PIC16C620A-20I/P - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620A-20I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.5 | $2.50 |
| 10 | $2.3 | $23.00 |
| 100 | $2.05 | $205.00 |
| 500 | $1.82 | $910.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16C620A-20I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals. MCUs belong to the broader category of embedded processors, which sit below microprocessors in computational complexity but above discrete logic in integration. The PIC16C620A falls within the PIC16C mid-range family of MCUs, which are OTP (one-time-programmable) variants intended for mature, cost-sensitive production. Compared to flash-based PIC16F successors, OTP parts typically ship at lower unit cost but require mask/UV-erase discipline during development.
Key features include 200ns instruction cycle at 20MHz, 8-level hardware stack, 4MHz internal oscillator option on selected variants, two 8-bit timers plus one 16-bit timer, a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, brown-out detect, an analog comparator, and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module. Thirteen I/O pins are shared with the analog comparator inputs and external interrupt sources, enabling mixed-signal front-ends without external glue logic.
Architecturally, the PIC16C620A uses a Harvard-class RISC engine with separate program and data buses, a 14-bit instruction word, and a deterministic instruction pipeline. The OTP memory is implemented as EPROM cells, which retain data indefinitely after programming but cannot be electrically erased, so this part is typically used in production runs where firmware is finalized.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, lighting ballasts, security sensor interfaces, automotive body modules (non-safety), industrial counter/timer boards, and low-end consumer white-goods controllers. The wide operating voltage range and robust ESD/latch-up immunity make it a frequent choice for cost-driven replacement of older PIC16C5x designs.
When designing with this part, ensure the chosen programmer (such as MPLAB PM3 or ICD-type debuggers limited to OTP-emulator parts) supports 18-pin PIC16C OTP; emulation via PIC16C620A-20/JW ceramic-windowed units is the standard development flow. Decoupling should include a 100nF ceramic capacitor adjacent to VDD with a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum polymer near the supply pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone. XAIPART cross-references the Microchip cross-reference tool output with package data to identify pin-compatible drop-in replacements.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620A-20I/P — 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-20I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in RAM Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Timers, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620A-20E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-20/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-20I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-20I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Core | PIC16C mid-range |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 96 B (96 x 8) |
| EEPROM Size | 0 B (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 20 MHz (100 ns instruction execution) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | 2 x 8-bit + 1 x 16-bit (TMR0/TMR1/TMR2) |
| Analog Comparator | Yes (2 channels) |
| CCP Module | Yes (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16C620A-20I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 2; analog comparator input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 3; analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 4; Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 0; external interrupt input |
| 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 (2.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 0; analog comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 1; analog comparator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620A-20I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Board, Lighting Ballast Controller, Security Sensor Interface, Industrial Counter / Timer Board, Automotive Body Module (Non-Safety), Low-End Consumer White-Goods Controller.
Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C620A-20I/P is well matched to white-goods appliance controllers such as washing-machine timers, dishwasher cycle controllers, and microwave user interfaces, where its 13 I/O pins can scan a 4x4 keypad matrix, drive a 7-segment LED display, and read multiple sensor lines through the on-chip analog comparator. At 20 MHz the 200 ns instruction cycle easily services polled keypad scan loops without flicker. Its wide 2.5V-5.5V supply tolerance lets it ride directly off rectified mains-derived rails without additional regulation. Compared to PIC16F successors the lower OTP unit cost saves 20-40 cents per board at high volume, justifying the lack of in-field updates for sealed assemblies.
Recommended
Lighting Ballast Controller
For electronic fluorescent and LED ballast designs, the PIC16C620A-20I/P provides the timing precision and analog comparator inputs required for zero-cross detection and dimmer interface. The CCP module generates PWM at frequencies suitable for driving MOSFET gate drivers in constant-current LED ballasts. Its 20 MHz clock supports smooth 10-bit PWM at kilohertz rates with low jitter. The 2.5V-5.5V operating range accommodates both 5V analog and 3.3V logic domains on the same board. OTP programming locks the dimming curve at production, preventing field tampering with the lighting compensation.
Recommended
Security Sensor Interface
PIR motion detectors, door/window reed switches, and glass-break sensors are typical PIC16C620A-20I/P applications, where the part's low power consumption, on-chip analog comparator for analog sensor front-ends, and watchdog timer for fail-safe operation deliver a complete subsystem. The 13 I/O pins interface multiple zones through one MCU. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating covers outdoor and unheated-indoor installations. OTP programming prevents reverse-engineering of proprietary detection algorithms, a security advantage. Compared to PIC16F solutions, OTP saves cost on high-volume disposable sensor units.
