PIC16C620A/JW - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 896B EPROM, UV Window | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620A/JW ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $12.8 | $128.00 |
| 100 | $10.95 | $1,095.00 |
| 500 | $9.4 | $4,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.25 | $8,250.00 |
PIC16C620A/JW Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripherals on one die. The PIC16C620A belongs to the PIC16C family of OTP/EPROM mid-range microcontrollers, sitting hierarchically below modern Flash-based PIC16F parts in Microchip's product tree. Compared with later PIC16F parts that use Flash memory, OTP EPROM is non-volatile but one-time-programmable per device, except for the /JW windowed CERDIC variants which can be erased by UV exposure and reprogrammed, which makes them ideal for code development, low-volume specialty products, and legacy maintenance work.
Key features include a Harvard RISC architecture with 35 single-word instructions, a programmable code protection bit, a power-on reset (POR) circuit, a watchdog timer with an on-chip RC oscillator, a programmable brown-out reset (BOR), a 16-bit timer/counter with a prescaler, and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module. Two comparators with programmable on-chip voltage reference are integrated for analog signal conditioning, and the device operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V with low-power sleep and watchdog wake-up functions. These capabilities allow the PIC16C620A/JW to act as a complete system-on-chip for small control loops.
The PIC16C620A/JW uses a 14-bit instruction word and a separate 8-bit data path, which simplifies decoding of opcodes and reduces die area. The 13 I/O pins are bidirectional and individually programmable, with internal weak pull-ups that can be enabled per port. Two analog comparators with rail-to-rail inputs (when configured) interface directly to sensors or analog front-end circuits, while the 8-bit PWM channel and 16-bit timer support motor-control, lighting, and simple closed-loop applications without external hardware.
Typical applications include appliance control, security and alarm panels, automotive interior modules (pre-CAN era), HVAC fan/thermostat controllers, battery chargers, and industrial sensor interfaces. The UV-erasable CERDIP package is especially useful for educational labs and aerospace/defense long-life-cycle programs that prefer erasable programmable parts over OTP. The internal comparator simplifies thermostat and charger designs by eliminating an external op-amp.
When designing with this device, mind the programming-voltage requirement (Vpp ~13 V) and the parallel programming protocol implemented by MPLAB PM3 and similar tools; in-circuit serial programming is not available on this older part. The /JW windowed CERDIP package is significantly larger and more expensive than the plastic DIP/SOIC OTP variants; choose PIC16C620A-04/P, /SO or /SS for production builds. Provide adequate decoupling (100 nF plus 10 uF bulk) and follow Microchip's recommended oscillator layout for the 18-pin CERDIP footprint.
This page consolidates current distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives, application guidance and design notes beyond what is in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620A/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 PIC16C620A/JW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Instruction Cycle Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620A-I/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit RISC PIC mid-range |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP), UV-erasable (window package) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 96 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns @ 20 MHz (4 clock cycles per instruction) |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | 1 x 16-bit Timer/Counter with prescaler + WDT |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with programmable on-chip voltage reference |
| PWM Channels | 1 (8-bit, via CCP module) |
| Capture/Compare | 1 x 16-bit CCP module |
| Reset | POR + BOR + MCLR |
| Package | 18-pin CERDIP with quartz window (JW) |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Programming Method | Parallel programming (MPLAB PM3) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead-borosilicate window glass) |
| Lead-free | no |
PIC16C620A/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin |
| Pin 2 | RA1 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | RA0 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional digital I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional digital I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA3 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin |
| Pin 18 | RA4 — Bidirectional digital I/O pin / Timer0 clock input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620A/JW is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control (Washing Machine / Dishwasher Timer), Security and Alarm Panel Controller, HVAC Thermostat and Fan Controller, Battery Charger Controller (Lead-Acid / NiMH), Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Automotive Interior Module (Pre-CAN Legacy), Educational and Engineering Trainer Board.
