PIC16C55-LPE/SS - 8-Bit 40MHz OTP MCU 28-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C55-LPE/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.2 | $7.20 |
| 10 | $6.48 | $64.80 |
| 100 | $5.65 | $565.00 |
| 500 | $5.05 | $2,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.55 | $4,550.00 |
PIC16C55-LPE/SS Overview
What is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time-Programmable) microcontroller contains non-volatile program memory that can be written exactly once by the user or by a device programmer before being deployed in the field. Unlike Flash-based MCUs that allow thousands of erase/write cycles, OTP parts are permanently locked after the first programming cycle, which yields lower per-unit cost and a smaller silicon die. The PIC16C5X family uses a 12-bit wide instruction set with a RISC-style architecture that achieves 2:1 code compression over other 8-bit microcontrollers in its class, allowing more functionality in fewer instruction words.
Key features of the PIC16C55-LPE/SS include a 33-instruction set, DC to 40 MHz operation, an internal watchdog timer, power-on reset, on-chip oscillator options, and up to 20 I/O pins depending on package variant. The 28-SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) provides a compact 5.30 mm body width with gull-wing leads suitable for high-density surface-mount assemblies. Per Microchip's product page, the PIC16C55 family supports programming via the MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer.
The device architecture is a Harvard-style RISC core with separate program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. This dual-bus structure, combined with single-cycle instruction execution except for branch instructions, gives deterministic timing that simplifies real-time control loops. The 8-bit wide ALU and 12-bit instructions reflect the cost-optimized design philosophy of the PIC16C5X generation.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, low-cost sensor interfaces, LED driver controllers, simple appliance controls, and replacement of discrete logic in cost-sensitive embedded designs. The extended automotive temperature grade (-40C to +85C or wider) makes it especially well-suited to under-hood and cabin-mounted automotive ECUs.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit, so firmware must be fully validated and burned into the part before deployment. Use the MPLAB PM3 or compatible programmer, and ensure the in-circuit programming pins (RB6, RB7) are accessible on the PCB if any post-production recovery is desired. The automotive temperature grade typically supports -40C to +125C operation, but always verify against the specific Microchip datasheet thermal specification.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes drawn from the manufacturer datasheet and distributor records to provide engineering value beyond what is found in the bare datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C55-LPE/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 PIC16C55-LPE/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Maximum Clock Frequency.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C55-HSI/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55A-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.04 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55AT-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55T-LPE/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55AT-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-LPE/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16C5X family) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12-bit words) |
| RAM | 24 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| I/O Pins (max) | 20 (package-dependent) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull-wing leads) |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive (per part suffix -LPE) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip) |
| Power-On Reset | Yes (on-chip) |
| On-chip Oscillator | Yes |
| Programming Method | MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer (parallel) |
PIC16C55-LPE/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — PORT A I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — PORT A I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — PORT A I/O bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORT B I/O bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORT B I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORT B I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — PORT B I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORT B I/O bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORT B I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — PORT B I/O bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — PORT B I/O bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — PORT C I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — PORT C I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — PORT C I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 — PORT C I/O bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 — PORT C I/O bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 — PORT C I/O bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 — PORT C I/O bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 — PORT C I/O bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 26 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 27 | RA0 — PORT A I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 28 | RA1 — PORT A I/O bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C55-LPE/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Low-Cost Sensor Interface Controllers, LED Driver and Lighting Controllers, Appliance Control Boards, Replacement of Discrete Logic (Glue Logic Consolidation), Simple Battery-Operated Remote Controls.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16C55-LPE/SS fits automotive body control modules where its -LPE automotive temperature grade handles cabin and under-hood thermal extremes without derating. Its 768-byte OTP program memory comfortably fits door-lock, wiper, and lighting sequencer state machines, while the 33-instruction PIC16C5X RISC core executes each instruction in one oscillator cycle for deterministic timing. The 28-SSOP package provides a compact 5.30 mm body suitable for high-density PCB assemblies behind dashboards. Place decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of VDD/VSS pins and route the oscillator traces short and symmetric to minimize EMI in this noise-sensitive automotive environment.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Interface Controllers
The PIC16C55-LPE/SS is well matched to low-cost sensor interface controllers that digitize analog inputs from thermistors, photodiodes, or Hall-effect sensors and drive a serial output. Its 20 I/O pins handle multiple sensor channels and a UART-style bit-banged output, while 24 bytes of RAM provide working storage for sample averaging. The automotive temperature grade ensures the interface works reliably in outdoor enclosures. Compared with a discrete logic implementation, the PIC16C55 reduces BOM count by 5-10 parts per channel while adding software-configurable behavior, though OTP memory means final firmware must be fully validated before programming.