Recommended
Industrial Counter / Timer Board
For conveyor counters, packaging-line timers, and machine-cycle monitors, the PIC16C620A-20I/P combines the 16-bit TMR1 timer for precise event counting with the 8-bit TMR0 for debounced digital input sampling. The CCP module in capture mode measures pulse widths on flowmeters and tachometers. Industrial temperature grade -40C to +85C supports factory-floor operation. The 18-pin PDIP through-hole package withstands vibration in machinery cabinets. Connect the MCU's MCLR pin through a 10 kohm pull-up and a 100 nF to ground for reliable reset.
Recommended
Automotive Body Module (Non-Safety)
Non-safety body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, and rear-window defogger timers use the PIC16C620A-20I/P where its industrial -40C to +85C range covers most cabin environments. The 13 I/O pins multiplex with multiple switch inputs and relay-driver outputs. The analog comparator monitors battery voltage for low-voltage cutoff. Note that this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified; safety-critical modules must use automotive-graded MCUs such as PIC16F1823-I/P or PIC16F15323-I/P. OTP lock prevents unauthorized firmware modifications that could affect warranty and emissions behavior.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer White-Goods Controller
Coffee makers, toaster ovens, rice cookers, and similar consumer white-goods use the PIC16C620A-20I/P for its low unit cost (under $2 at volume), adequate 8-bit performance for simple state machines, and reliable OTP firmware locking. The part's wide 2.5V-5.5V supply range lets it run directly off a rectified-transformer rail without a costly switching regulator. The 13 I/O pins drive button inputs, LED indicators, buzzer PWM tones, and triac-control outputs through optos. Compared to PIC16F flash parts the OTP lock prevents firmware theft by overseas clone makers, a critical IP protection benefit.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620A-20I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620A-20E/P | PIC16C620A-20/P | PIC16F628A-I/P | PIC16C620A-04I/P | PIC16C620-20I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM 896 B | OTP EPROM 896 B | OTP EPROM 896 B | Flash 3.5 KB (+391%) | OTP EPROM 896 B | OTP EPROM 896 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-80%) | 20 MHz |
| RAM Size | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 224 B (+133%) | 96 B | 96 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V (wider) | 2.5V to 5.5V | 2.5V to 5.5V |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 (+3) | 13 | 13 |
| Internal Oscillator | No (external only) | No (external only) | No (external only) | Yes (4 MHz internal) | No (external only) | No (external only) |
Key Differentiators
- OTP EPROM provides firmware IP protection (vs PIC16F628A-I/P)
- Lower unit cost at high volume than flash equivalents (vs PIC16F628A-I/P)
- Industrial temperature range -40C to +85C (vs PIC16C620A-20/P (Commercial))
Design Notes
Estimated: Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer capacitor on the supply node. The PIC16C620A-20I/P typically draws 5-15 mA at 20 MHz depending on I/O load; OTP programming pulses during production require a stable VDD within +/-10% to avoid programming errors. Brown-out reset (BOR) is enabled by configuration bit and should be left enabled in production to prevent code corruption during supply droops.
Do not confuse the PIC16C620A (this part) with the legacy PIC16C620 (pre-A revision): the A-revision improves brown-out behavior and analog comparator offset, and PIC16C620 code should be re-validated on PIC16C620A per the Microchip migration note. Also note that the -20I/P suffix indicates industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C); using the -20/P commercial variant (0C to +70C) in an industrial environment voids reliability expectations.
The 18-pin PDIP through-hole footprint requires 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) pitch pads with 0.9 mm drill holes. Allow at least 1 mm annular ring and route all signals on inner layers if possible to keep the through-hole footprint clean. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (10 kohm) and any debug-ICSP header adjacent to the MCU. Keep the oscillator crystal traces short and surrounded by a ground pour to avoid noise injection into the 20 MHz clock.
The PIC16C620A-20I/P in PDIP package has typical theta_JA around 70 C/W in still air. At maximum 20 MHz operation with all I/O switching, total dissipation stays below 100 mW, giving junction rise under 10 C above ambient - no heatsink required. In enclosed appliances above 60 C ambient, verify junction temperature stays below 125 C by derating clock frequency or reducing I/O toggle rate.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. NOT AEC-Q100 qualified - for safety-critical automotive modules use PIC16F1823-I/P or PIC16F15323-I/P. Lead-free matte-tin plating on PDIP leads.