PIC16C57T-LP/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU 3KB 20 I/O SSOP-28 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57T-LP/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.07 | $2.07 |
| 10 | $1.86 | $18.60 |
| 100 | $1.66 | $166.00 |
| 500 | $1.48 | $740.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.32 | $1,320.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.18 | $3,540.00 |
PIC16C57T-LP/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O on one die. The PIC16C5X family uses a RISC architecture with 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, which simplifies firmware development and accelerates interrupt latency compared with legacy CISC 8-bit controllers. OTP (One-Time-Programmable) memory means the part is programmed once and retains code without a battery, which keeps unit cost low and fits well in cost-sensitive, mid-volume embedded products.
Key features of the PIC16C57T-LP/SS include 12-bit instruction width, a hardware 8-bit timer with optional prescaler, a watchdog timer with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, and four oscillator options (RC, XT, HS, LP). The LP oscillator mode is optimized for low-power 32.768 kHz crystal operation, and the device supports a commercial temperature range of 0C to +70C. Because the program memory is OTP rather than flash, designers must commit firmware before device programming, which is a deliberate trade-off between unit cost and re-programmability.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, simple motor and relay control boards, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, and any volume production where a small RISC controller is sufficient. The wide 2.0 V to 6.0 V supply range simplifies designs powered by unregulated 3 V or 5 V rails.
When designing with the PIC16C57T-LP/SS, validate oscillator start-up margins in LP mode and confirm that the OTP programming window is closed before in-circuit verification. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD and use bulk capacitance on MCLR to keep the reset line clean during in-circuit serial programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric alternatives, and practical design notes that are not collected in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing an independent view for engineers selecting a PIC16C5X family MCU.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57T-LP/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 PIC16C57T-LP/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Instruction Set Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C57T-LPI/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57C-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57T-LP/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC16C5X (PIC16C57) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| RAM | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Oscillator Modes | RC, XT, HS, LP (low-power) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit with prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, Tape & Reel |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C57T-LP/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 3 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 4 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 5 | RA4/RTCC — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / RTCC timer input |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 26 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 28 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57T-LP/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, Simple Sensor Front-End Interface, LED Display and Indicator Drivers, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Toy and Educational Electronics, Industrial Relay and Solenoid Control.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C57T-LP/SS suits small household appliances where a low-cost 8-bit MCU drives relays, reads keypads, and multiplexes LED or 7-segment displays. Its 3 KB OTP memory is sufficient for fixed-function appliance firmware, while 20 I/O pins comfortably handle keypad scanning and indicator drive. The 0C to +70C commercial range matches indoor appliance environments, and the LP oscillator mode reduces quiescent current to enable standby operation under 2 mA - critical for energy-efficient white goods where every milliwatt of standby power matters.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Front-End Interface
For low-rate sensor interfaces such as thermistor or humidity front-ends, the PIC16C57T-LP/SS reads analog channels, applies linearization, and outputs over UART or I/O bit-banging. Its 40 MHz clock with 200 ns instruction cycle handles 10 Hz to 1 kHz sensor sampling, and 72 bytes of RAM is enough for moving-average filtering. The wide 2.0 V to 6.0 V supply range simplifies battery or unregulated-rail designs. Industrial-grade counterpart PIC16C57T-LPI/SS is recommended when the sensor module is exposed to outdoor temperatures.
Recommended
LED Display and Indicator Drivers
The PIC16C57T-LP/SS can multiplex up to 20 I/O lines to drive Charlieplexed LED matrices or multi-digit 7-segment displays, refreshing at 100 Hz to avoid visible flicker. With 33 single-cycle instructions and 200 ns cycle time at 20 MHz, the MCU leaves enough MIPS for display update plus auxiliary button handling. The OTP memory guarantees firmware integrity once committed, and the SSOP-28 package fits behind the display PCB. Engineers switching to LED-driving designs often pair it with constant-current LED driver ICs on the same board.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
Battery-powered remote controls benefit from the PIC16C57T-LP/SS LP oscillator mode, which drops supply current to under 15 uA during standby. The 8-bit timer generates accurate 38 kHz carrier modulation for IR transmission, and 20 I/O lines are more than enough for a 4 x 4 keypad plus status LEDs. Because the device is OTP, the low unit cost keeps bill-of-materials in check for the consumer electronics market, where each cent of MCU cost is scrutinized. Pair with an external IR LED driver transistor for line-of-sight transmission.
