PIC16C54T-RC/SO - 8-bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54T-RC/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.92 | $1.92 |
| 10 | $1.74 | $17.40 |
| 100 | $1.49 | $149.00 |
| 500 | $1.31 | $655.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16C54T-RC/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and configurable I/O peripherals. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, microcontrollers sit under microprocessors and, more broadly, under digital ICs and integrated circuits. The PIC16C5X family, also known as the PIC16C5x baseline architecture, uses a RISC-style Harvard architecture with a fixed 12-bit instruction word, which yields approximately 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit CISC microcontrollers and simplifies firmware development.
Key features include 12 I/O pins with individual direction control, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit programmable prescaler, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable resets, power-on reset, power-saving SLEEP mode, and a wide 2.5V to 6.25V operating voltage range. Code protection bit prevents unauthorized memory reads. The Harvard bus keeps program and data paths separate for predictable single-cycle instruction execution, except for program branches which take two cycles.
Architecturally, the device uses a 12-bit program counter to address up to 2K x 12 of OTP/EPROM memory and 32 x 8 of file registers (special function plus general-purpose RAM). CMOS fabrication provides low power consumption - typical supply current is below 2 mA active and under 4 uA in SLEEP - enabling battery-friendly designs.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, simple logic replacement, timer/counter subsystems, sensor front-ends, and remote control transmitters. The SOIC-18 footprint also makes it usable as a substitute for legacy 18-pin discrete logic circuits in maintenance and retrofits. Pair with a PICkit programmer and MPLAB X IDE for development.
For reliable operation, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor close to the VDD pin and choose the RC oscillator timing components (R, C) according to the datasheet frequency chart to keep CPU clock within tolerance.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and engineering design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet by adding comparison context, selection guidance, and practical layout recommendations.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54T-RC/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 PIC16C54T-RC/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Package, Program Memory Type, RAM Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54-RC/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-LPI/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-LP/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-HS/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-HSE/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-RC/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| CPU Clock Speed | 4 MHz maximum |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12-bit words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Oscillator Type | External RC (RC suffix) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO), 0.300 inch body width |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Package Code | SOP |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
PIC16C54T-RC/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 — Timer 0 clock input / RA4 |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active-low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| 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 (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / CLKOUT |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / CLKIN |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54T-RC/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control Transmitters, Appliance Timer and Control Subsystems, LED Lighting Controllers, Logic Replacement and Glue IC Substitute, Toy and Hobby Electronics, Sensor Front-End Signal Conditioners.
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16C54T-RC/SO is well-suited for handheld IR/RF remote control transmitters. Its 4 MHz CPU clock can scan a 4x3 keypad matrix in microseconds, debounce mechanical contacts, and emit protocol-correct IR waveforms for NEC, RC5, or Sony formats. The 768B OTP program memory holds compact lookup tables for device codes and timing constants, while 25 bytes of RAM retain button state and repeat counters. Low 2 mA active current and under 4 uA in SLEEP keep alkaline batteries lasting years. A simple RC oscillator eliminates the cost of a ceramic resonator, and the 18-SOIC footprint drops directly onto existing remote PCBs.
Recommended
Appliance Timer and Control Subsystems
The PIC16C54T-RC/SO can replace electromechanical timers in washing machines, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances. The 8-bit TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler provides accurate timing bases up to several minutes when driven by the 4 MHz CPU clock, while 12 I/O pins drive relays, sense buttons, and read temperature sensors. OTP memory prevents firmware tampering, satisfying manufacturer code-protection requirements. The commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade covers indoor appliance environments, and CMOS low-power consumption keeps standby current below typical Energy Star limits when the appliance is in standby.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C54T-RC/SO drives simple decorative and indicator LED lighting controllers. The 12 I/O pins can PWM-drive up to six RGB channels via bit-banging or TMR0 interrupts, while the 4 MHz instruction rate supports smooth 8-bit PWM at refresh rates above 100 Hz to eliminate visible flicker. The 2.5V to 6.25V supply range lets the same MCU operate from 3.3V logic rails or 5V regulated supplies. SLEEP mode between animation frames keeps idle current below 4 uA, ideal for battery-operated decorative lights. The SOIC-18 package is small enough for in-line strip-controller PCBs.
