PIC16C54-XT/P - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU, 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-XT/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.44 | $5.44 |
| 10 | $4.85 | $48.50 |
| 100 | $4.1 | $410.00 |
| 500 | $3.55 | $1,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.05 | $3,050.00 |
PIC16C54-XT/P Overview
What is a baseline PIC microcontroller? A baseline PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is an 8-bit Harvard-architecture RISC device in which program and data memory sit on separate buses. The 12-bit-wide instruction word yields 2:1 code compression over many competing 8-bit CISC microcontrollers of the same class, and the small instruction set keeps the silicon die and quiescent current extremely low. OTP variants are programmed once at production time and cannot be erased, which makes them ideal for high-volume, cost-sensitive embedded products where firmware is fully frozen before launch.
Key features of the PIC16C54-XT/P include its 4 MHz maximum clock frequency, the XT oscillator mode that supports a standard external crystal or resonator, a wide 2.5 V to 6.25 V (or per-datasheet 2.0 V to 6.25 V) operating voltage range, low-power CMOS construction, and seven/eight special-function hardware registers for compact firmware control. The 12 I/O pins are bidirectional with individually programmable direction.
The PIC16C54-XT/P uses a pipelined RISC core: every instruction executes in a single instruction cycle except for program branches, which take two cycles. The OTP program memory is accessed on a 12-bit bus, while RAM and SFRs use an 8-bit data bus. This Harvard split lets the core fetch the next opcode while completing the current instruction, giving the device its characteristic throughput-per-MHz advantage over accumulator-based 8-bit microcontrollers.
Typical applications for the PIC16C54-XT/P include low-cost consumer appliances, electronic toys, simple timer/sequencer circuits, automotive body controllers, smart-card readers, IR remote-control transmitters, and replacement logic for discrete glue-logic circuits. The wide operating voltage and small footprint also make it a fit for battery-powered devices and industrial sensor interfaces.
When designing with the PIC16C54-XT/P, remember that the OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit, so choose the UV-erasable PIC16C54C-04/P or flash PIC16F54-I/P for prototype iteration. Always place the bypass capacitor (typically 0.1 microfarad) as close as possible to VDD and VSS pins, and respect the oscillator start-up time when using the XT crystal mode.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives from the PIC16C5x family, and practical design notes that complement the Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-XT/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-XT/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, Timers, Mounting Type.
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 →PIC16C54-10/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-XT/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5x baseline MCU |
| Core | 8-bit RISC Harvard |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time-Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Hardware Stack | 2-level |
| Oscillator Mode (suffix) | XT (external crystal/resonator) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| MSL Level | Not applicable (through-hole) |
PIC16C54-XT/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/TOCKI — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference (logic ground) |
| 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 logic supply |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out (XT mode) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / clock in (XT mode) |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-XT/P is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller, Battery-Powered Remote Control Transmitter, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Industrial Sensor Interface and Timer, Electronic Toy and Hobby Project, Smart Card and Accessory Interface.
Low-Cost Consumer Appliance Controller
The PIC16C54-XT/P fits low-cost consumer appliance controllers thanks to its 4 MHz core, 768 bytes of OTP memory, and 12 I/O pins in an 18-pin PDIP package. With a typical active current under 2 mA at 4 MHz and 5 V plus sub-microamp sleep current, it can drive triac control of small motors and read push-button / capacitive-touch inputs while staying inside tight BOM budgets for high-volume production. The OTP memory locks firmware at production time, eliminating the risk of field reprogramming and the cost of a flash controller.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16C54-XT/P's wide 2.5 V to 6.25 V operating range and CMOS low-power construction make it a natural fit for battery-powered IR/RF remote control transmitters. Its TMR0 8-bit counter can drive the carrier generation for ASK/OOK modulation at 38 kHz, while the 12 I/O pins map cleanly onto a matrix keypad plus LED indicator plus output driver. A pair of AAA cells can power the device for years because sleep current is in the nanoamp range when TMR0 is halted.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16C54-XT/P appears in non-safety automotive body electronics such as interior lighting sequencers, mirror controllers, and seat-position memories where extended temperature range and OTP cost efficiency matter. The XT oscillator mode supports automotive-grade crystals tolerant of -40C to +125C ambient. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified in its standard form, the part is widely used in body controllers with customer-specific Microchip part numbers, and the PIC16C54A-04/P is preferred for extended-temperature builds.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface and Timer
The PIC16C54-XT/P serves well in industrial sensor interface boards and stand-alone timer modules where deterministic single-cycle instruction execution and a simple 8-bit timer are sufficient. Its 33 single-cycle instructions, 2-level hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes let a small C or assembly program poll sensors, debounce inputs, and drive relay outputs with predictable latency. The wide operating voltage tolerates the noisy 12 V to 24 V industrial bus rails when paired with a simple regulator front-end.
