Microchip PIC16C56AT-04I/SO 8-Bit OTP Microcontroller Overview

The Microchip PIC16C56AT-04I/SO is a member of Microchip’s robust PIC® 16C5x family of 8-bit microcontrollers. This microcontroller is built using Microchip’s proven, high-performance RISC architecture, offering a cost-effective solution for a wide array of embedded control applications. Its One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory makes it particularly suited for high-volume production runs where firmware stability is paramount and future changes are not anticipated.

Housed in an 18-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, the PIC16C56AT-04I/SO is designed for space-constrained applications. The "I" in its part number signifies its industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), ensuring reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions. The device operates at a clock speed of up to 4 MHz, as denoted by the "-04" speed grade, providing a solid balance between processing power and energy consumption.

At the core of this MCU is a RISC CPU that features a simple yet powerful instruction set of just 33 single-word instructions. All instructions are single-cycle except for program branches, which require two cycles, leading to highly efficient execution of code. The device is equipped with 1024 x 12 words of OTP program memory and 25 bytes of RAM for data storage, providing sufficient resources for many dedicated control tasks.

Its peripheral set, though minimalist, is highly effective. It includes a real-time clock/counter (Timer0) with an 8-bit prescaler and 12 I/O pins that are individually configurable to suit application needs. A key feature of this MCU is its high sink/source current capability per I/O pin, enabling it to drive LEDs or other peripherals directly without the need for external drivers, thereby reducing the total system component count and cost.

The PIC16C56AT-04I/SO also incorporates power-saving features like the SLEEP mode, which halts the CPU and reduces power consumption to an extremely low level, making it ideal for battery-powered or energy-sensitive products. Other standard features include a watchdog timer for enhanced reliability and a power-on reset (POR) circuit for consistent startup behavior.

ICGOODFIND: The PIC16C56AT-04I/SO stands out as a reliable, cost-optimized OTP microcontroller perfect for industrial control systems, automotive subsystems, consumer electronics, and other applications requiring a stable, fixed-function controller in a compact package.

Keywords: OTP Memory, RISC Architecture, Industrial Temperature, 8-Bit Microcontroller, SOIC Package.