PIC16C54-10/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU 10MHz 768B SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-10/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.92 | $192.00 |
| 500 | $1.71 | $855.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16C54-10/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C54 sits in the legacy 8-bit OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM MCU class, which belongs to the microcontroller family, which itself belongs to embedded computing, a sub-domain of semiconductors. Modern descendants of this class use Flash memory rather than EPROM and include the PIC16F5X, PIC10/12/16/18 families, but the PIC16C54 architecture is still valued for cost-sensitive, high-volume, mature designs with stable firmware.
Key differentiating specifications of the PIC16C54-10/SS include the 33-instruction RISC architecture delivering 2:1 code compression over typical 8-bit CISC MCUs in the same price category, a 12-bit wide instruction word with symmetrical 8-bit data path, hardware MCLR/VPP reset for in-circuit serial programming, and a watchdog timer option. The 20-pin SSOP package has a typical height of 1.75 mm and a body width of 5.30 mm, allowing compact board layouts where 18-pin DIP is too tall.
Architecturally, the PIC16C54 uses Harvard memory organization with separate program and data buses, an ALU operating on any working register, and a seven-or-eight special-function hardware register set. This separation allows instructions to be fetched while data is being read or written, eliminating the von Neumann bottleneck and delivering deterministic single-cycle execution on all instructions except program branches (which take two cycles).
Typical applications include remote control transmitters, automotive sub-system controllers (interior lighting, seat-position logic), battery chargers, security keypads, small appliance controls, and general-purpose logic replacement in consumer and industrial products. The 10 MHz speed grade is sufficient for state-machine-style control loops and low-speed serial protocols.
Design consideration: the OTP program memory requires programming before insertion in production; for prototyping choose the PIC16C54-10/JW (windowed CERDIP) or the flash-based PIC16F54 drop-in equivalent. Use a decoupling capacitor of 100 nF on VDD within 5 mm of the pin, and keep the MCLR/VPP line short to avoid inadvertent resets from switching noise.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey and Mouser, drop-in PIC16C5X/16F5X alternatives, and practical SSOP-20 design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-10/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 PIC16C54-10/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Package, Timers, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54A-10/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F54-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-10E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-10/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F57-I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-10/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Family | PIC16C5X (PIC® 16C) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions |
| ADC | None |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.30 mm body) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Pin Count | 20 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (SSOP) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C54-10/SS 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 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage 4.5V to 5.5V |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-10/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control Transmitter, Automotive Interior Lighting Controller, Battery Charger State-Machine Controller, Security Keypad Scanner, Small Appliance Control Board, Logic Replacement / Glue Controller.
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16C54-10/SS is a strong fit for handheld infrared or RF remote control transmitters because its 10 MHz instruction cycle easily handles 38 kHz carrier modulation, and the 768-byte OTP program memory is sufficient to encode the full button matrix and protocol state machine. With only 12 I/O pins the part directly drives a 4x4 keypad matrix plus an LED indicator and IR LED driver. Power consumption in sleep modes is well below 1 mA, extending battery life on a single coin cell. The RISC 33-instruction set keeps the transmit-state-machine loop in fewer than 200 instruction bytes, leaving room for protocol extension.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting Controller
The PIC16C54-10/SS is well suited to interior automotive lighting controllers - dome lamps, puddle lamps, and welcome-light fade-in/fade-out - because of its 10 MHz speed, 5V-tolerant digital I/O, and small SSOP-20 footprint that fits behind the headliner module. The 12 I/O pins multiplex multiple lighting zones, the TMR0 counter generates PWM at 100 Hz to dim LEDs smoothly, and the MCLR pin provides clean reset behavior in automotive electrical environments. Designers targeting engine bay or underbody modules should choose the extended-temperature PIC16C54-10E/SS variant instead.
Recommended
Battery Charger State-Machine Controller
Lead-acid and NiMH charger controllers benefit from the PIC16C54-10/SS's deterministic single-cycle RISC execution: the 10 MHz clock gives 100 ns per step in a charge-state machine, easily handling CC/CV transitions, temperature foldback, and timer accumulation. The 768-byte OTP program memory is more than enough for state tables covering Li-ion CC/CV, NiMH delta-V cutoff, and lead-acid three-stage charging. Five I/O pins read thermistor voltage dividers and current-sense amplifiers, while seven additional I/O drive relay coils, status LEDs, and the AC-line optocoupler.
