PIC16C54A-10/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 10MHz, 512x12 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54A-10/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.65 | $16.50 |
| 100 | $1.42 | $142.00 |
| 500 | $1.18 | $590.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.98 | $980.00 |
PIC16C54A-10/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program and data), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) microcontroller category within the broader class of 8-bit microcontrollers, which themselves are a subset of embedded processors under the semiconductor umbrella. PIC16C5X devices target simple control loops, glue logic replacement, and low-cost appliance designs where deterministic timing and minimal power consumption are valued over computational throughput.
Key features include a two-level deep hardware stack for subroutine nesting, three addressing modes (direct, indirect, and relative) for both data and instructions, and an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0) with programmable prescaler. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) program memory allows factory or production-time programming but cannot be erased, making the part suited for high-volume production where code is fixed and stable. An internal RC oscillator option reduces external component count, while the commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) suits indoor and benign-environment applications.
The PIC16C54A employs a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and operand access to occur in the same cycle. This contributes to the family's deterministic instruction timing and predictable interrupt response, which are hallmarks of PIC MCU design. The architecture is intentionally simple to minimize die area, which historically positioned the PIC16C5X as one of the lowest-cost 8-bit MCUs in volume production.
Typical applications include consumer appliance controllers, simple sensor interfaces, LED driving sequences, automotive interior lighting modules, battery chargers, and replacement of discrete logic. It also fits teaching kits and hobbyist embedded platforms where the simplicity of the PIC instruction set and the absence of bootloader complexity accelerate prototyping. Microchip recommends the PIC16F54 as the recommended new-design replacement since the PIC16C54A is flagged as Not Recommended for new designs.
When designing with this part, verify that program memory requirements fit within the 512-word OTP space, because OTP cannot be reprogrammed in-circuit. Plan for an external programmer (e.g., PICkit) and ensure the MCLR/VPP pin is accessible for in-system programming during production. Avoid using this part in new designs where flash-based alternatives such as PIC16F54 offer equivalent functionality with in-circuit reprogrammability.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54A-10/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 PIC16C54A-10/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.72 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-10/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5X |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12-bit words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 10 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Instruction Word Width | 12-bit |
| Stack Depth | 2 levels (hardware) |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, Indirect, Relative |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| Package | 18-PDIP (300 mil, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16C54A-10/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP/RA5 — Master Clear reset / Programming voltage / Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 / T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out (1/4 fosc) |
| Pin 9 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54A-10/P is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Controllers, Battery Charger State Machines, LED Lighting Sequencers, Automotive Interior Modules, Sensor Interface Front-Ends, Replacement of Discrete Logic, Educational Embedded Platforms.
Consumer Appliance Controllers
The PIC16C54A-10/P fits low-cost consumer appliances (rice cookers, washing-machine control boards, microwave user interfaces) where 12 I/O pins and a 10MHz instruction rate are sufficient to scan keypads, drive seven-segment or LED indicators, and sequence relays. The 768-byte OTP holds modest state-machine firmware, and the 25-byte RAM is ample for timers and flags. Unlike flash MCUs, the OTP die prevents field firmware tampering - useful for safety-certified appliances where code stability is regulated.
Recommended
Battery Charger State Machines
The PIC16C54A-10/P drives simple NiCd/NiMH or lead-acid charger state machines by sampling voltage dividers with its 12 I/O pins and toggling MOSFET gates via TMR0 interrupt. The 10MHz core handles ADC-free threshold comparisons and timing loops in firmware. The OTP program memory is appropriate for fixed charge profiles (CC-CV or timer-based) that never require in-field updates. Compared with discrete 555-timer designs, this part eliminates trim pots and adds diagnostic LED patterns.
