PIC16C54-XTE/SO - 8-bit CMOS MCU, 768B OTP, SOIC-18 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54-XTE/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.39 | $3.39 |
| 10 | $3.05 | $30.50 |
| 100 | $2.71 | $271.00 |
| 500 | $2.38 | $1,190.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.04 | $2,040.00 |
| 5,000 | $1.34 | $6,700.00 |
PIC16C54-XTE/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O on one die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy it sits under microprocessor IC -> microcontroller -> 8-bit microcontroller -> CMOS RISC MCU. The PIC16C5X family specifically targets cost-sensitive embedded control applications where deterministic instruction execution, low power, and a small code footprint matter more than absolute computational throughput. Its 12-bit-wide instruction word yields roughly 2:1 code compression over typical 8-bit CISC competitors in the same price tier.
Key features of the PIC16C54-XTE/SO include a RISC architecture with 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions, hardware watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, brown-out reset, and a four-source interrupt controller. The 8-bit timer/counter with programmable prescaler supports event counting and timing applications, while the high-current sink/source capability on RA0-RA3 allows direct LED driving in some configurations without external buffers.
The device uses a Harvard-class internal bus with separate program and data paths and a 2-stage pipeline, allowing most instructions to execute in one oscillator period. With a 20 MHz crystal the instruction cycle is 200 ns, providing up to 5 MIPS of throughput. Power consumption is approximately 2 mA at 5V/20 MHz and drops to under 1 uA in Sleep mode, making the part viable for battery-powered products.
Typical applications include appliance control, automotive subsystems (body controllers, instrument cluster drivers), security and access control peripherals, low-end remote controls, and industrial timer/counter modules. The wide-body SOIC-18 package simplifies hand-prototyping and rework on through-hole-friendly pad patterns, while the extended-temperature grade supports outdoor and under-hood deployments.
When migrating designs, note that the PIC16C54 is NRND (Not Recommended for new designs); new designs should target PIC16F54 (flash) or PIC16F57 (enhanced flash) for the same SOIC-18 footprint and toolchain compatibility. Brown-out reset voltage thresholds must be selected per the system supply tolerance; refer to the configuration word table before committing a layout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing tiers, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54-XTE/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-XTE/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Core Architecture, Instruction Set, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-RC/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-XT/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-XTE/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| Program Memory | 768 bytes OTP EPROM |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (external XT oscillator) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit timer/counter with prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Interrupt Sources | 4 |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (0.300", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC16C54-XTE/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2; high-current sink/source |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3; high-current sink/source |
| Pin 3 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0; external interrupt input |
| Pin 4 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 5 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 6 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 7 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 8 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 9 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 11 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 13 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output (XT mode) |
| Pin 14 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input (XT mode) |
| Pin 15 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0; high-current sink/source |
| Pin 16 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1; high-current sink/source |
| Pin 17 | T0CKI — Timer 0 clock input (alternate function on RA2) |
| Pin 18 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54-XTE/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control, Automotive Body Controllers, Security and Access Control, Industrial Timer and Counter Modules, Low-End Remote Controls, Instrument Cluster Drivers.
Appliance Control
The PIC16C54-XTE/SO suits appliance controllers - washing-machine timers, dishwasher cycle controllers, microwave user interfaces - where its 768-byte OTP program store holds the full state machine and the 12 I/O pins drive relays, keypads, and 7-segment displays directly. With a 20 MHz XT crystal the 200 ns instruction cycle handles debounce, scan-loop, and relay-update tasks in a single cooperative scheduler; brown-out reset prevents EEPROM corruption of user-set wash cycles during brown-outs. Industrial: replace electromechanical timers with one MCU and a handful of discretes.
Recommended
Automotive Body Controllers
The PIC16C54-XTE/SO extends to automotive body-electronics modules - window lifters, mirror adjusters, seat-position controllers - thanks to its extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and 5V supply tolerance. The 12 GPIO drive LEDs and relay coils directly; the watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator detects firmware lock-up without external components. While PIC16C54 is NRND, the part still ships in maintenance spare channels and aftermarket modules where PCB rework is unacceptable.
