PIC16C54-LPI/P - 8-Bit 40MHz OTP MCU, 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-LPI/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.27 | $1.27 |
| 10 | $1.14 | $11.40 |
| 100 | $1.02 | $102.00 |
| 500 | $0.91 | $455.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.85 | $850.00 |
PIC16C54-LPI/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program + data), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16C5X family is part of Microchip's classic baseline 8-bit PIC architecture, which introduced the popular RISC instruction set that later scaled into PIC16 and PIC18 families. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an MCU sits inside Integrated Circuits > Microcontrollers and historically served as the lowest-cost entry point for embedded control in appliances, toys, and simple industrial timers before modern Cortex-M0 and RISC-V parts displaced it in new designs.
Key specifications include: 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, a 2-level deep hardware stack, 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), direct/indirect/relative addressing modes, a watchdog timer for safety, and an operating temperature range of -40C to +85C (industrial grade). The 12-bit-wide instruction word provides 2:1 code compression over typical 8-bit CISC microcontrollers, allowing programs that would consume 1.5 KB on competing parts to fit in 768 bytes.
Architecturally, the PIC16C54 uses a Harvard-style separate program/data bus, fully static CMOS design for low quiescent current, and EPROM/OTP-based program memory. Brown-out and power-on reset circuitry protect against undefined behavior during supply transients. The device targets low-cost, high-volume embedded applications where minimal pin count and deterministic interrupt-free operation outweigh the need for peripherals such as UART, ADC, or PWM.
Typical applications include simple timer/sequencer logic, battery chargers, motor control (relay/coil drivers), LED blinkers, remote-control transmitters, security keypads, and appliance control boards. The wide operating temperature and OTP memory make it especially common in cost-sensitive consumer products with short life cycles.
When designing with this part, use a 4 MHz to 10 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator with the LP oscillator option to minimize current consumption in battery-powered systems. Ensure MCLR is properly biased through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD to prevent spurious resets, and place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, OTP/EPROM flash-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-LPI/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-LPI/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Timers, Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-LPI/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5X baseline |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM | 25 B |
| EEPROM | None |
| CPU Speed | 40 MHz maximum (10 MHz oscillator / 4) |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Stack Depth | 2 levels (hardware) |
| Oscillator Mode | LP (Low-Power) |
| Package | PDIP-18 (through-hole) |
| Pin Count | 18 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C54-LPI/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 port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset) with internal pull-up |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference (0 V) |
| 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 (2.5 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Crystal/resonator input for LP oscillator |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Crystal/resonator output for LP oscillator |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-LPI/P is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Timer and Sequencer, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Remote Control and IR Transmitter Logic, Security Keypad and Access Controllers, LED Display and Chaser Patterns, Motor and Relay Driver Sequencing.
Battery-Powered Timer and Sequencer
The PIC16C54-LPI/P is ideally suited to battery-powered timer and sequencer designs because its LP (Low-Power) oscillator mode supports 32.768 kHz watch crystals with current consumption in the microamp range. Its 2-level hardware stack and 33 single-cycle instructions keep code compact enough that a 768-byte program memory budget suffices for typical timing patterns. The 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range accepts 3 V lithium or 4.5 V battery packs directly. Compared with newer flash PICs, the PIC16C54-LPI/P's OTP memory also removes any concern about inadvertent flash writes during brown-out events in sealed field-deployed units.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
In cost-sensitive consumer appliances (toasters, coffee makers, washing-machine sub-boards, microwave keypads), the PIC16C54-LPI/P provides just enough MIPS and I/O without paying for unused peripherals. Its 12 I/O pins can directly drive LED indicators, relay coils, and triac gates, while the 8-bit TMR0 generates the 1 ms or 10 ms tick bases that most appliance state machines require. The industrial -40 C to +85 C range survives kitchen and garage environments, and the OTP memory prevents field tampering with embedded firmware. The 18-pin PDIP also survives hand-soldering and rework better than QFN alternatives common in newer MCUs.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter Logic
Simple IR remote controls, garage-door openers, and key-fob transmitters use the PIC16C54-LPI/P because the LP oscillator drives a 32.768 kHz or 455 kHz carrier timing reference with minimum battery drain. The 12 I/O accommodate 4 x 3 keypad scanning, an IR LED driver, and a status LED with no multiplexing required. Its 768-byte program memory comfortably fits RC5, NEC, or proprietary IR protocols including button debounce and repeat-frame logic. The OTP version is preferred over flash in this application because remote-control firmware is locked at production and never updated.
