PIC16C63A-04E/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz CMOS MCU, 7KB OTP, 28-SSOP
MPN: PIC16C63A-04E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.17 | $6.17 |
| 10 | $5.78 | $57.80 |
| 100 | $5.21 | $521.00 |
| 500 | $4.65 | $2,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.12 | $4,120.00 |
PIC16C63A-04E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory (program + data), and I/O peripherals, designed for embedded control tasks where deterministic, low-cost processing is required. The PIC16CXX family belongs to Microchip's mid-range architecture, which occupies the middle of the PIC performance hierarchy (below PIC18 enhanced, above PIC10/12/16 base-line) and is known for its compact, RISC-style instruction set of 35 single-word instructions, most executing in one instruction cycle. This architecture delivers high code density and predictable interrupt latency, making it a workhorse of industrial, automotive, and consumer embedded designs since the 1990s.
Key features include: wide operating voltage range from 2.5V to 6.0V, 22 digital I/O pins with individual direction control, programmable code protection, power-on reset (POR), brown-out detection, power-saving SLEEP mode, and an in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) interface. The PIC16C63A's CMOS/EPROM-based design supports low-power consumption (15 µA typical at 5V/4 MHz, 1 µA typical at 3V/32 kHz) and a fully static operation that allows clock-down to DC. The Extended (E) temperature range of -40°C to +125°C makes this part suitable for harsh-environment and automotive-grade applications.
Internally, the device uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access in a single cycle. The 14-bit-wide program memory word improves code efficiency compared to traditional 8-bit CISC architectures. The integrated MSSP peripheral supports both SPI (Master/Slave) and I2C (Master/Slave) protocols, eliminating external interface ICs in many designs. The USART provides asynchronous (RS-232/RS-485) and synchronous serial communication, enabling connectivity to sensors, displays, and host processors.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, HVAC equipment, automotive body electronics, smart sensors, motor control, and consumer appliance controllers. The 7KB OTP memory is well-suited for cost-sensitive production volumes where firmware is finalized and in-circuit reprogramming is not required in the field.
When designing with the PIC16C63A-04E/SS, observe that the OTP variant cannot be re-programmed; for development, use a JW (windowed) package or a Flash-based equivalent such as PIC16F877A. The part requires a stable oscillator source (crystal, resonator, or RC network) and proper decoupling. The 4 MHz maximum clock (denoted by -04 in the part number) targets low-power designs rather than high-speed data processing.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative cross-references, and practical design notes that complement the official Microchip datasheet for engineers considering the PIC16C63A-04E/SS for new designs or legacy maintenance.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C63A-04E/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 PIC16C63A-04E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, ADC, Package, Timers, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C63A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-04E/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C63A-10E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F873A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C63A-04E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXX Mid-Range 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 7KB (4K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 192 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 22 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Communication Peripherals | 1 x USART, 1 x MSSP (SPI/I2C) |
| PWM Channels | 1 (CCP module) |
| ADC | None |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP |
PIC16C63A-04E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF- — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 / negative voltage reference |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3/VREF+ — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 / positive voltage reference |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input (open-drain output) |
| Pin 4 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Port A bit 5 / SPI slave select / analog input 4 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference (0 V) |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — Port B bit 6 / ICSP clock input |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — Port B bit 7 / ICSP data input/output |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (0 V) |
| Pin 15 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 16 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — Port C bit 0 / Timer 1 oscillator output / Timer 1 clock input |
| Pin 17 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — Port C bit 1 / Timer 1 oscillator input / Capture/Compare/PWM 2 |
| Pin 18 | RC2/CCP1 — Port C bit 2 / Capture/Compare/PWM 1 output |
| Pin 19 | RC3/SCK/SCL — Port C bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 20 | RC4/SDI/SDA — Port C bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 21 | RC5/SDO — Port C bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 22 | RC6/TX/CK — Port C bit 6 / USART async transmit / sync clock |
| Pin 23 | RC7/RX/DT — Port C bit 7 / USART async receive / sync data |
| Pin 24 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 25 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 26 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 27 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C63A-04E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Systems, HVAC Equipment Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Smart Sensor Nodes, Motor Control and PWM Drives, Consumer Appliance Controllers.
