PIC16C56T-LP/SS - 8-Bit 40MHz OTP MCU 1.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C56T-LP/SS β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.15 | $2.15 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.72 | $172.00 |
| 500 | $1.48 | $740.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.29 | $1,290.00 |
PIC16C56T-LP/SS Overview
A PIC16C5X microcontroller is a member of the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) 8-bit microcontroller family pioneered by Microchip in the mid-1990s. These devices occupy a specific niche in the taxonomy: PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC microcontroller -> EPROM/ROM-based embedded controller. PIC16C5X devices use 12-bit wide instructions, which deliver roughly 2:1 code compression over competitive 8-bit architectures, allowing more functionality in a smaller program memory footprint. The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses for predictable, deterministic execution.
Key features include 25 general-purpose I/O pins, a watchdog timer for system reliability, power-on reset, and an operating voltage range of 3.0V to 5.5V that supports both 3.3V and 5V system designs. The device offers low-power consumption with multiple oscillator options including crystal, ceramic resonator, and RC modes. The 12 I/O pins can source or sink sufficient current to directly drive LEDs and small relays, simplifying BOM and reducing external component count.
Typical applications span appliance controls, automotive subsystems (body and interior), industrial automation sensors, security and alarm panels, and battery-powered consumer products. Because the program memory is OTP, the device is best suited for high-volume production where code is finalized, rather than for prototyping or field-upgradable firmware.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten, so development and code iteration should use a windowed (UV-erasable) or Flash-based equivalent from the same family, then transition to the OTP part for production. Always include decoupling capacitors close to VDD and use proper oscillator layout techniques.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C56T-LP/SS β 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-LP/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C56-LP/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56-LPI/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56-LPE/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56-HSI/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.65 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F57-I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C55T-LP/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56T-LP/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core | 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 73 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Oscillator Type | External (Crystal/Resonator/RC) - LP variant |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Power-On Reset |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions, 12-bit wide |
PIC16C56T-LP/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/RTCC β I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR β Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 β I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 β Oscillator crystal input (LP mode) |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 β Oscillator crystal output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 β I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 β I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 β I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C56T-LP/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control, Automotive Interior Electronics, Industrial Sensor Modules, Security and Alarm Panels, Battery-Powered Consumer Devices, LED Display Drivers and Lighting.
Appliance Control
The PIC16C56T-LP/SS is widely used in white-goods appliance controls such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Its 1.5KB OTP memory holds appliance state machines and timing routines, while the 12 I/O pins directly drive relays, LEDs, and seven-segment displays. The 40 MHz clock provides responsive user-interface feedback and precise motor timing. With 3.0V to 5.5V operation, the same hardware supports both 3.3V and 5V sensor interfaces. Cost-optimized OTP memory suits high-volume appliance production where firmware is finalized at manufacturing time.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Electronics
Within automotive body and interior subsystems, the PIC16C56T-LP/SS controls functions such as interior lighting, mirror positioning, and seat-memory modules. Its LP oscillator mode minimizes current draw on battery-backed circuits when the vehicle is parked, and the 12 I/O pins interface to switches, LEDs, and small DC motors. Automotive applications typically pair this PIC with the PIC16C56-LPE/SS (extended temperature grade) variant for under-hood or cabin thermal stress. Hardware PWM and timer peripherals simplify duty-cycle control for dimming and motor speed regulation in the SSOP-20 footprint.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Modules
Industrial automation and process-control sensor modules leverage the PIC16C56T-LP/SS for low-cost 4-20 mA loop transmitters, simple PLC I/O cards, and discrete sensor signal conditioning. The integrated watchdog timer prevents lockup in electrically noisy factory environments, while the 3.0V to 5.5V supply range supports battery-backed sensor installations. Its 1.5KB OTP memory holds calibration tables and linearization routines. The SSOP-20 small-outline package enables high-density PCB layouts typical of multi-channel industrial I/O modules where board real estate is at a premium.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Security alarm control panels, PIR motion detector interfaces, and entry-system keypads employ the PIC16C56T-LP/SS as the central controller. Its 12 I/O pins scan multiple zone inputs and drive piezo buzzers, sirens, and status LEDs. The LP oscillator mode minimizes standby current consumption on battery-backed alarm systems during AC power loss. The OTP memory stores encrypted zone configurations and event-log routines. Real-time interrupt capability from external sensors ensures sub-millisecond response to alarm triggers in the SSOP-20 small package.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Devices
Battery-operated consumer products including remote controls, electronic toys, and personal-care devices use the PIC16C56T-LP/SS for its low-power LP oscillator mode and 3.0V minimum operating voltage that supports two-alkaline or single lithium coin-cell batteries. The integrated SLEEP instruction plus watchdog timer wake-up minimize average current draw to microamp levels, extending battery life. Its 1.5KB OTP memory stores IR protocol encoders (RC5, NEC, SIRC) for remote controls. The SSOP-20 surface-mount package fits inside the tight enclosures typical of handheld devices.
