PIC16C54-RCE/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 768B ROM, SOIC-18 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-RCE/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.26 | $2.26 |
| 10 | $2.12 | $21.20 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.78 | $890.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC16C54-RCE/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computing system on a single integrated circuit that combines a CPU, RAM, ROM/Flash, I/O peripherals, and timers in one package. Microcontrollers sit in the semiconductor hierarchy as: microcontroller -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The PIC16C5X family is one of the earliest RISC-architecture 8-bit MCUs and remains popular in cost-sensitive and high-volume designs where predictable behavior and ultra-low power are essential.
The PIC16C54 executes 33 single-word instructions, all single-cycle (200 ns) except program branches which take two cycles, giving a deterministic instruction throughput ideal for interrupt-driven and tight-loop control tasks. Its Harvard memory architecture separates program and data paths to maximize throughput. Brown-out and watchdog options are device-dependent; the OTP variant allows factory or field one-time programming through Microchip device programmers.
Architecturally, the PIC16C54 employs a 12-bit instruction word, an 8-bit data path, two stack levels for subroutine nesting, and a power-on reset (POR) circuit. The internal RC oscillator option (denoted 'RC') simplifies designs by eliminating an external crystal; the 'E' suffix in RCE denotes the extended-temperature grade and 'C' indicates the CMOS process. These features balance silicon area, deterministic timing, and ultra-low quiescent current for battery-tolerant applications.
Typical applications include remote controls, automotive sub-system controllers, sensor signal conditioning, simple closed-loop PID control, low-end consumer appliances, and battery-powered instrumentation. Designers choose the PIC16C54-RCE/SO when code density, deterministic interrupt latency, and small footprint are critical.
When laying out the PCB, place VDD/VSS decoupling capacitors (0.1 uF ceramic) within 5 mm of the supply pins and keep the MCLR pin trace short. For new designs, Microchip recommends evaluating the pin-compatible PIC16F54 flash MCU to avoid OTP obsolescence risk.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC16C5X family, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-RCE/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-RCE/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54-RC/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-RCE/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory (ROM/OTP) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) |
| RAM | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (single-cycle), 400 ns (branch) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V (5 V typical) |
| Oscillator Type | RC |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm width, 0.295 in) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Stack Levels | 2 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (internal, software-enabled) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30C/85% RH) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC16C54-RCE/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 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 4 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 5 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 6 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / RC terminal 1 |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / RC terminal 2 |
| Pin 10 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 17 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet package outline) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-RCE/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Automotive Sub-System Controller, Battery-Powered Sensor Signal Conditioning, Simple Closed-Loop PID Controller, Consumer Appliance User Interface, Industrial Timer and Sequencer.
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC16C54-RCE/SO fits remote-control encoder applications because its 33-instruction RISC core and 200 ns cycle time deliver deterministic timing for IR carrier generation (typically 38 kHz or 40 kHz). The 768-byte OTP memory holds standard RC5, NEC, or SIRC protocol encoders comfortably, while 12 I/O pins are sufficient for keypad scanning (4x3 matrix) and IR LED drive. The RC oscillator option eliminates the external crystal, reducing BOM cost by USD 0.10-0.20 per unit. Extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) ensures reliable operation in outdoor or automotive-cabin environments. Brown-out protection guards against weak-battery transmission errors.
Recommended
Automotive Sub-System Controller
Within automotive body-electronics modules (mirror controllers, seat-position memory, simple sensor hubs), the PIC16C54-RCE/SO's extended -40C to +125C operating range and deterministic interrupt response make it a proven workhorse. The 12 I/O pins handle multiple switch inputs, relay/MOSFET drivers, and LIN-bus-style half-duplex communication. The 768-byte OTP stores lookup tables for switch debounce, PWM dimming, and fault-handling routines. The 18-SOIC package is compatible with automated optical inspection and selective soldering processes used in tier-1 automotive PCB assembly. For new designs, Microchip recommends the AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F54 family.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C54-RCE/SO's CMOS design draws microamp-level quiescent current from a 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply, suiting battery-powered sensor interfaces for HVAC, weather stations, and portable instrumentation. The 8-bit TMR0 plus watchdog timer support sleep-mode duty cycling, extending battery life to multi-year horizons on 2x AA cells. The RC oscillator eliminates crystal start-up time, enabling fast wake-up from sleep. With 12 I/O pins, the MCU can scan multiple analog sensors via external ADC or comparator ICs and drive an LCD or LED indicator. Industrial temperature grade tolerates outdoor enclosures.