Appliance Control (Washing Machine / Dishwasher Timer)
The PIC16C620A/JW's 13 digital I/O pins, 16-bit timer with prescaler and 8-bit PWM channel make it a complete controller for legacy appliance timers and motor-control loops. In a washing-machine controller the MCU drives the motor relay, solenoid valves and LED indicators while reading the rotary encoder or keypad for user input. The two on-chip analog comparators with programmable voltage reference can monitor motor current without an external op-amp, saving 0.5 USD per board. The windowed CERDIP package is preferred for development, allowing firmware updates by UV erasure; production builds migrate to PIC16C620A-04/P for cost. Operating at 5 V and 20 MHz provides deterministic cycle times of 200 ns per instruction.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panel Controller
The PIC16C620A/JW integrates 13 I/O lines, watchdog timer, brown-out reset and 96 bytes of RAM - sufficient to scan a 4x4 keypad matrix, drive a 7-segment LED display, monitor a PIR sensor input and control a piezo buzzer or relay. According to Microchip datasheet DS30212D, the internal weak pull-ups on PORTB simplify keypad wiring by eliminating external resistors. The EPROM-based code protection bit prevents reverse engineering of alarm firmware, while the windowed package lets installers re-flash firmware for service upgrades. Power consumption in sleep mode is a few microamperes, allowing battery-backed designs. The 18-pin CERDIP footprint also suits ruggedized industrial panels where plastic SOIC parts are vulnerable to humidity.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and Fan Controller
The PIC16C620A/JW's two comparators with programmable on-chip voltage reference directly sense thermistor bridges without external op-amps, reducing the BOM of a residential thermostat to a handful of passives and a triac driver. The CCP module generates an 8-bit PWM signal that modulates the triac phase-angle for fan-speed control, while the 16-bit timer drives the time-base for hysteresis-based temperature averaging. Operating at 20 MHz provides 200 ns instruction times so the controller can sample the sensor, run the PID loop and update the triac within 100 us. The wide 3.0-5.5 V supply range allows battery or 24 VAC-derived power. The windowed CERDIP package supports firmware tuning during qualification.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller (Lead-Acid / NiMH)
The PIC16C620A/JW's on-chip comparators with programmable voltage reference measure battery terminal voltage and charge current directly, while the 16-bit timer captures elapsed charge time. A simple CC/CV algorithm runs in the 96-byte RAM; with only 35 single-word instructions the firmware is small enough to leave 60% of EPROM free for parameter storage. The PWM channel drives a switching FET or linear regulator via opto-isolator for 5-50 W chargers. The brown-out reset prevents over-discharge by latching the relay off at 3.0 V supply. The windowed CERDIP /JW variant supports firmware calibration per battery chemistry.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C620A/JW's two comparators with programmable voltage reference convert analog sensor outputs (thermocouple cold-junction, photo-diode, hall-sensor) directly into digital thresholds without an external op-amp. The 13 I/O pins drive the sensor enable lines, indicator LEDs and a simple UART-like bit-banged output to a host controller. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer provide fault detection for unattended industrial installations. The windowed CERDIP package is preferred for field-reprogrammable sensor modules in process plants where firmware tuning is iterative. Industrial-temperature -40 to +85 C silicon is selected via the -I/JW variant.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Module (Pre-CAN Legacy)
The PIC16C620A/JW was widely used in 1990s automotive interior modules - window lifters, mirror controllers, climate-mode selectors - where its small 18-pin footprint and 20 MHz speed met cycle-time requirements. The two on-chip comparators read the rheostat feedback for mirror-position control without external circuitry. Automotive-grade variants (PIC16C620A-I/JW industrial-temp windowed) operate from -40 to +85 C, suitable for cabin environments. Watchdog timer and brown-out reset provide the fault resilience required by vehicle electrical standards. New designs should use PIC16F628A or PIC16F1827 instead, but the /JW variant remains in service for spare-parts and hobby restorations.
