PIC16LC773/SP - 8-Bit 20MHz 7KB OTP MCU | Microchip | 28-SPDIP
MPN: PIC16LC773/SP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.28 | $3.28 |
| 10 | $3.05 | $30.50 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.51 | $1,255.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.25 | $2,250.00 |
PIC16LC773/SP Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and peripherals such as timers, communication interfaces, and analog blocks. The PIC16 family from Microchip uses a 14-bit wide instruction set, classified as a RISC architecture because each instruction executes in a single instruction cycle (except branches). Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU sits under: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor device.
Key features of the PIC16LC773 include a 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) with up to 8 input channels, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a synchronous/asynchronous USART, an SPI/I2C master synchronous serial port, and a Capture/Compare/PWM (CCP) module. The LC suffix designates the low-voltage CMOS variant, enabling operation down to 2.5 V for battery-friendly applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16LC773 uses a Harvard structure with separate program and data buses, a hardware stack for fast interrupt response, and brown-out reset plus power-on reset for reliable cold-start behavior. The 20 MHz oscillator yields a 200 ns instruction cycle, suitable for real-time control loops in instrumentation, consumer, and industrial segments.
Typical applications include industrial sensor interfacing, motor control front-ends, HVAC control boards, battery-powered metering, and small appliances where the 12-bit ADC simplifies analog front-end design. The SPDIP-28 footprint is convenient for prototyping, hobby platforms, and through-hole manufacturing lines.
When designing with this MCU, mind the 256-byte RAM ceiling for buffer-heavy applications and consider that the OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit - use the FLASH-based PIC16F877A variant if in-field firmware updates are required. The OTP variant is well-suited to mature, stable firmware in volume production.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternative inventory, and engineering design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC773/SP — 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/SP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, ADC, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC773-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC773/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F873A-20/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F873-20/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F876A-20/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F877A-20/SP
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC773/SP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16 (8-bit RISC, 14-bit instruction word) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 256 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 |
| ADC | 12-bit, up to 8 channels |
| Timers | Two 8-bit + one 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Communication | USART (SCI), SPI, I2C (MSSP) |
| CCP Module | Capture / Compare / PWM |
| Resets | Power-on Reset (POR), Brown-out Reset (BOR) |
| Package | 28-pin SPDIP (Skinny Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial, /SP suffix) |
PIC16LC773/SP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTbit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / ADC positive reference |
| 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 — Crystal oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator out / clock in |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / Capture Compare PWM 1 |
| 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 / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 20 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 21 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 22 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 23 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / LVP programming |
| Pin 24 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 27 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 28 | RA6/AN5 — PORTA bit 6 / analog input 5 (alternate function) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC773/SP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Board, Battery-Powered Metering Device, HVAC Control Board, Small Appliance Controller, Motor Control Front-End, Educational Prototyping Platform.
Industrial Sensor Interface Board
The PIC16LC773/SP fits industrial sensor interface boards because its 12-bit 8-channel ADC provides 4096-step resolution at up to 20 MHz conversion throughput, suitable for strain gauge, RTD, and 4-20 mA loop digitization. The 22 I/O lines handle multiplexed sensor selection, optocoupler-isolated digital inputs, and relay outputs. The 2.5-5.5 V supply range lets the same PCB work from 3.3 V or 5 V field rails. The 28-SPDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly on heavy copper industrial boards. The USART plus MSSP enable RS-485 or I2C sensor networking, while the 256-byte RAM buffers packet telemetry. Compared with 10-bit predecessors, the 12-bit ADC halves quantization error to ~0.024% FS for 0-10 V process signals.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Metering Device
The PIC16LC773/SP is well matched to battery-powered metering because its LC (low-voltage CMOS) variant operates down to 2.5 V, allowing direct use with two alkaline cells or a single Li-coin cell plus boost converter. The PIC16 core draws microamp-level sleep current, and the 12-bit ADC delivers enough resolution for energy, gas, or water metering at sub-1% accuracy. The 7 KB OTP program memory fits compact metering firmware with calibration tables, and the 28-SPDIP drop-in footprint lets manufacturers swap to FLASH-based PIC16F873A during development. Designers get the low-power LC series with full PIC16 peripheral reuse, no architectural migration.
Recommended
HVAC Control Board
The PIC16LC773/SP can drive HVAC control boards that need a moderate code footprint for proportional-integral control loops, fan PWM, and multi-zone temperature readout. The 12-bit ADC reads thermistor and duct-pressure sensors with 4.8 mV resolution at 5 V reference, fine for setpoint comparison. The CCP module generates the carrier PWM for TRIAC-driven blower motors, and the USART links to the wall thermostat display. The 20 MHz CPU clock closes the 10 ms control loop with margin. The 28-SPDIP package is repair-friendly in white-goods service environments, and the industrial -I/SP variant (-40C to +85C) accommodates unconditioned plant rooms.