Recommended
Toy and Educational Electronics
Educational kits and electronic toys use the PIC16C57T-LP/SS as a low-cost programmable brain for line-following robots, simple games, and STEM trainers. Its PIC16C5X RISC instruction set is straightforward enough for students to learn assembly language in a single semester, and the OTP memory forces a clear development workflow. 20 I/O lines accommodate motor drivers, sensors, and status LEDs in a typical robot kit. The 5 V tolerant design pairs directly with hobby servo motors and most educational sensor modules.
Recommended
Industrial Relay and Solenoid Control
The PIC16C57T-LP/SS controls relay coils, solenoid valves, and motor contactors in industrial control panels where the firmware is fully validated and locked. Its 20 I/O pins can drive multiple relays through external transistors, while the watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator resets the MCU if firmware hangs - critical for unattended industrial equipment. Engineers should select the PIC16C57T-LPI/SS industrial variant (-40C to +85C) for outdoor panels and verify opto-isolation on every relay coil to meet surge and EMI requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57T-LP/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C57T-LPI/SS | PIC16C57CT-04I/SS | PIC16C57C-04E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP - same | 3 KB OTP - same | 3 KB OTP - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz | 40 MHz - same | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (wider) | -40C to +85C (wider) | -40C to +125C (extended) |
| RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes - same | 72 bytes - same | 72 bytes - same |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 - same | 20 - same | 20 - same |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM - same | OTP EPROM - same | OTP EPROM - same |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 8-bit PIC in 28-SSOP (vs PIC16F57T-I/SS)
- LP oscillator mode for low standby current (vs PIC16C57CT-04I/SS)
- Commercial temperature range fits indoor appliances (vs PIC16C57T-LPI/SS)
Design Notes
In LP oscillator mode the PIC16C57T-LP/SS draws under 15 uA at 32.768 kHz and 2.0 V, making it well suited for battery-powered remote controls and sensor sleep nodes. Decouple VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pin 28, and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. According to the Microchip datasheet, insufficient decoupling is the most common cause of POR instability in production boards.
The 28-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pin pitch - leave at least 0.2 mm clearance between traces and pads to prevent solder bridging during reflow. Route MCLR (pin 25) away from switching nodes and add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; long MCLR traces can pick up noise and cause the device to enter programming mode inadvertently. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric to minimize clock skew and radiated EMI.
Because the PIC16C57T-LP/SS uses OTP memory, every firmware change requires a new part - there is no in-system reprogramming. Verify all firmware logic on a flash equivalent (PIC16F57T-I/SS) before committing to OTP production parts. Also note the LP speed grade supports 32 kHz crystals but not 20 MHz HS crystals; an HS grade (PIC16C57T-XT or PIC16C57-HS) must be selected if a higher-frequency oscillator is required. Estimated: this guidance is based on the Microchip PIC16C5X family datasheet and typical application notes.
The PIC16C57T-LP/SS is a CMOS device with TTL-compatible input thresholds on most ports, but Schmitt trigger inputs are limited to specific pins. Add external RC filtering on any I/O line connected to a noisy switch or relay contact to prevent false triggering. The RTCC pin (RA4) is an open-drain output and requires an external pull-up resistor when used to drive a load; do not exceed 25 mA sink current per pin per the datasheet absolute maximum ratings.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status per Microchip product page; part is OTP-based so automotive AEC-Q100 qualification is not standard - choose PIC16F57 or PIC16F1827 family for automotive applications.