) is available but uses RB3/PGM as the LVP enable, which then cannot be used as a general I/O without configuration bit changes.
Route the 12-bit ADC traces away from switching digital lines - especially PWM outputs on CCP1 (RC2) and the oscillator traces on OSC1/OSC2. Use a ground pour under the analog section, and consider a guard ring around the ADC input pin if measuring high-impedance sensors. The crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) should be short, with the load capacitors placed within 2-3 mm of the chip pins to avoid stray radiation and clock jitter. Keep the MCLR trace short to minimise ESD-induced reset pulses.
The PIC16LC773-I/SO in 28-SOIC is rated for industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operation with thermal resistance theta_JA around 80-100 C/W (per Microchip package thermal data, SOIC). At full 20 MHz and all peripherals active, current draw is around 10-15 mA, so self-heating is negligible (~5 mW). No heatsink is required. For high-temperature environments approaching +85 °C, derate peripheral clock speeds and consider sleep-mode duty cycling to keep junction temperature rise under 10 °C above ambient.
The I/O pins source/sink up to 25 mA each - this is high enough to drive LEDs directly, but capacitive load on a high-frequency clocked pin (like SCL or SDA at 400 kHz I²C) can cause edge-rate issues. Use 4.7 kΩ pull-ups on I²C lines (not 10 kΩ) for full-speed mode, and add a series resistor on long SPI traces to dampen ringing. The USART TX output can fight against a long cable - add a series resistor near the pin to limit ringing on the connected cable.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per etei.com comparison page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose an AEC-Q100 automotive part for under-hood or safety-critical applications. Lead-free matte-tin plating on SOIC leads. Halogen-free status to be confirmed with Microchip material declaration.
