PIC16C57CT-40/SO - 8-bit 40MHz OTP MCU, 3KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57CT-40/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.5 | $8.50 |
| 10 | $7.65 | $76.50 |
| 100 | $6.8 | $680.00 |
| 500 | $6.1 | $3,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.45 | $5,450.00 |
PIC16C57CT-40/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program + data), and peripheral interfaces. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the original baseline PIC architecture, classified within 8-bit microcontrollers -> RISC microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> semiconductors. Its 12-bit-wide instruction word delivers roughly 2:1 code compression versus 8-bit CISC MCUs in the same class, allowing dense application code in compact flash/OTP arrays.
Key features include 33 single-word instructions, a 2-level hardware stack, 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), and direct/indirect addressing modes. The 28-SOIC package provides gull-wing leads for standard surface-mount assembly. Power supply range is 2.5 V to 6.25 V (commercial grade), and ESD/EMI characteristics are designed for industrial and consumer environments. The 'C' revision silicon supersedes the original PIC16C57 with improved electrical performance and lower power consumption.
Typical applications include appliance controls, simple sensor interfaces, low-cost consumer electronics, and automotive sub-system retrofits. The 20 I/O pins support keypad scanning, LED driving, and parallel slave-mode communication to a host processor. The combination of OTP memory, 40 MHz operation, and 28-SOIC footprint makes the PIC16C57C a long-lifecycle component for production designs.
Design considerations: OTP memory cannot be re-programmed, so code must be fully validated before device programming. A series termination resistor on MCLR may improve noise immunity, and decoupling caps (100 nF + 10 uF) should be placed close to VDD/VSS. For new designs, consider the flash-based PIC16F57 equivalent for in-circuit reprogrammability.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57CT-40/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 PIC16C57CT-40/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Instruction Cycle Time, Program Memory Type, Maximum Clock Frequency, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57C-40/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57CT-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.37 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F57-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57CT-40/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5X (PIC16C57C) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12 words) |
| RAM Size | 72 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 100 ns |
| Number of Instructions | 33 single-word |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT, TMR0 |
| Package | 28-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead Form | Gull Wing |
PIC16C57CT-40/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | T0CKI — Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 25 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 26 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 27 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 28 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57CT-40/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Smart Home Device Controllers, Educational and Hobby Electronics, Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Peripherals.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C57CT-40/SO fits consumer appliance control applications where 8-bit RISC processing at 40 MHz is sufficient for keypad scanning, LED driving, and relay control. Its 20 GPIO pins can directly interface with 7-segment displays, mechanical keypads, and triac-fired loads without external glue logic. The 3 KB OTP program memory accommodates substantial state-machine firmware for washers, microwave ovens, and HVAC controllers. Industrial-grade durability is supported by the Watchdog Timer (WDT) and Power-On Reset (POR) peripherals.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
In legacy automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting timers, the PIC16C57CT-40/SO provides deterministic 8-bit processing at 40 MHz with automotive-appropriate ESD robustness. The 28-SOIC package withstands the under-hood thermal environment when paired with conformal coating. The Watchdog Timer and POR ensure recovery from voltage transients on the 12 V battery bus. Although obsolete, the part remains in use for aftermarket automotive replacements.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C57CT-40/SO serves industrial sensor interface modules requiring deterministic 8-bit processing of analog and digital sensor inputs. With 20 GPIO pins, it can directly read multiple NTC thermistors, mechanical switches, and quadrature encoders. The 40 MHz clock enables real-time sampling of low-speed sensor buses. The commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) suits factory-floor control cabinets. WDT provides fault recovery in noisy industrial environments.
Recommended
Smart Home Device Controllers
For low-cost smart home controllers such as plug-in timers, dimmer switches, and IR blasters, the PIC16C57CT-40/SO provides sufficient processing for time-based control algorithms and IR protocol generation. The 100 ns instruction cycle allows accurate 38 kHz carrier generation for IR transmission. The 72-byte RAM supports small state-machine buffers. Surface-mount 28-SOIC package is compatible with automated SMT assembly for high-volume consumer production.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16C57CT-40/SO is well-suited to educational microcontroller kits and hobby projects where the simplicity of the PIC16C5X 33-instruction set accelerates learning. The 28-SOIC package can be breadboarded via SOIC-to-DIP adapters. The OTP memory constraint forces students to verify code before programming, reinforcing disciplined development. Programmer support is available through legacy PICStart Plus and third-party tools like the K150.
Recommended
Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal Peripherals
In legacy POS peripherals including barcode scanners, receipt printer controllers, and magnetic-stripe readers, the PIC16C57CT-40/SO provides reliable 8-bit control with deterministic interrupt response. The 20 GPIO can interface with stepper motors (for printer feeders), keypad matrices, and LCD displays. The 40 MHz clock supports real-time serial protocol handling for RS-232 peripherals. Long-term product support is provided through Microchip's product longevity program for industrial customers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57CT-40/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57C-40/SO | PIC16C57CT-20I/SO | PIC16C57CT-04I/SS | PIC16F57-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SOIC - same | 28-SSOP - same pinout, narrower body | 28-SOIC - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB OTP (2K x 12) | 3 KB Flash (2K x 12) |
| RAM Size | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes | 72 x 8 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Active replacement with flash memory (vs PIC16C57CT-04I/SS)
- Higher clock speed than alternative grades (vs PIC16C57CT-20I/SO)
- Established long-term supply vs flash alternative (vs PIC16F57-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C57CT-40/SO requires a stable 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) with a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. For battery applications, use a low-dropout regulator (e.g., MCP1700) to maximize battery life. Power-On Reset (POR) is enabled by default and holds the device in reset until VDD rises above the POR threshold (~1.5 V typical).
OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory cannot be erased or re-programmed. Code must be fully validated on a windowed or flash equivalent (PIC16F57) before final production programming. Use the PICkit 1 or K150 programmer for development; production programmers must support the PIC16C5X device ID 0x4F7. The MCLR pin (pin 4) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; floating MCLR can cause spurious resets.
The 28-SOIC package has a 7.50 mm body width and 1.27 mm pitch. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1 pin 16, OSC2 pin 15) short and surrounded by a ground guard ring to minimize EMI. If using a crystal oscillator, place the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) within 5 mm of the OSC pins. Avoid routing high-frequency signals under the oscillator traces.
Compliance Information
Part was designed before RoHS directives were mandatory. Compliance status not stated in available distributor data. Microchip's Product Longevity program may have additional compliance documentation for industrial customers.