PIC16C57C-04I/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 28-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57C-04I/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.4259 | $3.43 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.65 | $265.00 |
| 500 | $2.3 | $1,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC16C57C-04I/P Overview
What is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP microcontroller integrates non-volatile program memory (EPROM-based, programmable once) directly on-chip alongside the CPU core, RAM, and peripherals. OTP microcontrollers sit within the broader taxonomy of microcontroller (MCU) -> embedded controller -> semiconductor, and historically served as the lowest-cost path to volume production before flash-based MCUs became ubiquitous. The PIC16C5X family uses a RISC architecture with 33 single-word, single-cycle instructions and a 12-bit instruction word with an 8-bit data path.
Key features of the PIC16C57C-04I/P include 72 bytes of RAM, two-level deep hardware stack, 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), watchdog timer, power-on reset, and seven or eight special function hardware registers. The device supports direct, indirect, and relative addressing modes for both data and instructions. All PIC16C5X devices are fully static, allowing the clock to be stopped for power-saving sleep states without losing register contents.
The PIC16C57C architecture uses a Harvard-style memory layout that separates program and data buses. With its 12-bit instruction width and 2:1 code compression versus competitors in its class, the device delivers high code density. The 28-pin PDIP package provides generous I/O headroom for legacy industrial control, automotive (non-safety), and appliance applications where through-hole assembly is preferred for hand-prototyping and field serviceability.
Typical applications include low-cost embedded control for appliances, automotive body electronics, industrial control modules, simple sensor interfaces, and educational/development platforms. The OTP memory suits medium-volume production runs where firmware is fixed and field firmware updates are not required. Industrial-grade temperature range supports factory-floor deployments.
When designing with this device, consider the OTP memory limitation carefully: code bugs cannot be patched in-circuit. Plan for a development flow using windowed (JW) or UV-erasable parts for prototyping, then move to the OTP 'C' variant for production. Ensure adequate decoupling (100nF ceramic plus bulk) on VDD, and respect the maximum I/O source/sink ratings of 25mA per pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57C-04I/P 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 PIC16C57C-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers, Instruction Cycle Time.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-04E/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57-10I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C58B-04I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.88 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C57-RC/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C55A-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C57C-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 100 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT (Power-on Reset, Watchdog Timer) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (Through-Hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16C57C-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 6 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 7 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 8 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 9 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 10 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 11 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 12 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 13 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 14 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 15 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 16 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 17 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 19 | RC6 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 20 | RC7 β Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 21 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 22 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 23 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 24 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 25 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 26 | T0CKI β Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 27 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57C-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (White Goods), Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Industrial Control Modules, Educational and Development Platforms, Simple Sensor Interface Modules, Consumer Electronics Controllers.
Appliance Control (White Goods)
The PIC16C57C-04I/P is well-suited for cost-sensitive appliance controllers such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and simple HVAC controls. The device's 3KB OTP memory accommodates typical appliance firmware (mode selection, sensor polling, relay/valve control, timer state machines), while the 20 I/O pins handle keypad inputs, LED indicators, seven-segment displays, and relay/triac drive outputs. The 4MHz clock provides ample throughput for these low-duty-cycle control loops (typically one state-machine update per 10-50ms). The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports garage, basement, and outdoor-rated appliances. The PIC16C57C-04I/P's 100ns instruction cycle allows deterministic response to interrupts from zero-crossing detectors and overcurrent sensors. OTP memory is acceptable here because appliance firmware is finalized before production tooling. For reference designs, companion parts include the MOC3021 optotriac (zero-crossing drive), ULN2003 (relay driver array), and a 4MHz ceramic resonator.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C57C-04I/P serves automotive body electronics applications such as interior lighting controllers, mirror adjust modules, seat position memory, simple instrument cluster indicators, and accessory timers. The 4MHz core processes switch debouncing, PWM dimming, and CAN/LIN slave tasks with comfortable headroom. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range covers cabin and body-module thermal environments. Although this is not an AEC-Q100 qualified part, it is widely deployed in non-safety automotive subsystems where qualification is not mandated. The 3KB OTP memory holds the entire feature set for these single-function modules, and the 20 I/O pins support switch matrix inputs, LED outputs, and serial interface to body controllers. The device's 8-bit TMR0 with watchdog timer provides the timing precision needed for debounce and PWM generation. Recommended companion parts include the MCP2515 CAN controller (for CAN interface), TJA1027 LIN transceiver, and LM317 adjustable regulators for power conditioning.
