PIC16C54A-10I/SO - 8-bit OTP MCU, 768B EPROM, 10MHz, SOIC-18
MPN: PIC16C54A-10I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.43 | $3.43 |
| 10 | $3.09 | $30.90 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.42 | $1,210.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.1 | $2,100.00 |
PIC16C54A-10I/SO Overview
Background knowledge: A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that contains a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile data memory, and programmable peripherals. The PIC16C5X family represents one of the original low-cost, high-performance, fully-static, EPROM/ROM-based 8-bit CMOS MCU families from Microchip, optimized for cost-sensitive embedded control. They sit hierarchically under microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The PIC16C5X architecture uses 12-bit wide instructions and an 8-bit wide data path with RISC characteristics, achieving roughly 2:1 code compression versus typical 8-bit CISC competitors, which directly reduces program-memory footprint and unit cost.
Key differentiating features include 12-bit wide instructions, two-level deep hardware stack, direct/indirect/relative addressing modes, an 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), seven or eight special-function hardware registers, and a watchdog timer for reliable unattended operation. The "-10" speed grade corresponds to a 10 MHz oscillator input / 100 ns instruction cycle. The "I" suffix denotes the industrial operating temperature range of -40C to +85C.
Technically, the PIC16C5X uses a Harvard bus architecture with separate program and data buses. Its fully-static CMOS design eliminates minimum clock-rate requirements, allowing the MCU to be stopped (clock halted) without losing register state, which is valuable for ultra-low-power standby designs. The 12-bit instruction word packs opcode and operand in a single fetch, simplifying the fetch unit.
Typical applications include simple appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, LED driver sequencing, remote transmitter controllers, and low-end consumer products where cost dominates feature requirements. The wide-body SOIC-18 package suits through-hole-style hand assembly as well as automated SMT lines that can handle 300-mil pitch SOIC devices.
Design consideration: Because OTP memory can be programmed only once, prototype in the equivalent JW (windowed) or F (Flash) variant (e.g., PIC16F54) and migrate the locked firmware to PIC16C54A for volume production. Always include a decoupling capacitor (100 nF X7R) within 5 mm of VDD, and route MCLR with a short trace and proper pull-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and application guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, providing a single source for component selection, sourcing, and design-in decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54A-10I/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 PIC16C54A-10I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54A-10/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-20/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-10I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-10/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.02 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-10I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-10I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5X |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC RISC, Harvard bus |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Data Bus Width | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 10 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, "I" grade) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm body width), 300-mil pitch |
| Pin Count | 18 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Tube Standard Quantity | 42 per tube |
| Lifecycle Status | Not Recommended for new designs (per Microchip product page); ACTIVE per one third-party listing |
PIC16C54A-10I/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 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / TMR0 external clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset input) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| 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 supply (4.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O (port A bit 0) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O (port A bit 1) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54A-10I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Threshold Alarms, LED Driver Sequencing, Remote Control / IR Transmitter Encoder, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Modules), Battery-Powered Standby Controllers.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16C54A-10I/SO is well suited to low-cost consumer appliance control (rice cookers, washing machine sub-modules, microwave keypads) because its 768 bytes of OTP memory is enough for state-machine style control loops, while the 10 MHz core executes the 12-bit instruction set in 100 ns - more than adequate for relay sequencing, sensor polling, and indicator LED multiplexing at human-time scales. Industrial-grade -40 C to +85 C operation tolerates the temperature swings found behind appliance panels. Using OTP, BOM cost is minimized at volume: the manufacturer programs the device once and the part is locked for life. Trade-off: no field firmware updates, so any bug fix requires a recall; mitigate by exhausting prototype testing on the PIC16F54 Flash equivalent before locking the production OTP image.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Threshold Alarms
With 12 GPIO pins, one 8-bit TMR0 counter, and 25 bytes of RAM, the PIC16C54A-10I/SO can poll multiple analog sensors through external comparators and apply hysteresis-based threshold alarms in firmware. The 10 MHz CPU clock supports up to 1 MIPS throughput, easily handling 8-bit ADC-free sigma-delta reads via an RC network and GPIO. Industrial temperature range enables deployment in factory floor cabinets and outdoor enclosures. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD and route the TMR0 input away from switching nodes to keep the threshold timer accurate. Trade-off: limited RAM means complex filter algorithms do not fit; favor simple moving averages or running-min/max structures.
