PIC16C54-HSE/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU 16MHz 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-HSE/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.68 | $16.80 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.2 | $600.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16C54-HSE/P Overview
Background: An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, with non-volatile program memory that can be written once and read many times (One-Time-Programmable). OTP parts sit between mask-ROM devices (cheapest at volume, no field programming) and Flash parts (re-programmable). PIC® microcontrollers from Microchip belong to the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) hierarchy of small embedded controllers, characterized by a small instruction set, single-cycle execution, and Harvard memory architecture. They are widely deployed in cost-sensitive, deterministic embedded applications where minimal external component count and predictable timing are valued over large code space or in-system re-programmability.
Key features of the PIC16C54-HSE/P include 12-bit wide instructions (giving 2:1 code compression versus typical 8-bit CISC MCUs), 33 single-word single-cycle instructions, a fully static design that allows clock stopping, a programmable code protection bit, and a power-on reset (POR) plus watchdog timer (WDT) for reliable operation in unattended environments. The device supports an operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 6.25 V (5 V nominal), with typical supply current under 2 mA at 5 V / 4 MHz and under 10 µA in standby.
Architecturally, the PIC16C54-HSE/P uses a two-stage pipeline RISC core that fetches an instruction while executing the previous one, yielding nearly one MIPS per MHz. The 12-bit instruction word packs both opcode and operand, allowing very dense code. Twelve special-function registers (SFRs) handle I/O and control, and 12 digital I/O pins are brought out across the two ports (RA0-RA3, RB0-RB7). The HSE oscillator option drives the on-chip oscillator block with a high-speed crystal or external clock up to 16 MHz, supporting faster execution than the standard HS (high-speed) option without changing instruction timing.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, appliance control boards, security system sensor interfaces, low-end remote-control transmitters, and small industrial timers where cost and small code footprint matter more than in-system re-programmability. The automotive temperature grade makes the part suitable for under-hood and dashboard deployments. Designers often pair the PIC16C54 with a PICkit™ or MPLAB® PM3 programmer for production programming of the OTP array.
Design considerations: the OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit, so firmware must be fully validated before burning. Use decoupling of 100 nF plus 10 µF tantalum within 5 mm of VDD, and keep the crystal traces short and guarded. The maximum I/O sink/source current is 25 mA per pin and 100 mA per port, so any higher-current load (relay, LED string) must be buffered by a transistor. Power-on reset and watchdog timer should always be enabled in safety-critical applications.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-HSE/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-HSE/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Timers, I/O Pins, Package, Program Memory Size, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-20I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-20I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-HSE/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) OTP |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | None (no on-chip EEPROM) |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 16 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions (12-bit wide) |
| I/O Pins | 12 (Port A: 4, Port B: 8) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with watchdog |
| ADC | None |
| Communication | None (no UART/SPI/I2C) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V (5 V nominal) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (extended, "E" grade) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (Plastic DIP, through-hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16C54-HSE/P 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 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| 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 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / CLKOUT |
| 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
PIC16C54-HSE/P is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Appliance Control Boards (Washing Machines / Dishwashers), Security System Sensor Interfaces, Remote Control Transmitters, Industrial Timers and Counters, LED Lighting Pattern Controllers, Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16C54-HSE/P's -40 °C to +125 °C extended temperature grade (E suffix), 16 MHz CPU performance, and 768-byte OTP memory fit automotive body controllers for lighting, mirror, and seat control. The 12-bit-wide instruction set compresses typical state-machine code by 2:1 versus 8-bit CISC cores, allowing complex sequence logic to fit in 768 bytes. Designers place a 10 µF tantalum plus 100 nF ceramic within 5 mm of VDD, use the watchdog timer for safety, and pair the MCU with high-side drivers like the MCP14E1 because each I/O pin is rated only 25 mA. Compared with Flash MCUs the OTP keeps per-unit cost below 1.50 USD at 1000 pieces.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards (Washing Machines / Dishwashers)
In white-goods control boards the PIC16C54-HSE/P runs the user-interface state machine (button scanning, LED driving, buzzer control) without needing Flash re-programming in production. Its 12 GPIO pins (RA0-RA3, RB0-RB7) cover a typical keypad plus status LED array, and the 8-bit TMR0 with watchdog handles the timing-critical wash-cycle scheduler. Power is derived from a 5 V linear regulator fed by the mains transformer; engineers typically add a TVS diode on VDD and a series resistor on MCLR for robust line-transient immunity. Cost versus Flash alternatives is roughly 30-40 % lower at the same volume.
