PIC16C56T-10E/SS - 8-Bit 10MHz OTP MCU, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C56T-10E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.92 | $192.00 |
| 500 | $1.68 | $840.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.42 | $1,420.00 |
PIC16C56T-10E/SS Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer that integrates CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single silicon die, where 'OTP' (One-Time Programmable) means the program memory can be written only once using an EPROM cell. The PIC16C5X architecture is classified under the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> CMOS RISC MCU -> PIC architecture. These devices excel in cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where field reprogramming is not required, often replacing discrete logic in appliances, toys, and simple control loops.
Key features include a 12-bit instruction word providing 2:1 code compression over competitive 8-bit MCUs, 33 single-word instructions, and a two-level hardware stack. Built-in peripherals include a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for reliable operation in noisy environments, Power-On Reset (POR), and a programmable code-protection bit. The CMOS design delivers very low power consumption, making the part attractive for always-on applications. The wide 2.5V-6.25V operating range further expands its deployment flexibility.
The PIC16C56 architecture uses a Harvard-style separate program/data bus with a 12-bit program memory width, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch. This RISC core delivers close to 5 MIPS at 10 MHz, sufficient for state-machine control, simple sensor interfacing, and basic serial-protocol bit-banging. The 20-pin SSOP footprint is shared across the PIC16C5X family, allowing easy migration between PIC16C54, PIC16C55, PIC16C56, and PIC16C57 derivatives.
Typical applications include remote controls, battery chargers, LED lighting controllers, security keypads, sensor interface modules, and small appliance controls such as coffee makers and fan controllers. The 1.5 KB OTP memory typically supports 1000+ instructions, adequate for substantial control logic in embedded products.
When designing with this device, note that OTP cannot be reprogrammed, so firmware must be fully validated before programming. Plan for code protection if intellectual property is a concern. The PIC16C5X family uses a legacy instruction set not directly compatible with newer PIC16 enhanced cores.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C56T-10E/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 PIC16C56T-10E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature Range, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C56T-10I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56AT-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.21 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56-10E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56-HSI/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C56T-10E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes (25 x 8) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 12 bits |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Enhanced) |
| I/O Pins | 12 (I/O + 1 input only) |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Power-On Reset | Yes (POR) |
| Code Protection | Programmable via configuration bit |
| Stack Levels | 2 hardware stack |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Temperature Grade | Enhanced (E) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
PIC16C56T-10E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — Real-Time Clock/Counter input or I/O |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.25V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal/ceramic resonator) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (crystal/ceramic resonator or external clock) |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C56T-10E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Remote Control Transmitters, Battery Chargers for Small Appliances, LED Lighting Controllers, Security Keypads and Access Control, Sensor Interface Modules, Small Appliance Control, Toys and Hobby Electronics.
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16C56T-10E/SS is well-suited to infrared remote control transmitters where its 1.5 KB OTP memory holds IR protocol encoders (RC5, NEC, SIRC) and button-scanning state machines. The 10 MHz core bit-bangs 38 kHz carrier modulation without external timer peripherals, while 12 I/O pins drive the key matrix and IR LED driver transistor. OTP is acceptable here because firmware is finalized at production and never needs field updates. Low standby current keeps battery life acceptable across years of remote use.
