PIC16C54-HS/P - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 18-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-HS/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.18 | $2.18 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.62 | $162.00 |
| 500 | $1.38 | $690.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.15 | $1,150.00 |
PIC16C54-HS/P Overview
What is a PIC16C5x microcontroller? The PIC16C5x is a family of low-cost, high-performance, 8-bit fully static CMOS microcontrollers using a RISC architecture with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions. These MCUs belong to the broader hierarchy: 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The 12-bit-wide instruction word provides 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit architectures of the era, while the symmetrical instruction set reduces development time. The two-level hardware stack and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes keep silicon area minimal and power consumption low for cost-sensitive embedded applications.
Key features of the PIC16C54-HS/P include an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable reset behavior, and a power-on reset (POR) circuit. The HS suffix denotes a high-speed crystal/ceramic resonator oscillator option, supporting clock frequencies up to 20 MHz. Operating voltage ranges from 3.3 V to 5.5 V across a -40C to +85C commercial temperature range, making the part suitable for both battery-powered and industrial environments.
The architecture uses Harvard-style separate program and data buses to allow instruction fetch and data access to occur in a single cycle. CMOS fabrication combined with the fully static core yields standby currents in the microamp range. The seven or eight special-function hardware registers (depending on port configuration) and built-in EEPROM/ROM-based program storage mean the device runs without any external program memory or data memory, enabling single-chip embedded designs.
Typical applications for the PIC16C54-HS/P include appliance control, automotive sub-system modules, simple sensor interfaces, remote controls, low-end consumer electronics, and industrial timer/counter subsystems. It is also used in legacy designs requiring a 5V, 18-pin 8-bit MCU with OTP programmability for cost-sensitive high-volume production.
When designing with the PIC16C54-HS/P, note that OTP memory is one-time-programmable; once the program is committed, the device cannot be reprogrammed. For prototyping, use the PIC16C54C variant or a windowed CERDIP package. Programming requires a Microchip device programmer such as MPLAB PM3. The OTP part is targeted at mature production where firmware is finalized.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-HS/P — 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-HS/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-20I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-HS/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 16C, 8-bit RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 12 bits |
| Number of Instructions | 33 single-word/single-cycle |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| I/O Ports | PORTB (8-bit), PORTA (4-bit) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Throughput | 20 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Oscillator Type (HS suffix) | High-speed crystal/ceramic resonator |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Hardware Stack | 2-level |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead, DIP package) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| Lifecycle Status | Not Recommended for new designs (NRND) |
PIC16C54-HS/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR — Master Clear reset input, active-low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 4 | OSC1 — Crystal/ceramic resonator input (HS mode) |
| Pin 5 | OSC2 — Crystal/ceramic resonator output (HS mode) |
| Pin 6 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 7 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply, 3.3 V to 5.5 V |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 17 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3, bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, reserved) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-HS/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control, Automotive Sub-system Modules, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning, Industrial Timer and Counter Subsystems, Legacy Replacement Board.
Appliance Control
The PIC16C54-HS/P's 12-bit RISC core and 20 MHz throughput suit appliance control boards where deterministic response to sensor inputs is critical. Its 25 bytes of RAM accommodate simple state-machine firmware for washing-machine timers, microwave user interfaces, and HVAC zone controllers. The HS oscillator drives reliably from a low-cost ceramic resonator at 20 MHz, eliminating the need for an external oscillator IC. The 12 I/O pins directly drive seven-segment displays, keypads, and triac interfaces without external buffers. OTP memory secures production firmware against field tampering, important for safety-critical consumer appliances where the firmware must not be user-modifiable.
