Microchip PIC16C57C-04/SO 8-Bit OTP Microcontroller Overview

The Microchip PIC16C57C-04/SO is a high-performance, 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's extensive PIC® (Programmable Intelligent Computer) family. This device is fabricated using Microchip's proven OTP (One-Time Programmable) CMOS technology, offering a robust and cost-effective solution for a wide array of embedded control applications. Housed in a compact 28-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, it is well-suited for space-constrained designs.

At its core, the PIC16C57C features a powerful RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture. Its CPU executes a concise set of 33 single-word instructions, all of which are single-cycle except for program branches. This efficient design enables the microcontroller to achieve a 4 MHz clock input, resulting in a 1 µs instruction cycle at full speed. This balance of speed and simplicity ensures rapid development and highly deterministic operation, which is critical for real-time control tasks.

The device is equipped with 2K x 12 bits of OTP program memory. The OTP nature provides the flexibility of programmable memory for prototyping and medium-to-high-volume production runs while offering a lower cost and higher security alternative to UV-erasable or FLASH-based microcontrollers. For data handling, it includes 72 bytes of RAM, providing ample space for variable storage and system stack operations.

A key strength of the PIC16C57C lies in its versatile I/O capabilities. It features 20 I/O pins, which are grouped into three ports (Port A, Port B, and Port C). These pins are bidirectional and can be individually configured as inputs or outputs, offering direct interface to sensors, buttons, LEDs, relays, and other peripherals. The microcontroller also includes an integrated 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, useful for creating accurate timing intervals and counting external events.

Additional features enhance its functionality in control applications. A watchdog timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator provides protection against software hangs, ensuring the system can recover from unexpected code execution errors. The device operates over a wide voltage range (2.5V to 6.0V) and is characterized for industrial temperature ranges, making it suitable for demanding environments. Its low power consumption in standby mode further benefits portable or battery-powered applications.

In summary, the PIC16C57C-04/SO is a classic, reliable microcontroller that delivers a potent mix of processing power, I/O flexibility, and cost efficiency. Its OTP program memory makes it an excellent choice for applications where the code is finalized and mass production is required.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16C57C-04/SO is a quintessential OTP workhorse from Microchip, prized for its RISC efficiency, robust I/O capabilities (20 pins), and proven reliability in cost-sensitive, embedded control systems where code security and finalization are paramount.

Keywords:

8-Bit Microcontroller

OTP Memory

RISC Architecture

Embedded Control

SOIC Package