PIC16C54-LP/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU, 768B, 12 I/O, SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-LP/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.27 | $3.27 |
| 10 | $2.95 | $29.50 |
| 100 | $2.51 | $251.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.82 | $1,820.00 |
PIC16C54-LP/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, I/O peripherals, and clock generation into one package. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the broader category of microcontrollers, which sit inside the semiconductor hierarchy as programmable logic devices used to implement embedded control functions. The "LP" suffix designates the low-power oscillator mode, which pairs with a 32 kHz watch crystal for ultra-low standby current, while "SS" denotes the SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) form factor.
Key features include a two-level hardware stack, direct/indirect/relative addressing modes, an 8-bit real-time counter (TMR0), power-on reset, watchdog timer, and code protection. The PIC16C5X architecture delivers roughly an order-of-magnitude higher performance than competing MCUs in the same price tier, according to the manufacturer datasheet.
Typical applications include low-cost embedded control nodes, appliance timers, battery-powered sensor interfaces, simple motor controllers, and remote-control transmitters. The wide 3.0V-6.0V supply range and LP oscillator mode make it well suited for energy-constrained applications drawing microamp-level standby currents.
When designing with the PIC16C54-LP/SS, note that OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory cannot be erased, so development typically begins with the windowed JW-package variant before committing to the production SSOP OTP device. Program with the MPLAB PM3 Universal Device Programmer.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet or individual distributor listings.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-LP/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-LP/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Core Architecture, Watchdog Timer.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54CT-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-LP/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (OTP EPROM, 512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Maximum Clock Speed (LP mode) | 40 kHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Stack Depth | 2 levels (hardware) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Oscillator Mode (LP) | Low-power crystal (32 kHz typical) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead Free / RoHS | Compliant (per Heisener listing) |
PIC16C54-LP/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 | RTCC — RTCC input / RA4 shared pin |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master clear reset input |
| 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 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator crystal output (LP mode: 32 kHz) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator crystal input (LP mode: 32 kHz) |
| 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 (3.0V to 6.0V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-LP/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Battery-Powered Remote Control Transmitter, Appliance Timer / Delay Relay, Low-Cost Sensor Interface Node, Simple Stepper / DC Motor Controller, Automotive Interior Lamp Timer, Electronic Toy and Game Logic, Industrial Counter / Tachometer Front End.
Battery-Powered Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16C54-LP/SS fits battery-powered remote controls because its LP oscillator mode pairs with a 32 kHz watch crystal to deliver microamp-level standby current, while the 12 I/O pins drive keypad scan matrices and RF encoder lines. Its 3.0V-6.0V supply range accepts 2-3 alkaline or lithium cells directly without a boost regulator. The 33-instruction RISC core executes each opcode in a single cycle, keeping the active current low during button-press bursts. Compared with newer PIC16F54 flash parts, the OTP-only PIC16C54-LP/SS is preferred where code-extraction resistance matters more than in-field reprogrammability.
Recommended
Appliance Timer / Delay Relay
The PIC16C54-LP/SS is well suited to appliance timer modules where it controls a relay or TRIAC after a preset delay, because its 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler provides flexible timing intervals and the 768-byte OTP memory holds lookup tables for several preset durations. The 12 I/O lines drive seven-segment displays, status LEDs, and zero-cross detectors simultaneously. Industrial washing machines, dishwashers, and HVAC zone controllers routinely use this family for under-$1 BOM cost. The wide 3.0V-6.0V supply range tolerates rectified mains-derived rails with minimal regulation.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Interface Node
Sensor-interface nodes that wake periodically, read an analog or digital sensor, and transmit a coded burst benefit from the PIC16C54-LP/SS LP oscillator mode, which holds the CPU in microamp-level sleep between measurements while still allowing quick wake via watchdog or external interrupt. The 25-byte RAM accommodates small scratch buffers for averaging, and the 12 I/O pins handle SPI sensor chips, LEDs, and a UART-style one-wire output. Typical deployments include weather stations, irrigation soil-moisture probes, and wireless HVAC duct sensors. The 3.0V minimum supply lets the part run directly from a single lithium cell down to its end-of-life voltage.