Recommended
Educational and Engineering Trainer Board
The PIC16C620A/JW windowed CERDIP package is ideal for university microcontroller labs because the EPROM can be erased by UV exposure and reprogrammed for hundreds of cycles, allowing students to develop and debug firmware in a non-ICSP workflow. The 18-pin DIP layout drops into standard 18-pin IC sockets on trainer boards; each lab group can erase their chip at a shared UV eraser. The 35 single-word instruction set is small enough to teach in one semester while still providing 13 I/O pins and two analog comparators for real interfacing projects. The /JW package also survives repeated handling and socket insertion better than plastic QFN. After the lab, students transition to PIC16F628A for Flash-based designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620A/JW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620A-I/JW | PIC16C620A-04/P | PIC16C620A-04/SO | PIC16C620A-04/SS | PIC16C620-20E/SO | PIC16F628A-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-CERDIP window (JW) | 18-CERDIP window (same) | 18-PDIP (same footprint) | 18-SOIC (300 mil) | 18-SSOP (0.65 mm pitch) | 18-SOIC (300 mil) | 18-PDIP (same footprint) |
| Program Memory | 896 B EPROM (UV-erasable) | 896 B EPROM (UV-erasable) | 896 B EPROM (OTP) | 896 B EPROM (OTP) | 896 B EPROM (OTP) | 896 B EPROM (OTP) | 2048 B Flash |
| Data RAM | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 224 B |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-20 MHz spec varies by suffix) | 4 MHz (-20 MHz spec varies by suffix) | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Programming Method | Parallel (VPP) only | Parallel (VPP) only | Parallel (VPP) only | Parallel (VPP) only | Parallel (VPP) only | Parallel (VPP) only | ICSP + Parallel |
| RoHS Compliance | Non-compliant (lead-borosilicate window) | Non-compliant (lead-borosilicate window) | Compliant (matte-tin) | Compliant (matte-tin) | Compliant (matte-tin) | Compliant (matte-tin) | Compliant (matte-tin) |
Key Differentiators
- Only 18-pin package with UV-erasable window (vs PIC16C620A-04/P)
- Higher maximum frequency at same die (vs PIC16C620A-04/SO)
- Migration path to Flash-based PIC16F628A (vs PIC16C620-20E/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade available (vs PIC16F628A-I/P (industrial win))
Design Notes
The PIC16C620A/JW does NOT support In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP). All firmware updates require removing the part from the circuit and erasing it under a UV lamp (typically 25 minutes at 12 mW/cm2) before reprogramming with the MPLAB PM3 parallel programmer. According to Microchip programming specification DS30212D, Vpp must be 12.5 V to 13.5 V with specific rise-time and bulk-capacitance requirements. If ICSP is required, migrate to PIC16F628A which adds a serial-programming pin pair.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF to 47 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum capacitor near the supply trace. The PIC16C620A datasheet DS30212D specifies that brown-out-reset operation depends on the VDD rise time being under 50 ms; if the supply rise is slow, add an external POR circuit or use the MCLR pin with an RC delay. The VPP pin must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor during normal operation to prevent accidental entry into programming mode.
Keep the 18-pin CERDIP socket footprint on a 2.54 mm (0.100 inch) grid; pin 1 is at top-left when the package notch is on the left. The crystal or resonator connected to OSC1/OSC2 (pins 16 and 15) should be placed within 10 mm of the pins with short traces; surround the oscillator with a ground guard ring to reduce EMI. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) should have its own 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor for noise immunity. Avoid routing high-speed signals under the quartz window or near the analog comparator pins (RA0-RA3) to minimize noise injection.
Do not exceed the 5.5 V absolute maximum supply rating. The PIC16C620A does not include internal clamping on the analog comparator inputs; external voltages on RA0-RA3 that exceed VDD or fall below VSS by more than 0.3 V can latch-up the part. According to Microchip datasheet DS30212D errata, certain silicon revisions exhibit analog-comparator offset drift above 70 C; consult the errata sheet for your specific date code. Always design within the recommended operating conditions, not the absolute maxima.
Estimated: at 20 MHz and 5 V the PIC16C620A core current is approximately 13 mA active and 1 uA sleep (per Microchip datasheet DS30212D electrical characteristics table). Power dissipation is therefore 65 mW active and 5 uW sleep. The 18-pin CERDIP window package has a thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 50 C/W, so the junction temperature rise is only 3.25 C above ambient at full active load. No heatsink is required; standard PCB layout with a ground plane is sufficient. In sealed enclosures with no airflow, derate ambient by 10 C to account for self-heating.
Compliance Information
Windowed CERDIP package contains a lead-borosilicate quartz window that precludes RoHS compliance for the /JW variant. The plastic-DIP /P, /SO and /SS OTP variants are RoHS-compliant with matte-tin leads. AEC-Q100 qualification status is not published for PIC16C620A - the part was designed before AEC-Q100 was widely adopted in the PIC16C family; choose PIC16F628A for AEC-Q100 qualified designs.
