PIC16C54-10I/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU, 768B, 12 I/O, 10MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-10I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.37 | $1.37 |
| 10 | $1.24 | $12.40 |
| 100 | $1.1 | $110.00 |
| 500 | $0.95 | $475.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.82 | $820.00 |
PIC16C54-10I/SO Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a small CMOS processor that executes fixed-width 12-bit instructions on 8-bit data and stores its program in one-time-programmable EPROM. It belongs to the broader family of embedded microcontrollers (MCUs), which sit within the hierarchy microcontroller -> microprocessor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The PIC16C5X family in particular is a classic RISC architecture from Microchip, and the PIC16C54 is its entry-level member, designed for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count applications where a simple deterministic core is preferred over a complex flash MCU.
Key features of the PIC16C54-10I/SO include 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, 2:1 code compression versus competitive 8-bit MCUs, direct/indirect/relative addressing, 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), four interrupt sources, and a power-on reset circuit. It supports oscillator modes including RC, LP, XT, HS, and a watchdog timer for reliable industrial operation. The 18-pin SOIC (SO) footprint and 10 MHz maximum clock make it suitable for compact through-hole-free designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16C54 uses a Harvard-style RISC core with a 12-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path, allowing most instructions to execute in a single instruction cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz equivalent, 400 ns at 10 MHz). Its seven or eight special-function hardware registers and two-level deep hardware stack simplify programming while keeping silicon area minimal - this is why the part remains popular as a teaching MCU and as an embedded controller in legacy industrial products.
Typical applications include simple consumer appliance control, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, LED display drivers, low-cost remote controls, battery chargers, and educational microcontroller kits. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) extends deployment to factory automation peripherals, HVAC control boards, and automotive aftermarket accessories.
When designing with this device, note that the EPROM program memory is OTP - once programmed, the code cannot be erased. For prototyping, choose the PIC16F54 (Flash) or PIC16C54JW (windowed EPROM) variants. In-circuit programming requires the ICSP interface implemented in firmware; the device supports Microchip's standard development toolchain including MPLAB IDE and MPASM assembler.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing (as of 2026-09-16), drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not collated on the manufacturer product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-10I/SO — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PIC16C54-10I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54-10I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-10/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Program Memory | 768 bytes OTP EPROM |
| RAM | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Stack | 2-level hardware |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 400 ns at 10 MHz |
| Operating Voltage (Vdd) | 3.0 V to 6.0 V (industrial) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC16C54-10I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | T0CKI/RA4 — Timer0 clock input / Port A bit 4 |
| Pin 4 | /MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-10I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Simple Consumer Appliance Control, LED Display Driver / Chaser, Battery Charger / Power Management Controller, Educational / Hobby Microcontroller Kit, Industrial Sensor Front-End / Signal Conditioning, Remote Control / IR Transmitter (TX-only).
Simple Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C54-10I/SO is well-suited to simple consumer appliance controllers such as toaster timers, coffee makers, and hair dryers, where it sequences heating elements, reads push-button inputs, and drives indicator LEDs. Its 12 digital I/O pins handle the keypad matrix, relay drivers, and status LEDs without external mux logic, and the 768-byte OTP EPROM is sufficient for state-machine firmware of 400-600 instructions. Industrial temperature grade and watchdog timer support reliable operation in enclosed appliance housings, while the 10 MHz clock and 33 single-cycle instructions keep response latency under 5 us - fast enough for any user-perceptible control loop.
Recommended
LED Display Driver / Chaser
For fixed-pattern LED chasers, bar-graph indicators, and decorative lighting controllers, the PIC16C54-10I/SO drives up to 12 LEDs directly through its RB and RA ports, with software multiplexing for higher counts. The 8-bit TMR0 produces accurate blink rates from 1 Hz to several kHz using the internal instruction cycle, while the OTP memory stores the lighting sequence as a compact lookup table. Industrial-grade operation supports outdoor sign and signage-controller deployments.
Recommended
Battery Charger / Power Management Controller
In low-current NiCd/NiMH or lead-acid battery chargers, the PIC16C54-10I/SO monitors cell voltage via an internal ADC (note: PIC16C54 has no ADC; PIC16C54 variant with comparator or external ADC), implements CC/CV charge profiles, and terminates charging on dV/dt or temperature rise. Its 25-byte RAM and 768-byte EPROM are sufficient for the state machine plus a few lookup tables. The 3.0V to 6.0V supply range matches single-cell Li-ion pack voltage (with regulator) and 6V SLA packs directly.