Industrial Control Systems
The PIC16C63A-04E/SS fits industrial control applications because of its Extended -40°C to +125°C temperature range, robust CMOS/EPROM process, and integrated peripherals (USART + MSSP SPI/I2C + 16-bit timer) that handle typical PLC-style tasks. With 22 I/O pins and 7KB OTP program memory, it can read sensor inputs, drive relays or solid-state outputs, and communicate with a master controller via RS-485 or I2C. The 4 MHz clock and 35-instruction RISC architecture deliver deterministic interrupt response, essential for real-time control loops. Its 192-byte RAM is sufficient for small state machines and PID control algorithms. Designers appreciate the PIC16C63A's long product lifecycle, which is critical for industrial equipment with 10-20 year production runs. Compared to switching regulator + MCU combos, the 2.5-6.0V supply range accepts direct connection to 24V industrial buses via simple LDO pre-regulation.
Recommended
HVAC Equipment Controllers
The PIC16C63A-04E/SS is well-matched to HVAC controllers because of its wide 2.5-6.0V supply range (compatible with 5V regulated rails in furnace/AC control boards), low-power CMOS design that runs directly from mains-derived low-voltage supplies, and the Extended temperature grade that withstands attic or outdoor equipment installations. The integrated MSSP supports I2C communication with temperature/humidity sensors, while the USART enables Modbus RTU communication with building management systems. The 16-bit timer combined with the capture/compare/PWM module supports triac-based variable-speed fan control or proportional valve actuation. The 7KB OTP memory accommodates typical HVAC firmware including sensor calibration, hysteresis-based thermostat logic, and fault detection routines. With 35 single-cycle instructions, the PIC16C63A executes control loops with minimal jitter - a key requirement for stable HVAC regulation.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C63A-04E/SS suits automotive body-electronics modules (window lift controllers, seat controllers, mirror adjusters, lighting controllers) because of its Extended -40°C to +125°C operating temperature range that handles under-dash and engine-bay-adjacent environments, plus its CMOS/EPROM robustness against automotive electrical transients when paired with proper supply conditioning. The 22 digital I/O pins can directly drive small relays and FET gates for motor direction control, while the USART supports LIN-bus or K-line communication via external transceivers. The 4 MHz clock provides adequate throughput for body-control timing functions, and the 7KB OTP memory holds production-locked body-control firmware that does not require field updates. The 35-instruction RISC architecture delivers deterministic interrupt latency critical for window anti-pinch safety algorithms. Compared to newer automotive MCUs, the PIC16C63A's simplicity reduces software validation effort for ASpice-compliant designs.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Nodes
The PIC16C63A-04E/SS powers smart sensor nodes in industrial IoT and building-automation networks because of its low-power CMOS design (15 µA typical at 5V/4 MHz, 1 µA typical at 3V/32 kHz in SLEEP mode), integrated MSSP for direct I2C sensor interfacing, and USART for RS-485 Modbus communication. The 4 MHz clock is sufficient for periodic sensor polling, linearization calculations, and Modbus frame generation. The 192-byte RAM accommodates sensor history buffers for edge analytics. The Extended temperature grade enables outdoor and factory-floor deployment. With 7KB OTP memory, the PIC16C63A can host sensor-specific firmware including calibration tables and Modbus register maps. Compared to 32-bit ARM Cortex alternatives, the PIC16C63A reduces BOM cost by ~40-60% in high-volume sensor deployments where compute demands are modest.