Recommended
LED Lighting Sequencers
Architectural LED strips, decorative chandeliers, and signage animations use the PIC16C54A-10/P to generate PWM-free chase patterns by multiplexing 8 to 12 LED rows. Each I/O pin sinks a transistor driver, and the 8-bit TMR0 sets the chase period with no CPU overhead. The OTP memory prevents end-users from reprogramming light patterns, preserving the designer's IP. Pin-compatible PIC16F54 is recommended for new designs that need PWM or in-circuit firmware updates.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Modules
Inside the cabin (not under-hood), the PIC16C54A-10/P serves in dome-light controllers, seat-heater timers, and accessory-delay modules where its commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) is adequate. The 12-bit instruction width and predictable interrupt latency make it easy to write debounce routines for mechanical switches. For under-hood or -40C environments, the PIC16C54-10I/P or -10E/P industrial/extended variants in the same PDIP-18 footprint are drop-in upgrades.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Front-Ends
Simple resistive or pulse-output sensors (thermistors, reed switches, Hall effect devices) connect directly to the PIC16C54A-10/P's I/O pins for threshold detection, debouncing, and relay control. The hardware two-level stack keeps interrupt handlers trivial, and the 25-byte RAM is enough for averaging a few samples. Applications include rain-sensor wiper controllers and security PIR-signal processors. The deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle supports tight loop timing without crystal scaling.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic
Designers often replace multi-gate CMOS/TTL logic (counters, decoders, latches) with the PIC16C54A-10/P to consolidate functions, reduce board area, and add configurability without external jumper changes. A 10MHz core and 33 single-word instructions replace dozens of 74HC gates. Because the program is OTP, the resulting board is functionally identical to a hard-wired design once programmed - eliminating the field-modification risk associated with flash or EPROM parts.
Recommended
Educational Embedded Platforms
Universities and hobbyist trainers use the PIC16C54A-10/P as an introductory 8-bit RISC platform because of its 33-instruction set, two-level stack, and visible hardware behavior at 10MHz. Students learn assembly, I/O bit-banging, and TMR0 timing without the complexity of peripherals like ADC or PWM. Although PIC16F54 is now preferred for new curricula, the C54A remains common in legacy lab kits and remains fully supported by MPLAB IDE and PICkit programmers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54A-10/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16C54-10/P | PIC16C54-10I/P | PIC16C54-10E/P | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16C54A-04E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP (through-hole) | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-SSOP (SMD, electrically compatible) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max CPU Frequency | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B Flash | 768 B OTP |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Direct Microchip recommended successor with flash reprogrammability (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- Industrial temperature option in same package (vs PIC16C54-10I/P)
- Extended-temperature variant for automotive/under-hood use (vs PIC16C54-10E/P)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 10MHz CPU clock with all 12 I/O pins unloaded and 5V VDD, the PIC16C54A-10/P typically draws 2-5 mA active and roughly 1-2 mA in SLEEP mode (when supported). Decouple VDD (pin 17) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package, plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum capacitor near the regulator. The internal POR (power-on reset) eliminates an external reset RC, but ensure VDD rise time stays within Microchip's specified limits to avoid code execution from an uninitialized PC.
Keep the trace between OSC1/OSC2 (pins 7/8) and the crystal or resonator short (<10 mm) and shield them from digital I/O switching lines to prevent clock jitter. Place MCLR/VPP (pin 1) directly accessible via a 2-pin header for production-time OTP programming using PICkit 3 or equivalent. Avoid running high-current relay traces under the IC; the PDIP-18 plastic package has no thermal pad and relies on copper area on its DIP pins to dissipate the small active current.
Because the PIC16C54A-10/P uses OTP memory, firmware bugs discovered during pilot build are unrecoverable - invest in PIC16F54-based prototype runs before committing to OTP production. The two-level hardware stack limits subroutine nesting to two deep; deeply nested code that would work on a PIC16F876 will stack-overflow silently here. I/O pin RA4 (pin 6) is open-drain and requires a pull-up resistor when used as a digital output - this catches engineers who migrate from PIC16F84 and expect push-pull behavior on all pins.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly listed in the verified distributor data for PIC16C54A-10/P. Request the latest material declaration from Microchip's product page before placing volume orders into the EU.