Recommended
Security Keypad and Access Controllers
Standalone security keypads, RFID reader controllers, and door-strike timers can be built around the PIC16C54-LPI/P with no external memory or glue logic. The 12 I/O drive a 4 x 4 matrix keypad scanner (8 lines), two LED indicators, a buzzer, and a relay output for the strike. The 2-level hardware stack plus 25 bytes of RAM is sufficient for state machines storing PIN codes in non-volatile external EEPROM. The PIC16C54-LPI/P's watchdog timer catches lockup conditions caused by EMI on the keypad cables, a critical reliability feature for unattended security hardware.
Recommended
LED Display and Chaser Patterns
LED chaser lights, decorative marquees, and scoreboard controllers use the PIC16C54-LPI/P for low-cost pattern generation across 8 to 12 LED channels. The 25-byte RAM holds the current frame buffer; the 8-bit TMR0 generates precise chase-speed interrupts; and the 12 I/O drive LEDs directly via current-limit resistors or low-side MOSFETs. Running at 32.768 kHz LP oscillator, total quiescent current can be held under 1 mA even with all LEDs off, making battery-powered wearable LED products feasible. The PIC16C54-LPI/P's wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply range also supports 3 V coin-cell or USB-powered designs without regulation.
Recommended
Motor and Relay Driver Sequencing
Stepper-motor indexers, solenoid valve arrays, and multi-relay sequencing controllers leverage the PIC16C54-LPI/P to generate precisely timed activation patterns. The 12 I/O drive 4 x half-bridge channels or 6 x relay coils directly through Darlington drivers, and the 2-level stack keeps the firmware loop straightforward. Brown-out detection ensures relays do not chatter during supply collapse, and the 2.5 V minimum supply allows operation from partially discharged battery stacks. Compared with PIC16F1xxx enhanced parts, the PIC16C54-LPI/P costs roughly 30-40% less at high volume, which matters in commodity HVAC damper controls and industrial relay blocks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-LPI/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04I/P | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16C54-HS/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-18 | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | OTP EPROM (768 B) | Flash (768 words) | OTP EPROM (768 B) |
| Maximum Instruction Rate | 40 MHz | 4 MHz (-90%) | 4 MHz (-90%) | 20 MHz (-50%) | 40 MHz (same) |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Oscillator Mode | LP (Low-Power) | RC/HS | RC/HS | RC/HS/XT | HS (High-Speed) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
Key Differentiators
- Low-Power oscillator mode supports 32.768 kHz watch crystals for sub-20 uA quiescent current (vs PIC16C54C-04I/P)
- OTP memory eliminates field-reprogramming risk in sealed consumer products (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range for harsh-environment deployment (vs PIC16C54-10/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=5 V and an active CPU executing from OTP, the PIC16C54-LPI/P draws approximately 2 mA at 4 MHz oscillator (LP mode). At 32.768 kHz LP oscillator the supply current drops below 20 uA. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the PCB power entry. For battery-powered designs using a CR2032 coin cell, the LP oscillator with duty-cycled CPU operation extends life beyond 5 years.
Do not confuse the PIC16C54-LPI/P with the PIC16F54 or PIC16C54C - although all share the 18-pin PDIP pinout, the program memory types and oscillator mode configurations differ. The LPI variant uses LP mode and runs up to 40 MHz; substituting an HS or XT variant without reconfiguring OSCCON will fail to start. Also note that the 2-level hardware stack limits nested CALL depth to 2 - deep subroutines will corrupt the return address.
The MCLR pin (pin 4) MUST be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation, or directly to VDD if external reset is not needed. Floating MCLR causes intermittent resets in noisy environments. For in-circuit programming using the high-voltage (12 V) Vpp method, route the MCLR trace directly to the programming header pin with no series resistance. The OSC1 and OSC2 pins should be kept short and surrounded by a ground pour to minimize EMI coupling.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; this part targets industrial/consumer applications, not automotive. Lead-free PDIP package.
