PIC16C620T-20I/SS - 8-Bit OTP MCU 20MHz 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620T-20I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.75 | $275.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.2 | $2,200.00 |
PIC16C620T-20I/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/OTP/Flash), data RAM, and peripheral blocks such as timers, I/O ports, and communication interfaces. The PIC16C architecture uses a 14-bit RISC instruction set with a 35-instruction core, fixed hardware stack, and Harvard bus structure that separates program and data paths to maximize instruction fetch and execution parallelism. Within the broader taxonomy, an 8-bit MCU sits below 16-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers and is typically selected for cost-sensitive, deterministic, low-power embedded control where the application does not require complex operating systems or large memory footprints.
Key features of the PIC16C620T-20I/SS include 13 general-purpose digital I/O pins, an integrated 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator, Power-On Reset (POR), Brown-Out Detect/Reset (BOD), and a 4-channel 8-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter. The I variant designates the -40C to +85C industrial operating range, the T suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly, 20 specifies the 20 MHz maximum clock speed, and /SS indicates the 20-pin SSOP industrial-package form factor.
The PIC16C620T family targets applications where stable, well-known 8-bit core economics, broad development-tool support (MPLAB X, MPASM, XC8), and proven long-term Microchip supply continuity outweigh the need for in-system reprogrammability. The OTP memory architecture makes it well suited to production-volume closed firmware.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, low-end sensor interfaces, simple motor control, white-goods user-interface panels, battery chargers, and industrial automation auxiliary controllers. Its deterministic interrupt latency and small instruction footprint simplify real-time firmware development.
Designers should evaluate whether the OTP-only memory fits their production model, as OTP cannot be field-updated; PIC16F flash variants (such as PIC16F648A-I/SS) provide a drop-in-compatible reprogrammable alternative for prototypes or serviceable end products.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, parametric cross-reference data, and practical design notes for engineers evaluating the PIC16C620T-20I/SS for new designs or as a long-term production MCU.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620T-20I/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 PIC16C620T-20I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Watchdog Timer, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620T-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620T-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620AT-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620T-20I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 14-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14) |
| Data RAM | 80 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit with 8-bit prescaler) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-Out Detect/Reset | Yes |
| Power-On Reset | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C620T-20I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O or analog input AN0) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O or analog input AN1) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O or analog input AN2) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O or analog input AN3) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (digital I/O, open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — PORTA bit 5 (digital I/O or analog input AN4) |
| Pin 8 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1 — Oscillator input or external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal mode) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — PORTC bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — PORTC bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — PORTC bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620T-20I/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Low-End Sensor Interface Modules, Simple Motor Control, Battery Chargers, Industrial Automation Auxiliary Controllers, HVAC Thermostat and User-Interface Panels, Automotive Auxiliary Modules (Non-Safety).
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C620T-20I/SS fits appliance control boards such as washing-machine user-interface panels, microwave oven controllers, and dishwasher cycle timers where cost is the primary driver and the firmware is locked at production. The 896-byte OTP memory comfortably holds washing-cycle state machines, debounced keypad scanning, triac-driven pump and valve drivers, and 7-segment or LCD segment display multiplex routines. The integrated Brown-Out Reset and Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator protect against supply brown-outs and firmware lockups in long-life white-goods products. The 20 MHz clock delivers 5 MIPS, sufficient for soft-PWM dimming and triac zero-crossing detection without external timing components.
Recommended
Low-End Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C620T-20I/SS serves as a low-cost I/O expander and signal-conditioning front-end in sensor interface modules such as 4-20 mA loop transmitters, RTD conditioning boards, and HVAC thermistor networks. Its 13 GPIO pins accommodate multi-channel analog scanning with external op-amp buffers, and the on-chip 8-bit ADC handles 8-bit resolution conversion when the integrated converter is used. The 20 MHz instruction throughput and 8-level hardware stack are sufficient to implement linearization tables for thermistors, RTDs, and load-cell strain gauges. The OTP memory ensures the calibration coefficients cannot be accidentally modified in the field, which is a reliability advantage for industrial sensor networks.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control
The PIC16C620T-20I/SS controls small DC motors, stepper motors, and brushless-DC fan motors in low-cost products such as PC case fans, small appliance pumps, and toy robotics. The 20 MHz instruction rate generates reliable PWM at audio-above frequencies to avoid motor whine, while the 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler implements input capture for tachometer feedback. The integrated Brown-Out Detect prevents motor controller misbehavior during voltage sags on inductive loads. The OTP 896-byte memory stores open-loop or simple closed-loop control tables; the 13 GPIO pins drive H-bridge enable, direction, and brake logic directly without external glue logic.
