PIC16C54-RC/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 12 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-RC/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.07 | $4.07 |
| 10 | $3.85 | $38.50 |
| 100 | $3.42 | $342.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.74 | $2,740.00 |
PIC16C54-RC/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (ROM/RAM), and programmable I/O. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the OTP/EPROM-based 8-bit RISC microcontroller category, sitting within the broader taxonomy of microcontrollers -> embedded microprocessors -> semiconductor ICs. It is widely used in cost-sensitive, low-power embedded applications where deterministic instruction timing and small code footprints matter more than raw arithmetic throughput.
Key features of the PIC16C54-RC/SO include a fully static CMOS design that allows the clock to be slowed or stopped without losing register state, a programmable watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, and an internal power-on reset circuit. The 12 I/O pins each support independent direction control, and the device consumes only a few milliamps at 4 MHz - ideal for battery-powered or always-on appliances. The OTP program memory supports one-time field programming via Microchip's PM3 or earlier universal programmers, and the device is offered in commercial 0C to +70C temperature grade.
Architecturally, the PIC16C5x uses a Harvard-style separate program/data bus, two-stage pipelined fetch/decode, and a 5-level deep hardware stack. The 12-bit instruction width is wide enough to embed literal operands directly, eliminating most multi-word instructions. This RISC-style design yields deterministic 250 ns instruction cycle time at 4 MHz, which simplifies real-time control loop design versus accumulator-based 8-bit MCUs.
Typical applications include appliance control (rice cookers, washing machines, microwave ovens), remote-control transmitters, LED display drivers, simple sensor interface boards, and hobbyist or educational embedded projects. The wide 3.0 V-5.5 V supply range suits both 3.3 V logic and legacy 5 V systems. For new designs, consider PIC16F54 (flash-based) as the modern equivalent; PIC16C54-RC/SO is recommended for legacy board replacements, cost-sensitive high-volume designs, or products where OTP suffices for production programming.
A key design tip: OTP memory cannot be reprogrammed - engineers must commit code to the device exactly once using a supported programmer, so verify firmware thoroughly in a flash-based equivalent (e.g. PIC16F54) before committing to production. Also note that the 'RC' suffix indicates the oscillator selection, so confirm pin assignments against the datasheet when migrating from XT or HS variants.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing, replacement, and board-level integration.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-RC/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-RC/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-XT/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54AT-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-RC/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5X (OTP/EPROM-based) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM | 25 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions (12-bit wide) |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Oscillator Type (RC suffix) | RC oscillator (external resistor/capacitor) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Compliant per supplier listing |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC16C54-RC/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (also T0CKI clock input) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/RTCC — Port A bit 4 / RTCC timer input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (INT interrupt) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (logic ground) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (RC mode: 1/4 fOSC) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (RC network connected here) |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-RC/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Remote Control Transmitters, LED Display and Lighting Controllers, Simple Sensor Interface Boards, Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Projects, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C54-RC/SO is widely deployed in cost-sensitive appliance controllers - rice cookers, microwave ovens, washing machines, and small kitchen appliances - because its 4 MHz RISC core, 768 B OTP, and 12 I/O pins can drive relay outputs, read keypad matrices, and time cooking cycles without external logic. The RC oscillator mode eliminates the crystal cost, and the wide 3.0 V-5.5 V supply supports direct connection to rectified mains-derived DC rails typical in appliance power supplies. At 4 MHz with 250 ns instruction cycle, the MCU has sufficient throughput for relay debouncing, sensor polling, and seven-segment multiplexing. The 12-bit instruction width keeps the heating/cooling control loop firmware compact within the 768-byte OTP budget, allowing single-chip BOM integration.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16C54-RC/SO fits IR/RF remote control transmitters where code size is small (often under 512 words), I/O count is modest (12 pins drives 4x4 key matrix plus LED indicator), and ultra-low standby current extends battery life. The fully static CMOS design allows the clock to be slowed or halted between key presses, dropping current to microamp levels - critical for coin-cell or AAA-battery remotes. The RC oscillator eliminates the crystal cost typically not justified in sub-USD 5 remotes. The 33-instruction RISC core generates precise IR carrier frequencies (38 kHz/40 kHz) using timer-based PWM, and the 12-bit instruction compression keeps the encode/decode firmware well within the 768-byte OTP budget.