Recommended
Simple Stepper / DC Motor Controller
Stepper and small brushed-DC motor controllers fit the PIC16C54-LP/SS because the 12 I/O pins directly drive dual H-bridges or stepper coils, while TMR0 generates the commutation timing. The single-cycle RISC core keeps phase jitter low at low RPM, which matters for smooth torque in 3D-printer axis drives or valve actuators. Most legacy designs run the part at 4 MHz XT mode for commutation rates above 1 kHz, with the LP mode reserved for standby parking. The 33-instruction core is small enough to certify quickly for safety-critical motion paths.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lamp Timer
The PIC16C54-LP/SS is a fit for automotive interior lamp and accessory delay-off timers, because the LP oscillator mode keeps standby draw below typical automotive quiescent-current budgets when the ignition is off. The 12 I/O pins drive relay coils, monitor door-switch inputs, and blink courtesy lamps via TMR0 interrupts. The OTP memory prevents aftermarket firmware tampering, which designers appreciate for warranty and regulatory reasons. Always migrate to AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16C54C-04E/SS for under-hood or safety-relevant automotive applications.
Recommended
Electronic Toy and Game Logic
The PIC16C54-LP/SS has been a workhorse for electronic toys and educational game modules because the 33-instruction RISC core is straightforward for junior firmware developers to learn, while the 12 I/O pins drive LEDs, sound chips, and button matrices without external logic. The 768-byte OTP memory holds several game routines plus a randomized-play table. Cost-sensitive toy makers favor OTP over flash to deter cloning. Typical battery life exceeds 100 hours from a pair of AA cells because the LP oscillator keeps sleep current at microamp levels.
Recommended
Industrial Counter / Tachometer Front End
Factory-floor counters and tachometer front ends benefit from the PIC16C54-LP/SS because TMR0 captures pulse trains from Hall-effect or optical sensors while the 12 I/O lines multiplex seven-segment displays and BCD-output drivers. The 2-level hardware stack is sufficient for simple interrupt-driven counting, and the 25-byte RAM holds debounce and BCD-conversion scratchpads. The 3.0V-6.0V supply tolerates 24V industrial rails after a single zener drop. Migration to PIC16C54C-04I/P is recommended for new industrial designs needing 4 MHz clock and active production status.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-LP/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/SS | PIC16C54A-04/SS | PIC16C54-10/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | NRND |
| Max Clock Frequency | 40 kHz (LP mode) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
Key Differentiators
- True low-power LP oscillator mode optimized for 32 kHz watch crystals (vs PIC16C54C-04/SS)
- Single-cycle RISC core delivers deterministic instruction timing (vs PIC16C54-10/SS)
- Compact 20-pin SSOP package with 12 I/O pins (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C54-LP/SS LP oscillator mode draws microamp-level standby current when paired with a 32 kHz watch crystal on OSC1/OSC2. Estimated: at VDD = 3.0V, oscillator only, the part typically pulls < 15 uA idle current per Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet figures. Add bulk decoupling (10 uF electrolytic + 0.1 uF ceramic) close to the VDD pin to suppress the inrush that occurs when the part exits sleep via watchdog timeout.
Because PIC16C54-LP/SS uses OTP (one-time-programmable) EPROM, code cannot be erased after programming - any code bug requires a new device. Always develop firmware on the JW (windowed) ceramic package variant first, then commit to the production SSOP OTP device once code is verified. Per Microchip application note TB016, OTP write timing requires VDD within 4.5V-5.5V during programming; use MPLAB PM3 to enforce this.
Place the 32 kHz watch crystal and its load capacitors (typically 33 pF) within 5 mm of the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize parasitic capacitance that detunes the LP oscillator. Route MCLR with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for clean reset behavior. Per Microchip PIC16C5X datasheet section on oscillator design, keep crystal traces short and away from switching signals to avoid frequency jitter.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Heisener listing and Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose PIC16C54C-04E/SS (extended temp grade) for automotive-adjacent applications. NRND lifecycle limits long-term production support.
