PIC16C554/JW - 8-Bit 20MHz CMOS EPROM MCU 18-CERDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C554/JW ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.85 | $6.85 |
| 10 | $6.32 | $63.20 |
| 100 | $5.78 | $578.00 |
| 500 | $5.21 | $2,605.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.69 | $4,690.00 |
PIC16C554/JW Overview
An EPROM-based 8-bit microcontroller is a class of programmable logic device that stores firmware in non-volatile erasable programmable read-only memory, allowing engineers to repeatedly erase and reprogram the device during development using a UV eraser through a transparent quartz window in the package. This category sits hierarchically under microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, and was popular in the 1990s before being superseded by flash-based MCUs that offer in-circuit serial programming without UV erasure.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, a Power-On Reset (POR) generator, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for reliable operation in electrically noisy environments, and an internal oscillator option. The 18-CERDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62mm) through-hole package with quartz window supports both commercial (0C to +70C) and industrial temperature grades, with /J suffix denoting the CERDIP windowed variant.
The PIC16C554 uses Microchip's PIC RISC architecture with a 14-bit instruction word and Harvard bus structure, separating program and data memory for deterministic single-cycle execution. The 20MHz clock rate delivers 200ns instruction cycle time, suitable for real-time control loops and basic peripheral interfacing. EPROM storage supports engineering prototypes and low-volume production where code iteration is required.
Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, automotive body electronics, appliance control boards, sensor signal preprocessing, and legacy embedded systems requiring UV-reprogrammable firmware. The CERDIP windowed package is particularly suited for development, debugging, and field-upgradable equipment.
When designing with this part, note that the JW suffix denotes a windowed CERDIP package only - for production, consider the PIC16C554-04/P or PIC16F554-I/P flash-based equivalents in plastic packages. Ensure the oscillator configuration matches your clock source and that the Watchdog Timer is properly serviced in firmware to avoid unintended resets.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C554/JW — 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 PIC16C554/JW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, RoHS Status, Mounting Type, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C554-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554/JW-MIL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C55/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.69 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16C (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (UV-erasable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 80 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Package | 18-CERDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62mm) Window |
| Terminal Form | Through-Hole |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| On-Chip Peripherals | Power-On Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (DIP) |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
PIC16C554/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTA bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTA bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O pin / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O pin / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTB bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTB bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTB bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| 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 pin, PORTA bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin, PORTA bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C554/JW is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Appliance Control Boards, Sensor Signal Preprocessing, Legacy Embedded System Maintenance, Educational and Development Boards, Hobby Electronics and Prototyping.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The PIC16C554/JW fits industrial automation controllers because of its 20MHz execution speed, 13 I/O pins, and Watchdog Timer that protects against lockups in electrically noisy factory environments. Its 896B EPROM accommodates small state-machine firmware typical of motor starters, conveyor sequencers, and interlock controllers, while the JW windowed package supports UV erasure during commissioning when control logic is being tuned. The PIC RISC core delivers deterministic 200ns instruction timing essential for real-time I/O scanning, and the 80-byte RAM is sufficient for parameter buffers and stack operations.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C554/JW is widely deployed in 1990s-vintage automotive body electronics such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting modules. Its -40C to +85C industrial temperature variant and Power-On Reset generator handle automotive cold-crank and load-dump conditions, while the 20MHz speed runs multi-channel PWM for actuator control. The 13 I/O pins connect directly to relay drivers and switch inputs, and the small code footprint (896B EPROM) suits fixed-function body modules. The JW package allows dealers and service centers to update firmware by UV erasure when vehicle calibration changes.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C554/JW is well-suited for appliance control boards in washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens where its 20MHz speed runs sensor-acquisition loops and H-bridge PWM. The 896B EPROM holds program logic for cycle sequencing, while the 80B RAM buffers user settings and sensor history. The Watchdog Timer recovers the MCU from motor-induced EMI glitches, and the through-hole CERDIP package survives the wave-soldering process used in white-goods manufacturing. The JW window enables factory firmware customization per SKU without requiring different mask-ROM parts.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Preprocessing
The PIC16C554/JW is suitable for sensor signal preprocessing nodes that digitize analog signals with on-chip comparators and present calibrated data on a serial interface. Its 20MHz speed supports up to 1Msps equivalent throughput when oversampling thermocouple, thermistor, or strain-gauge front ends. The 80B RAM holds moving-average buffers, while the 896B EPROM fits linearization lookup tables for embedded sensors. The PIC RISC deterministic timing allows precise sample-rate control and the JW windowed package enables field recalibration when sensor characteristics drift.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Maintenance
The PIC16C554/JW serves legacy embedded systems installed in the 1990s-2000s such as industrial PLCs, telecom line cards, and medical instrumentation that require periodic firmware updates via JW UV erasure. Its NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) status means Microchip continues to manufacture the part for service replacement, and the windowed CERDIP package enables board-level reprogramming without desoldering. The 20MHz speed and 13 I/O pins remain adequate for legacy control loops, and the PIC architecture compatibility allows direct code reuse from existing firmware repositories.
