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

The Microchip PIC16C57C-04I/SO is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's extensive PIC® (Peripheral Interface Controller) family. This device is built using high-performance RISC architecture and is based on an OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory technology, making it a cost-effective solution for high-volume production runs where firmware stability is guaranteed and changes are not anticipated.

Housed in an SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, this microcontroller is designed for space-constrained applications. It operates at a clock frequency of 4 MHz, indicated by the "-04" in its part number, and is specified for the industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), denoted by the "I" suffix.

The core strength of the PIC16C57C lies in its fully static, RISC-based CPU, which features a compact instruction set of just 33 single-word instructions. This simplicity enables rapid development and easy debugging. All instructions, except for program branches, execute in a single cycle, leading to highly efficient code execution. With 2K words of OTP program memory and 72 bytes of RAM data memory, it provides sufficient resources for a wide array of control-oriented tasks.

Its integrated peripherals make it a versatile choice for embedded control. Key features include:

12 I/O pins with individual direction control.

An 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler.

A built-in watchdog timer (WDT) for enhanced reliability, featuring its own on-chip RC oscillator for independent operation.

A power-saving SLEEP mode, which drastically reduces power consumption.

The device is well-suited for a diverse range of applications, including automotive systems, industrial controls, consumer electronics, and power management units. Its OTP nature ensures code security and makes it an ideal choice for products that have been thoroughly debugged and are destined for mass manufacturing.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16C57C-04I/SO is a robust, cost-optimized OTP microcontroller from a proven family. Its combination of a simple RISC engine, essential integrated peripherals, and industrial temperature rating makes it a dependable choice for high-volume embedded control applications where firmware is finalized and code protection is paramount.

Keywords: OTP Microcontroller, RISC Architecture, Embedded Control, Industrial Temperature, SOIC Package.