PIC16C54A-10E/P - 8-bit 10MHz OTP MCU 768B 18-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54A-10E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.35 | $2.35 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.97 | $197.00 |
| 500 | $1.82 | $910.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.69 | $1,690.00 |
PIC16C54A-10E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and I/O peripherals on one die. The PIC16C54A-10E/P belongs to the OTP/ROM-based PIC16C5X sub-family, the entry-level tier of the PIC16C family within the broader Microchip 8-bit PIC taxonomy (8-bit PIC -> PIC16C family -> PIC16C5X -> PIC16C54A). It is positioned for cost-sensitive, high-volume embedded control where firmware is finalized at production and no in-field re-programming is required.
Key features include 33 single-word instructions, 8-bit data width with 12-bit instruction width delivering 2:1 code compression versus typical 8-bit CISC competitors, two hardware timers (TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler, watchdog/WDT), a 4.5V to 5.5V single-supply operating range, and integrated Power-On Reset (POR). The OTP memory is a windowless EPROM die that is electrically programmed once during production test, with no UV erase window in this plastic PDIP package.
The architecture is a Harvard RISC core with a separate 12-bit program bus and 8-bit data bus, eliminating fetch-execute contention and giving deterministic single-cycle instruction execution. The device exposes 12 GPIO pins distributed as RA0-RA3 and RB0-RB7 with software-controlled weak pull-ups on PORTB. The ROM and RAM are mapped into separate address spaces, and the stack is hardware-fixed at two levels, suitable for shallow subroutines only.
Typical applications include simple appliance controllers, LED chasers and decorative lighting, remote-control transmitters, basic sensor signal conditioning, toys and consumer gadgets, and industrial timer or counter modules. The wide 4.5V to 5.5V supply and 10 MHz clock cover most mains-derived 5V designs without external regulation or clock scaling.
When designing with this part, choose it when firmware is finalized and unit cost dominates; if in-field re-programming is needed, migrate to PIC16F54 which is pin-compatible with Flash memory. The OTP nature means firmware bugs discovered post-production cannot be patched, so rigorous pre-production verification is essential.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on the Microchip product page alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54A-10E/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 PIC16C54A-10E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Mounting Type, Instruction Set, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54A-10/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-10E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5X (PIC16C54A) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12 bits) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (single cycle) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bits |
| Instruction Bus Width | 12 bits |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended 'E') |
| Timers | TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler, Watchdog Timer (WDT) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Peripherals | POR (Power-On Reset) |
PIC16C54A-10E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — Timer/counter input (also RA4 with TMR0 clock input) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal mode) |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54A-10E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Modules, LED Chaser and Decorative Lighting, Remote Control Transmitters, Toys and Consumer Gadgets, Industrial Timer and Counter Modules, Simple Sensor Signal Conditioning.
Appliance Control Modules
The PIC16C54A-10E/P suits appliance control such as washing-machine sub-controllers, microwave keypads, and dishwasher timers because its 10 MHz RISC core delivers deterministic 200 ns instruction timing for real-time state machines. The 12 GPIO pins directly drive 7-segment displays, keypads, and relay triacs, and the 4.5V-5.5V supply matches mains-derived 5V rails without additional regulation. Once firmware is finalized, OTP prevents accidental re-programming in the field, reducing warranty risk. Source: Microchip PIC16C5X family reference designs.
Recommended
LED Chaser and Decorative Lighting
For LED chasers, holiday light controllers, and decorative lighting strips, the PIC16C54A-10E/P provides exactly the 8-12 GPIO lines needed to drive Charlieplexed LED arrays without external logic. The 200 ns instruction cycle produces visible PWM dimming at frequencies above 100 Hz, eliminating flicker. OTP memory locks in light patterns at production so end users cannot modify them, and the 18-pin PDIP simplifies through-hole assembly for hobby and commercial lighting kits.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
In IR/RF remote control transmitters, the PIC16C54A-10E/P encodes button-press events into Manchester or pulse-position modulated waveforms at carrier frequencies up to ~38 kHz, well within its 5 MIPS throughput envelope. The 12 GPIO directly scan 4x4 keypads and drive the IR LED via a single transistor. Extended -40C to +125C temperature operation supports automotive key fobs and outdoor equipment remotes. OTP ensures the encoding algorithm cannot be extracted and re-flashed.