Recommended
LED Display and Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C54-RC/SO drives 7-segment LED displays, simple chaser-light patterns, and decorative lighting controllers where deterministic instruction timing matters. At 4 MHz, the MCU can multiplex 4-8 digit 7-segment displays via direct GPIO drive using software timing - no external driver IC required. The 12 I/O pins split cleanly into segment outputs (8) and digit-select lines (4), with the remaining pins for buttons or mode switches. The 3.0 V-5.5 V supply matches common LED driver rails. The 768-byte OTP holds chaser patterns, dimming curves, and button-debounce state machines; the RC oscillator keeps BOM cost low for high-volume decorative lighting SKUs where each cent of component cost matters at scale.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Boards
The PIC16C54-RC/SO interfaces to low-bandwidth sensors (temperature, humidity, contact closures, analog thresholds via on-chip comparator) in industrial sensor modules and HVAC peripherals. The 12-bit instruction width handles BCD conversion, threshold checks, and alarm-relay logic within the 768-byte OTP budget. The wide 3.0 V-5.5 V supply matches 24V-derived sensor rails commonly found in HVAC and building-automation equipment. With RC oscillator and commercial 0C to +70C grade, this part serves indoor equipment; the PIC16C54C-04I/SO industrial variant extends to -40C to +85C for outdoor or unconditioned-space sensor modules where temperature swings are common.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Embedded Projects
The PIC16C54-RC/SO is a classic teaching vehicle for embedded systems courses and hobbyist projects where the goal is to learn 8-bit RISC programming on a minimal-memory target. The 33-instruction set can be learned in a single lab session, and the 768-byte OTP forces disciplined code-size optimization - valuable pedagogical constraint. The 18-SOIC package solders cleanly on breakout boards, and the RC oscillator lets students experiment with timing by changing R/C values. The Microchip MPLAB IDE plus PM3 programmer support the full PIC16C5X family. The PIC16F54 flash equivalent is recommended for coursework that requires reprogramming during development, while the PIC16C54-RC/SO itself teaches one-time-programmable production programming concepts.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
The PIC16C54-RC/SO appears in non-safety automotive aftermarket accessories such as alarm LED flashers, interior light dimmers, and simple timing modules where the commercial 0C to +70C temperature range is sufficient for cabin-mounted products. The 4 MHz throughput handles relay sequencing, PWM dimming, and button-event debouncing well within the 768-byte OTP code budget. For under-hood or engine-bay applications requiring -40C to +125C automotive temperature grades, designers should migrate to the PIC16C54C-04I/SO industrial variant or the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F54 automotive part. The wide 3.0 V-5.5 V supply tolerates the 12 V battery rail when paired with a simple linear regulator, and the 12 GPIO pins drive relays and LEDs without external buffers in most configurations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-RC/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/SO | PIC16C54-XT/SO | PIC16C54A-04/SO | PIC16C54C-20/SO | PIC16C54C-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Oscillator Selection | RC (external R/C) | RC | XT (crystal) | RC | RC | RC |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Modern 'C' silicon revision with improved oscillator stability (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO)
- Crystal-based timing accuracy for time-sensitive applications (vs PIC16C54-XT/SO)
- Industrial temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16C54C-04I/SO)
Design Notes
OTP (One-Time-Programmable) memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Always prototype and verify firmware on a flash-based equivalent (PIC16F54 in the same 18-SOIC footprint) before committing code to production PIC16C54-RC/SO parts. Verify the device can be programmed successfully using the Microchip PM3 or earlier PICSTART Plus programmer, and confirm the OTP security fuse setting matches your production intent (code-protected vs read-enabled).
For RC oscillator mode, place the external resistor and capacitor as close as possible to the OSC1 pin (pin 16) to minimize stray capacitance and noise pickup. Keep the RC network traces short and isolated from switching signal traces. Estimated: a typical RC network for 4 MHz uses R ~ 10 kohm and C ~ 100 pF, but consult the PIC16C5X datasheet Table 7-1 for the exact R/C values for your target frequency - tolerance of these components directly affects clock accuracy.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD (pin 14, logic VDD on PIC16C5X 18-SOIC) and a bulk capacitor (e.g. 10 uF) on the same node. The PIC16C54-RC/SO can operate from a 3.3 V or 5 V rail, but supply noise above 50 mV peak can corrupt program execution and RAM contents. Use a linear regulator (LM7805 or LM1117) for noisy supply rails such as rectified mains-derived DC. Brown-out detection is NOT available on the PIC16C5X family - external reset supervisor IC is recommended for applications with unreliable power.
The MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; pressing a manual reset button requires a 100 ohm series resistor to limit inrush current into the MCLR internal clamp diode. Avoid long MCLR traces that could pick up EMI and cause spurious resets. For in-circuit programming access, expose MCLR, VDD, VSS, RB6 (PGC) and RB7 (PGD) on a programming header following Microchip's ICSP layout recommendations.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance confirmed by Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. PIC16C5X family is not AEC-Q100 qualified; automotive applications should use PIC16F54 (AEC-Q100) instead. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in retrieved data - set to unknown.