Recommended
Educational and Development Boards
The PIC16C554/JW is ideal for educational microcontroller development boards because its UV-erasable window lets students repeatedly erase and reprogram their code while learning assembly and C programming. Its 35-instruction RISC architecture is approachable for beginners yet powerful enough to demonstrate real-time control. The 18-pin DIP through-hole package is breadboard-friendly, allowing students to prototype circuits without soldering. The 896B EPROM and 80B RAM provide ample space for textbook exercises, while the Watchdog Timer and Power-On Reset teach embedded reliability concepts.
Recommended
Hobby Electronics and Prototyping
The PIC16C554/JW fits hobby electronics projects such as custom LED controllers, model train DCC decoders, and retrocomputing peripherals where its UV-erasable EPROM allows unlimited code iteration. Its 20MHz speed drives WS2812 LED strips and servo PWM, while the 13 I/O pins connect to buttons, encoders, and displays. The 18-pin DIP form factor accepts standard IC sockets for easy swapping, and the JW window enables firmware updates without chip replacement. Hobbyists appreciate the deterministic PIC instruction timing for bit-banged protocols like I2C, SPI, and UART.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C554/JW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C554-04/P | PIC16C554-04/SO | PIC16C554/JW-MIL | PIC16C55/JW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-CERDIP Window (0.300 inch, 7.62mm) | 18-PDIP - same footprint | 18-SOIC - surface mount | 18-CERDIP Window - same | 18-CERDIP Window - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B EPROM | 896 B EPROM | 896 B EPROM | 896 B EPROM | 512 B EPROM |
| Data RAM | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 32 B |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Memory Type | EPROM (UV-erasable) | EPROM (one-time programmable window removed) | EPROM (one-time programmable) | EPROM (UV-erasable) | EPROM (UV-erasable) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Military (-55C to +125C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) | Yes (WDT) | Yes (WDT) | Yes (WDT) | Yes (WDT) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Windowed CERDIP package for UV erasure during development (vs PIC16C554-04/P)
- 20MHz full-speed operation (vs PIC16C554-04/P)
- Larger 896B EPROM with PIC16C554 family (vs PIC16C55/JW)
- Broader RAM for parameter buffers (vs PIC16C55/JW)
Design Notes
Do not confuse the /JW windowed CERDIP package with the /P plastic DIP package. Both share the same PIC16C554 silicon die, but only the JW variant supports UV erasure through the transparent quartz window. For production designs, choose the /P variant because plastic packages are cheaper and RoHS-friendly. For development requiring code iteration, the /JW variant is required because it can be erased with a UV eraser in approximately 20 minutes.
Estimated: The CERDIP windowed package has higher thermal resistance than plastic DIP, approximately 70 C/W theta_JA typical. At maximum operating current of 25 mA and 5V supply, the PIC16C554/JW dissipates about 125 mW, resulting in 8.75 C junction temperature rise above ambient. Commercial temperature range is 0C to +70C, so adequate airflow or heat-sinking is not typically required, but the device should not be enclosed in a sealed housing above 60C ambient.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to pin 14 (VDD) and pin 5 (VSS). For long VDD traces (>2 cm), add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board entry point. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should be pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; during programming, the VPP voltage of approximately 13V is applied to this pin. Avoid routing digital signals near the OSC1/OSC2 traces to minimize clock jitter from capacitive coupling.
The PIC16C554/JW operates from 2.5V to 6.0V VDD. At 20MHz CPU speed, verify the VDD voltage meets the minimum 4.5V threshold specified in the datasheet for full-speed operation; below 4.5V, the maximum CPU frequency derates linearly to approximately 10MHz at 3.0V. For battery-powered applications using the brown-out detector, set the BOR voltage threshold below the minimum expected battery voltage to prevent unintended resets.
Compliance Information
CERDIP windowed package typically uses tin-lead solder finish for hermeticity, so RoHS compliance is uncertain. For RoHS-compliant designs, choose the plastic PDIP /P variant instead. AEC-Q100 qualification status is not applicable for the commercial temperature grade; the JW-MIL variant is suitable for military but not automotive-qualified applications.
