PIC16C57T-XTE/SS - 8-Bit 3KB OTP MCU 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C57T-XTE/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.46 | $1,230.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.2 | $2,200.00 |
PIC16C57T-XTE/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, program memory, data RAM, I/O ports, and peripherals on one die. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the original baseline PIC architecture, one tier below Mid-Range PIC16 devices, and sits inside the broader 8-bit MCU category alongside 8051 and AVR. The PIC16C5X delivers 12-bit wide instructions with high symmetry, achieving 2:1 code compression over competitive 8-bit MCUs in the same price class, while its RISC instruction set reduces development time.
Key features of the PIC16C57T-XTE/SS include 72 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 20 I/O pins, a 12-bit instruction word, 2-level hardware stack, single 8-bit timer (TMR0), watchdog timer, and power-on reset. The device uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, executes one instruction per internal clock cycle (4 oscillator cycles per instruction), and supports 33 single-word instructions. Power-saving SLEEP mode and selectable oscillator options (RC, XT, HS, LP) are available depending on the device variant.
Typical applications include low-cost embedded control in consumer appliances, automotive subsystems (body controllers, sensor interfaces), industrial control, smart sensors, and battery-powered devices. The extended operating temperature range supports demanding environments, and the small SSOP footprint makes it suitable for space-constrained PCB designs. Its low cost and deterministic interrupt handling make the PIC16C57 family a common choice for high-volume legacy designs.
When designing with the PIC16C57T-XTE/SS, ensure the chosen oscillator mode (XT) matches the external crystal or resonator, place decoupling capacitors close to VDD/VSS pins, and use the MCLR reset pin with the recommended 10 kohm pull-up for proper reset behavior. Note that OTP memory can only be programmed once - consider PIC16F or PIC16C variants with UV-erasable EPROM if code iteration is required.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Microchip baseline alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in a single manufacturer datasheet document.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C57T-XTE/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-XTE/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Maximum Clock Frequency, Program Memory Size, Family, Instruction Execution Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F57-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C57C-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57CT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C57T-XTE/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC baseline (Harvard, RISC) |
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 3 KB (2K x 12) |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 12 bits |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V (typical) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Oscillator Type | XT (crystal/resonator, up to 4 MHz) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Package Type | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
PIC16C57T-XTE/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 — TMR0 real-time clock/counter input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 (interrupt on change) |
| 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 — Crystal oscillator input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Crystal oscillator 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C57T-XTE/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Interface, Battery-Powered Remote Controls, LED Display Drivers, Smart Card and Security Tokens, Educational and Hobby Projects.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS fits consumer appliance control applications because of its 20 I/O pins sufficient for keypad scanning, LED/LCD driving, relay control, and sensor interfacing in a single chip. Its 3 KB OTP program memory accommodates mid-complexity state machines for washing machines, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances. The 4 MHz instruction throughput gives 1 MIPS, which is plenty for slow electromechanical sequencing. Designers appreciate the deterministic interrupt response - critical for safety timing in heating-element control. The 28-SSOP package keeps the MCU footprint small enough to fit inside appliance control boards alongside triac drivers. For high-volume consumer production, the OTP-only constraint is acceptable once firmware is finalized, and the legacy Microchip baseline toolchain (MPLAB) is mature and well-documented.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS is widely deployed in automotive body-electronics sub-assemblies such as mirror controllers, seat-position memories, and interior lighting drivers where the 8-bit baseline PIC is sufficient. Its 72 bytes of RAM and 3 KB OTP support simple sensor-fusion and PWM routines, while the extended commercial temperature grade handles under-dash environments. The Harvard architecture and single-cycle instruction execution deliver predictable timing for motor-control loops. The PIC16C57's small code footprint and high code density (2:1 over 8051) keep BOM costs low - a primary driver in automotive tier-2 modules. For new automotive designs requiring AEC-Q100, designers should move to PIC16F57-Q1 or PIC16F18xxx AEC-Q100 qualified variants instead.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
For low-cost industrial sensor-interface boards, the PIC16C57T-XTE/SS offers 20 I/O pins and an 8-bit TMR0 timer that, combined with external interrupt-on-change pins, can handle periodic sensor reads at sub-millisecond rates. The 4 MHz instruction rate executes ADC sample averaging and linearization in real time for thermocouple, RTD, or strain-gauge signal conditioning. The 28-SSOP package allows compact PCB designs that fit inside sensor heads or DIN-rail transmitter housings. Its 5 V supply aligns with industrial 24 V-to-5 V regulator rails. The 12-bit instruction word keeps code compact, and MPLAB IDE support is mature. For modern industrial 4-20 mA loops with HART or IO-Link, migrate to PIC16F1778 or PIC16F18xxx baseline-compatible devices.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS is a cost-effective controller for battery-powered remote-control units such as garage-door openers, RF key fobs, and simple IR transmitters. Its SLEEP mode combined with watchdog-timer wakeup provides multi-year battery life on a single coin cell, and the 20 I/O pins handle matrix keypads, status LEDs, and an RF/IR modulator output. The 3 KB OTP memory stores encrypted rolling-code algorithms and button-debounce state machines. The 28-SSOP package keeps the PCB small enough to fit inside key-fob housings. The 5 V operation aligns with lithium coin-cell boost converters. Modern replacements with integrated radio transceivers (PIC16F15313) simplify BOM further but require firmware rewrite.
