PIC16C54-RC/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 12 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-RC/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.96 | $3.96 |
| 10 | $3.61 | $36.10 |
| 100 | $3.28 | $328.00 |
| 500 | $2.95 | $1,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.62 | $2,620.00 |
PIC16C54-RC/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory (ROM/RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals on one integrated circuit. The PIC16C5X family from Microchip Technology is a low-cost, high-performance, fully static, EPROM/ROM-based 8-bit CMOS microcontroller family employing a RISC architecture with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions. These devices belong to the broader semiconductor hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor device.
Key features include 12 digital I/O pins, an 8-bit timer/counter, a 4MHz internal oscillator (RC type), watchdog timer, power-on reset, and 12-bit-wide instruction words that provide 2:1 code compression over other 8-bit microcontrollers in its class. The RISC Harvard architecture separates program and data memory, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access for faster execution. The PIC16C54-RC/P operates from a single 3.0V to 6.0V supply, drawing only a few milliamps of active current and supporting power-saving SLEEP mode.
Typical applications include low-cost embedded control, sensor interfacing, appliance controllers, automotive body electronics, hobbyist projects, and legacy industrial control replacement. The 12 I/O lines and 768-byte OTP program memory provide sufficient headroom for simple state-machine and I/O-scanning applications such as keypad scanners, LED drivers, and small motor controllers.
When designing with this MCU, account for OTP memory (one-time programmable only; not re-programmable in-circuit). Use the MPLAB PM3 or equivalent programmer for code load. Verify the RC oscillator component values against Vdd for reliable clock startup across operating temperature. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-RC/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-RC/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-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-HS/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-LPI/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-20I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-RC/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C5x |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| CPU Architecture | Harvard RISC, 33 instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Oscillator Type | RC (external resistor/capacitor) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300", 7.62mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Non-Compliant (legacy 18-pin PDIP) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Power-On Reset | Yes |
PIC16C54-RC/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 | RTCC — Real-Time Clock/Counter input (Schmidt trigger) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/Vpp — Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage 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 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (3.0V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator 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-RC/P is suitable for 7 applications: Low-Cost Embedded Sensor Controllers, Appliance Control Boards, Hobbyist and Educational Projects, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), LED Display and Signage Drivers, Remote Control and IR Receiver Decoders, Industrial Legacy Replacement and Maintenance.
Low-Cost Embedded Sensor Controllers
The PIC16C54-RC/P is well-suited for low-cost embedded sensor controllers that read a few analog or digital inputs and drive simple actuator outputs. Its 12 I/O pins provide sufficient ports for connecting temperature sensors, switches, and relay drivers, while 768 bytes of OTP program memory holds typical state-machine code for HVAC controls, simple thermostats, or environmental monitors. The RC oscillator eliminates the cost of a crystal, and the 4 MHz CPU clock executes the 33-instruction RISC set in 1 us per instruction - fast enough for 10 ms control loops in appliance sensor applications.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
White goods and small appliances (coffee makers, microwave oven control panels, washing machine user interfaces) commonly use PIC16C54-RC/P for front-panel control. The 12 I/O lines drive multiplexed LED or 7-segment displays, read membrane keypads, and switch triacs for heater or motor control. The 25-byte RAM is adequate for storing current state, timer values, and key debounce buffers. OTP memory locks the firmware permanently, preventing unauthorized reprogramming in high-volume consumer products.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Projects
The PIC16C54-RC/P is a classic choice for hobbyist electronics and educational microcontroller training due to its simple RISC architecture, breadboard-friendly 18-pin PDIP package, and extensive legacy learning resources. With only 33 instructions, beginners can master the entire instruction set in days. Programming is supported by low-cost programmers like the MPLAB PM3 or clone devices. Projects include LED chasers, simple robotics, electronic dice, and introductory embedded programming courses - the PIC16C5x family remains a teaching staple worldwide.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Older automotive body controllers (interior lighting, mirror adjustment, simple door lock modules) historically used PIC16C54-RC/P due to its wide operating voltage range (3.0V-6.0V tolerant of 6V automotive rails with regulation) and 12 I/O sufficient for relay and switch interfacing. The commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade suits cabin-mounted modules. Note: AEC-Q100 qualification is not applicable to this legacy part; new automotive designs should migrate to PIC16F or dsPIC families with proper automotive-grade certification.