Recommended
Automotive Sub-system Modules
Within automotive sub-system modules such as seat controllers, mirror positioners, and simple body controllers, the PIC16C54-HS/P provides sufficient performance at the -40C to +85C commercial operating range. The 20 MHz instruction rate handles PWM generation for motor speed control and CAN-bus-free body electronics where cost dominates over bus connectivity. The dedicated watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator provides fail-safe reset behavior independent of the main crystal. OTP memory locks firmware against unauthorized reflashing, a security requirement in many automotive ECUs. Migration to PIC16F54-I/P extends in-system programming benefits while preserving the same 18-DIP PCB layout.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
For IR remote controls and short-range wireless transmitters, the PIC16C54-HS/P's low standby current and 20 MIPS throughput encode IR protocols such as RC-5 and NEC in software without external encoder ICs. The TMR0 counter with 8-bit prescaler measures carrier frequencies for accurate 38 kHz or 40 kHz modulation. OTP memory secures the manufacturer-specific protocol stack against cloning. Twelve I/O pins drive keypad matrices up to 4x4 plus an IR LED driver transistor. The 18-DIP through-hole package simplifies hand-soldered prototyping for small-volume remote control designs.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C54-HS/P serves as a low-cost front-end for sensor interface modules where analog signals are digitized by an external ADC and the MCU handles linearization, calibration lookup, and digital filtering. The 25-byte RAM plus seven or eight special-function registers handle small lookup tables for thermistor or RTD linearization curves. The 8-bit TMR0 captures event counts from flow meters, encoders, or vibration sensors with microsecond resolution when running at 20 MHz. The hardware watchdog timer recovers the system from sensor-induced firmware lockups without external reset components.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Subsystems
In industrial timer/counter subsystems such as conveyor controllers, batch counters, and machine-cycle timers, the PIC16C54-HS/P delivers reliable cycle measurement via TMR0 with its 8-bit prescaler chain. The 12-bit instruction word provides efficient bit-manipulation code for quadrature decoding and pulse-width measurement. The HS oscillator maintains timing accuracy over the -40C to +85C range when paired with a temperature-compensated crystal. OTP memory prevents field tampering with calibration data, important for regulatory-traceable industrial systems. Drop-in replacement by the PIC16F54-I/P enables factory firmware updates without replacing the PCB.
Recommended
Legacy Replacement Board
The PIC16C54-HS/P remains in demand as a like-for-like replacement in legacy 5V embedded designs where the original PIC16C54-HS silicon has gone end-of-life. Its 18-pin PDIP through-hole form factor matches 1980s and 1990s industrial control boards that are still in service for brownfield modernization. The HS oscillator profile preserves 20 MHz timing on existing PCBs that have a 20 MHz crystal footprint. OTP memory matches the security profile of the original silicon. New designs should migrate to the PIC16F54-I/P flash-based replacement, but for service stock and spare-parts inventory the PIC16C54-HS/P continues to ship from authorized distributors.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-HS/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-20I/P | PIC16C54A-20I/P | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16C54C-04I/P | PIC16C54-10I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | Flash (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Oscillator Type | HS (high-speed crystal) | HS/XT/LP | HS/XT/LP | HS/XT/LP/RC | XT/LP/RC (low-speed) | XT/LP/RC (mid-speed) |
| In-Circuit Programming | No (OTP, requires programmer) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (ICSP via flash) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | NRND | Active | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- 20 MHz maximum clock rate in HS oscillator mode (vs PIC16C54C-04I/P)
- Drop-in pin-compatible replacement path exists (vs PIC16C54C-20I/P)
- OTP memory prevents field reprogramming (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
Design Notes
PIC16C54 OTP memory is one-time-programmable; once committed, the device cannot be erased or reprogrammed. For prototyping and firmware iteration, use the PIC16F54-I/P flash-based replacement or a windowed CERDIP PIC16C54-JW device instead. Programming the OTP requires a Microchip MPLAB PM3 or equivalent PIC programmer; verify firmware in-circuit emulation (ICE) before committing to OTP silicon for production.
Add a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 11) to suppress switching noise from the internal oscillator driver. For designs with long VDD traces, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board supply entry point. The /MCLR pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; if not used, tie it directly to VDD to prevent spurious resets from line noise.
Keep the crystal or ceramic resonator traces between OSC1 (pin 4) and OSC2 (pin 5) short (<10 mm) and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI and stabilize the oscillator. In HS mode at 20 MHz, parasitic capacitance above 5 pF can shift the oscillator off-frequency. Avoid routing digital signal traces under the crystal traces; cross them at right angles if necessary. Place a series resistor (typically 100-470 ohm) between OSC2 and the crystal if the oscillator gain margin is marginal.
Compliance Information
PIC16C54-HS/P is non-RoHS because the 18-pin PDIP package contains lead in the die-attach and lead finish. Reach SVHC compliance confirmed. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs choose AEC-Q100-qualified successors in the PIC16F family. Conflict minerals declaration available from Microchip.