Recommended
Simple Closed-Loop PID Controller
Deterministic 200 ns instruction timing makes the PIC16C54-RCE/SO well suited for compact PID controllers managing temperature, flow, or motor-speed loops at modest update rates (1-10 kHz). The 768-byte OTP comfortably holds a 50-100-line PID algorithm with setpoint ramps, integral clamping, and derivative filtering. The 8-bit TMR0 provides a stable time base for the control loop period. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure the loop recovers from supply glitches or code runaway. Designers port legacy 16C5X assembly code to this part with no instruction-set learning curve.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance User Interface
White-goods and small kitchen appliances use the PIC16C54-RCE/SO to scan capacitive or resistive keypads, drive 7-segment LED displays, and control triac-switched loads (motors, heaters, valves). The 12 I/O pins multiplex 4-digit displays with 7 segments plus decimal point using Charlieplexing or direct drive. 768 bytes of OTP hold menu state machines, beep patterns, and timing profiles. The RC oscillator and 5 V single-supply operation simplify the analog front-end for triac zero-crossing detection. Extended temperature tolerance handles oven-adjacent and refrigeration environments.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Sequencer
Industrial control panels use the PIC16C54-RCE/SO as a multi-channel timer/sequencer with millisecond-to-hour resolution. The 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler gives a 1:256 ratio for flexible tick generation; a software counter extends the range to hours. Twelve I/O pins drive relay coils, indicator LEDs, and accept start/stop/reset inputs. The RC oscillator's tolerance is acceptable for non-precision timing; for crystal-accurate applications, the PIC16C54-XT/SO variant uses an external resonator. Extended temperature and watchdog timer make it robust in factory-floor enclosures with electrical noise and temperature swings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-RCE/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54-RC/SO | PIC16C54C-04/SO | PIC16C54C-04I/SO | PIC16C54A-20/SO | PIC16F54-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | 768B OTP | 768B OTP | 768B OTP (CMOS rev) | 768B OTP (CMOS rev) | 768B OTP (A rev) | 768B Flash |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Oscillator | RC | RC | RC (CMOS rev) | RC (CMOS rev) | RC | RC/HS/LP/XT (selectable) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
| Unit Price (qty 1, USD) | 2.26 | 2.10 | 1.95 | 2.05 | 2.40 | 1.30 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for harsh-environment designs (vs PIC16C54-RC/SO)
- Flash memory for in-circuit reprogramming (vs PIC16C54-RCE/SO)
- Improved CMOS silicon revision (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 11) and a bulk capacitor (4.7-10 uF) at the board power entry. Keep the MCLR trace (pin 10) as short as possible; if not used as a reset input, tie it directly to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up to avoid spurious resets from injected noise.
The 'RC' oscillator option requires an external resistor and capacitor; the absolute frequency tolerance is typically +/- 20% over temperature and voltage. For timing-sensitive applications (UART, IR carrier accuracy better than +/- 5%), select the XT, HS, or LP oscillator variant instead (e.g., PIC16C54-XT/SO). The 4 MHz ceiling on the RCE variant limits instruction throughput to 5 MIPS.
Estimated: at VDD=5 V and 4 MHz active current of approximately 2 mA, the PIC16C54-RCE/SO draws roughly 10 mW. In sleep mode (watchdog disabled), quiescent current drops below 1 uA, enabling multi-year battery life on 2x AA cells with a 0.1% duty cycle. Enable the watchdog timer (WDTE configuration bit) to recover from unexpected code lockups in unattended sensor installations.
Route all I/O traces away from the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize capacitive coupling that detunes the RC oscillator. For mixed-signal designs with the PIC16C54 driving sensitive analog loads, separate digital and analog ground planes and join them at a single point near the VSS pin (pin 7). Leave pin 18 (NC) floating or grounded per datasheet package outline; it is not bonded internally.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page. PIC16C54 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for AEC-Q100 automotive applications use PIC16F54-Q1 or PIC18F-Q1 family.
