PIC16C65A-20E/PQ - 8-bit 20MHz 7KB OTP MCU 44-MQFP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C65A-20E/PQ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.45 | $7.45 |
| 10 | $6.85 | $68.50 |
| 100 | $5.95 | $595.00 |
| 500 | $5.3 | $2,650.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.85 | $4,850.00 |
PIC16C65A-20E/PQ Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/OTP/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals such as timers, ADC, UART, and I/O ports. The PIC16CXX family uses a RISC Harvard architecture with a single accumulator (W register) and separate program and data buses, which allows simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. Microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy of microprocessors, embedded systems, and finally electronic control units - they are the computational core of nearly every modern embedded product.
Key features of the PIC16C65A-20E/PQ include a 20 MHz maximum clock rate, 13-bit instruction word, wide operating voltage range, and low-power consumption quoted at 15 uA typical at 5V/4 MHz and 1 uA typical at 3V/32 kHz. The 33 digital I/O pins support direct interfacing to switches, LEDs, sensors, and external peripherals, while on-chip peripherals include multiple timers, a synchronous/asynchronous serial port (USART), capture/compare/PWM modules, and parallel slave port functionality.
The PIC16C65A architecture is fully static, allowing the clock to be stopped without losing register state - useful for low-power sleep and wake-up designs. Its EPROM/ROM-based program memory offers one-time programmable (OTP) flexibility for prototyping and medium-volume production. The 'A' revision adds peripheral and memory enhancements over the original PIC16C65, making it suitable for applications requiring more interrupt sources and additional I/O compared to the PIC16C63 and PIC16C64.
Typical applications include industrial control systems, automotive body and chassis electronics, motor control, sensor interfacing, and consumer appliances. Its extended temperature grade and 33 I/O make it well-suited to harsh-environment embedded designs.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit - confirm firmware before final programming. Use Microchip's MPASM/MPLAB toolchain for assembly development, and ensure in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) pins are brought out for production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16CXX alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate evaluation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C65A-20E/PQ — 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 PIC16C65A-20E/PQ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C65A-20/PQ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C65A-10/PQ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C64A-20/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$5.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-04/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C65A-20E/PT
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$11.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C65A-10E/PQ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C65A-20E/PQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC16CXX RISC Harvard (8-bit) |
| Program Memory Size | 7 KB (4K x 14) OTP EPROM |
| RAM Size | 192 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 33 |
| Package | 44-MQFP (10x10 mm) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, 'E') |
| Supply Current (5V, 4 MHz) | 15 uA typical |
| Supply Current (3V, 32 kHz) | 1 uA typical |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, 14-bit width |
| Timers | Multiple 8/16-bit timers |
| Communication Interfaces | USART/SCI, SPI, I2C (SSP), Parallel Slave Port |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (MQFP, Gull Wing) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| AEC-Q100 | Not explicitly qualified (Automotive grade per temp range) |
PIC16C65A-20E/PQ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input or external clock in |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3/VREF — PORTA bit 3 / analog input 3 / Vref |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 — PORTA bit 5 / SPI slave select / analog input 4 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 10 | RC0/T1OSO/T1CKI — PORTC bit 0 / Timer1 oscillator output / clock in |
| Pin 11 | RC1/T1OSI/CCP2 — PORTC bit 1 / Timer1 oscillator in / CCP2 |
| Pin 12 | RC2/CCP1 — PORTC bit 2 / CCP1 PWM output |
| Pin 13 | RC3/SCK/SCL — PORTC bit 3 / SPI clock / I2C clock |
| Pin 14 | RC4/SDI/SDA — PORTC bit 4 / SPI data in / I2C data |
| Pin 15 | RC5/SDO — PORTC bit 5 / SPI data out |
| Pin 16 | RC6/TX/CK — PORTC bit 6 / USART TX / clock |
| Pin 17 | RC7/RX/DT — PORTC bit 7 / USART RX / data |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | RD0/PSP0 — PORTD bit 0 / parallel slave port bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RD1/PSP1 — PORTD bit 1 / parallel slave port bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | RD2/PSP2 — PORTD bit 2 / parallel slave port bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | RD3/PSP3 — PORTD bit 3 / parallel slave port bit 3 |
| Pin 23 | RC4 (Note: alternate) — Per datasheet - see errata if applicable |
| Pin 24 | RD4/PSP4 — PORTD bit 4 / parallel slave port bit 4 |
| Pin 25 | RD5/PSP5 — PORTD bit 5 / parallel slave port bit 5 |
| Pin 26 | RD6/PSP6 — PORTD bit 6 / parallel slave port bit 6 |
| Pin 27 | RD7/PSP7 — PORTD bit 7 / parallel slave port bit 7 |
| Pin 28 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 29 | RE0/RD/AN5 — PORTE bit 0 / read control / analog input 5 |
| Pin 30 | RE1/WR/AN6 — PORTE bit 1 / write control / analog input 6 |
| Pin 31 | RE2/CS/AN7 — PORTE bit 2 / chip select / analog input 7 |
| Pin 32 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 33 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 34 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 35 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 36 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 37 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 38 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 39 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 40 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 41 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 42 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 43 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 44 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear / programming voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C65A-20E/PQ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Motor Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition, Consumer Appliance Control, HVAC and Building Automation, Security and Access Control Panels.
