PIC16C54-H5/SO - 8-bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-H5/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.96 | $1.96 |
| 10 | $1.75 | $17.50 |
| 100 | $1.5 | $150.00 |
| 500 | $1.32 | $660.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16C54-H5/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals on one die; OTPs are a class of non-volatile memory that can be written once after manufacture and are ideal for low-to-medium volume production where the firmware is finalized at board bring-up. OTP sits between ROM (mask-programmed at the fab) and Flash (re-programmable in the field) in the reprogrammability hierarchy. PIC microcontrollers belong to the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors, and are widely used in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.
Key features of the PIC16C54-H5/SO include a RISC architecture with 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, 12-bit instruction width, 25 ns instruction cycle time at 20 MHz, 32 bytes of RAM, 12 I/O pins, and a programmable Watchdog Timer. The device also supports an internal/external oscillator, selectable low-power XT and HS oscillator modes, and operates across a wide voltage range.
This part uses an enhanced Harvard architecture with separate instruction and data buses, allowing instruction fetch to occur in parallel with data access. The 20 MHz maximum clock and single-cycle instruction set give the PIC16C54 approximately 5 MIPS of throughput, which is sufficient for simple control loops, timing, glue logic replacement, and basic sensor interfacing. The 18-SOIC (Small Outline IC) package provides a compact, surface-mountable form factor suitable for hand-soldered prototypes and high-volume PCB assembly.
Typical applications for this part include simple state machines, consumer appliance control, battery chargers, automotive body electronics, sensor signal conditioning, fan controllers, and remote-control transmitters. The wide operating range and low cost make it a common choice for legacy and replacement designs where proven firmware is already in production.
When designing with this part, note that the -H5 speed suffix denotes the 20 MHz oscillator range and SO is the 18-pin SOIC package. Engineers transitioning new designs to the PIC16C54 family should evaluate newer PIC16F or PIC18 alternatives for Flash-based reprogrammability, but the PIC16C54-H5/SO remains a reliable choice for long-life, cost-sensitive products.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings, and practical design notes for engineers maintaining legacy PIC16C5x designs not covered in the Microchip datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-H5/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 PIC16C54-H5/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Core Architecture, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54CT-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54AT-20E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-H5/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz (1:4 oscillator) |
| Data RAM | 32 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit Watchdog Timer |
| Oscillator Modes | XT, HS, internal/external |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| ADC | None (no on-chip ADC) |
PIC16C54-H5/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Digital I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Digital I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Digital I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Digital I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/RTCC — Digital I/O port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | GND — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | RB0 — Digital I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 9 | RB1 — Digital I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RB2 — Digital I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | RB3 — Digital I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | RB4 — Digital I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | RB5 — Digital I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RB6 — Digital I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RB7 — Digital I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Crystal/oscillator input (XT/HS mode) |
| Pin 17 | OSC2 — Crystal/oscillator output |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-H5/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Automotive Body Electronics, Battery Chargers and Power Management, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Glue Logic, Remote Control Transmitters, Industrial Fan and Pump Controllers.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C54-H5/SO is well suited for consumer appliance control because its 20 MHz RISC core delivers 5 MIPS throughput to drive simple state machines in washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers, and air-conditioner control boards. The 12 digital I/O pins can drive 7-segment displays, keypads, and relay coils directly when buffered, while the 768-byte OTP memory holds fixed firmware for control algorithms, sensor sampling timing, and safety interlocks. Its NRND lifecycle status makes it ideal for legacy appliance SKUs with long production runs where the firmware is finalized. The C revision lower-power cousin is a clean drop-in for energy-sensitive designs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
In automotive body electronics, the PIC16C54-H5/SO handles simple control tasks such as window-lift timing, mirror adjustment, interior lighting dimming, and keyless-entry receivers. The 12-bit instruction width and 33-instruction RISC set keep firmware compact for these deterministic tasks, while the 20 MHz clock provides sufficient headroom for debounce and PWM timing. The 18-SOIC package supports SMT assembly for high-volume automotive production. Although NRND, the device remains in qualified automotive SKUs through authorized distributors such as Rochester Electronics for service and warranty replacement.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management
Battery charger controllers benefit from the PIC16C54-H5/SO's deterministic instruction timing for CC/CV charge profiles in lead-acid, NiMH, and Li-ion chargers. The 8-bit core reads ADC through external pins, executes PWM by toggling GPIO, and sequences charge termination logic with the on-chip Watchdog Timer. The 768-byte OTP memory stores the charge profile algorithm as final production firmware. The low-cost OTP architecture is preferred over Flash for cost-down consumer chargers where firmware does not change after release. Drop-in migration to PIC16C54C-20/SO adds lower quiescent current for standby efficiency.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Glue Logic
The PIC16C54-H5/SO serves as a low-cost alternative to discrete 74-series glue logic in sensor signal conditioning paths, executing simple math for linearization, threshold comparison, and digital filtering on thermistor, RTD, and Hall-effect sensor inputs. Its 12-bit instruction width is adequate for fixed-point arithmetic on 8-bit sensor values, and the 20 MHz speed enables 10 kHz sample rates for temperature and pressure loops. The Watchdog Timer protects against firmware lockup in field-deployed industrial sensors. The 18-SOIC footprint allows placement adjacent to analog front-ends with short ground-return traces for noise immunity.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
For infrared and RF remote control transmitters, the PIC16C54-H5/SO generates precise carrier waveforms for IR protocols (RC5, NEC, SIRC) using its 20 MHz clock and single-cycle instruction timing. The 12 GPIO pins can drive a 4x4 keypad matrix plus LED indicators and the IR/RF modulator transistor. OTP memory is ideal because production remote control firmware is fixed and cost per unit is critical. The PIC16C54's wide operating voltage range supports battery-powered designs using 2x AA or coin cells, with the Watchdog Timer ensuring clean wake-up from sleep between button presses.
