PIC16C54C-04I/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54C-04I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.06 | $2.06 |
| 10 | $1.95 | $19.50 |
| 100 | $1.74 | $174.00 |
| 500 | $1.52 | $760.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.34 | $1,340.00 |
PIC16C54C-04I/SS Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path and 12-bit instruction word, with non-volatile program memory that can be written exactly once after manufacture. It belongs to the broader taxonomy: microcontroller (MCU) -> embedded microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> CMOS MCU -> OTP MCU -> PIC16C5X family. These devices serve as the lowest-cost, deterministic control element in embedded systems where software simplicity, low pin count, and long-term availability outweigh the need for in-system reprogrammability.
Key features of the PIC16C54C-04I/SS include 12-bit-wide instructions with 2:1 code compression over typical 8-bit MCUs, direct/indirect/relative addressing modes, a two-level deep hardware stack, and seven or eight special function hardware registers. The device also integrates an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with a programmable prescaler, a power-on-Reset (POR) circuit, and a watchdog timer (WDT) for reliable unattended control. The "-04I" suffix indicates a 4 MHz maximum oscillator frequency and an industrial operating temperature range of -40C to +85C.
The PIC16C5X architecture is a fully-static, RISC-style Harvard design with 33 single-word instructions. All instructions execute in a single 1-us instruction cycle (at 4 MHz), with the exception of branches which take two cycles. This deterministic core makes timing analysis straightforward for control loops. The CMOS process yields very low operating current, supporting battery-powered or energy-harvesting applications. OTP program memory is preferred over Flash when the firmware is finalized and cost-per-unit is paramount, since OTP die is smaller than equivalent Flash die.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, IoT endpoint nodes, motor control (small DC and stepper), metering (water, gas, electric pulse counting), simple sensor conditioning, LED driving and lighting controllers, and general-purpose industrial control where the program is fixed and the bill of materials is cost-sensitive. The 12 I/O pins are sufficient for keypad scanning, relay drivers, and direct LCD segment driving in compact products.
When designing with the PIC16C54C-04I/SS, allocate an extra GPIO for in-circuit serialization programming access, since OTP devices cannot be re-flashed in the field. Plan for the 4 MHz oscillator limit; if higher throughput is needed, consider the PIC16C54C-20 version (20 MHz) or the PIC16C54A family variant. Always include the MCLR pull-up, a 100 nF VDD bypass cap adjacent to the supply pin, and ensure the WDT is either used intentionally or disabled in software to avoid unintended resets.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives in identical 20-pin SSOP packages, and practical design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet to support sourcing and engineering decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54C-04I/SS — 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-04I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54AT-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| CPU Core | PIC16C5X (8-bit RISC, Harvard) |
| Instruction Word Width | 12-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| Stack Depth | 2-level hardware |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Power-on Reset (POR) | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | No (not in C-04 grade) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial, "-I") |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm / 0.209") |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C54C-04I/SS 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 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (input) / programming voltage |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clockout |
| 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 |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54C-04I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, IoT Endpoint Sensor Node, Small Motor Control (DC, Stepper), Utility Metering (Water, Gas, Electric Pulse), LED Lighting Controllers, Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Alarm Panels.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C54C-04I/SS fits low-cost consumer appliances such as rice cookers, coffee makers, and small kitchen electronics. Its 4 MHz instruction rate is sufficient for keypad debounce, LED indicator multiplexing, and relay control loops, while the 768 B OTP stores fixed firmware at minimum die cost. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) tolerates warm appliance interiors and cold pantry storage. Place the IC near the appliance's main power-entry connector with the MCLR pull-up tied to VDD via 10 kohm, and use one GPIO for zero-cross detection of the AC line via an optocoupler.
Recommended
IoT Endpoint Sensor Node
The PIC16C54C-04I/SS is well-suited to simple IoT endpoint nodes where the program is finalized and only minimal logic is needed: pulse counting for utility metering, periodic sensor reading, and one-way OOK/FSK transmission to a hub. The 8-bit core, 25 B RAM, and 4 MHz clock can drive simple state machines for sleep/wake duty cycling with sub-microamp quiescent draw, making it attractive for battery-powered smart-home sensors. Use one GPIO for a wake-up interrupt from a passive sensor, and pair the MCU with an external sub-GHz transmitter IC for the radio link.