Recommended
Electronic Toy and Hobby Project
The PIC16C54-XT/P in the 18-pin PDIP package is a favorite for hobbyists building electronic toys, model-train controllers, and breadboard projects because the through-hole form factor fits standard perfboards and IC sockets. Its instruction-set simplicity (33 single-word instructions) makes PIC assembly a popular teaching example, and the 25-byte RAM plus 768-byte OTP is sufficient for sound-effect triggers, PWM-style motor control, and interactive game logic on a tight learning-curve budget.
Recommended
Smart Card and Accessory Interface
The PIC16C54-XT/P can be deployed in smart-card readers and electronic accessory modules that need a compact 8-bit processor with deterministic timing and low standby current. TMR0 generates the UART-style bit-banging required for ISO 7816 contact-card interfaces, and the 12 I/O pins support the smart-card socket plus a few status LEDs. The OTP memory locks the security-sensitive firmware against in-field tampering, which is exactly what payment and identification accessory designs need.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-XT/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/P | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16C54-10/P | PIC16C54C-04I/P | PIC16F54-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) | 18-pin PDIP (P) - same | 18-pin PDIP (P) - same | 18-pin PDIP (P) - same | 18-pin PDIP (P) - same | 18-pin PDIP (P) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (768 B) | OTP (768 B) - same | OTP (768 B) - same | OTP (768 B) - same | OTP (768 B) - same | Flash (768 B) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 10 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 8 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 - same | 12 - same | 12 - same | 12 - same | 12 - same |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B - same | 25 B - same | 25 B - same | 25 B - same | 25 B - same |
| In-Circuit Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash, ICSP) |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard baseline OTP MCU with the broadest third-party tooling support (vs PIC16C54C-04/P)
- Pin- and code-compatible drop-in replacement path to flash memory (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- Windowed development variant in the same family for prototype erasure (vs PIC16C54C-04/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5 V VDD and 4 MHz XT oscillator, the PIC16C54-XT/P draws approximately 1.8 mA active and under 1 microamp in sleep mode (input values from Microchip PIC16C5x family datasheet DS30412F DC characteristics table, not from this specific MPN's datasheet section). Place a 0.1 microfarad ceramic bypass capacitor directly between pins 14 (VDD) and 5 (VSS), with the lead length kept under 2 mm to suppress switching transients. For battery applications, drop VDD to 3 V to halve active current roughly linearly with voltage.
Keep the crystal or resonator within 10 mm of pins 15 and 16 (OSC2 and OSCC1) and route the XTAL traces over a continuous ground plane to avoid crosstalk into adjacent I/O lines. Add 22-33 pF load capacitors from each XTAL pin to VSS, sized per the crystal manufacturer's CL specification. Isolate high-current switching traces (relays, LEDs) from the oscillator area by at least 5 mm or guard with a ground trace to prevent clock jitter.
Do not program the PIC16C54-XT/P with EPROM code intended for the PIC16F54-I/P - although the pinout matches, the PIC16F54 adds ICSP pins and may map I/O differently during programming. Verify that the MCLR pin (4) is pulled up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor and never left floating, or the device will see spurious resets. The two-level hardware stack cannot hold more than two nested subroutine calls - use iterative coding instead of recursion. Finally, remember that OTP memory cannot be erased, so always program a windowed PIC16C54C-04/P (CERDIP) prototype before committing the OTP production order.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, and halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor data and require confirmation from the Microchip PIC16C54 product page or factory certificate of compliance. Part is not AEC-Q100 qualified in its standard PIC16C54-XT/P form; customers should consult Microchip for automotive-grade PIC16C54 variants.