Recommended
LED Driver Sequencing
Each PIC16C54A-10I/SO GPIO can source or sink up to 25 mA per pin (per the Microchip datasheet), enough to directly drive small indicator LEDs and 7-segment displays via current-limit resistors, eliminating external driver transistors in many designs. The 100 ns instruction cycle supports smooth PWM dimming via software bit-banging at modest update rates (kHz range). Industrial temperature grade and OTP locking make it attractive for high-volume decorative lighting controllers where firmware is finalized and unit cost dominates. Trade-off: high-side switching is impractical without external transistors; for >8 LEDs use a serial shift register or upgrade to a PIC16F-series MCU with more PWM peripherals.
Recommended
Remote Control / IR Transmitter Encoder
The PIC16C54A-10I/SO is widely deployed in low-cost IR/RF remote-control transmitters because its small instruction footprint (12-bit PIC16C5X core delivers 2:1 code compression vs typical 8-bit CISC competitors) fits simple RC5, NEC, or proprietary protocols into the 768-byte OTP. TMR0 can be re-purposed as the carrier-frequency timer (typically 36-40 kHz), and GPIO drives the IR LED directly with a current-limit resistor. Industrial temperature range ensures reliability in automotive and outdoor remote controls. Trade-off: no UART/USART module - software UART is feasible at 1.2-9.6 kbaud but eats cycles; for higher baud rates migrate to PIC16F628A or PIC16F886.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Modules)
Although the PIC16C54A-10I/SO is not AEC-Q100 qualified, its industrial -40 C to +85 C range has historically supported non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting, window lift sub-modules, and seat-controller logic in pre-2010 vehicles, where Microchip's PIC16C5X family enjoyed widespread design-in. The 12-bit instruction set minimizes code size, which combined with OTP locking yields very low unit cost. The Microchip product page explicitly recommends migrating new designs to PIC16F54; for AEC-Q100 applications use PIC16F54-I/SO with appropriate automotive-grade qualification data. Trade-off: for new automotive designs do not use this part - source the Flash equivalent or a PIC16F1xxx with proper AEC-Q100 documentation.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Standby Controllers
The PIC16C5X fully-static CMOS core lets the PIC16C54A-10I/SO halt the oscillator via firmware, putting the MCU into a sub-microamp standby while still waking on watchdog timeout or pin change, making it a fit for battery-powered standby controllers in thermostats, smoke-detector sub-modules, and security keypads. The 4.5 V minimum supply suits 3x alkaline or 1x lithium primary cells through a boost regulator. Industrial temperature grade covers outdoor enclosures. Trade-off: at <4.5 V supply, the part is outside spec - choose PIC16LF54 or a true 3 V PIC16F variant for direct 2x AA / 1x CR2032 designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54A-10I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54A-10/SO | PIC16C54A-04/SO | PIC16C54A-20/SO | PIC16F54-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (512 x 12) | 768 bytes (Flash) |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 10 MHz | 10 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- 12-bit wide instructions deliver ~2:1 code compression vs typical 8-bit CISC MCUs (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Fully-static CMOS core allows oscillator stop with no data retention cost (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- 25 mA per-pin source/sink eliminates external LED drivers in many designs (vs PIC16C54A-04/SO (same die, lower clock))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same node. The PIC16C5X core draws brief current spikes on each instruction fetch, and long VDD traces can develop inductive bounce that resets the MCU via MCLR. Add a series ferrite bead if the supply feeds noisy digital circuitry. Estimated: total in-rush on power-up is dominated by I/O pin transitions (each GPIO can source/sink up to 25 mA).
OTP memory is one-time programmable: a single bad bit locks the entire MCU and the device must be discarded. Always prototype the firmware in the PIC16F54 Flash equivalent (same SOIC-18 package, same I/O map), validate against worst-case temperature and supply variation, then lock the production OTP image only after prototype sign-off. Programmer socket adapters are available for SOIC-18 - never attempt to program OTP in-circuit unless the design includes isolation for the MCLR/VPP line.
Keep the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm to VDD) within 5 mm of the pin and route MCLR away from the oscillator traces to avoid coupling noise that mimics a brown-out reset. Place the crystal or resonator (if used) within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 and surround it with a ground guard ring if the board has switching converters. The 18-SOIC 300-mil body leaves ample room for hand-rework on prototype boards.
The PIC16C5X is a fully-static CMOS design, so the oscillator can be stopped (e.g., via a sleep instruction or external gating) without losing register state. However, when waking from sleep on watchdog timeout the first instruction fetch occurs after the oscillator stabilizes - allow 1024 oscillator cycles (per datasheet) before trusting any timing-critical code path. Use TMR0 with a known prescaler value to debounce external interrupts.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not stated in the verified data - marked unknown per data authenticity rules. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs migrate to PIC16F54-I/SO. Lead-free per modern Microchip manufacturing practice; halogen-free status not confirmed in data.