Recommended
LED Driver and Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C55-LPE/SS works well in LED driver controllers for architectural lighting, signage, and decorative applications where its 8-bit RISC core generates accurate PWM via timer interrupts to dim LED strings. The 40 MHz clock yields fine-grained 8-bit PWM resolution at frequencies above 1 kHz, avoiding visible flicker. Its 768-byte program memory accommodates multiple lighting patterns and serial command parsing. Place the MCU close to the LED driver MOSFETs to keep gate-drive traces short, and use the automotive temperature grade for outdoor or industrial installations. OTP memory locks the chosen lighting patterns permanently at production time.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C55-LPE/SS is ideal for small appliance control boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where its on-chip watchdog timer and power-on reset simplify UL safety compliance. The PIC16C5X RISC core executes deterministic control loops for motor timing and user-interface button debouncing. Its 768-byte OTP program memory stores the appliance state machine and timing tables. Use the automotive temperature grade to handle the elevated ambient temperatures near heating elements. Always place the MCU reset circuit (MCLR pull-up) within 50 mm of the pin to avoid spurious resets in the noisy switching environment of an appliance.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic (Glue Logic Consolidation)
The PIC16C55-LPE/SS replaces 5-10 discrete 74HC logic gates, counters, and timers in legacy designs, reducing PCB area by up to 70% and BOM cost. Its 33-instruction set covers bit manipulation, conditional branches, and basic arithmetic needed to emulate combinational and sequential logic. The automotive temperature grade ensures reliability in industrial enclosures. Use the 28-SSOP package for surface-mount assembly or migrate to the 28-SOIC variant for easier hand-soldering in prototype builds. OTP memory locks the logic equation at programming time, providing a tamper-resistant replacement for discrete logic that field technicians could otherwise modify.
Recommended
Simple Battery-Operated Remote Controls
The PIC16C55-LPE/SS fits simple battery-operated remote controls where its low-power PIC16C5X core and automotive temperature grade support long battery life across extreme conditions. Its 768-byte OTP program memory stores button scan tables and RF transmit encoders for sub-GHz protocols, while 24 bytes of RAM handles button debouncing. The 28-SSOP package provides a thin profile suitable for handheld enclosures. Use the watchdog timer to wake the MCU from sleep on button press, reducing quiescent current. Compared with ASIC solutions, the PIC16C55-LPE/SS offers much lower NRE cost for low-volume production runs of under 10,000 units.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C55-LPE/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C55-HSI/SS | PIC16C55A-20I/SS | PIC16C55AT-04/SS | PIC16C55T-LPE/SS | PIC16C55AT-20E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 768 bytes (512 x 12-bit) OTP | 768 bytes OTP | 768 bytes OTP | 768 bytes OTP | 768 bytes OTP | 768 bytes OTP |
| Max Clock Speed | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 40 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Oscillator Type | LP (low-power) | HS (high-speed) | Various | Various | LP (low-power) | Various |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive (-LPE) | Automotive | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial | Automotive (-LPE) | Automotive (-E suffix) |
| RAM | 24 bytes | 24 bytes | 24 bytes | 24 bytes | 24 bytes | 24 bytes |
| Core Family | PIC16C5X (12-bit instructions) | PIC16C5X | PIC16C5X (A revision) | PIC16C5X (A revision) | PIC16C5X | PIC16C5X (A revision) |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive temperature grade at low-power operating mode (vs PIC16C55-HSI/SS)
- Maximum 40 MHz clock speed for tight control loops (vs PIC16C55AT-04/SS)
- Base PIC16C55 die, lowest unit cost (vs PIC16C55AT-20E/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each VDD pin (pins 25 and 26 on the 28-SSOP), and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the supply entry point. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric, with a ground guard ring around the crystal to prevent oscillator instability in noisy switching environments. The MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; place this resistor close to the MCU pin and add a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise filtering.
OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Verify all firmware logic with a development tool (e.g., PIC16C55 JW windowed CERDIP variant or PIC16F5X simulator) before burning the production OTP units. If the application requires firmware updates after deployment, select a Flash-based MCU such as PIC16F54 or PIC16F57 instead, but note these are NOT pin-compatible with the PIC16C55-LPE/SS in the 28-SSOP package.
Configure the watchdog timer (WDT) with a postscaler matched to the main loop execution time to avoid spurious resets in noisy environments. Enable the power-on reset (POR) and brown-out reset (BOR) if available to ensure clean MCU startup after power transients. Estimated: at 40 MHz clock with all I/O pins unloaded, the PIC16C55 draws approximately 5-10 mA from a 5 V supply; always verify against the specific Microchip datasheet DC characteristics section for the chosen speed grade.
The PIC16C55-LPE/SS is qualified to the automotive temperature grade per the -LPE suffix, but at sustained junction temperatures near the upper limit, the SSOP package thermal resistance (theta_JA approximately 90 C/W) limits power dissipation. In enclosed automotive modules with no airflow, ensure ambient temperature stays within the datasheet specification and consider thermal vias under the exposed pad (if present in your specific SSOP variant) to spread heat into inner PCB copper planes.
Compliance Information
Compliance fields marked unknown because Verified Web Data does not explicitly list RoHS, REACH, or AEC-Q100 status. The -LPE suffix indicates automotive temperature grade per Microchip's part-numbering convention but specific compliance certifications should be confirmed against the Microchip PIC16C55 datasheet and product page.