Recommended
LED Display Drivers and Lighting
LED matrix drivers, decorative lighting controllers, and signage animation modules benefit from the PIC16C56T-LP/SS's 12 high-current I/O pins that directly drive LED arrays and Charlieplexed displays. The 40 MHz instruction cycle supports smooth PWM dimming across multiple channels without flicker. The 1.5KB OTP program memory holds lighting patterns, color sequences, and DMX-style communication routines. With 5V tolerance, the device drives standard LED driver ICs and MOSFET arrays directly in the compact SSOP-20 footprint ideal for slim lighting fixtures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C56T-LP/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C56-LP/SS | PIC16C56-LPI/SS | PIC16F57-I/SS | PIC16C55T-LP/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (1.5KB) | OTP (1.5KB) | OTP (1.5KB) | Flash (2KB) | OTP (768B) |
| Program Memory Size | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) | 1.5 KB | 1.5 KB | 2 KB | 768 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 20 MHz | 40 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 3.0V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume automated assembly (vs PIC16C56-LP/SS)
- Flash memory enables in-circuit reprogramming (vs PIC16F57-I/SS)
- Larger program memory than lower-density PIC16C5X variants (vs PIC16C55T-LP/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) with the ground return via a short trace to the nearest VSS pin. For VDD traces longer than 25 mm, add a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the IC to suppress switching transients from relays or motors sharing the same rail. The PIC16C56T-LP/SS operates from 3.0V to 5.5V, supporting both 3.3V and 5V system designs. Hold MCLR high through a 10k pull-up resistor and a 100nF capacitor to VDD for proper reset behavior.
Route the crystal oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 15-16) with minimal trace length and a ground guard ring to reduce EMI susceptibility. Keep high-current switching traces (relay drivers, motor PWM outputs) physically separated from the oscillator traces and the MCLR reset network. Place a continuous ground plane on the opposite PCB layer beneath the IC to provide low-impedance return paths and to reduce radiated emissions.
OTP program memory cannot be erased - any code bug is permanent in production. Always develop and debug on a Flash-based equivalent (such as PIC16F57-I/SS) or a JW windowed device, then port verified code to the PIC16C56T-LP/SS for production. The configuration word must be programmed correctly; an incorrect oscillator selection (HS vs LP vs XT) prevents the device from starting. Ensure the configuration word's WDT (watchdog timer) setting matches the application's reliability requirements.
Estimated: The PIC16C56T-LP/SS in SSOP-20 package has typical theta_JA of approximately 95 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test board. At maximum 40 MHz clock and 5V VDD, active current is about 5 mA (25 mW), yielding a 2.4C junction rise above ambient - well within safe limits. In most embedded applications no heatsinking is required, but enclosed fixtures should be evaluated for thermal derating.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the PIC16C56 family targets consumer and industrial applications. For automotive-grade requirements, consider the PIC16F57-I/SS or PIC18 family with AEC-Q100 qualification.