Recommended
LED Display and Signage Drivers
The PIC16C54-RC/P drives multiplexed LED matrices and simple scrolling-sign controllers with its 12 I/O lines. Each I/O can source/sink up to 20 mA, sufficient to drive LEDs directly without buffers in small matrices (up to 8x8). The 4 MHz clock provides fast refresh rates - a 4x4 matrix refreshes at over 1 kHz with no flicker. OTP memory locks the pattern sequence permanently, and the 25-byte RAM holds current row/column indices and timing variables for the multiplex routine.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Receiver Decoders
Simple IR remote controls and their receivers use PIC16C54-RC/P to encode/decode pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signals for TV, fan, or toy applications. The 8-bit timer measures IR pulse widths precisely at 4 MHz (1 us resolution). 12 I/O lines connect to the IR demodulator, indicator LEDs, and the controlled device (relay, TRIAC, or motor driver). OTP programming ensures fixed protocol firmware; manufacturers program custom IR protocols before sealing the device.
Recommended
Industrial Legacy Replacement and Maintenance
Industrial machinery installed in the 1990s and 2000s often contains PIC16C54-RC/P in timing relays, counter modules, and simple process controllers. The part is still in production for maintenance replacement because redesigning legacy equipment is cost-prohibitive. Distributors stock large quantities (Heisener reports 58,584 pieces available) precisely for this industrial aftermarket. Engineers maintaining legacy systems can order directly without requalification, as the silicon and firmware interfaces remain identical to original deployment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-RC/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/P | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16C54C-04I/P | PIC16C54-HS/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300") | 18-pin PDIP (0.300") - same | 18-pin PDIP (0.300") - same | 18-pin PDIP (0.300") - same | 18-pin PDIP (0.300") - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Oscillator Type | RC (4 MHz) | RC (4 MHz) | RC (4 MHz) | RC (4 MHz) | HS Crystal (20 MHz) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V (extended low) | 3.0 V to 6.0 V | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost oscillator option in PIC16C5x family (vs PIC16C54-HS/P)
- Mature, widely-stocked legacy part with 13 distributor sources (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- OTP memory locks firmware permanently (vs PIC16C54C-04/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C54-RC/P operates from a single 3.0V to 6.0V supply on Vdd (Pin 14). Decouple Vdd with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pin and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum capacitor at the board power-entry point. The MCLR/Vpp pin (Pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd for normal operation; during programming, Vpp rises to 13V nominal. Without proper decoupling, transient Vdd drops during output switching can trigger spurious brown-out resets.
Estimated: With RC oscillator mode at 4 MHz using typical R = 10 kohm and C = 100 pF component values, the actual oscillator frequency varies +/- 15% across operating temperature and Vdd. Do not design timing-critical UART or fixed-delay routines assuming exact 4 MHz; use the timer's prescaler or measure clock against an external reference. For applications requiring better than +/- 5% timing accuracy, switch to a crystal-based PIC16C54-HS/P or PIC16C54-XT/P variant.
The 18-pin PDIP package has standard 0.300" (7.62 mm) row-to-row pin spacing with 2.54 mm (0.100") pin pitch - both DIP socket and breadboard compatible. Keep trace lengths to OSC1/OSC2 (Pins 15, 16) short (< 20 mm) to minimize oscillator noise pickup. Route MCLR (Pin 4) trace away from high-current switching outputs to prevent false resets. The PDIP package allows easy hand-soldering and IC socket replacement for prototype iterations.
PIC16C54-RC/P uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) EPROM, not Flash - each device can be programmed only ONCE. Buy OTP samples separately for development; do not commit OTP devices until firmware is fully validated on a Flash equivalent like PIC16F54-I/P or PIC16C554 (which are re-programmable). Per Microchip programming manual, OTP programming uses Vpp = 13V on MCLR/Vpp pin, and the device must be erased to UV light before reuse - a windowed JW package is required for reuse.
Compliance Information
Legacy 18-pin PDIP package typically uses SnPb (tin-lead) finish and is not RoHS-compliant. REACH compliance per Microchip product declaration. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade part. For RoHS-compliant equivalents, choose PIC16F54-I/P in SOIC or SSOP package with Flash memory.
