PIC16CE623-20/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16CE623-20/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.5 | $1.50 |
| 10 | $1.35 | $13.50 |
| 100 | $1.15 | $115.00 |
| 500 | $0.99 | $495.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.87 | $870.00 |
PIC16CE623-20/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, RAM, and peripherals such as timers, I/O, and serial interfaces. The PIC16CE623 belongs to the OTP sub-family of the PIC16C mid-range family — the broader PICmicro taxonomy proceeds from PIC10/12/16/18 8-bit MCUs up to PIC24/dsPIC 16-bit and PIC32 32-bit families within Microchip's semiconductor portfolio. OTP means One-Time-Programmable: the program memory can be written only once after manufacture, suiting low-cost, fixed-function production firmware.
Key differentiating specifications include: 35 single-word RISC instructions, single-cycle execution except for two-cycle branches, a programmable code protection bit, and an external oscillator interface supporting crystal, resonator, or RC modes. The 14-bit instruction word width is unique to the PIC16C mid-range family, distinguishing it from baseline (12-bit) and enhanced (16-bit) PIC cores.
Architecturally, the device uses a Harvard memory layout with separate program and data buses, a 7-level hardware stack, and four oscillator configuration options selected by configuration fuse bits. The integrated EEPROM block supports byte-level in-application write cycles, enabling storage of calibration, configuration, or usage-tracking data that survives power cycles — a feature uncommon in pure-OTP MCUs of this generation.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, sensor interface modules, automotive body electronics (non-safety), HVAC fan/thermostat controls, and educational/developer platforms where the PIC16C architecture's simplicity and broad tool-chain support (MPLAB X IDE, PICSTART+, MPLAB PM3) shorten design cycles.
A primary design consideration is the OTP memory constraint: firmware revisions require a new silicon lot, so production firmware must be fully validated before mask-programming. The 18-SOIC pinout is shared with other PIC16C6x family members, enabling footprint reuse across variants.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16CE623-20/SO — 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 PIC16CE623-20/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture, Instruction Cycle Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16CE623-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16CE623-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CE623-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CE623-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CE623-20/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (133 ns for branches) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 × 14-bit) |
| Data RAM | 96 B |
| EEPROM Data Memory | 128 B |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc/Vdd) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect (BOD), Power-on Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) |
| Connectivity | External Oscillator (Crystal/RC) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16CE623-20/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — 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 (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| 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 port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16CE623-20/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control, Sensor Interface Module, HVAC Fan / Thermostat Control, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Platform, Industrial Control Panel Keypad Scanner.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16CE623-20/SO suits low-cost consumer appliance control boards where unit cost dominates and firmware is fully validated before OTP mask-programming. Its 20 MHz core and 200 ns instruction cycle handle button debouncing, LED multiplexing, and simple state machines in a small PCB footprint. The 128-byte EEPROM stores user preference settings (timer values, mode presets) that survive power cycles, while 96 bytes of RAM is sufficient for typical appliance state variables. Verified by Microchip application notes for PIC16C6x family reference designs, the 18-SOIC package is easier to hand-prototype than the 18-DIP variant and suits automated SMT assembly.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Module
For discrete sensor interface modules (temperature, humidity, optical, proximity), the PIC16CE623-20/SO provides adequate throughput at 5 MIPS to digitize analog sensors via external ADC and emit data through GPIO bit-banged protocols. The 13 I/O pins accommodate a sensor cluster plus indicator LEDs and a UART transmit line. Brown-out Detect (BOD) and Watchdog Timer (WDT) protect unattended remote sensor installations against brown-out and code-stuck fault modes. The OTP memory ensures low per-unit cost in high-volume sensor deployments, and the 18-SOIC footprint enables compact PCB designs.