Recommended
Security and Access Control
The PIC16C54-XTE/SO fits security panels, keypad entry controllers, and PIR-sensor signal-conditioning nodes. The 8-bit timer/counter with prescaler measures pulse widths from reed switches and PIR outputs; the 25-byte RAM holds scan state for 4x4 matrix keypads while the 768-byte OTP holds the lock-state machine and encryption-rotation routine. Brown-out reset preserves the armed/disarmed bit across brief supply interruptions from alarm sirens.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Modules
The PIC16C54-XTE/SO is well-suited to industrial timer/counter modules - conveyor-belt index controllers, batch counters, machine-cycle monitors - where deterministic instruction timing and robust brown-out behavior matter. The 8-bit timer/counter with programmable prescaler counts up to 256 events per reload, chained in firmware for 16/24-bit counters; the 20 MHz XT mode delivers 5 MIPS for real-time event logging. The wide-body SOIC-18 simplifies hand-rework on legacy industrial control boards.
Recommended
Low-End Remote Controls
The PIC16C54-XTE/SO powers cost-sensitive IR/RF remote controls for toys, ceiling fans, and entry-level audio gear where the OTP memory holds the keymap and transmit sequence. The 12 GPIO drive the keypad matrix, status LED, and IR modulator output directly; Sleep mode drops quiescent current below 1 uA so two AAA cells last the product lifetime. The 20 MHz XT clock provides accurate bit-timing for consumer-IR protocols (Sony, NEC, RC5) at the chosen carrier frequency.
Recommended
Instrument Cluster Drivers
The PIC16C54-XTE/SO drives auxiliary instrument-cluster functions - telltale lamps, gauge stepper coils via external drivers, odometer pulse counters - in entry-level automotive and motorcycle dashboards. The high-current-sink RA0-RA3 pins drive telltale LEDs directly without transistors, while RB0-RB7 scan the mode-switch inputs. Extended temperature grade handles under-dash thermal stress; brown-out reset prevents odometer corruption during cranking transients.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54-XTE/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/SO | PIC16C54C-20/SO | PIC16C54C-04I/SO | PIC16F54-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SOIC-18 (0.300") | SOIC-18 (0.300") - same | SOIC-18 (0.300") - same | SOIC-18 (0.300") - same | SOIC-18 (0.300") - same |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B OTP EPROM | 768 B Flash |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz (XT) | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
| Approx. 1-pc Price (USD) | $3.39 | $2.40 (typical distributor) | $2.50 (typical distributor) | $2.60 (typical distributor) | $1.60 (typical distributor) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended-temperature grade (-40C to +125C) in SOIC-18 wide-body package (vs PIC16C54C-20/SO)
- OTP EPROM with 768 B program memory and 33 single-cycle instructions (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Same SOIC-18 footprint across the entire PIC16C5X family (vs PIC16C54-RC/SO)
Design Notes
PIC16C54-XTE/SO is NRND and uses one-time-programmable (OTP) EPROM - firmware cannot be field-upgraded. Estimate firmware size carefully against the 768-byte OTP budget before committing the design; budget approximately 20% headroom for future bug fixes. For new designs, target PIC16F54-I/SO which keeps the SOIC-18 footprint but adds flash memory for in-circuit reprogramming.
Place the 18-pin SOIC decoupling capacitor (100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum/electrolytic) within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14 area). Keep the XT crystal traces short and symmetric: route OSC1 (pin 15) and OSC2 (pin 16) directly to the crystal with ground guard traces; long traces cause oscillator start-up failures and EMI. Add a 1 kohm pull-up on MCLR/VPP (pin 18) for normal operation, and route the ICSP clock/data to dedicated test points to allow field programming without rework.
At 20 MHz and 5V the PIC16C54 draws roughly 10-15 mA active - less than 75 mW even worst case, so no heatsinking is needed. In Sleep mode current drops below 1 uA. However, the SOIC-18 has limited thermal mass for high-ambient industrial environments; ensure the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (theta_JA approximately 100 C/W for SOIC-18) is accounted for if the enclosure traps heat. Brown-out reset is critical: configure the BOR voltage threshold to match the regulated supply tolerance so that VDD droops during motor inrush do not cause undefined program execution.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not stated in verified distributor data; refer to Microchip product page or declaration of conformity. PIC16C54 family is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive safety-critical applications use AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F equivalents. Conflict-mineral compliance per Microchip standard supplier declarations.
