PIC16C56T-HSI/SO Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16C56T-HSI/SO is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16C series, designed for embedded applications requiring OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory. This device features 1.5KB program memory, 12 I/O pins, and operates at 20MHz with a supply voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V. The part is currently active in production and widely available. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent functional performance can be achieved with compatible electrical and mechanical specifications, particularly when alternative memory technologies or expanded voltage ranges are acceptable for the application.

Substiute Parts

PIC16C56T-HSI/SO

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 912PIC16C56T-HSI/SO Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F54T-I/SO

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2358PIC16F54T-I/SO Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the PIC16C56T-HSI/SO is based on strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

• Core Architecture: PIC 8-bit processor maintaining instruction set compatibility
• Operating Speed: 20MHz clock frequency
• I/O Count: 12 I/O pins
• RAM Configuration: 25 x 8 bytes
• Package: 18-SOIC form factor with identical pinout
• Peripherals: POR (Power-On Reset) and WDT (Watchdog Timer) functionality
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 85°C
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount

The PIC16F54T-I/SO qualifies as a substitute based on these parameters. While the program memory type differs (FLASH vs. OTP) and the supply voltage range is expanded (2V ~ 5.5V vs. 4.5V ~ 5.5V), the functional equivalence is maintained through identical core architecture, speed, I/O configuration, and package specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The PIC16F54T-I/SO is a qualified substitute for the PIC16C56T-HSI/SO based on the following engineering criteria:

Compatibility Factors:

• Both devices maintain identical pinout and 18-SOIC package specifications, ensuring direct PCB compatibility without layout modifications
• Core processor architecture and instruction set are equivalent, supporting seamless firmware migration
• Operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and peripheral functionality (POR, WDT) are identical
• Both parts are ROHS3 compliant, REACH unaffected, and classified under EAR99 export control

Operational Differences:

• The substitute part features FLASH memory technology versus OTP, providing in-system reprogrammability
• Program memory capacity is reduced from 1.5KB to 768B; applications must verify code size compatibility
• Supply voltage range is expanded to 2V minimum, offering greater flexibility in low-voltage applications while maintaining full compatibility with the original 4.5V ~ 5.5V specification

Product Status: Both parts are active in production with verified programmability and current inventory availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the PIC16F54T-I/SO be used as a direct replacement for the PIC16C56T-HSI/SO?

A: Yes, the PIC16F54T-I/SO is electrically and mechanically compatible. Both devices share identical pinout, package form factor, core architecture, operating speed, I/O configuration, and peripheral set. No PCB modifications are required for substitution.

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

A: The primary differences are program memory type and capacity. The PIC16C56T-HSI/SO uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory with 1.5KB capacity, while the PIC16F54T-I/SO uses FLASH memory with 768B capacity. The substitute also supports a lower minimum supply voltage (2V vs. 4.5V).

Q: Is the reduced program memory size of the PIC16F54T-I/SO a limitation?

A: The 768B program memory of the substitute is smaller than the 1.5KB of the main part. Applications must verify that firmware code size does not exceed 768B. If code size exceeds this limit, the substitute is not suitable.

Q: Does the expanded voltage range of the PIC16F54T-I/SO affect compatibility?

A: No. The expanded range (2V ~ 5.5V) is a superset of the original specification (4.5V ~ 5.5V). The substitute operates correctly across the full original voltage range and extends operation to lower voltages if the application permits.

Q: Are both parts RoHS and REACH compliant?

A: Yes. Both the PIC16C56T-HSI/SO and PIC16F54T-I/SO are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Q: What is the difference between OTP and FLASH memory in these microcontrollers?

A: OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory can be programmed once during manufacturing and cannot be erased or reprogrammed. FLASH memory can be erased and reprogrammed multiple times, enabling in-system updates and development flexibility. For production applications where code is finalized, both technologies are functionally equivalent.