PIC16C54C-04/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU 4MHz 768B | Microchip PDIP-18
MPN: PIC16C54C-04/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.78 | $2.78 |
| 10 | $2.5 | $25.00 |
| 100 | $2.22 | $222.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.71 | $1,710.00 |
PIC16C54C-04/P Overview
What is an 8-bit OTP microcontroller? An 8-bit microcontroller is a small computing IC that processes 8-bit data words and is typically used for embedded control. OTP (One-Time-Programmable) memory can be written once and then becomes read-only, making these parts cost-optimized for high-volume production runs where firmware is finalized. The PIC16C5x sits in the hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC architecture -> CMOS semiconductor, and is widely regarded as the ancestor of the modern PIC10/12/16/18 families that dominate hobbyist and industrial 8-bit designs today.
Key features of the PIC16C54C-04/P include a 4 MHz internal oscillator operation (the -04 speed grade), 4.5 V to 5.5 V single-supply operation, a 12-bit instruction word with 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit MCUs in its class, and an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0). The device offers seven special function hardware registers, a watchdog timer, and Power-on Reset, while the EPROM-based program memory allows prototype iteration before committing to ROM-masked production parts.
Technically, the PIC16C54C-04/P uses a Harvard bus architecture with separate program and data paths, enabling single-cycle instruction execution except for program branches. The 33-instruction RISC set is highly orthogonal and easy to learn, and the device is fully static, meaning the clock can be stopped without losing register state - useful for low-power designs.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, automotive sub-system controllers, security and access control panels, simple sensor interfaces, LED display drivers, and battery chargers. Its through-hole PDIP-18 form factor also makes it attractive for educational kits, hobby projects, and legacy equipment maintenance where socketed parts simplify field replacement.
When designing with this part, note that the -04 speed grade limits the oscillator to 4 MHz. For designs requiring higher throughput, the PIC16C54C-20/P (20 MHz) is pin-compatible. Designers should also confirm whether OTP is acceptable for the application: if in-circuit reprogrammability is needed, migrate to a Flash-based PIC12F or PIC16F family member in a compatible footprint.
This page consolidates verified distributor pricing, drop-in same-brand and cross-brand alternatives, and practical design notes that are not gathered in one place in the Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54C-04/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 PIC16C54C-04/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Timers, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-20/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16C5x family) |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP - One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12 words) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz (-04 speed grade) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 bidirectional |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Word Width | 12 bits |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes (Matte Tin finish) |
| Special Features | Watchdog Timer, Power-on Reset, fully static operation |
PIC16C54C-04/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 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input (Schmitt trigger) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset) / VPP programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (+4.5 V to +5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54C-04/P is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Security and Access Control Panels, LED Display and Signage Drivers, Battery Chargers and Power Management, Educational and Hobbyist Projects.
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16C54C-04/P is well suited for consumer appliance control boards such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, microwave keypads, and washing-machine user interfaces. Its 4 MHz oscillator handles key-scanning, timing sequences, and simple state machines without bottlenecks. With 12 I/O pins, the device can directly drive a 4x4 matrix keypad plus LED indicators, while the 8-bit TMR0 provides the timing base for debounce and PWM buzzer tones. Compared to discrete logic ICs, the OTP MCU reduces board area and BOM cost while enabling feature differentiation through firmware. The 18-pin PDIP through-hole package is also socketable, simplifying field repair and code-version updates during production ramp. For high-volume white goods, the OTP programming cost is amortized across tens of thousands of units, making the C-04/P a classic cost-down part.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C54C-04/P can serve body-electronics modules such as window-lift controllers, mirror-adjust switches, and interior lighting timers where the PIC16C54C-04I/P industrial-temperature variant covers -40C to +85C under-hood or cabin conditions. The RISC core's deterministic single-cycle instruction execution simplifies real-time control loops for relay sequencing and motor-direction logic, while the 768-byte OTP holds the full state machine plus lookup tables for fault handling. Automotive designers should note that this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified and that Microchip recommends the PIC16F54 or dsPIC33 family for new automotive platforms. Existing service-replacement channels still keep the C-04 in distribution because thousands of 1990s-era vehicles depend on it.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
Security alarm keypads, RFID access readers, and door-strike controllers benefit from the PIC16C54C-04/P's small footprint, low power consumption, and OTP code security (the code cannot be read back after programming, protecting against cloning). The 12 I/O pins handle a 3x4 matrix keypad, status LEDs, a buzzer driver, and a relay or MOSFET output for the door strike. The hardware watchdog timer detects code runaway and resets the MCU, an essential safety feature in unattended alarm panels. The fully static core allows clock-gating during standby to extend battery life on wireless sensor nodes. Pin-compatible migration to PIC16F54-I/P enables OTA firmware updates and cryptographic key storage for higher-end access-control products.
