PIC16C55-RC/SP Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16C55-RC/SP is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16C series, featuring 768B of OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory and operating at 4MHz. This device is classified as Active product status and is widely used in embedded applications requiring basic microcontroller functionality with permanent code storage.

Finding equivalent and substitute parts becomes necessary when the original PIC16C55-RC/SP reaches end-of-life status, inventory constraints occur, or design requirements shift toward enhanced performance specifications. The PIC16F57-I/SP serves as the primary substitute, offering improved capabilities while maintaining package and pinout compatibility.

Substiute Parts

PIC16C55-RC/SP

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1052PIC16C55-RC/SP Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F57-I/SP

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2114PIC16F57-I/SP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PIC16C55-RC/SP is determined by the following critical parameters that must remain compatible:

Package and Pinout Compatibility: Both the main part and substitute must use the 28-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) package with identical pin assignments to ensure direct socket compatibility without PCB redesign.

Core Architecture: Both devices must be 8-bit PIC microcontrollers to maintain instruction set compatibility and software portability.

I/O Count: Both parts must provide 20 I/O pins to support existing circuit designs without modification.

Peripheral Features: Both devices include POR (Power-On Reset) and WDT (Watchdog Timer) functionality.

Voltage Supply Range: The substitute must operate within or encompass the original supply voltage range to ensure reliable operation in existing power delivery systems.

The PIC16F57-I/SP qualifies as a direct substitute based on these parameters. While it offers enhanced specifications (higher speed, larger memory, extended temperature range, and FLASH memory instead of OTP), these improvements do not compromise backward compatibility and provide design flexibility for future requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement: The PIC16F57-I/SP is suitable for direct replacement of the PIC16C55-RC/SP in existing designs. Both devices maintain Active product status, ROHS3 compliance, and REACH unaffected classification, ensuring regulatory continuity.

Voltage Supply Consideration: The PIC16F57-I/SP operates at 2V ~ 5.5V, which encompasses the lower end of the PIC16C55-RC/SP range (3V ~ 6.25V). Designs operating at voltages below 2V or above 5.5V require verification of actual operating conditions before substitution.

Temperature Range Extension: The PIC16F57-I/SP extends the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 85°C, providing enhanced reliability for applications requiring wider temperature operation compared to the original 0°C ~ 70°C specification.

Memory and Performance Upgrade: The transition from OTP to FLASH memory, combined with increased program memory (3KB vs. 768B) and RAM (72 x 8 vs. 24 x 8), enables more complex firmware implementations without requiring hardware redesign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PIC16F57-I/SP be used as a direct socket replacement for the PIC16C55-RC/SP?

A: Yes. Both devices use the 28-DIP package with identical pinout and 20 I/O pins. No PCB modifications are required for physical installation.

Q: What are the key differences between these two microcontrollers?

A: The primary differences are program memory type (OTP vs. FLASH), memory capacity (768B vs. 3KB program memory; 24 x 8 vs. 72 x 8 RAM), maximum operating speed (4MHz vs. 20MHz), and operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C vs. -40°C ~ 85°C).

Q: Are there voltage supply compatibility concerns?

A: The PIC16F57-I/SP operates at 2V ~ 5.5V, while the PIC16C55-RC/SP operates at 3V ~ 6.25V. If your design operates at voltages below 2V or above 5.5V, verify actual operating conditions before substitution.

Q: Does the FLASH memory of the PIC16F57-I/SP affect firmware compatibility?

A: FLASH memory provides in-circuit reprogrammability, which is an advantage over OTP. Existing firmware compiled for the PIC16C55-RC/SP will execute on the PIC16F57-I/SP without modification, as both use the same 12-bit instruction set architecture.

Q: Are both devices RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both the PIC16C55-RC/SP and PIC16F57-I/SP are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: What is the Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) for these devices?

A: Both devices have MSL 1 (Unlimited), indicating no moisture sensitivity concerns during storage and handling.