Recommended
Security System Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16C54-HSE/P serves as a low-cost hub for PIR motion sensors, reed switches, and glass-break detectors in distributed security installations. Its 25-byte RAM is sufficient for a small event queue, and the 33-instruction RISC core performs sensor debouncing and RF encoding without external logic. The /INT pin on RB0 wakes the part from standby on alarm, drawing < 10 µA between events to extend battery life. The 16 MHz oscillator option allows Manchester-encoded 433 MHz/868 MHz transmit bitstreams to be generated in firmware with deterministic timing. OTP programming prevents firmware tampering - a security feature in itself.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
Battery-powered garage-door openers, ceiling-fan remotes, and similar one-way RF controllers benefit from the PIC16C54-HSE/P's small code footprint, deterministic instruction timing, and < 10 µA standby current. The 16 MHz oscillator option drives Manchester or PWM bit-banged protocols at up to several kbit/s without external UART. The OTP memory prevents cloning attacks and supports secure pairing tables. A 3 V coin cell (CR2032) plus an MCP1700 LDO powers the MCU; brown-out reset is enabled to avoid partial programming during battery end-of-life.
Recommended
Industrial Timers and Counters
Industrial time-delay relays, conveyor counters, and process timers use the PIC16C54-HSE/P for its deterministic single-cycle execution, watchdog timer, and wide supply range (2.5 V to 6.25 V) that tolerates 24 V industrial rails stepped down through simple zener regulation. The 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler delivers precise timing down to 200 ns at 16 MHz; cumulative count overflow flags interrupt the main loop without an external real-time clock. The extended -40 to +125 °C operating range survives unheated factory cabinets, and OTP programming locks the timing parameters against unauthorized adjustment.
Recommended
LED Lighting Pattern Controllers
Decorative LED strips, signage animations, and architectural lighting fixtures use the PIC16C54-HSE/P to drive Charlieplexed or multiplexed LED arrays from its 12 GPIO pins. The 16 MHz CPU sustains PWM refresh rates of several kHz while leaving headroom for color-mixing math; 768 bytes of OTP holds 8-bit lookup-table gamma correction plus a small animation sequencer. The wide 2.5-6.25 V supply range interfaces directly to 5 V or 3.3 V LED driver logic, and the extended temperature grade survives outdoor fixture environments. Cost under 1.50 USD at qty 1000 keeps BOM minimal for high-channel-count installations.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
Mass-market electronic toys, RC controllers, and educational kits adopt the PIC16C54-HSE/P for its very low unit cost (below 1.10 USD at qty 1000), simple 5 V operation, and forgiving through-hole 18-PDIP package that simplifies hand-soldering in educational settings. The 33 single-cycle instructions are easy to teach and the 12-bit instruction width produces readable disassembly. Despite being OTP, the part is popular for high-volume SKUs where the firmware is finalized during development and never needs field updates - a typical pattern in toy manufacturing.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-HSE/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54-HS/P | PIC16C54C-04/P | PIC16C54C-04I/P | PIC16C54C-20I/P | PIC16C54A-20I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | ~10 MHz crystal / 4 MHz ceramic | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory (OTP) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes | 768 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C (E grade) | -40 °C to +125 °C (E grade) | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Silicon Revision | Base PIC16C5X | Base PIC16C5X | PIC16C54C | PIC16C54C | PIC16C54C | PIC16C54A |
| I/O Pins | 12 (RA0-RA4, RB0-RB7) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Approximate Unit Price (qty 1) | 1.85 USD | 1.80 USD | 1.60 USD | 1.70 USD | 1.95 USD | 2.05 USD |
Key Differentiators
- 16 MHz high-speed oscillator option (HSE) (vs PIC16C54-HS/P)
- Extended -40 °C to +125 °C temperature grade (vs PIC16C54C-04/P (commercial 0-70 °C))
- Cost-optimized 12-bit instruction compression (vs PIC16C54C-20I/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: the PIC16C54-HSE/P draws roughly 1-2 mA active at 5 V / 4 MHz and 5-10 mA at 16 MHz (figures derived from the PIC16C5X family datasheet DC curves). Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD (pin 14) plus a bulk 10 µF tantalum at the regulator output. In noisy automotive environments add a series ferrite bead on VDD and a TVS diode (e.g. 5 V SMBJ) to clamp load-dump transients to within the 6.25 V absolute maximum.
Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 15 and 16) shorter than 5 mm and guard them with a ground ring to avoid coupling digital switching noise into the oscillator. Place the crystal or resonator as close to the IC as possible, with load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF for a 16 MHz crystal) returned to the analog ground plane. Route MCLR with a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to ground for a clean power-on reset; add a series resistor if MCLR is exposed to external programming or test points.
Three common pitfalls with the PIC16C54-HSE/P: (1) OTP memory cannot be re-written, so any firmware bug locked into the part is permanent - validate thoroughly on a PIC16F54-I/P or windowed PIC16C54/JW before committing to OTP. (2) The /INT pin (RB0) shares with general-purpose I/O, so ensure your firmware masks it correctly during port initialization. (3) The device has no on-chip UART, SPI, I2C, or ADC; if you need any of these, migrate to the PIC16F54 or PIC16F1822 family. (4) Always enable the watchdog timer (WDTE configuration bit) for unattended or safety-critical applications.
Compliance Information
Compliance values not explicitly stated in the verified web data; consult Microchip's product environmental compliance documentation. The /P PDIP package historically used tin-lead finish; lead-free and RoHS-compliant variants are typically ordered with a different finish code (consult Microchip ordering information).