Recommended
LED Display and Signage Drivers
The PIC16C54C-04/P is widely used to drive multiplexed 7-segment LED displays and scrolling-marquee signs in retail and industrial signage. The 12 I/O pins can sink the cathode rows of a 4-digit x 8-segment display directly using software multiplexing at >100 Hz refresh, while TMR0 provides the precise interrupt-free timing base. The 25 bytes of RAM hold the display buffer and animation state, and 768 bytes of OTP is sufficient for font tables plus a small lookup-driven animation engine. The CMOS design draws only a few milliamps from a 5 V rail, simplifying the power-supply design in compact signage enclosures. For higher-density LED walls, designers can daisy-chain multiple C-04 parts via their GPIO to share display data.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management
Simple NiCd, NiMH, and SLA battery chargers use the PIC16C54C-04/P to implement CC/CV charge profiles, temperature monitoring, and end-of-charge detection. The 8-bit TMR0 creates accurate PWM for the buck converter at 4 MHz oscillator, while the 12 I/O monitor voltage dividers, sense thermistors, and drive MOSFET gates or relay outputs. The 768-byte OTP memory holds charge lookup tables for different battery chemistries. The C-04's 4.5 V-5.5 V supply range aligns with single-cell Li-ion plus LDO rails used in charger designs. Designers should add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor adjacent to VDD and route the MCLR pull-up to ensure clean Power-on Reset at battery insertion.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Projects
The PIC16C54C-04/P remains a staple in university embedded-systems courses, PIC training kits, and hobbyist projects because its 33-instruction RISC set is easy to learn and the 18-pin PDIP package fits any breadboard or perfboard. Students program the OTP memory using affordable programmers such as the K150 or PICkit 2 (with adapter) and debug with LEDs on the I/O pins. The PIC16C5x datasheet includes a comprehensive instruction-set reference and assembly examples that double as teaching material. Despite being NRND, the C-04/P is still widely available in single-unit quantities from major distributors for under $3, making it one of the lowest-cost 8-bit MCUs for prototyping. Migrating to PIC16F54-I/P later is straightforward because the assembly source code is portable.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54C-04/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-20/P | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16C54C-04I/P | PIC16F54-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | Flash (768 B) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1) | $2.78 | $2.78 (same family) | $2.50 (legacy stock) | $3.10 (industrial grade) | $2.10 (modern Flash) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Modern Flash memory instead of OTP (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- 5x higher maximum clock speed (vs PIC16C54C-04/P)
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature range (vs PIC16C54C-04I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C54C-04/P requires a single 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply on pin 14 (VDD) with a ground return on pin 5 (VSS). Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor on the 5 V rail near the MCU. Hold the MCLR pin high through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; if external reset is not required, MCLR can be tied directly to VDD. Power-on Reset is built-in, but in noisy industrial environments add a 1 uF capacitor from MCLR to VSS for extra reset glitch immunity.
For the through-hole PDIP-18 layout, place a standard 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) pitch DIP footprint with pad diameter 1.6 mm and through-hole 0.9 mm. Route VDD and VSS traces at least 0.4 mm wide to handle the MCU's typical 5 mA active current plus peripheral load. Keep the crystal or resonator within 10 mm of OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) to minimize parasitic capacitance; for cost-sensitive designs a 3-pin ceramic resonator with built-in capacitors (e.g. Murata CSTLS series) can replace the two-pin crystal + external caps.
Do not attempt to read back the OTP program memory after programming - it is one-time-programmable and code readback returns all zeros for security reasons, which can confuse debuggers. Configure the watchdog timer (WDT) with a postscaler suited to the application loop time, or disable it via the CONFIG register if unused - an unexpected WDT reset during development is the most common support ticket. When migrating to PIC16F54-I/P, note that the CONFIG register addresses differ slightly even though the pinout and instruction set are compatible.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should use PIC16F54-I/P or PIC16C54C-04I/P industrial variant. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data.
