PIC16C54-10I/P - 8-bit OTP MCU, 10MHz, 12 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-10I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.64 | $1.64 |
| 10 | $1.55 | $15.50 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.3 | $650.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16C54-10I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that contains a processor core, program and data memory, and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16C5X family is a foundational line of low-cost, high-performance 8-bit RISC microcontrollers in the broader category hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor device. The "C" in PIC16C54 denotes EPROM program memory, distinguishing it from the "F" flash-based successors (PIC16F54/PIC16F84A) while preserving the same instruction set, register layout, and pinout.
Key features include a two-level hardware stack, 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), direct/indirect/relative addressing modes, seven or eight special-function hardware registers, and a watchdog timer for reliable operation. The "-10" speed grade specifies a 10 MHz maximum oscillator frequency with a 100 ns instruction cycle, while the "I" suffix denotes an industrial temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. Wide operating voltage support (typically 2.5 V to 6.0 V or 3.0 V to 6.0 V depending on variant) makes the part adaptable to battery-powered and 5 V logic systems.
The PIC16C54 architecture is intentionally minimalist — no interrupts, no on-chip peripherals beyond TMR0, no UART — which keeps code density high (12-bit wide instructions deliver roughly 2:1 compression over typical 8-bit CISC competitors). This simplicity translates to deterministic instruction timing, very low sleep current, and predictable real-time behaviour in cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Typical applications include consumer appliance controllers, battery chargers, LED drivers, simple sensor interfaces, and educational/hobbyist platforms where cost per unit and deterministic timing outweigh the need for modern peripherals. The 18-pin PDIP package remains popular for breadboarding and through-hole assembly in low-volume production.
When designing with this device, note that OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed — firmware bugs require physical part replacement. Designers targeting in-system reprogrammability should consider the PIC16F54 (flash, same pinout) as a pin-compatible modern alternative.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, same-family pin-compatible replacements, and engineering design notes that go beyond what appears in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-10I/P — 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 PIC16C54-10I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Program Memory Size, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54-10/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-10E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-10/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | PIC® 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 × 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Speed | 10 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions (12-bit wide), single-word/single-cycle |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 × 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Stack Depth | 2 (hardware) |
| Interrupts | None |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.0 V (typical 5 V) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial, "I" grade) |
| Package | 18-PDIP (0.300", 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Oscillator Type | External RC or crystal/ceramic resonator |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (internal RC, software-disabled) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per current Microchip product data) |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16C54-10I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (digital I/O, open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal/RC mode) |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 6.0 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-10I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Controllers, Battery Chargers & Power Management, LED Lighting Drivers, Educational & Hobbyist Microcontroller Training, Simple Sensor Interfaces & Data Loggers, Remote Controls & RF Transmitter Keypads.
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16C54-10I/P is well-suited for low-cost consumer appliance controllers such as coffee makers, toasters, washing-machine user interfaces, and microwave oven keypad logic. Its 12 I/O pins are sufficient to scan 4×4 matrix keypads plus drive 7-segment LED displays, while the 33-instruction RISC core executes state-machine control code deterministically in well under 100 µs per loop. Compared to 8-bit CISC alternatives, the PIC16C5X core's 2:1 code compression means the full 768-byte OTP can hold sophisticated control logic — for example, multi-stage cooking profiles, sensor-failure detection, and user-feedback buzzer patterns. The industrial -40 °C to +85 °C rating handles appliance environments near heating elements. OTP memory ensures that mass-produced firmware is locked and cannot be reverse-engineered, which is valuable for brand protection in competitive consumer markets.
Recommended
Battery Chargers & Power Management
Simple NiCd/NiMH or single-cell Li-ion charger controllers benefit from the PIC16C54-10I/P's low cost, 3.0–6.0 V supply range, and minimal external component count. The 8-bit TMR0 drives PWM charge-current regulation by toggling a MOSFET gate, while the 12 I/O pins handle current sensing, voltage feedback, status LEDs, and temperature sensor inputs. The OTP program memory prevents accidental firmware overwrite during in-field EMI events, a common concern with chargers plugged into noisy AC mains. With no interrupt controller, the firmware loop runs in a deterministic ~50 µs cycle, simplifying UL/IEC safety-software certification. The 25-byte RAM is sufficient to maintain charge-state variables (V_batt, I_charge, T_cell, elapsed_time) without external memory. Industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation in garage or workshop environments.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
LED lighting controllers for decorative strips, signage, and architectural fixtures use the PIC16C54-10I/P to generate multi-channel PWM dimming patterns. Each of the 12 I/O pins can directly drive a MOSFET or constant-current LED driver, enabling 12 independent PWM channels at 8-bit resolution each. The 10 MHz oscillator combined with the 100 ns instruction cycle supports PWM frequencies above 1 kHz with minimal flicker. The 33-instruction RISC core can implement chase patterns, color-mixing algorithms, and DMX-style address decoding within the 768-byte OTP budget. The 25-byte RAM holds frame buffers and channel state. Industrial temperature grade accommodates outdoor fixture enclosures.