Recommended
LED Display Drivers
The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS can multiplex-drive 7-segment LED displays, dot-matrix panels, and addressable RGB-LED strips using its 20 I/O pins and software-PWM or hardware-TMR0 interrupt timing. The 4 MHz clock supports refresh rates above 100 Hz for flicker-free 8-digit 7-segment displays. The 3 KB OTP holds lookup tables for character decoding and brightness curves. The 28-SSOP footprint allows integration inside small sign and indicator housings. For pixel-art LED matrices, the 72-byte RAM limits framebuffer size, so use character-mode display patterns instead. Designers targeting higher channel counts should evaluate the PIC16F57 with its larger RAM or a dedicated LED-driver like the TLC59401.
Recommended
Smart Card and Security Tokens
The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS has historically been used in low-cost smart-card and security-token applications because of its compact OTP memory (preventing code extraction) and small SSOP footprint. The 8-bit baseline PIC's deterministic timing is suitable for cryptographic routines that require constant execution time to resist side-channel attacks. The 3 KB OTP stores authentication protocols, secret-key material, and simple challenge-response logic. Security-sensitive applications should consider migrating to PIC16F18446 with secure boot and crypto accelerators. The PIC16C57 family remains in production for legacy payment and access-control tokens where design re-validation cost outweighs migration benefit.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Projects
The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS remains popular in educational and hobby contexts because of its simple PIC16C5X baseline architecture, well-documented instruction set, and abundant free MPLAB IDE toolchain support. Students learning embedded C or assembly benefit from the 33 single-word instructions, 2-level hardware stack, and 12-bit instruction word - concepts that translate to all modern PIC MCUs. The 28-SSOP package is breadboard-friendly with SSOP-to-DIP adapter boards, and 5 V operation works directly with USB programmers like the PICkit 3. The 3 KB OTP forces disciplined firmware planning. For modern hobby projects requiring USB, PWM, or ADC, the PIC16F57-I/SS or PIC16F18324 offers significantly more capability at similar cost.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C57T-XTE/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F57-I/SS | PIC16C57C-20I/SS | PIC16C57CT-04I/SS | PIC16C57T-10I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | SOIC-28 (different) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB Flash | 3 KB OTP | 3 KB OTP | 2 KB OTP |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Data RAM | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes | 72 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| ICSP Support | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Active lifecycle Flash replacement available (vs PIC16F57-I/SS)
- Same-family 20 MHz industrial alternative (vs PIC16C57C-20I/SS)
- Smaller SSOP footprint versus SOIC-28 variants (vs PIC16C57T-10I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS operates from a single 5 V supply (typical) with VDD on pin 26 and VSS on pins 5, 14, and 25. Decoupling: place a 100 nF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to VDD pin 26, with a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum cap on the same supply rail. The device has no internal voltage regulator, so the external 5 V rail must be clean - add an LC pi-filter if the supply is shared with motors or relays. Estimated: idle current is approximately 2 mA at 4 MHz and 5 V per the PIC16C5X family datasheet, dropping to under 1 uA in SLEEP mode with watchdog disabled.
Route the XT crystal traces from pins 15 (OSC1) and 16 (OSC2) as short and symmetric as possible, with the crystal placed within 5 mm of the MCU. Use a ground guard ring around the crystal to reduce EMI coupling. The 28-SSOP package has 0.65 mm pitch, which requires fine-pitch PCB fabrication (8 mil traces minimum) but no special via-in-pad techniques. Estimated: the 28-SSOP thermal pad is not present, so thermal dissipation is by pins only; power consumption is low enough that no thermal management is required.
Three pitfalls to avoid with the PIC16C57T-XTE/SS: (1) OTP memory can only be programmed once - if code bugs are found after programming, the chip must be discarded; use PIC16F57-I/SS for development. (2) The PIC16C5X baseline has only a 2-level hardware stack, so C code with nested function calls will overflow; restrict code to flat assembly or shallow call trees. (3) The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for reliable reset; floating MCLR causes intermittent brown-out behavior. Source: Microchip PIC16C5X family datasheet 30453g, sections on reset and programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not explicitly stated in the provided data - [DATA_NEEDED] for confirmed compliance. The PIC16C57T-XTE/SS is a legacy OTP EPROM part predating full RoHS/REACH documentation; the standard PIC16C5X family datasheet does not list compliance certifications. For automotive AEC-Q100 requirements, use the PIC16F57-Q1 variant.