Recommended
Small Motor Control (DC, Stepper)
For small brushed DC or unipolar stepper motor control, the PIC16C54C-04I/SS provides 12 I/O pins sufficient for two H-bridge drivers, an enable line, and a tachometer input. The 4 MHz instruction rate supports simple PWM at audio-band rates (up to ~20 kHz) for quiet motor operation, while the 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler handles tachometer period measurement for closed-loop RPM feedback. Industrial temperature range tolerates under-hood automotive cabin or factory cabinet environments, and the SSOP-20 footprint is small enough for inline motor driver boards.
Recommended
Utility Metering (Water, Gas, Electric Pulse)
The PIC16C54C-04I/SS is commonly deployed in utility metering for pulse counting from reed switches, Hall-effect sensors, or optical meter outputs. Its 8-bit TMR0 captures input pulses up to 4 MHz clock / 2 Tcy = 2 MHz with proper prescaler setting, well above typical utility pulse rates. The 768 B OTP stores calibration tables, rate calculations, and tamper detection logic. Industrial temperature grade meets outdoor metering enclosure requirements, and the 20-pin SSOP allows compact PCB integration with battery backup for power-outage memory retention.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C54C-04I/SS drives LED matrix displays, decorative lighting strips, and indicator banks via direct GPIO current sinking or external MOSFET drivers. With 12 I/O pins, it can drive up to 12 individual LEDs or a 3x4 Charlieplexed matrix. The 4 MHz clock multiplexes LEDs at refresh rates above 100Hz to avoid visible flicker, and PWM-on-off timing implements brightness control via TMR0 interrupts. Industrial temperature ensures reliability in enclosed luminaire fixtures where ambient temperatures can exceed 60C.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Conditioning and Alarm Panels
In industrial alarm panels, sensor signal conditioners, and discrete logic replacements, the PIC16C54C-04I/SS replaces multiple 74HC-series logic gates with a single programmable device. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) meets control cabinet requirements, and the 12 I/O can interface with 4-20 mA loops, switch contacts, and relay outputs. The 768 B OTP accommodates typical alarm logic with hysteresis tables. Pair with the WDT enabled to recover from ESD-induced firmware upsets in factory environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54C-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54A-04I/SS | PIC16C54C-04/SS | PIC16F54-I/SS | PIC16C54AT-20I/SS | PIC16C54A-04E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (768 B / 512 x 12) | OTP (768 B / 512 x 12) | OTP (768 B / 512 x 12) | Flash (768 words) - reprogrammable | OTP (768 B / 512 x 12) | OTP (768 B / 512 x 12) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| In-Field Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Same-footprint Flash upgrade available (vs PIC16F54-I/SS)
- Higher-speed same-package variant for performance (vs PIC16C54AT-20I/SS)
- Extended temperature variant available (vs PIC16C54A-04E/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor at the PCB power-entry. The PIC16C54C-04I/SS typically draws <2 mA active at 4 MHz and <1 uA in sleep mode. If using the on-chip POR, ensure VDD rise time is <100 ms for reliable power-on reset; add an external RC delay if the supply has a slow rise. Multiple VSS pins (5, 14, 19) should all be connected to a common ground plane to reduce digital switching noise coupling.
Critical: The PIC16C54C-04I/SS is OTP (One-Time-Programmable) - firmware can be written exactly once. Plan firmware revisions carefully before committing to production programming. Ensure the MCLR pin (pin 4) is tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor and a 100 nF decoupling cap to ground to filter ESD. The on-chip Watchdog Timer (WDT) is enabled by default in configuration fuse state - either service it in firmware or clear the WDTEN fuse to prevent unintended resets.
Recommended: Route the oscillator traces (OSC1 pin 16, OSC2 pin 15) with short, symmetric traces and guard them with a ground pour to minimize stray capacitance. If using a crystal resonator, place load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) within 3 mm of the oscillator pins. The 20-pin SSOP has a 0.65 mm pitch - use 0.15 mm/6 mil traces and 0.2 mm/8 mil spaces. A 4-layer PCB with dedicated ground and power planes is recommended for noisy industrial environments; 2-layer is acceptable for consumer applications.
Estimated: The PIC16C54C-04I/SS in SSOP-20 has a typical thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 100 C/W. At maximum active current of 2 mA and 5 V supply, power dissipation is 10 mW, producing a negligible 1 C junction temperature rise above the industrial maximum of +85 C. No heatsink is required for any normal operating condition. However, during programming (MCLR/VPP at 13.5 V), the device may draw up to 20 mA - keep programming time brief to limit self-heating during in-circuit programming.
Compliance Information
PIC16C5X family datasheet does not explicitly state RoHS compliance for all speed/temperature grades. Industrial temperature (-40C to +85C) parts in SSOP packages are typically lead-free; verify with the specific lot certificate. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive cabin/under-hood applications, consider AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F family parts.
