PIC16C620A-20E/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620A-20E/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.89 | $945.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC16C620A-20E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O onto one IC. MCUs form the embedded intelligence behind industrial controllers, automotive ECUs, consumer appliances, and sensor nodes. Within the MCU hierarchy, the PIC16C620A sits in the 8-bit RISC class, distinguished from 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs by its compact instruction set, deterministic timing, and ultra-low cost - making it well-suited for high-volume, latency-predictable applications.
Key features include two analog comparators with on-chip voltage reference, a Watchdog Timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, programmable code protection, and power-saving SLEEP mode. The 13 digital I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA, enabling direct LED drive without external transistors. The wide 2.5V to 5.5V supply range accommodates battery-powered designs.
The PIC16C620A uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, achieving single-cycle execution for most instructions. The 35-instruction set simplifies coding while preserving high code density, and the integrated EPROM allows prototype and small-volume programming via windowed or OTP variants.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, industrial sensor interfaces, appliance control boards, security alarm panels, and general-purpose embedded logic replacement. The 20 MHz clock with 200 ns instruction cycle supports real-time control loops in motor drive and power conversion subsystems.
When designing with this part, note that the PIC16C620A is in the EPROM/OTP family - not flash-based - so firmware is one-time programmable and cannot be field-upgraded. Choose a PIC16F equivalent for flash reprogrammability, but verify pinout and peripheral compatibility first.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620A-20E/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 PIC16C620A-20E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, Package, Instruction Set.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620A-20/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-20E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16C) |
| Instruction Set | 35 instructions, single-cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz) |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP, windowed variants available) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes |
| Data Memory (RAM) | 96 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with on-chip programmable voltage reference |
| Timer Modules | 1 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit (TMR0 + TMR1) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "E" grade) |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Non-Compliant (contains lead in EPROM windowed variants) |
PIC16C620A-20E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O / analog comparator input 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O / analog comparator input 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR — Digital I/O / Master Clear reset (input) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Crystal oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O / analog comparator input 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O / analog comparator input 1 |
| Pin 19 | RA6 — Digital I/O |
| Pin 20 | RA7 — Digital I/O |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620A-20E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Industrial Sensor Interface Boards, Consumer Appliance Control, Security and Alarm Panels, Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes, General-Purpose Logic Replacement.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16C620A-20E/SS fits automotive body controllers because its extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade handles under-hood and cabin environments, while the 20 MHz clock with 200 ns instruction cycle runs real-time CAN or LIN bit-timing tasks. The 13 high-current I/O pins (25 mA sink/source) directly drive relays, solenoids, and lamp loads without external driver transistors, reducing BOM cost. The on-chip watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator provides the fault-recovery behavior required by ISO 26262 ASIL-A subsystems. With 896 B EPROM, the MCU stores compact state-machine firmware for window-lift, mirror-fold, and lighting controllers.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Boards
In industrial sensor interface boards, the PIC16C620A's two on-chip analog comparators with programmable voltage reference enable direct conditioning of thermistor, photodiode, and strain-gauge signals without an external op-amp, saving PCB area and BOM cost. The 8-bit RISC core executes calibration and linearization routines in real time at 20 MHz. The 96-byte RAM accommodates short packet buffers for 4-20 mA loop translation or threshold-crossing counters. Extended temperature operation suits factory-floor enclosures, and the SSOP-20 footprint eases integration onto small sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C620A-20E/SS targets appliance control boards such as washing-machine timers, microwave keypads, and dishwasher cycle controllers where cost dominates over flash reprogrammability. Its 35-instruction RISC set generates highly compact code, so 896 B of EPROM is sufficient for full state-machine firmware. The two analog comparators sense water level, door switch, and motor current without external circuitry. SLEEP mode drops current consumption for battery-backed appliance clocks and timer boards. SSOP-20 fits inside tight enclosure geometries common in white goods.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
The PIC16C620A suits PIR motion-sensor interfaces, glass-break detectors, and entry-keypad panels in security systems. Its on-chip watchdog timer with independent RC oscillator meets the redundant-fail-safe requirement of EN 50131 alarm-grade devices. The two analog comparators trigger directly from PIR sensor outputs and reed-switch contacts without external amplification. The 20 MHz clock scans multiple zones and runs keypad-debounce logic in real time. Extended temperature operation supports unheated garages and outdoor junction boxes.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Nodes
For battery-powered wireless sensor nodes in remote metering or environmental monitoring, the PIC16C620A's SLEEP mode and low operating voltage of 2.5 V extend battery life. The MCU wakes from sleep on watchdog interrupt, samples sensors via the on-chip comparators, transmits via an external RF module, and returns to sleep - all in code small enough to fit 896 B of EPROM. The 20 MHz instruction cycle keeps transmit/receive timing precise for OOK or FSK sub-GHz protocols. SSOP-20 minimizes board area for coin-cell powered devices.
Recommended
General-Purpose Logic Replacement
The PIC16C620A-20E/SS replaces discrete 74-series glue logic in legacy boards by integrating timing, decision, and output-driving in one chip. A handful of I/O pins drive LEDs, relays, or buzzer outputs at 25 mA directly. The on-chip comparators and 8-bit timer replace 555 timers, dual comparators, and shift registers - reducing part count and PCB area. The 20 MHz instruction cycle guarantees sub-microsecond response for sequencing tasks. Designers can reprogram the EPROM unit during prototype and freeze code for production.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620A-20E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620A-20/SS | PIC16C620A-04I/SS | PIC16C620-20E/SS | PIC16C620-20/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B EPROM | 896 B EPROM | 896 B EPROM | 512 B EPROM | 512 B EPROM |
| RAM | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 80 B | 80 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for automotive and industrial environments (vs PIC16C620A-20/SS)
- Higher program memory than original PIC16C620 silicon (vs PIC16C620-20E/SS)
- Higher clock speed than -04 grade variants (vs PIC16C620A-04I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C620A-20E/SS operates from 2.5 V to 5.5 V. Decouple VDD (pin 14) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor near the supply entry point. The internal POR (power-on reset) and brown-out detection work reliably only when VDD rise time exceeds 50 mV/ms; add an external RC delay if your supply ramps faster to avoid spurious resets during power sequencing.
The PIC16C620A uses one-time programmable (OTP) EPROM, not flash. Once programmed, the firmware cannot be electrically erased - the entire device must be discarded if code bugs are found in production. For prototyping, use the windowed (JW) ceramic package variant under UV eraser, then transition to OTP only after firmware is fully validated. For new designs, choose the flash-based PIC16F620-I/SS in the same SSOP-20 footprint to avoid this trap.
Estimated: at 20 MHz with 200 ns instruction cycle, the PIC16C620A generates fast edges on its I/O pins that can couple into adjacent analog comparator inputs through the shared RA port. To minimize crosstalk, place a guard trace tied to VSS between digital RB outputs and analog RA inputs on the PCB. Add 10 kohm series resistors and 10 nF shunt capacitors on analog lines when sampling millivolt-level signals. Keep clock traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and surround them with ground pour.
Compliance Information
PIC16C620A is in the EPROM-based family; windowed ceramic variants contain lead in the glass lid seal, hence non-RoHS. EPROM process technology predates most halogen-free requirements. AEC-Q100 qualification is not formally documented for PIC16C620A; for automotive applications requiring formal qualification, choose PIC16F1827 or consult Microchip automotive product line.