Recommended
Battery Chargers for Small Appliances
In low-cost NiMH or Li-ion charger controllers, the PIC16C56T-10E/SS monitors battery voltage via its ADC-less comparator inputs and toggles charge FETs through GPIO. Its 2.5V-6.25V supply range matches single-cell Li-ion and 2-3 cell NiMH packs directly, eliminating the need for a separate voltage regulator. The watchdog timer recovers the MCU if charger firmware hangs in a fault state, a critical safety feature for unattended battery charging. OTP memory locks the charge algorithm, preventing accidental firmware corruption by charger noise.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C56T-10E/SS drives addressable LED strips and decorative lighting controllers using software PWM on its GPIO pins. Its 10 MHz execution rate generates multiple PWM channels with adequate resolution for color-mixing RGB strips. The Enhanced temperature grade (-40C to +125C) handles the elevated ambient inside enclosed LED fixtures, while the small SSOP footprint fits in tight bulb-base PCBs. OTP cost advantage keeps the BOM low for high-volume consumer lighting products where every cent counts.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Control
The PIC16C56T-10E/SS implements matrix keypad scanning for door access controllers, alarm keypads, and PIN-entry modules. Its 12 I/O pins scan a 4x4 keypad with no external multiplexer, freeing board space and BOM cost. The PIC16C5X 33-instruction set is small enough to be fully validated and certified for security firmware in a short audit cycle. Code protection configuration bit prevents reverse engineering of the access algorithm from the OTP memory.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
Industrial sensor transmitter modules use the PIC16C56T-10E/SS to linearize thermocouple, RTD, or thermistor readings and drive 4-20 mA current loops. The Enhanced temperature grade ensures measurement stability across -40C to +125C industrial environments. The Harvard architecture executes deterministic lookup-table routines without interrupt jitter, providing repeatable sensor linearization. OTP locks the calibration coefficients in firmware, eliminating trim-pot adjustments on the production line.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control
Coffee makers, blenders, fans, toasters, and similar small kitchen appliances use the PIC16C56T-10E/SS as the main controller, replacing legacy 555-timer-based or discrete-logic designs. The 1.5 KB OTP holds mode-selection state machines, timer logic, and motor-control sequences for the appliance's user interface buttons and indicator LEDs. The PIC16C5X 2-level hardware stack is sufficient for these shallow call-chain designs. Enhanced temperature rating supports the warm internal enclosures of cooking appliances.
Recommended
Toys and Hobby Electronics
Cost-sensitive toys, educational kits, and hobby electronics use the PIC16C56T-10E/SS to drive LEDs, simple sound effects, and motor sequences. Its under-$1.50 unit cost at volume keeps total product cost manageable for consumer-grade toys where the MCU is one of several bill-of-materials items. The PIC16C5X legacy instruction set is documented in countless hobbyist books and tutorials, making this part a popular learning platform for embedded programming education.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C56T-10E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C56T-10I/SS | PIC16C56AT-20E/SS | PIC16C56-10E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) OTP | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) OTP | 2 KB (1K x 14) OTP | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) OTP |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Maximum Clock | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 6.25V | 2.5V to 6.25V | 2.5V to 6.25V | 2.5V to 6.25V |
| Temperature Grade | Enhanced (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Enhanced (-40C to +125C) | Enhanced (-40C to +125C) |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- True drop-in replacement in same 20-SSOP footprint (vs PIC16F54-I/SS)
- Enhanced -40C to +125C temperature grade (vs PIC16C56T-10I/SS)
- Lowest-cost OTP option in PIC16C5X family (vs PIC16C57 series)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5V supply and 10 MHz oscillator, the PIC16C56T-10E/SS core draws approximately 2-5 mA active and a few microamps in sleep mode. Add a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14), plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. For battery-powered designs, use the SLEEP instruction to drop consumption below 5 uA between events, and wake via MCLR, watchdog overflow, or RTCC interrupt.
The 20-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pin pitch requiring careful PCB layout. Keep trace widths at least 0.15 mm and use a ground pour on the top layer to simplify thermal dissipation. Place the decoupling capacitor (typically 100 nF) within 3 mm of the VDD pin to minimize supply inductance. For oscillator stability, route OSC1/OSC2 traces over a continuous ground plane and keep them short - the recommended crystal load capacitance must match the values in the datasheet.
Critical: OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed, so firmware must be fully verified before programming. A failed code-protection bit setting will allow external programmers to read the OTP contents - set the CP (code protect) fuse in the configuration word for any production units with proprietary firmware. The PIC16C5X core uses a 2-level hardware stack - avoid deep subroutine nesting beyond 2 levels, or risk stack overflow. The Enhanced temperature grade (-40C to +125C) only applies when the device operates within the published supply voltage and clock rate derating curves.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety-critical applications consider PIC16F family with explicit automotive part numbers. Lead-free reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020.