Recommended
Battery Chargers
The PIC16C620T-20I/SS is well matched to sealed lead-acid, NiMH, and Li-ion charging controllers in low-power consumer and industrial chargers. Its 8-bit ADC monitors battery voltage and charge current through external resistor dividers and current-sense amplifiers, while the firmware implements CC-CV (constant-current constant-voltage) charge profiles in the 896-byte OTP memory. The Watchdog Timer with dedicated RC oscillator protects against firmware lockup during long charge cycles, and the Brown-Out Detect prevents incomplete-charge battery damage during AC supply brown-outs. The 20 MHz clock enables accurate delta-V and timer-based charge termination without external RTC chips.
Recommended
Industrial Automation Auxiliary Controllers
The PIC16C620T-20I/SS functions as an auxiliary controller in industrial automation systems, handling discrete I/O expansion, contact-debounce scanning, interlock logic, and simple sequencing tasks that do not require a full PLC. The 13 GPIO pins interface with 24V industrial signal levels through external opto-isolators and level shifters, while the OTP memory stores deterministic ladder-logic equivalents in firmware. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating allows deployment in factory-floor cabinets and outdoor enclosures. The deterministic interrupt latency of the PIC16C RISC core simplifies IEC 61131-3 style real-time control loops.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat and User-Interface Panels
The PIC16C620T-20I/SS drives HVAC thermostat mainboards and white-goods user-interface panels, scanning thermistor inputs, driving triac outputs for compressor and fan control, and multiplexing 7-segment or character LCD displays. The 896-byte OTP holds the temperature-setpoint hysteresis, schedule, and fault-diagnostic state machine, while the 80-byte RAM maintains scan buffers and display refresh state. The integrated Brown-Out Detect prevents HVAC compressors from short-cycling during power dips. The 20 MHz instruction throughput allows simultaneous triac zero-crossing detection, keypad scanning, and display refresh without time-sharing conflicts.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Modules (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C620T-20E/SS variant (-40C to +125C) of the PIC16C620T family targets non-safety automotive auxiliary modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat-heater keypads, mirror-adjust switches, and rain-sensor interfaces. The extended temperature grade handles under-dash and door-panel thermal environments, while the OTP 896-byte memory stores fixed lighting patterns and debounce logic. The 13 GPIO interface to MOSFET drivers for LED strings and resistive heaters without external logic. Designers should pair this MCU with external CAN or LIN transceivers (such as MCP2515 or MCP2025) for in-vehicle network connectivity, since the PIC16C620T itself lacks an on-chip communication peripheral.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620T-20I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620-20I/SS | PIC16C620T-20/SS | PIC16C620T-20E/SS | PIC16C620AT-20I/SS | PIC16C620A-20I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| Data RAM | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +85C (I) | -40C to +85C (I) |
| Comparator Module | No | No | No | No | Yes (analog comparator) | Yes (analog comparator) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (T) | Tube | Tape & Reel (T) | Tape & Reel (T) | Tape & Reel (T) | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade with tape-and-reel SMT packaging (vs PIC16C620T-20/SS)
- Drop-in extended temperature upgrade path available (vs PIC16C620T-20E/SS)
- Stable silicon with on-chip analog comparator available as upgrade (vs PIC16C620AT-20I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 20 MHz clock and 5V Vdd, the PIC16C620T-20I/SS draws approximately 5-10 mA active current. The Brown-Out Detect voltage threshold and Power-On Reset behavior should be validated against the actual Vdd rail tolerance; add bulk decoupling (10 uF electrolytic plus 0.1 uF ceramic) within 25 mm of the Vdd pin. For battery-powered designs, place the MCU in SLEEP mode between ADC scans to drop quiescent current to single-digit microamperes.
Layout the 20-SSOP land pattern per JEDEC MO-150 standards with 0.65 mm pitch. Place the decoupling capacitor (0.1 uF X7R ceramic) directly across pins 19 (Vss) and 20 (Vdd) with traces no longer than 2 mm. If using a crystal oscillator, route OSC1 and OSC2 traces symmetrically with a ground guard ring and keep them away from switching signals. The /MCLR pin requires a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd and a 100 nF cap to ground for reliable reset behavior; do not leave /MCLR floating.
The OTP program memory cannot be erased or rewritten; verify the final firmware image with engineering samples (ES) or a windowed CERDIP PIC16C620JW before committing to OTP production programming. The I2C and SPI peripherals are not present on the PIC16C620T; designs requiring serial communication must use the PIC16F628A or PIC16F648A flash variants with USART/SSP modules. The 8-level hardware stack limits call depth to 8 nested subroutines; deep call chains can overflow the stack and cause unexpected resets, so flatten the firmware architecture when possible.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, and lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data; refer to the manufacturer datasheet and product declaration files for current compliance certifications. The PIC16C620T-20I/SS itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, but the PIC16C620T-20E/SS extended variant is suitable for non-safety automotive applications per Microchip product line guidelines.