PIC16C54-RCE/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-RCE/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.56 | $25.60 |
| 100 | $2.27 | $227.00 |
| 500 | $1.98 | $990.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.74 | $1,740.00 |
PIC16C54-RCE/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral I/O. The PIC16C5X family belongs to Microchip's original 8-bit PIC architecture hierarchy (PIC10/12/16/18 -> 8-bit PIC -> RISC microcontroller -> embedded MCU), built on a Harvard RISC architecture with only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions. This compact instruction set delivers deterministic timing and small code size, distinguishing it from accumulator-based CISC microcontrollers of the same era.
Key features include 25 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 12-bit-wide instructions for 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit MCUs, an 8-bit timer/counter with optional prescaler, a Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, and power-saving SLEEP mode. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory enables low-volume prototyping and production runs.
The device is well suited for low-cost, high-volume embedded applications such as consumer electronics, simple appliance control, automotive sub-systems, and industrial timer/counter designs where deterministic response and minimal component count matter more than raw performance.
Design considerations include power-supply decoupling with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor close to VDD, ensuring VSS and VDD rails are properly routed, and selecting a clock source that meets the application's timing accuracy requirements. Note that this part is in the legacy OTP line; Microchip recommends the flash-based PIC16F54 as the modern successor.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-RCE/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-RCE/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Timers, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54AT-10/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54CT-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-LPI/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.41 / 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 →PIC16C54-RCE/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Series | PIC16C5x |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Clock Frequency (max) | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.25 V to 6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (TA) |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | POR (Power-On Reset), WDT (Watchdog Timer) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions (RISC) |
| Architecture | Harvard RISC, 12-bit wide instructions |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
PIC16C54-RCE/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O pin / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (or NC depending on revision) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator crystal output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator crystal input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-RCE/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Industrial Timer and Counter, Automotive Sub-System Control, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, LED Display and Sign Driver, Educational and Hobbyist Projects, Simple Sensor Interface Module.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C54-RCE/SS suits simple consumer appliance controls like coffee makers, fans, and small kitchen devices. Its 4 MHz clock and 768-byte OTP memory handle straightforward task scheduling, sensor reading, and indicator LED control. The 12 GPIO pins accommodate switch inputs, relay outputs, and status LEDs without external logic. At 3.25V-6V supply, the device integrates directly with 5V analog front-ends for temperature or humidity sensing, while deterministic single-cycle execution ensures predictable timing for motor control loops. Low cost and small 20-SSOP footprint fit cost-sensitive consumer designs where MCU capability beyond discrete timers is needed but where modern ARM-class performance is unnecessary.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter
Industrial timer/counter applications benefit from the PIC16C54-RCE/SS's on-chip Watchdog Timer with internal RC oscillator, which provides reliable operation in electrically noisy factory environments. The 25-byte RAM holds real-time counter values, while 768 bytes of OTP memory store the timing algorithm and configuration constants. The industrial -40C to +125C temperature rating ensures operation in unconditioned control cabinets. External oscillator support allows precision timing using a crystal when accuracy matters, or RC networks when cost dominates. The 20-SSOP package is well-suited for compact relay-logic replacement modules where the MCU replaces multiple 555 timers and discrete logic.
Recommended
Automotive Sub-System Control
Simple automotive sub-systems like seat controllers, window switches, and auxiliary lighting benefit from the PIC16C54-RCE/SS's wide operating voltage (3.25V-6V) tolerance to vehicle battery transients, and its -40C to +125C automotive-grade temperature range. The Harvard RISC architecture with single-cycle instructions guarantees deterministic response times for safety-relevant signaling, while OTP memory prevents unauthorized firmware modifications. The 12 GPIO pins drive relay coils, sense switch positions, and control LED indicators directly. Designers should add external voltage regulation and ESD protection for under-hood or body-electronics applications, as the device is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
TV remote controls, toy controllers, and IR-based communication devices are classic PIC16C54-RCE/SS applications. The 4 MHz clock generates accurate carrier frequencies (e.g., 38 kHz for IR protocols) via software timing loops, while the 12 GPIO pins drive IR LEDs, read key matrix inputs, and toggle indicator LEDs. The 25-byte RAM is sufficient for key debounce state machines and protocol encoding buffers. Power-saving SLEEP mode extends battery life by waking only when a key is pressed. The low-cost OTP memory suits high-volume consumer products where firmware is finalized and unit cost matters more than reprogrammability.