Recommended
Security Keypad Scanner
The PIC16C54-10/SS is widely deployed in PIN-entry keypads for alarm panels and access-control readers. Its 12 digital I/O pins scan a 3x4 matrix keypad, drive a piezo buzzer via PWM, and handshake with the host through a single-wire serial interface. The 25-byte RAM holds the 4- to 8-digit entry buffer plus debounce state, while 768 bytes of OTP stores the credential database and lockout logic. The 5V operating range matches typical alarm-panel supply rails without level translation.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Board
Coffee makers, bread machines, and slow cookers use the PIC16C54-10/SS to consolidate mechanical timer cams into a single solid-state controller. The 8-bit TMR0 generates precise timing for brew and keep-warm cycles, the 12 I/O pins drive triac optocouplers, relay coils, seven-segment LED displays, and the front-panel button matrix. The 5V supply matches rectified-mains-derived rails; the SSOP-20 footprint fits a 35 mm circular PCB behind the appliance fascia. Cost per unit at volume is below $1.55, matching the BOM targets of cost-sensitive appliances.
Recommended
Logic Replacement / Glue Controller
The PIC16C54-10/SS replaces 4-6 discrete TTL/CMOS logic ICs in legacy designs by mapping wiring-logic glue into a 768-byte state machine, freeing PCB area and reducing solder joints. Its 12 bidirectional I/O pins and 10 MHz speed are sufficient to debounce mechanical switches, generate timing sequences, multiplex seven-segment displays, and emulate shift-register behavior. Compared to a discrete 7400-series implementation, the PIC16C54 typically reduces component count by 60% and improves noise immunity through a single 5V rail and proper sequencing in firmware.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-10/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54A-10/SS | PIC16F54-I/SS | PIC16C54-10E/SS | PIC16C54-10I/SS | PIC16C54T-10/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz (internal 8 MHz) | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
| Internal Oscillator | No | Yes (4 MHz, 8 MHz option) | Yes (8 MHz) | No | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost 8-bit OTP MCU at $1.55/qty 1000 (vs PIC16F54-I/SS)
- Single-supply 5V operation matches legacy designs (vs PIC12F675)
- Industry-standard Microchip toolchain support (vs Cross-brand 8051 MCUs)
- Wide temperature grade variants available (vs PIC16C54-10E/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) and a bulk 10 uF aluminum-polymer or tantalum capacitor at the board supply entry. The PIC16C54-10/SS draws a typical supply current of 1.8 mA at 5V/10 MHz; decoupling must suppress the 100 ns instruction-cycle current spikes. Adding a 10 ohm series ferrite bead on VDD reduces conducted noise from digital I/O switching back into the analog supply rail.
The SSOP-20 package has a theta_JA of approximately 95 C/W when mounted on a 4-layer JEDEC test board. At maximum 5V supply, 10 MHz clock, and all 12 I/O pins driving 20 pF loads at 50% duty, internal power dissipation stays below 80 mW and junction temperature rises by less than 8 C above ambient. No thermal management is required for typical consumer/commercial applications.
Keep the MCLR/VPP trace (pin 4) short - under 25 mm - and route it away from switching signals. The MCLR input has a Schmitt trigger, but a stray capacitance above 50 pF can prevent the programmer from driving the VPP voltage above 13V reliably during OTP programming. Add a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD on MCLR; if the design must tolerate fast VDD transients, add a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to VSS to filter them out.
Do not assume you can re-program the OTP PIC16C54-10/SS in-circuit - one wrong bit and the part is bricked. For prototypes, use the PIC16C54-10/JW windowed CERDIP variant (UV-erasable) or, better, qualify the flash-based PIC16F54-I/SS drop-in. Also note that GP3/MCLR cannot be used as a general-purpose input on the PIC16C54 - it is input-only and shared with the reset function.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product declaration; AEC-Q100 not qualified for PIC16C54-10/SS commercial grade; extended temp PIC16C54-10E/SS is automotive grade.
