PIC16C54-HSE/SO - 8-Bit 16MHz OTP MCU 768B 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-HSE/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.78 | $1.78 |
| 10 | $1.55 | $15.50 |
| 100 | $1.32 | $132.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.05 | $1,050.00 |
PIC16C54-HSE/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data memory (RAM), and integrated peripherals such as timers, I/O ports, and interrupts. The PIC16C5x baseline family sits at the entry tier of the Microchip PIC architecture, optimized for cost-sensitive, deterministic control tasks in appliance, automotive, and industrial applications. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C54 belongs to: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 baseline -> CMOS EPROM/OTP family. This category is now largely superseded by Flash-based PIC16F1xxx parts but remains in long-lifecycle and legacy designs.
Key features of the PIC16C54-HSE/SO include 12 I/O pins, 2.5 mA typical I/O source/sink, an 8-bit real-time timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, power-on reset, watchdog timer, and code-protection. The OTP program memory is windowless (one-time programmable only) and the device is rated for industrial temperature operation from -40C to +85C, with extended grades to +125C. Power consumption is approximately 2 mA at 5V/16 MHz operating and under 1 uA in SLEEP mode.
The PIC16C54-HSE/SO uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction fetch plus ALU operation. Its high-speed 16 MHz external oscillator option (versus the standard 4 MHz LP oscillator of the base PIC16C54) makes the part suitable for time-critical control loops, while the RISC instruction set keeps interrupt latency deterministic at 4 cycles. The 18-SOIC package is the wide-body 300-mil SOIC, which is hand-solder friendly and compatible with most through-hole adapter boards.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, automotive body controllers, security keypads, simple sensor interfaces, low-end motor control, and white-goods user-interface logic. The wide SO package and OTP memory suit designs requiring a stable firmware image for the product's lifetime without field reprogramming.
When designing with the PIC16C54-HSE/SO, plan for the OTP programming step early; OTP memory cannot be erased, so firmware must be fully debugged in a windowed or Flash-based sibling (such as PIC16F54) before final code commitment. The 25-byte RAM limit and absence of hardware UART constrain this part to small, polled control loops rather than communication-heavy tasks.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers a one-stop reference for legacy PIC16C5x designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-HSE/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-HSE/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Package, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-HSE/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5x baseline |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 16 MHz (HS oscillator mode) |
| Instruction Cycle | 250 ns (single-cycle, except branches 2-cycle) |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler |
| Operating Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Source/Sink Current | 2.5 mA typical |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (300 mil wide body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C54-HSE/SO 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 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| 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 (5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| 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/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Controllers, Security Keypads and Access Control, Simple Sensor Interfaces, White Goods User-Interface Logic, Low-End Motor Control.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C54-HSE/SO is a classic MCU for washing machine controllers, microwave ovens, and dishwasher user-interface logic where 12-bit OTP code space and 16 MHz deterministic execution are sufficient. Its 25-byte RAM handles simple state machines and switch-matrix scanning. The 18-SOIC package is easy to hand-prototype and survives the appliance environment, while the OTP memory guarantees that production firmware cannot be overwritten in the field, supporting warranty and regulatory traceability.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controllers
The PIC16C54-HSE/SO has been used in automotive body control modules for seat position memory, mirror adjustment switches, and simple lighting sequencers. Its industrial temperature rating of -40C to +85C covers most cabin environments, and the 16 MHz instruction cycle provides fast debounce-free input scanning. The 12-bit-wide instruction set delivers 2:1 code compression over 8-bit 8051-class MCUs, fitting substantial logic in only 768 bytes of OTP.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Control
The PIC16C54-HSE/SO controls matrix-scanned security keypads and simple access controllers because its 12 I/O pins can drive 4x4 key matrices without external logic. The 25-byte RAM is adequate for storing a few PIN digits, while the OTP memory holds the access algorithm permanently. The 250 ns instruction cycle provides fast key debounce, and the part's 1 uA SLEEP current suits battery-backed alarm panels.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interfaces
The PIC16C54-HSE/SO is well-suited to low-cost sensor front-ends that read thermistor, photoresistor, or contact-debounce signals and output a digital state or PWM. With one 8-bit timer/counter and an 8-bit prescaler, it can measure pulse widths or generate servo control signals. The HS oscillator option supports deterministic sampling at 16 MHz, and the 12 I/O pins easily handle 8-bit parallel sensor buses.
Recommended
White Goods User-Interface Logic
White goods such as refrigerators, cookers, and washing machines use the PIC16C54-HSE/SO for LED/LCD indicator driving, button scanning, and buzzer control. The OTP memory ensures UI code is stable for the product lifecycle, while the 12 I/O pins multiplex up to 7-segment displays. The 18-SOIC wide-body package handles reflow soldering reliably, and the part's <1 uA SLEEP current extends standby time in energy-saving modes.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control
The PIC16C54-HSE/SO drives small DC motors, stepper motors, and solenoid valves in cost-sensitive applications such as vending machines and HVAC damper actuators. Its 16 MHz instruction cycle generates accurate PWM via software bit-banging, and the 8-bit timer provides commutation timing. The 2.5 mA I/O source/sink capability directly drives small MOSFET gates or Darlington arrays without buffering.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-HSE/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F54-I/SO | PIC16C54A-20I/SO | PIC16C54C-20I/SO | PIC16C54-10I/P | PIC16C54-HS/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (768 B) | Flash (768 B) | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 16 MHz (HS) | 16 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz | 16 MHz |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 6.25 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | Active | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Flash memory instead of OTP (vs PIC16C54-HSE/SO)
- Faster 20 MHz clock (vs PIC16C54-HSE/SO)
- Pin-compatible with extended revisions (vs PIC16C54C-20I/SO)
Design Notes
OTP memory is one-time programmable only. Do not commit firmware to PIC16C54-HSE/SO until you have fully debugged and verified the code on a windowed PIC16C54/JW or, preferably, on a Flash-based PIC16F54-I/SO. Once programmed, the part cannot be erased or re-used.
Place the HS oscillator crystal or ceramic resonator within 5 mm of pins 15 and 16 (OSC1/OSC2) and route traces symmetrically with ground shielding. The 16 MHz HS mode is sensitive to capacitive loading, so keep stray capacitance below 15 pF total. Add a 1 MOhm parallel feedback resistor across OSC1 and OSC2 for clean start-up with a crystal.
Estimated: VDD current at 5V/16 MHz is approximately 2 mA active and <1 uA in SLEEP per Microchip PIC16C5x datasheet. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of pin 14 (VDD) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the regulator output. The MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kOhm pull-up to VDD; do not leave it floating or floating low during normal operation.
The PIC16C54-HSE/SO has no significant self-heating; the CMOS baseline family dissipates under 25 mW even at full 16 MHz operation. Standard 18-SOIC thermal resistance is around 75 C/W theta-JA, well within safe operating area for any commercial or industrial environment. No heatsink or thermal copper pour is required beyond normal PCB ground fill.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance status is not consistently published for this NRND legacy OTP part; verify with Microchip's latest material declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. For new automotive designs, choose the PIC16F54-I/SO or PIC16F1503 family with full RoHS/REACH documentation.
