PIC16CE623-20E/SS - 8-Bit OTP MCU 20MHz 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16CE623-20E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.12 | $31.20 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC16CE623-20E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16C family represents Microchip's original mid-range 8-bit architecture with separate program and data buses (Harvard architecture), enabling single-cycle instruction execution and predictable interrupt latency. OTP variants like the PIC16CE623 are intended for cost-sensitive, high-volume production where firmware is finalized at the time of programming.
Key features of the PIC16CE623-20E/SS include an instruction execution time of 200 ns (single-cycle, except program branches which are two-cycle), 96 bytes of RAM, integrated 128-byte EEPROM data memory, a programmable watchdog timer, and an internal oscillator option. The 'E' suffix denotes the extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, while the '20' denotes the 20 MHz maximum clock speed.
Architecturally, the PIC16CE623 uses a RISC-style 14-bit instruction word that improves code density relative to 8-bit CISC architectures. The on-chip EEPROM allows user data persistence without external storage, and the 13 I/O pins can be configured for digital I/O, timer capture/compare, or analog comparator functions depending on peripheral routing. The Harvard bus ensures simultaneous instruction fetch and data access.
Typical applications include low-cost appliance controls, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, LED driving controllers, simple battery-powered instrumentation, and industrial timing/logic replacement. The wide 3.0V-5.5V operating range supports both 3.3V and 5V system designs with a single device, and the integrated EEPROM eliminates external NVM in many subsystems.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit — production programming must be done before final assembly. Designers should use a compatible PIC16F or PIC16C flash/UV-erasable variant (e.g., PIC16F628) for prototyping and migrate to the OTP CE623 for cost-down production. The device has been widely second-sourced and remains supported through Microchip's product longevity program.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative cross-references, and practical design considerations that go beyond the manufacturer's datasheet, enabling engineers to source, compare, and qualify the PIC16CE623-20E/SS with confidence.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16CE623-20E/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 PIC16CE623-20E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Program Memory Type, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16CE623-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.06 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16CE624-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CE625-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CE623-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16CE623-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16CE623-20E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14 words) OTP |
| Data RAM | 96 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | 128 bytes on-chip |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (single-cycle) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E = extended industrial) |
| Package Type | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit (TMR0/TMR1) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (software-enabled) |
| A/D Converter | None (digital-only part) |
| Internal Oscillator | Optional (RC mode) |
| Programmable Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
PIC16CE623-20E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA6/OSC2/CLKOUT — I/O / oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 8 | RA7/OSC1/CLKIN — I/O / oscillator input / external clock |
| Pin 9 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RB6/PGC — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 18 | RB7/PGD — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16CE623-20E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Appliance Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-End, LED Driver and Lighting Controller, Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Industrial Timer and Logic Replacement, Automotive Body Electronics.
Low-Cost Appliance Control
The PIC16CE623-20E/SS suits appliance controllers (washing machines, microwave ovens, coffee makers) because its 13 I/O pins and 35-instruction RISC core deliver deterministic sub-microsecond response for timer, sensor, and relay control. The 896 bytes of OTP program memory holds typical state-machine firmware that drives triac outputs and reads keypad inputs, while the 128-byte EEPROM persists user settings (preset programs, calibration, error logs) across power cycles. The 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply range matches both 3.3 V and 5 V appliance designs without level translation, and the -40 C to +125 C extended industrial temperature tolerates under-cabinet and motor-bay thermal stress.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-End
For thermocouple, RTD, and bridge-sensor conditioning subsystems, the PIC16CE623-20E/SS acts as the digital signal processor that linearizes, filters, and transmits sensor data via GPIO bit-banging protocols (UART, SPI). Its 20 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle enable 10 kHz sample rates with first-order digital filtering in firmware, while the on-chip EEPROM stores per-channel calibration coefficients that survive power loss. Compared with discrete op-amp plus ADC designs, the integrated PIC core reduces BOM by 30-50 percent, and the SSOP-20 footprint fits in tight sensor housing PCBs.