Recommended
Toys and Consumer Gadgets
Cost-driven toys, novelty gadgets, and single-purpose consumer products benefit from the PIC16C54A-10E/P's sub-$2 unit cost, 5 MIPS throughput, and 12 GPIO that drive motors, buzzers, and LEDs directly. OTP prevents firmware theft and competitive cloning. The 18-pin PDIP through-hole format survives the mechanical shock of drop-tests better than fine-pitch SMD, making it ideal for children's products. The 25B RAM holds small state machines and timing variables for sound synthesis.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Modules
For DIN-rail timer modules, event counters, and machine-cycle monitors, the PIC16C54A-10E/P offers a hardware TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler that directly counts pulses up to 10 MHz without external dividers. The 12 GPIO handle start/stop inputs, display refresh, and relay outputs in a single chip. Extended -40C to +125C operation survives factory-floor temperature swings, and OTP locks in calibration constants that survive field tampering. The Harvard architecture guarantees interrupt-free deterministic counting.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Signal Conditioning
In sensor signal conditioning front-ends such as thermocouple-to-frequency converters or pulse-width encoders, the PIC16C54A-10E/P reads digital sensor data via its GPIO and outputs standardized 0-10V or 4-20 mA equivalent PWM signals. The 200 ns instruction cycle supports linearization table lookups for NTC thermistors at sub-millisecond latency. The 4.5V-5.5V supply matches industrial 5V rails, and OTP prevents tampering with calibration constants after deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54A-10E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54A-10/P | PIC16C54-10E/P | PIC16C54-10I/P | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16F54-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-18 | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C operating temperature range (vs PIC16C54A-10/P)
- 10 MHz clock vs 4 MHz for cost-down grades (vs PIC16C54A-04/P)
- Pin-compatible Flash migration path via PIC16F54 (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C54A-10E/P draws typical supply current of 1.8 mA at 5V/10 MHz per the datasheet, plus I/O pin sourcing current. Add a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of VDD pin 16 to suppress switching noise, and a 10 uF electrolytic bulk capacitor on the supply rail for transient protection. For battery-derived applications, note the absence of true sleep modes; consider PIC12F series instead.
Route the oscillator traces (OSC1 pin 6, OSC2 pin 7) as short as possible with ground guard traces on both sides. Keep high-frequency digital signals (PORTB outputs) at least 10 mm away from the oscillator network to avoid coupling. Place decoupling capacitors with minimum loop area: short VDD trace from pin 16 to cap top, short GND trace from cap ground to pin 5.
OTP parts cannot be re-programmed: any firmware bug discovered after production programming cannot be patched. Implement thorough pre-production verification including code coverage tests, hardware-in-the-loop simulation, and OTP dummy runs. For prototyping, always start with a PIC16F54 or windowed PIC16C54A (CERDIP package with quartz window) and migrate the final hex to OTP for production.
The PIC16C54A-10E/P lacks internal weak pull-ups on PORTA (RA0-RA3, RTCC); only PORTB (RB0-RB7) provides software-controllable weak pull-ups. Add external 10 kohm pull-ups on RA pins if used as inputs, or use a 4.7 kohm pull-down on the MCLR pin to prevent spurious resets. Source: Microchip PIC16C5X family datasheet DC characteristics.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance status for PIC16C54A-10E/P not confirmed in verified datasheet excerpt. The PIC16C5X family was originally designed before RoHS mandates; production parts may or may not be Pb-free depending on date code. AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial-grade MCU - this part targets appliance/consumer/industrial, not automotive safety. Engineers requiring RoHS-compliant OTP parts should request the latest material declaration from Microchip or migrate to PIC16F54.