Industrial Motor Control
The PIC16C65A-20E/PQ fits industrial motor control applications because its 20 MHz clock and 33 I/O pins provide sufficient throughput to handle PWM generation, quadrature encoder feedback, and closed-loop control of small DC or stepper motors. The capture/compare/PWM modules on board generate the switching waveforms needed for variable-speed drives, while the 192 B RAM supports modest PID controller state. Its -40C to +125C extended temperature range allows deployment near motor housings where ambient temperatures rise. The 7KB OTP program memory holds a complete motion control firmware image including trapezoidal profiles and current-limit routines. Placed on a 44-MQFP carrier board with isolated gate drivers, this MCU drives three-phase inverter stages up to a few hundred watts without DSP hardware.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C65A-20E/PQ is well-suited to automotive body modules such as central locking, mirror control, and lighting controllers because its AUTOMOTIVE temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and 33 I/O lines handle multiple switch inputs and relay outputs simultaneously. The on-chip USART enables LIN or K-line communication with body control networks, while the parallel slave port allows connection to a dashboard master MCU. OTP memory is acceptable for body modules where firmware is stable and code protection is desired. With proper reverse-battery and load-dump protection on the supply pin, this MCU reliably drives automotive-grade relays and solenoids in a 44-MQFP footprint suited to under-dash PCB assemblies.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Data Acquisition
For multi-channel sensor interface boards, the PIC16C65A-20E/PQ's 33 I/O pins read multiple digital sensors (Hall-effect, optical encoders, switches) and drive indicator LEDs without external I/O expanders. Its USART and SSP peripherals stream sensor data to a host processor or display, while timers handle precise sampling intervals. The 192 B RAM buffers short data packets before transmission. Operating from 3V or 5V supplies, the MCU interfaces directly to 5V logic sensors with no level shifters, simplifying PCB layout in the 44-MQFP package.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
Washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens benefit from the PIC16C65A-20E/PQ's combination of 33 I/O for keypad/scanner interfaces, multiple timers for wash-cycle sequencing, and OTP memory for low-cost mass production. The Extended temperature grade survives the heat of a closed appliance chassis, while the 20 MHz instruction rate drives both the user-interface scan and the motor-control loop. Its low-power modes (1 uA typical at 3V/32 kHz standby) reduce standby power for energy-star appliances.
Recommended
HVAC and Building Automation
The PIC16C65A-20E/PQ is deployed in HVAC damper actuators, thermostat base stations, and zone controllers where its automotive-grade temperature tolerance handles attic and rooftop enclosures. The 33 I/O read multiple thermistor inputs and drive triac outputs for fan-speed control, while the USART links to a building automation bus. Its 7KB OTP holds zoning logic and PID control firmware, and the 44-MQFP package simplifies PCB layout with adequate creepage for line-voltage isolation.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
Alarm panels, access controllers, and intercom stations leverage the PIC16C65A-20E/PQ's 33 I/O to scan multiple keypads and door sensors while driving sirens and indicator LEDs. The Extended temperature grade accommodates outdoor or unconditioned installations, and the OTP memory prevents firmware tampering in security applications. The on-chip USART connects to a central monitoring station over a dial-up or GSM modem, while timers debounce mechanical inputs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C65A-20E/PQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C65A-20/PQ | PIC16C65A-10/PQ | PIC16C64A-20/PQ | PIC16C65A-04/PQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-MQFP (10x10) | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same | 44-MQFP (10x10) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP | 4 KB OTP | 7 KB OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| I/O Pins | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 |
| RAM | 192 B | 192 B | 192 B | 128 B | 192 B |
| Approx Unit Price (qty 1) | $7.45 | $5.99 (LCSC) | lower (slower grade) | lower (less memory) | lower (slower grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive-grade temperature range in same 44-MQFP package (vs PIC16C65A-20/PQ)
- 20 MHz clock speed with full 7 KB OTP memory (vs PIC16C65A-04/PQ)
- Higher memory density than the PIC16C64A in pin-compatible 44-MQFP (vs PIC16C64A-20/PQ)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of each VDD pin (the 44-MQFP has three VDD pins at 32, 42, 43). Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor at the supply entry point. The PIC16C65A-20E/PQ draws approximately 15 mA at 20 MHz / 5V during active execution, so a linear regulator with at least 100 mA headroom is recommended for noise immunity.
Keep the MCLR/VPP pin trace short and route RB6/PGC and RB7/PGD to a programming header. The 44-MQFP footprint has fine-pitch 0.8 mm gull-wing leads - use a 0.4 mm stencil aperture and reflow profile per J-STD-020. Provide a 4-layer PCB with continuous ground plane under the IC to reduce EMI on the 33 I/O lines.
OTP memory is one-time programmable and cannot be re-flashed after programming - verify firmware with engineering samples (UV-erasable windowed parts) before committing to the production OTP device. The 'E' suffix denotes extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C); do NOT substitute 'E' parts into designs certified only for commercial range, and vice versa, without re-qualifying temperature performance.
When using the parallel slave port (PORTD with PORTE control signals), ensure the host bus driver has adequate drive strength to overcome PORTD's weak pull-ups. Add 10 kohm pull-ups on RE0/RE1/RE2 only if the host bus does not actively drive these lines during reset. For USART communication at 20 MHz clock with 115200 baud, the bit-time error is <2% - safe for reliable asynchronous serial links.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AUTOMOTIVE temperature grade per Partstack listing, but explicit AEC-Q100 qualification should be confirmed with Microchip for specific automotive programs. Lifecycle status is NRND - plan migration to flash-based PIC18F equivalents.