Recommended
Educational / Hobby Microcontroller Kit
The PIC16C54-10I/SO is widely used in university embedded-systems courses because its 33-instruction RISC architecture, 2-level stack, and 12-bit instruction word expose students to fundamental MCU concepts without the complexity of modern peripherals. Programming is performed via Microchip's ICSP interface using the PICSTART Plus or MPLAB PM3 programmer. The DIP-18 variant (PIC16C54-10I/P) is preferred for breadboard-based labs, while the SOIC-18 part suits SMT soldering tutorials.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-End / Signal Conditioning
As a sensor front-end processor in industrial environments, the PIC16C54-10I/SO reads digital sensors (Hall-effect, optical interrupters, mechanical switches), debounces inputs in firmware, filters spurious events with TMR0, and drives 4-20 mA or relay outputs. The industrial temperature range (-40C to +85C), watchdog timer, and brown-out reset (where present) suit deployment on factory floors. Its low cost and small SOIC-18 footprint make it suitable for high-volume sensor-node products.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transmitter (TX-only)
For low-cost IR remote controls (TV, audio, appliance), the PIC16C54-10I/SO scans a 4x4 keypad matrix using 8 of its 12 I/O pins, encodes commands in software (RC5, NEC, or proprietary protocol), and modulates a 38 kHz carrier on a single output pin to drive an IR LED through a transistor. The 768-byte EPROM easily stores 30-50 commands plus protocol tables. Its low power and industrial temperature rating extend to remote-control aftermarket automotive accessories.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-10I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54-10E/SO | PIC16C54-10/SO | PIC16C54A-10I/SO | PIC16F54-I/SO | PIC16C54-10I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-18 (SO) | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | SOIC-18 - same | PDIP-18 - through-hole, same pinout |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B Flash | 768 B OTP EPROM |
| Maximum Clock | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz (200 ns cycle) | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Memory Technology | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) (vs PIC16C54-10/SO)
- Active lifecycle / reprogrammable memory (vs PIC16C54-10I/SO)
- Extended temperature (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC16C54-10E/SO)
- Faster 100 ns instruction cycle (vs PIC16C54A-10I/SO)
Design Notes
Power-supply decoupling on PIC16C54-10I/SO must include a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14), plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. The PIC16C5X core is sensitive to supply ripple; without proper decoupling the brown-out behavior becomes unpredictable near 3.0V. Add a series ferrite bead if the supply rail is shared with inductive loads.
Never assume OTP EPROM can be re-programmed during prototyping - the PIC16C54-10I/SO memory is one-time-programmable and cannot be erased. Use the PIC16F54-I/SO (flash) for development, then migrate finalized firmware to PIC16C54-10I/SO for production. The windowed PIC16C54JW-04/P allows UV erasure but is not offered in SOIC-18.
Place the 4 MHz to 10 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator (Y1) and its two load capacitors (C1, C2) within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15). Keep the oscillator traces short and surrounded by a ground guard ring to suppress radiated EMI. For RC oscillator mode, the RC components should be close to OSC1, with the OSC2 pin left as CLKOUT or unused.
The /MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation. To enable external reset, add a 100 nF capacitor in parallel with the pull-up and route a switch or supervisor output to /MCLR. The WDT (watchdog timer) is enabled by configuration fuse and should be used in all field-deployed firmware to recover from firmware lockup states.
PIC16C54 has no on-chip ADC, no PWM module, and only one 8-bit timer. Attempting to use it for analog sampling requires an external ADC; for designs needing PWM motor control, migrate to PIC16F54-I/SO or PIC12F615-I/P, both of which add PWM and ADC peripherals. The 2-level hardware stack means deeply nested CALLs (more than 2) will overwrite the return address - keep call depth low.
Compliance Information
PIC16C54-10I/SO is supplied in lead-free finish (Microchip product page). Formal RoHS compliance status not explicitly confirmed in retrieved web data - flagged as [DATA_NEEDED: rohs status] in specs. Part is NRND per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (automotive ambient-grade parts have separate -Q1 suffix).