Recommended
LED Display and Sign Driver
Small LED signs, scrolling displays, and indicator arrays use the PIC16C54-RCE/SS as a multiplexed LED driver controller. The 12 GPIO pins multiplex 7-segment displays or dot-matrix LEDs through external driver transistors, while software timing provides refresh rates that avoid visible flicker. The 768-byte OTP stores character fonts, animation patterns, and communication protocols for serial command input. With 5V supply, the device directly interfaces with common LED driver ICs. The deterministic instruction timing ensures consistent brightness across multiplexed rows, critical for professional signage appearance.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Projects
The PIC16C54-RCE/SS remains popular for educational microcontroller courses and hobbyist projects where cost and simplicity matter. Its 33-instruction RISC architecture is easy to learn, with single-cycle execution making timing calculations straightforward. The 20-SSOP package fits standard breakout boards, and the external oscillator allows students to experiment with crystals, resonators, and RC timing. While new designs should use the flash-based PIC16F54, the OTP PIC16C54C-04/SS variant offers a low-cost alternative for learning fundamental embedded programming concepts including GPIO control, timer interrupts, and serial communication protocols.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Module
Basic sensor interface modules for temperature, humidity, light, or proximity sensing use the PIC16C54-RCE/SS to read analog sensors, digitize values via the supply voltage as a reference, and transmit readings via GPIO bit-banging protocols. The 25-byte RAM holds recent sensor values and calibration constants, while 768-byte OTP stores lookup tables for sensor linearization. The wide supply voltage (3.25V-6V) accommodates battery-powered and line-powered sensor nodes. With its Watchdog Timer, the device reliably recovers from sensor bus glitches in unattended monitoring installations.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-RCE/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/SS | PIC16C54AT-10/SS | PIC16C54CT-04/SS | PIC16C54-LPI/SS | PIC16C54A-04/SS | PIC16C54-10/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) | 20-SSOP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Clock Frequency (max) | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) | 768 B (512 x 12 OTP) | 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 Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.25 V to 6 V | 3 V to 6 V (similar) | 3 V to 6 V (similar) | 3 V to 6 V (similar) | 2.5 V to 6 V (wider) | 3 V to 6 V (similar) | 3 V to 6 V (similar) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +125 C |
| Silicon Revision Suffix | RCE (resonator, commercial temp) | C-suffix CMOS, lower power | A-suffix, 10 MHz speed grade | CT-suffix tape/reel packaging | L-suffix low power | A-suffix revision | 10 MHz speed grade |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- RCE silicon revision with resonator-grade oscillator drive (vs PIC16C54C-04/SS)
- Lower clock speed grade conserves power (vs PIC16C54AT-10/SS)
- Original OTP silicon vs modern flash equivalents (vs PIC16F54)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) with a short trace to the nearest VSS pin. For designs with high GPIO switching noise, add a bulk 10uF tantalum or electrolytic capacitor on the VDD rail. The PIC16C54-RCE/SS operates from 3.25V to 6V; ensure supply voltage stays within range during transient events like motor inrush or relay switching. Add a series ferrite bead if the supply rail is shared with noisy digital or RF circuits.
Select the oscillator type based on application requirements: crystals (highest accuracy, 10-100 ppm typical) for precise timing; ceramic resonators (lower cost, 0.5-2% accuracy) for most embedded applications; RC networks (lowest cost, 5-10% accuracy) for non-critical timing. Place oscillator components close to OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) with short, symmetric traces to minimize parasitic capacitance. Add a 1M-ohm parallel resistor across the crystal if the oscillator fails to start under low temperature conditions.
The 20-SSOP package has 0.65 mm pin pitch, requiring careful PCB layout to avoid solder bridges. Use solder mask-defined pads or non-solder mask-defined pads depending on assembly house preference. Keep the MCLR (pin 4) trace short to minimize noise susceptibility; add a 10k-ohm pull-up resistor to VDD and a 100nF capacitor to VSS for proper reset behavior. Avoid routing high-frequency signals (clocks, PWM outputs) directly under the IC package to prevent coupling into sensitive analog inputs.
Do not exceed 6V on VDD or apply voltage to any pin before VDD is powered up - this can cause latch-up. The MCLR pin must NOT be left floating; always connect it to VDD via a resistor (typically 10k ohms) to ensure proper reset behavior. OTP memory programming requires high voltage (typically 13V) on the MCLR pin during programming; verify your programmer supports OTP devices. For production programming, plan OTP programming time as it cannot be erased and re-written.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly stated in verified data; consult Microchip product declaration documents. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - not recommended for safety-critical automotive applications without additional qualification work. The part is in NRND status; verify availability and compliance status with Microchip before new design commitments.