Recommended
Industrial Fan and Pump Controllers
Industrial fan and pump controllers rely on the PIC16C54-H5/SO for variable-speed drive timing, tachometer feedback sampling, and overcurrent protection sequencing. The 5 MIPS throughput at 20 MHz is sufficient for sensorless back-EMF sampling at 25 kHz on small BLDC fans and pumps. The 12 I/O pins drive TRIAC gates, read zero-cross detection, and monitor fault inputs. OTP memory locks in the validated control algorithm and prevents field tampering. The PIC16C54C-20/SO drop-in lowers quiescent current to support standby-mode energy compliance in EU Ecodesign regulations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-H5/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/SO | PIC16C54C-20/SO | PIC16C54A-20/SO | PIC16F84A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-80%) | 20 MHz (same) | 20 MHz (same) | 10 MHz (-50%) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP 768 B (512 x 12) | OTP 768 B (same) | OTP 768 B (same) | OTP 768 B (same) | Flash 1 KB (reprogrammable) |
| Data RAM | 32 B | 32 B (same) | 32 B (same) | 32 B (same) | 68 B (+113%) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 12 (same) | 13 (+1) |
| Architecture | PIC16C5x (12-bit core) | PIC16C5x (same) | PIC16C5x (same) | PIC16C5x (same) | PIC16F mid-range (14-bit core) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Higher 20 MHz clock grade (-H5 suffix) versus -04 grade (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO)
- Flash memory reprogrammability for field updates and dev cycles (vs PIC16F84A-I/SO)
- Lower quiescent current CMOS process (vs PIC16C54A-20/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) with the ground return trace directly to the GND pin (pin 7) to minimize supply-induced noise. For designs using the HS 20 MHz oscillator, place a second 10-100 nF cap on the VDD rail near the OSC1/OSC2 pins to filter clock noise. Keep the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) within 5 mm of pin 1; long traces can pick up noise and cause spurious resets. The 18-SOIC land pattern should match JEDEC MS-013 standards with at least 0.5 mm clearance between adjacent traces.
Three common pitfalls to avoid: (1) The PIC16C54 has only a 2-level hardware stack - deeply nested subroutine calls (or interrupt service routines if enabled) will corrupt the stack and cause firmware lockup; limit call depth accordingly. (2) The Watchdog Timer (WDT) has its own on-chip RC oscillator and must be enabled in the configuration fuse and periodically cleared in firmware to prevent unintended resets. (3) The PIC16C54-H5/SO is OTP - once programmed, it cannot be erased, so always validate firmware on a PIC16F equivalent or windowed PIC16C54 (JW package) before committing to OTP programming.
Power supply design considerations: the PIC16C54 typically operates at 2.5-6.0 V (consult datasheet for exact range) with quiescent current in the low mA range at 20 MHz. For battery-powered designs, use the SLEEP instruction to drop Iq to <1 uA and wake on watchdog timeout or port change interrupt. Add a series ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor on VDD if the supply is shared with motors or relays. The /MCLR pin can be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation, but ensure the rise time is fast enough (less than 1 ms) to avoid intermittent resets on power-up.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance status for the PIC16C54-H5/SO is not explicitly stated in the verified web data; verify with Microchip product page before use in RoHS-restricted designs. The PIC16C54 family is generally not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive use consider PIC16C54CT-20I/SO industrial temp grade and consult Microchip automotive product listing.