Recommended
Motor Control and PWM Drives
The PIC16C63A-04E/SS handles low-power motor control applications including small DC brushed motors, unipolar stepper drives, and PWM-based LED dimming because of its integrated 16-bit timer with capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module that generates precise PWM signals up to 10-bit resolution at the 4 MHz clock. The 22 I/O pins can drive H-bridge FET gates directly through gate drivers, or control unipolar stepper windings via discrete transistors. The 4 MHz instruction rate provides 1 µs instruction cycle, allowing up to 8 kHz PWM frequency with 10-bit resolution - sufficient for quiet motor operation and smooth LED dimming. The Extended temperature range enables deployment in motor housings where ambient temperatures rise. The 7KB OTP memory accommodates state-machine-based motor sequencers for stepper indexers, ramp-up/ramp-down profiles, and stall-detection algorithms. Compared to dedicated motor-control ICs, the PIC16C63A's flexibility allows firmware updates to support multiple motor types with one PCB design.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16C63A-04E/SS is widely deployed in cost-sensitive consumer appliances including washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and small kitchen appliances because of its sub-$7 single-unit pricing in production volumes, OTP memory that prevents firmware tampering, and integrated USART/MSSP that interfaces with keypads, displays, and sensors without external ICs. The 22 I/O pins handle segment-LCD drive, button matrix scanning, and relay/triac control for heater elements and motors. The Extended temperature range handles the thermal environment inside appliance housings. The 4 MHz clock provides responsive user-interface feedback for menu-driven appliances. With 7KB OTP memory, designers can implement complex state machines for wash cycles, cooking programs, or defrost sequences. The PIC16C63A's long product lifecycle (active since 1997) means consumer OEMs can sustain 10-15 year production runs without re-validation - a major cost advantage in the appliance industry.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C63A-04E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C63A-04I/SS | PIC16C63A-04E/SO | PIC16C63A-04E/SP | PIC16C63A-10E/SS | PIC16F873A-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP | 28-SOIC | 28-SPDIP | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 7KB OTP | 7KB OTP | 7KB OTP | 7KB OTP | 7KB OTP | 4KB Flash + 128B EEPROM |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RAM | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes | 192 bytes |
| ADC | None | None | None | None | None | 5-channel 10-bit |
| PWM (CCP) | 1 channel | 1 channel | 1 channel | 1 channel | 1 channel | 2 channels |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM (one-time programmable) | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) for harsh environments (vs PIC16C63A-04I/SS)
- SSOP package for compact surface-mount designs (vs PIC16C63A-04E/SP)
- OTP EPROM for lowest unit cost at volume (vs PIC16F873A-I/SS)
- 4 MHz clock optimizes for low-power and EMI-sensitive applications (vs PIC16C63A-10E/SS)
Design Notes
The OTP EPROM memory of PIC16C63A-04E/SS can be programmed exactly once - there is no in-circuit reprogramming capability once the EPROM cells are written. Engineers developing production firmware should build prototypes using a JW (windowed ceramic) package variant or the Flash-based PIC16F877A equivalent. Once an SSOP-packaged unit has been programmed, the only way to 'update' it is to physically replace the chip on the PCB. Plan your firmware validation and verification cycle accordingly, and budget for inventory of pre-programmed parts if the firmware changes late in the production cycle.
The PIC16C63A-04E/SS operates from 2.5V to 6.0V and draws 15 µA typical at 5V/4 MHz. For battery-backed or sleep-mode applications, the brown-out reset (BOR) and watchdog timer (WDT) settings in the configuration word must be carefully selected. The VDD pin (pin 15) and VSS pins (pins 5 and 14) should each have a 100 nF decoupling capacitor placed as close to the IC as possible, with a bulk 10 µF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor on the main supply rail. When the MCU drives inductive loads, add flyback diodes directly across the inductor terminals to prevent VDD transients from triggering BOR resets.
For the 28-SSOP package with 0.65 mm pitch, use a PCB land pattern that follows IPC-7351 nominal-density guidelines, with each pad approximately 0.4 mm wide and 1.5 mm long. Reflow profile should match JEDEC J-STD-020 for MSL-3 moisture-sensitive components. Keep the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 26) routed with a short trace to a 10 kΩ pull-up resistor and a 100 nF cap to ground for proper reset behavior. The OSC1/OSC2 traces to the crystal or resonator should be as short as possible and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI. Avoid routing digital switching signals under the SSOP body to prevent crosstalk with the internal oscillator.
Configuration word settings (oscillator selection, WDT enable, code protection, BOR voltage) are written during ICSP programming and cannot be changed at runtime. A common design error is to leave the watchdog timer enabled in development firmware without proper CLRWDT() instructions in long main loops, causing unintended resets in the field. Likewise, enabling code protection in OTP memory is irreversible - engineers should leave code protection disabled in development units and only enable it in production programming files. The ICSP clock (PGC, pin 12) and data (PGD, pin 13) signals must remain accessible on the PCB for factory programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance status is [DATA_NEEDED: RoHS compliance status] and not explicitly stated in the verified web data. Lead-free is indicated by Microchip's standard ordering nomenclature for OTP EPROM parts. AEC-Q100 is not_applicable for this legacy part (not automotive-qualified per Microchip's product page); Extended temperature grade -40C to +125C supports automotive applications but without formal AEC-Q100 certification. REACH and halogen-free status are unknown and should be verified against the manufacturer declaration before EU-market deployment.