Recommended
Industrial Control Modules
The PIC16C57C-04I/P is a strong fit for industrial control modules including relay/logic controllers, sensor signal conditioners, simple PLC expansion I/O, panel meters, and remote telemetry units. The 4MHz CPU executes scan loops for digital and analog I/O at typical industrial update rates of 10-100Hz. The 20 I/O pins provide sufficient headroom for parallel sensor buses and indicator LEDs without external I/O expanders. The industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C) supports factory-floor deployment in control cabinets. The PIC16C57C-04I/P's deterministic 100ns instruction cycle and two-level hardware stack simplify real-time control firmware. The 8-bit TMR0 with watchdog timer ensures reliable operation in electrically noisy industrial environments. For panel-mount designs, the 28-pin PDIP through-hole package is preferred for hand-soldering and field serviceability. Recommended companion parts: 24LC256 EEPROM (parameter storage), MAX485 RS-485 transceiver (fieldbus), and LM7805 5V regulator.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
The PIC16C57C-04I/P is widely used in educational microcontroller courses, training kits, and university embedded-systems laboratories. The 33-instruction RISC architecture is small enough to teach in a single semester, and the 4MHz clock provides visible real-time behavior on LEDs and seven-segment displays. The 28-pin PDIP package fits standard 0.1 inch breadboards, enabling rapid student prototyping without surface-mount soldering. The 3KB OTP memory and 72-byte RAM force students to write efficient code, teaching low-level resource management skills. The PIC16C57C-04I/P is also a popular choice for development board reference designs targeting the PIC16C5X family. For learning environments, a windowed (JW) or UV-erasable variant (PIC16C57C-04/JW) is preferred to allow re-programming, but the OTP part is suitable for final student projects. Companion parts for educational kits: 74HC595 shift register (output expansion), 4x4 matrix keypad, and 16x2 character LCD.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C57C-04I/P is a practical choice for dedicated sensor interface modules such as temperature/humidity loggers, simple counters, level sensors, and alarm panels. The 4MHz core and 8-bit TMR0 perform periodic ADC reads, threshold checks, and alarm logic without requiring a more expensive MCU. The 20 I/O pins accommodate multiple sensor inputs, alarm output relays, status LEDs, and a serial debug port. The 3KB OTP memory holds the entire sensor-processing algorithm and alarm state machine, including communication protocols. The industrial temperature range supports outdoor and process-control environments. The PIC16C57C-04I/P's hardware watchdog timer prevents lockup in unattended installations. For battery-powered sensor nodes, the device can operate in sleep states between measurements. Recommended companion parts: DS18B20 1-Wire temperature sensor, MCP9700 analog temperature sensor, and low-power LDO regulators.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Controllers
The PIC16C57C-04I/P is deployed in consumer electronics where the BOM cost dominates the design decision: remote controls, toy controllers, simple audio mixers, LED strip controllers, and small kitchen appliances. The 4MHz clock and 100ns instruction cycle provide sufficient throughput for these user-interface-focused applications. The 3KB OTP memory holds all state-machine and button-debounce logic, and the 20 I/O pins drive multiplexed keypads and LED indicators. The PIC16C57C-04I/P's low component count (no external oscillator required for RC variant, no external reset circuit) helps meet aggressive BOM cost targets. The OTP memory prevents firmware piracy concerns. The industrial temperature range supports outdoor consumer devices such as garden lighting and pool controllers. Recommended companion parts: IR receiver modules (TSOP38238) for remote control receivers, MOSFET drivers for LED strips, and rotary encoder interfaces.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57C-04I/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-04/P | PIC16C57C-04E/P | PIC16C57-10I/P | PIC16C58B-04I/P | PIC16C57-RC/P | PIC16C55A-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-28 | PDIP-28 | PDIP-28 | PDIP-28 | PDIP-28 | PDIP-28 | PDIP-28 |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 2 KB | 3 KB (2K x 12) | 512 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 12 | 20 | 20 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| RAM Size | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 73 bytes | 72 bytes | 24 bytes |
Key Differentiators
- Largest OTP memory in the baseline PIC16C5X family (vs PIC16C55A-04/P)
- 20 I/O pins for full-featured peripheral integration (vs PIC16C58B-04I/P)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range as standard (vs PIC16C57-RC/P)
- Field-proven 4MHz performance with 100ns instruction cycle (vs PIC16C57-10I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C57C-04I/P operates from 3.0V to 5.5V. Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 22), with bulk capacitance (10uF to 47uF) on the supply rail. The device's supply current is approximately 2-5mA at 4MHz depending on I/O loading. For battery-powered designs, leverage sleep modes (clock stopped) to reduce quiescent current to under 1uA, waking periodically via watchdog timer interrupt.
OTP memory is one-time programmable: there is no in-circuit reprogramming capability, and code bugs cannot be patched in production units. Plan the development flow carefully: prototype using a windowed PIC16C57C-04/JW (UV-erasable) part, validate firmware, then commit to the OTP PIC16C57C-04I/P for production. Verify programming voltage timing on MCLR/VPP per datasheet DS30452 to avoid partial programming. The two-level hardware stack limits subroutine nesting to two deep - factor complex code accordingly.
For oscillator stability, place the 4MHz crystal or ceramic resonator within 0.5 inches of pins 23 (OSC1) and 24 (OSC2), with the load capacitors grounded at a single point near the IC. Keep high-current switching traces (relay drives, triac controls) physically separated from the oscillator traces to avoid clock injection. The MCLR pin (pin 25) requires a pull-up resistor (typically 10k) and a 100nF capacitor for noise immunity; route the reset trace away from noisy I/O lines.
The 28-pin PDIP package has excellent thermal characteristics for typical industrial applications. Estimated: at maximum I/O loading (20 pins sourcing 20mA each = 400mA total), internal dissipation is approximately 400mW. The PDIP-28 theta_JA of approximately 70 C/W yields a junction temperature rise of 28C above ambient - well within the -40C to +85C industrial range. No heatsink is required for normal operation. For high-current sink/source applications, distribute the load across multiple pins rather than concentrating on one.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance status not explicitly listed in verified web data - set to unknown. Lead-free per Microchip standard packaging. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; use qualified parts for safety-critical automotive.