Recommended
HVAC Fan / Thermostat Control
The PIC16CE623-20/SO is well-suited for HVAC fan-speed controllers and basic thermostat modules, where the 13 I/O pins drive triac interfaces, relay coils, and seven-segment displays. Its 20 MHz core computes PI control loops for fan speed regulation with deterministic 200 ns cycle time. On-chip EEPROM retains last-user-set temperature and fan-mode preferences across power cycles. Verified by Microchip reference designs for the PIC16C6x family, the device's wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply tolerance supports both 3.3 V and 5 V HVAC bus systems.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body electronics (window lift, mirror adjustment, interior lighting), the PIC16CE623-20/SO offers adequate compute at low cost. The Watchdog Timer (WDT) and Brown-out Detect (BOD) provide basic automotive-grade resilience against supply transients. The automotive-grade variant PIC16CE623-20E/SO supports -40 °C to +125 °C under-hood thermal environments per Microchip's automotive MCU guidelines. The 18-SOIC footprint simplifies through-hole-to-SMT migration for new ECU designs.
Recommended
Educational / Hobbyist Embedded Platform
The PIC16CE623-20/SO is widely adopted in university embedded systems courses and hobbyist projects because the PIC16C mid-range instruction set has only 35 single-word instructions, all single-cycle except branches. MPLAB X IDE with PICSTART+ or MPLAB PM3 programmers support the OTP device for educational kits. Its 18-SOIC footprint is breadboard-friendly via SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards, and the 14-bit instruction width introduces students to a different ISA paradigm than the 8051 or AVR families.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panel Keypad Scanner
For industrial control panels with 4×4 or 8×8 matrix keypads, the PIC16CE623-20/SO scans up to 16 keys using 8 GPIO pins with software debouncing in firmware. The 20 MHz core completes full keypad scans in under 5 ms, well below the human-perceptible 50 ms response threshold. EEPROM stores last-entered PIN codes or operator credentials. The 18-SOIC package is ruggedized for control-panel PCB environments where SOIC withstands vibration better than DIP. Brown-out Detect (BOD) prevents keypad lockup during brown-out events.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16CE623-20/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16CE623-04I/SO | PIC16CE623-04/SO | PIC16CE623-20E/SO | PIC16CE623-20I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295") | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B (512 × 14) OTP | 896 B (512 × 14) OTP | 896 B (512 × 14) OTP | 896 B (512 × 14) OTP | 896 B (512 × 14) OTP |
| RAM | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B |
| EEPROM | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B | 128 B |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | -40 °C to +125 °C (Extended) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| Approx. Unit Price (USD) | 1.50 | 1.45 | 1.20 | 2.10 | 1.95 |
Key Differentiators
- 128-byte on-chip EEPROM data memory (vs PIC16C623-20/SO (no EEPROM))
- 20 MHz maximum clock vs 4 MHz siblings (vs PIC16CE623-04/SO)
- Mature 18-SOIC package across entire family (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: Because PIC16CE623-20/SO uses OTP program memory, firmware revisions require fabricating a new silicon lot — a multi-week cycle costing thousands of dollars in mask charges. Fully validate firmware on a Flash-based sibling (PIC16F628A-I/SO) before committing to OTP production. Do not use PIC16CE623 for prototypes where firmware is expected to iterate.
Brown-out Detect (BOD) holds the device in reset when VDD drops below a configured threshold (~4.0 V typical at 5 V nominal). For battery-powered designs, configure BOD to match the minimum supply rail to prevent code execution at unreliable voltages. Use a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close to the VDD pin (pin 14) as possible, plus a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the supply rail.
Place the external crystal/oscillator as close as possible to OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) with short, symmetrical trace lengths. Keep crystal traces away from switching signal traces to avoid coupling noise into the clock. For RC oscillator mode, use a 22 pF load capacitor on OSC1 to stabilize the internal bias. Route MCLR/VPP (pin 4) with a 10 kΩ pull-up resistor to VDD unless external reset control is needed.
Estimated: At 20 MHz clock with 13 GPIO outputs toggling simultaneously, ground-bounce and supply-rail noise can cause spurious resets. Use a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane beneath the 18-SOIC footprint, or a 2-layer PCB with a ground pour stitched around the device. Keep analog sensor traces (if any) routed perpendicular to switching signal traces to minimize crosstalk.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable (PIC16CE623 is not automotive-qualified; for AEC-Q100, consider PIC16F628A-I/SO with PPAP documentation). Conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip's standard CMRT declarations.