Recommended
Small Appliance Controller
The PIC16LC773/SP suits small-appliance controllers - coffee machines, microwaves, induction cooktops - where a 7 KB OTP budget covers menu logic and a 12-bit ADC reads the temperature probe and weight sensor. The 20 MHz core services the keypad scan, LCD drive (via external expanders), and CCP-driven buzzer tones without bottlenecks. The 28-SPDIP package is inexpensive to socket on the appliance main board, allowing firmware swaps during pilot production. The PIC16 instruction set is well documented in Microchip application notes, easing firmware reuse across coffee maker, kettle, and toaster product lines.
Recommended
Motor Control Front-End
The PIC16LC773/SP works as a motor-control front-end, using the 16-bit Timer1 to capture Hall-sensor edges and the CCP module to generate the complementary PWM that drives a 3-phase inverter through gate drivers. The 12-bit ADC samples the DC bus current via a shunt amplifier at 20 MHz equivalent throughput, providing 11 kHz current-loop bandwidth. The 22 I/O lines handle the three Hall inputs, three PWM outputs, brake, fault, and encoder feedback. Designers pair the PIC16LC773/SP with the IR2130 gate driver and a dsPIC for higher-end field-oriented control, while keeping cost low for sensorless trapezoidal drives.
Recommended
Educational Prototyping Platform
The PIC16LC773/SP is a strong choice for educational prototyping because the 28-SPDIP package drops into solderless breadboards without adapters and exposes 22 I/O lines for LED, button, and UART experiments. The 7 KB OTP memory teaches one-time-programming discipline, and the 20 MHz core runs the classic MPLAB XC8 tutorials without timing surprises. The 12-bit ADC introduces students to higher-than-8-bit analog conversion in a familiar PIC environment. The PIC16LC773 datasheet includes fully worked peripheral code examples, easing the on-ramp for first-time embedded developers, and the same 28-SPDIP footprint lets schools reuse PCBs as students move up to PIC16F877A.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC773/SP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC773-I/SP | PIC16LC773/SO | PIC16F873A-20/SP | PIC16F873-20/SP | PIC16F876A-20/SP | PIC16F877A-20/SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SPDIP | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SOIC - surface mount variant | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same | 28-SPDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB FLASH | 4 KB FLASH | 14 KB FLASH | 14 KB FLASH |
| RAM | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 256 bytes | 368 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 33 (different pinout) |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, 8 channels | 12-bit, 8 channels | 12-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 5 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels | 10-bit, 8 channels |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (I/SP suffix) | -40C to +85C (I/SP suffix) | -40C to +85C (I/SP suffix) | -40C to +85C (I/SP suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Only 12-bit ADC in the 28-SPDIP PIC16 OTP family (vs PIC16F873A-20/SP)
- Extended low-voltage operation down to 2.5 V (vs PIC16C773)
- Lower unit cost in volume versus FLASH equivalents (vs PIC16F877A-20/SP)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the MCU VDD pin (pin 20) and the VSS pin (pin 19). For designs that switch relays or TRIACs from the same 5 V rail, add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the MCU to absorb switching transients. The PIC16LC773/SP has no internal POR delay beyond the typical 72 ms TPWRT, so an external RC on MCLR is rarely required but should be considered for very fast rising supplies.
The PIC16LC773/SP OTP memory cannot be erased or re-programmed. Any code change after device programming requires a new blank device. Configure the CONFIG register (oscillator, watchdog, brown-out, code protection) once and verify before committing to high-volume orders - a mis-set CONFIG on OTP parts cannot be corrected. For development, prototype with the PIC16F873A-20/SP (same 28-SPDIP pinout, FLASH-based), then migrate firmware to the OTP LC773 for production cost savings.
Route the analog AVdd and digital VDD nets separately and join them at a single star point under the MCU to keep ADC noise below the 12-bit LSB. Keep the 20 MHz crystal traces short (under 10 mm) and shield the OSC2 trace from PORTC lines that carry PWM or USART signals. Place the 12-bit ADC reference capacitor (typically 0.1 uF) directly on the RA3/VREF+ pin (pin 5) and route the analog ground return to the same star point as VSS (pin 19).
Compliance Information
RoHS, lead-free, and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data for this part number. Microchip's general policy applies for conflict-minerals compliance. Request manufacturer declaration from Microchip for RoHS-critical orders.