Recommended
Educational & Hobbyist Microcontroller Training
The PIC16C54-10I/P remains a staple in university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist learning because its minimalist architecture (33 instructions, 2-level stack, no interrupts, no peripherals) forces students to learn fundamental concepts like polling loops, bit-banged I/O, and register-level programming. The 18-pin PDIP package fits standard breadboards, and the 5 V supply is convenient for TTL-level lab interfacing. Programming is supported by Microchip's MPLAB PM3 and PICkit programmers, plus a wide ecosystem of third-party tools. OTP memory teaches an important engineering lesson about firmware-lock trade-offs. The $1.50 unit price keeps classroom lab kits affordable for large student cohorts.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interfaces & Data Loggers
Low-speed sensor front-ends such as thermistor-based temperature loggers, soil-moisture monitors, and door/window contact counters run well on the PIC16C54-10I/P. The 8-bit TMR0 captures timing intervals, while the 12 I/O pins read multiple discrete sensors and drive a serial EEPROM or UART-style bit-banged output to a host. At a polling rate of 100 Hz, the 25-byte RAM is sufficient to hold 10–20 sample points plus status flags. The industrial temperature range suits outdoor environmental monitoring. Code fits within 768 bytes thanks to the 2:1 compression advantage of 12-bit PIC instructions over 8-bit CISC cores. OTP memory prevents accidental in-field firmware corruption during battery swaps.
Recommended
Remote Controls & RF Transmitter Keypads
Garage-door openers, ceiling-fan remote controls, and simple RF key fobs use the PIC16C54-10I/P to scan a keypad matrix and bit-bang OOK/ASK transmitter modulation. With only 12 I/O pins, an 8-button keypad plus an RF-enable line and LED indicator fits comfortably. The PIC16C5X core's deterministic 100 ns instruction cycle at 10 MHz produces clean OOK edges with no jitter, which is critical for receiver-side timing decoding. The 3.0 V minimum supply allows direct battery operation from 2 × AA cells or a CR2032 with a boost converter. OTP memory prevents cloning of proprietary RF protocols — an important security property for access-control applications.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-10I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54-10/P | PIC16C54-10E/P | PIC16F54-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP (0.300") | 18-PDIP (0.300") - same | 18-PDIP (0.300") - same | 18-PDIP (0.300") - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) - same | OTP EPROM (768 B) - same | Flash (768 B) |
| Maximum Frequency | 10 MHz | 10 MHz - same | 10 MHz - same | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) | -40 °C to +125 °C (extended) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 - same | 12 - same | 12 - same |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B - same | 25 B - same | 25 B - same |
| Interrupts | None | None - same | None - same | None - same |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade (vs PIC16C54-10/P)
- Drop-in flash alternative available (vs PIC16C54-10E/P (extended temp OTP))
- 2:1 code density vs 8-bit CISC competitors (vs Generic 8051-class OTP MCU at 10 MHz)
Design Notes
The PIC16C54-10I/P operates from 3.0 V to 6.0 V; a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor must be placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 18) to suppress supply noise. For battery applications drawing sub-100 µA, add a 10 µF bulk capacitor near VDD to handle the inrush when the oscillator starts. Estimate: typical supply current is ~2 mA at 5 V/10 MHz and <1 µA in sleep mode (per Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet DS30412G).
Route the MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) directly to a dedicated reset supervisor or pull-up resistor — do not share traces with high-current signals. Place the crystal or ceramic resonator within 10 mm of OSC1/OSC2 (pins 8 and 9), with short, symmetric traces to ground via the load capacitors. Ground returns for the 12 I/O pins should not run under the oscillator traces, as capacitive coupling can inject clock noise into digital I/O lines.
OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten — firmware bugs discovered during development will scrap every programmed part. Always validate firmware on a flash-based sibling (PIC16F54-I/P, identical pinout) before committing to OTP programming. Also note that the PIC16C5X has a 2-level hardware stack, so deeply nested subroutine calls will silently corrupt the PC. Keep call depth ≤ 2 or use iterative code patterns.
Port A pin RA4/T0CKI (pin 6) has an open-drain output structure — it cannot actively drive high. An external pull-up resistor (typically 4.7 kΩ to 10 kΩ) is required when using RA4 as a digital output. All other I/O pins (RA0–RA3, RC0–RC7) are CMOS push-pull. When interfacing 5 V PIC outputs to 3.3 V peripherals, use a series resistor or level translator to avoid exceeding the peripheral's VIH max.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; REACH status per current Microchip regulatory disclosure. AEC-Q100 not applicable for non-automotive commercial MCU. Halogen-free status not stated in provided data — verify with Microchip datasheet before halogen-sensitive applications.