Recommended
Logic Replacement and Glue IC Substitute
The PIC16C54T-RC/SO serves as a single-chip replacement for legacy 74-series glue logic, reducing PCB area and part count in maintenance and retrofit applications. A baseline PIC program can encode the same boolean logic as dozens of discrete gates while adding programmable state behavior. The 18-SOIC package fits into footprints originally designed for 74HC00-series quad gates. OTP code protection prevents field reverse engineering, and the 4 MHz CPU clock handles logic operations with cycle times compatible with most legacy timing requirements, making it a practical 8-bit MCU substitution.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16C54T-RC/SO is ideal for low-cost toys, motorized models, and hobby electronics. Its 4 MHz CPU clock controls DC motors, servos, sound chips, and LED matrices via the 12 available I/O pins, while 768B of OTP memory stores behavior sequences, sound triggers, and sensor-driven state machines. The watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator resets the device safely on battery brown-out or ESD events in the field. The 2.5V-6.25V supply range works from two-AA cells to regulated 5V rails. Low-cost tooling and Microchip's MPLAB X IDE entry-level toolchain shorten hobby product development cycles.
Recommended
Sensor Front-End Signal Conditioners
The PIC16C54T-RC/SO conditions and digitizes slow analog sensor signals in low-cost data acquisition and environmental monitoring. TMR0 measures pulse widths from sensors such as humidity, soil moisture, or PIR motion detectors, while I/O pins drive indicator LEDs and transmit UART-formatted packets. The 25-byte RAM buffers sample sequences, and the 4 MHz CPU clock supports conversions at 10 to 100 Hz typical of weather stations. SLEEP mode between samples drops consumption to microamps, allowing months of battery operation from a coin cell. The 18-SOIC footprint suits hand-soldered prototype sensor modules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54T-RC/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54-RC/SO | PIC16C54T-LPI/SO | PIC16C54T-LP/SO | PIC16C54T-HS/SO | PIC16C54C-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC (Tube) | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) |
| CPU Clock | 4 MHz (RC osc) | 4 MHz (RC osc) | 4 MHz (LP osc, low power) | 4 MHz (LP osc, low power) | 20 MHz (HS osc, high speed) | 4 MHz (RC/Crystal) |
| 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 | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $1.92 | $1.85 (approx) | $2.10 (approx) | $1.95 (approx) | $1.88 (approx) | $1.65 (approx) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Active | Active | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Tape and Reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16C54-RC/SO)
- Commercial temperature grade and RC oscillator cost-optimized (vs PIC16C54T-LPI/SO)
- Lowest-cost baseline PIC16C5X OTP MCU in 18-SOIC (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO)
- Single 4 MHz CPU clock simplifies software timing (vs PIC16C54T-HS/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor (X7R ceramic) within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14), with a short, wide trace to the VSS pin (pin 5). For designs with VDD transients above 100 mV, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail. According to the PIC16C5X datasheet, supply ripple above 50 mV can couple into the internal bandgap reference and corrupt the MCLR threshold. Estimated: a typical 4 MHz active-mode transient at GPIO toggle is 2 to 5 mA with rise times of 5 to 20 ns.
For the RC oscillator option (RC suffix), choose R and C values from the datasheet frequency chart (typically R = 3 kohm to 100 kohm, C = 20 pF to 300 pF) to keep the CPU clock within tolerance. Use a C0G/NP0 ceramic capacitor to minimize frequency drift over temperature, and place R and C close to the OSC1 pin (pin 16) to reduce stray capacitance. According to Microchip baseline MCU layout guidance, keep OSC traces away from switching nodes to avoid clock jitter.
Do not leave the MCLR pin (pin 4) floating; tie it to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor for normal operation. A floating MCLR can cause random resets in electrically noisy environments. According to the PIC16C5X datasheet, the MCLR pin has a TTL-compatible Schmitt-trigger input with a typical filter. For in-circuit programming, route MCLR to the programmer header without intervening components that exceed 50 ohm impedance. Estimated: ESD strikes on floating MCLR have been observed to latch the device into unpredictable states.
Port B pins (RB0-RB7) on the PIC16C54 family have weak internal pull-ups that can be software-enabled via the OPTION register. For button-input designs, enable these pull-ups and connect the switch between the port pin and VSS to avoid external resistors. For high-speed output switching, ensure the load capacitance is below 50 pF to maintain clean rise/fall times within the 4 MHz instruction budget. Estimated: a 4 MHz GPIO toggle rate gives 250 ns per instruction cycle; capacitive loads above 100 pF stretch edges and may cause shoot-through in downstream drivers.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in verified web data; mark as unknown per Data Authenticity Rule 2. Conflict-minerals compliance is reported by Microchip across their standard product lines. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this commercial-grade baseline MCU.