Recommended
LED Driver and Lighting Controller
In architectural LED drivers and decorative lighting controllers, the PIC16CE623-20E/SS generates PWM dimming waveforms at up to 20 kHz to drive MOSFET gate drivers without audible noise. Its 13 I/O pins multiplex 3-4 LED channels with current-mode feedback, while the 128-byte EEPROM remembers dim presets and color sequences across power cycles. The 3.0 V minimum supply allows direct Li-ion battery operation in portable fixtures, and the -40 C to +125 C range supports outdoor-rated luminaires exposed to ambient swings.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Instrumentation
Handheld meters, portable data loggers, and remote sensor nodes leverage the PIC16CE623-20E/SS low operating current (under 2 mA at 5 V, 4 MHz) and the optional internal oscillator that eliminates external crystals for further power savings. The 3.0 V minimum rail supports 2 x AA alkaline or single Li-ion chemistries directly, and the on-chip EEPROM stores logged samples during power-down without external NVM. Sleep mode with watchdog wake-up enables multi-year battery life in duty-cycled logging applications.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Logic Replacement
Replacing legacy 555 timers and discrete logic with the PIC16CE623-20E/SS reduces PCB area while adding programmable behavior (delays, sequences, conditional gating). A single SSOP-20 replaces two or three 555s in a multi-stage timing chain, with cycle accuracy better than 1 percent due to crystal-controlled operation. The wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply tolerates industrial 5 V rails with substantial noise margin, and the -40 C to +125 C extended industrial temperature range matches cabinet and factory-floor environmental specifications.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Body controllers (window regulators, mirror adjusters, interior lighting) use the PIC16CE623-20E/SS to multiplex switch inputs and drive relay or H-bridge outputs. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature tolerates under-dash thermal swings, and the 5 V native operation matches automotive 12 V regulated rails. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the OTP CE623 family is widely used in non-safety automotive subsystems where the deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle simplifies timing-budget verification against SAE J1939 or LIN stack schedules.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16CE623-20E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16CE623-20/SS | PIC16CE624-20E/SS | PIC16CE625-20E/SS | PIC16F628A-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology (same) | Microchip Technology (same) | Microchip Technology (same) | Microchip Technology (same) |
| Program Memory | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 896 B OTP (same) | 1792 B OTP | 3584 B OTP | 3584 B Flash |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) |
| Data EEPROM | 128 B | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) | 128 B (same) | 256 B Flash data |
| Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (same) | -40 C to +125 C (same) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP (one-time) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) | OTP (same) | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 (same) | 13 (same) | 13 (same) | 16 (with USART) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (same) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (same) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (same) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (same) |
Key Differentiators
- Smallest OTP program in PIC16CE62X family with full EEPROM data memory (vs PIC16CE624-20E/SS)
- Extended industrial temperature range (vs PIC16CE623-20I/SS)
- True drop-in for flash prototype with same die family (vs PIC16F628A-I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16CE623 is OTP (one-time programmable) — once programmed, the program memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Engineers must validate firmware on a flash-equivalent (e.g., PIC16F628A-I/SS in the same 20-SSOP package) and verify the HEX file checksum before committing production units. Mismatched configuration bits are the most common cause of bricked parts, so CONFIG register contents must be checked against the production HEX file in source control.
For 3.3 V operation, the brown-out reset (BOR) trip voltage must be configured below the minimum regulated rail (typically 2.7 V or 4.0 V depending on CONFIG setting) to avoid spurious resets during power-down. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF ceramic placed within 5 mm of the package pins, and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board input to handle inrush when relay coils or motor loads share the same supply. The MCLR pin should be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor to allow in-circuit programming.
Place the ICSP clock (PGC, pin 17) and data (PGD, pin 18) lines away from switching signals and clock traces to minimize programming errors. Keep the MCLR/VPP trace short (under 50 mm) to limit HV programming overshoot. The 20-SSOP's 0.65 mm pitch requires PCB land patterns per IPC-7351 nominal density — verify the fab house can reliably produce 0.30 mm-wide pads with 0.05 mm solder mask dam.
The 20-SSOP package has a typical theta_JA of 95 C/W in still air, so the PIC16CE623 dissipates up to 0.65 W at +125 C ambient before exceeding the +150 C junction limit. In sealed outdoor enclosures with no airflow, derate current by 20 percent or move to a larger package (SOIC-20 or PDIP-20) to lower junction temperature. The internal EEPROM write cycle generates brief current spikes; ensure bulk capacitance is sufficient to prevent VDD droop during write operations.
When using the internal RC oscillator, clock frequency accuracy is typically +/- 2 percent over voltage and temperature — adequate for UART bit-banging at low baud rates (9600 bps and below) but not for serial protocols requiring +/- 0.5 percent accuracy. For UART, LIN, or USB applications, use an external crystal or ceramic resonator on OSC1/OSC2 with appropriate loading capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) per the datasheet section on oscillator design.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified — not recommended for automotive safety-critical applications. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declarations. Conflict-minerals compliant under Section 1502.
