PIC16C63A-20E/SS Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The PIC16C63A-20E/SS is an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip Technology's PIC® 16C series, featuring 7KB OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory and operating at 20MHz. This device is actively produced and widely used in embedded applications requiring basic microcontroller functionality with integrated peripherals including I2C, SPI, and UART/USART connectivity.

Finding equivalent or substitute parts becomes necessary when the original PIC16C63A-20E/SS reaches end-of-life status, inventory constraints occur, or design requirements shift toward enhanced capabilities such as reprogrammable memory or lower power consumption. The substitute identified maintains core functional compatibility while offering technological improvements.

Substiute Parts

PIC16C63A-20E/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 729PIC16C63A-20E/SS Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

PIC16F723A-E/SS

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 3406PIC16F723A-E/SS Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The PIC16F723A-E/SS qualifies as a direct substitute based on the following alignment criteria:

Matched Parameters:

• Core processor architecture (PIC)
• Core size (8-Bit)
• Operating speed (20MHz)
• Program memory capacity (7KB / 4K x 14)
• RAM size (192 x 8)
• Connectivity interfaces (I2C, SPI, UART/USART)
• Peripheral set (Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, PWM, WDT)
• Package form factor (28-SSOP)
• Operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C)
• Surface mount configuration
• RoHS3 compliance

Key Difference: The primary distinction is the program memory type: the PIC16C63A-20E/SS uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory, while the PIC16F723A-E/SS uses FLASH memory. This change enables field reprogrammability, a significant advantage for development, testing, and field updates.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the PIC16C63A-20E/SS and PIC16F723A-E/SS are actively produced and ROHS3 compliant, meeting current regulatory requirements. Selection between these devices depends on application-specific requirements:

Select PIC16C63A-20E/SS when:

• OTP memory is acceptable for your application
• Cost optimization is the primary driver
• Production volumes are fixed and reprogramming is not required

Select PIC16F723A-E/SS when:

• Field reprogrammability is required
• Extended lower voltage operation (1.8V minimum) is beneficial
• Additional I/O pins (25 vs. 22) provide design flexibility
• Development cycles require multiple firmware iterations

Both devices maintain identical core architecture, speed, memory capacity, connectivity, and peripheral functionality, ensuring functional compatibility at the application level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can PIC16F723A-E/SS directly replace PIC16C63A-20E/SS in existing designs?

A: Yes, for most applications. Both devices share identical core architecture, speed, memory size, connectivity, and peripheral sets. The 28-SSOP package form factor is identical. Verify that your application does not depend on OTP-specific characteristics and that the extended lower voltage range (1.8V) of the PIC16F723A-E/SS does not conflict with your power supply design.

Q: What is the primary advantage of PIC16F723A-E/SS over PIC16C63A-20E/SS?

A: The PIC16F723A-E/SS uses FLASH memory instead of OTP, enabling field reprogramming without device replacement. This is critical for development, testing, and field updates. Additionally, it supports lower minimum supply voltage (1.8V vs. 4V) and provides 3 additional I/O pins.

Q: Are there pin-to-pin compatibility concerns?

A: Both devices use the 28-SSOP package with identical physical dimensions (0.209", 5.30mm width). Pin assignments for core functionality are compatible. The PIC16F723A-E/SS provides 3 additional I/O pins within the same package footprint, which may be utilized or left unconnected depending on your design.

Q: Do voltage supply differences affect substitution?

A: The PIC16F723A-E/SS supports 1.8V ~ 5.5V, while the PIC16C63A-20E/SS requires 4V ~ 5.5V. If your design operates at 4V or above, both devices are compatible. If lower voltage operation is required, only the PIC16F723A-E/SS is suitable.

Q: Are both devices compliant with current environmental standards?

A: Yes. Both the PIC16C63A-20E/SS and PIC16F723A-E/SS are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current regulatory requirements for electronic components.

Q: What is the inventory status for these parts?

A: PIC16C63A-20E/SS has 718 pieces in stock. PIC16F723A-E/SS has 3335 pieces in stock, providing greater availability for immediate procurement.