PIC16C54A/JW - 8-bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, CERDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54A/JW β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.5 | $12.50 |
| 10 | $11.25 | $112.50 |
| 25 | $10.4 | $260.00 |
| 100 | $9.1 | $910.00 |
| 500 | $7.85 | $3,925.00 |
PIC16C54A/JW Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program + data), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16C5x family uses a 12-bit-wide instruction word with an 8-bit data path and a two-level hardware stack, which provides deterministic execution and very compact code (approximately 2:1 code compression vs other 8-bit MCUs of its era). OTP EPROM program memory allows the device to be programmed once after manufacture and retained indefinitely, while the 'JW' suffix denotes a CERDIP windowed package that exposes the die to UV light for erasing the EPROM during development.
Key features include 12 CMOS bidirectional I/O pins arranged in two ports (RA, RB), direct/indirect/relative addressing modes for data and instructions, a wide commercial operating temperature range, and low CMOS power consumption. The 20 MHz clock rate delivers approximately 5 MIPS of throughput, and the simple RISC architecture of just 33 single-cycle instructions allows rapid firmware development. The device has been widely used in legacy embedded systems and is supported by Microchip's MPLAB IDE toolchain.
Typical applications include appliance control modules, simple sensor interfaces, hobbyist and educational projects, and legacy industrial controllers. The windowed CERDIP package is particularly useful during prototyping because the EPROM can be erased with UV exposure, enabling code iteration without discarding the device. Designers frequently use PIC16C54A/JW as a development platform and then migrate to lower-cost OTP or QFN packages for volume.
When designing with this part, note that the JW package is intended primarily for development. The plastic CERDIP, PDIP, SOIC, or SSOP variants are recommended for production. Engineers should confirm whether their application requires the windowed erase capability or whether a one-time-programmable variant suffices.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Microchip alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone. The data presented has been cross-referenced with DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart, and Microchip's own product page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54A/JW β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
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Request AlternativesPIC16C54A/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| CPU Family | PIC16C5x |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (UV-erasable windowed in JW package) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12 words) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Instruction Word Width | 12 bits |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-cycle instructions |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Package Type | 18-pin CERDIP, windowed (JW) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature Range | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
PIC16C54A/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR β Master Clear (Reset) input, active-low |
| Pin 2 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O, Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O (open-drain), Port A bit 4 / T0CKI |
| Pin 7 | OSC1 β Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2 β Oscillator output (crystal mode) |
| Pin 9 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 10 | RB0 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 0 (INT) |
| Pin 11 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 14 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 16 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 17 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O, Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 18 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (4.5V to 5.5V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54A/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Embedded Control Modules, Appliance and Consumer Timer Controls, Educational and Hobbyist Development, Simple Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning, Automotive Aftermarket Accessories, Industrial Control and Status Monitoring.
Legacy Embedded Control Modules
The PIC16C54A/JW fits legacy embedded control modules that need a proven 8-bit RISC core with OTP EPROM programmability and deterministic interrupt-free execution. Its 20 MHz clock delivers approximately 5 MIPS, which is sufficient for appliance timers, simple motor-control loops, and relay-driver sequencers. The 12-bit instruction word provides dense code (roughly 2:1 compression over competitors), allowing the full application to fit within 512 instruction words of OTP EPROM. The JW windowed CERDIP package enables iterative firmware development via UV erasure during prototyping. Compared to modern Flash MCUs, the PIC16C54A is favored in designs where field-proven reliability, long-term parts availability, and minimal firmware-update complexity outweigh the need for in-system reprogrammability.
Recommended
Appliance and Consumer Timer Controls
The PIC16C54A/JW is well-suited for appliance timer controls such as washing-machine cycle timers, dishwasher controllers, microwave user interfaces, and HVAC damper actuators. Its 8-bit TMR0 with programmable prescaler enables accurate timing of seconds-to-minutes intervals, while the 12 CMOS I/O pins drive LEDs, keypads, relays, and triac interfaces directly. The 4.5V-5.5V supply aligns with rectified 5V rails typical in white goods. The JW windowed CERDIP package is particularly valuable during product development, where firmware revisions are common. Compared to a discrete 555-timer-based design, the PIC16C54A reduces BOM count and provides flexible, software-defined timing patterns that can be modified late in the design cycle.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Development
The PIC16C54A/JW is widely used in university microcontroller courses and hobbyist projects because of its simple 33-instruction RISC architecture and excellent documentation. Students can write assembly programs in MPLAB X IDE, assemble with MPASM, and program the device using a PICkit 3 or similar programmer. The windowed JW package allows students to repeatedly erase the EPROM with UV light and re-program the device through an entire semester of lab exercises. The 20 MHz clock rate delivers 5 MIPS throughput, fast enough for robotics, sensor-fusion labs, and small state-machine projects. Compared to modern ARM-based boards, the PIC16C54A offers a lower-cost entry point and a cleaner introduction to bare-metal MCU programming without HAL abstractions.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C54A/JW handles simple sensor interface tasks such as digital thermometer polling, switch debouncing, and quadrature encoder reading. Its 12 CMOS I/O pins connect directly to mechanical switches, optical interrupters, and Hall-effect sensors without external pull-ups in many cases. The 8-bit TMR0 captures pulse widths for RPM measurement, while the Watchdog Timer guards against firmware lockups in unattended installations. The OTP EPROM is appropriate for fixed-function sensor modules where firmware does not change in the field. Compared to a discrete logic implementation, the PIC16C54A reduces PCB area, simplifies the BOM, and allows late-stage customization via firmware rather than hardware rework.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Accessories
The PIC16C54A/JW is used in automotive aftermarket accessories such as alarm modules, remote-entry receivers, lighting controllers, and tachometer drivers. The 20 MHz clock provides real-time response to switch inputs and tach pulses, while the 12 I/O pins drive relays, LEDs, and buzzer transducers. The 5V supply aligns with automotive 12V-buck-derived rails. JW windowed packages are used during product development to iterate firmware as vehicle platforms evolve. Compared to ASIC implementations, the PIC16C54A offers short development cycles and easy customization for different vehicle models. New automotive designs should consider AEC-Q100-qualified parts such as the PIC16F15313-I/MS for production reliability.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Status Monitoring
The PIC16C54A/JW is deployed in industrial control and status-monitoring applications such as conveyor sequencing, pump controllers, and panel-meter drivers. Its 5 MIPS throughput executes simple PID-like control loops, while the Watchdog Timer recovers from electrical transients common in factory environments. The 12 I/O pins interface with 24V signals via external opto-couplers, and the 4.5V-5.5V supply is well-regulated from industrial 24V rails. The OTP EPROM ensures code stability once deployed. Compared to relay-logic implementations, the PIC16C54A reduces panel space, simplifies wiring, and enables late-stage logic customization. For greenfield designs, Microchip recommends the PIC16F54 or PIC16F1719 as Flash alternatives.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54A/JW β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54A-20/JW | PIC16C56A-20/JW | PIC16C54/JW | PIC16C54A-XT/JW | PIC16C54A-10/JW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin CERDIP (JW) | 18-pin CERDIP (JW) | 18-pin CERDIP (JW) | 18-pin CERDIP (JW) | 18-pin CERDIP (JW) | 18-pin CERDIP (JW) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 1.5 KB (1024 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V |
| Windowed (UV Erasable) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Windowed CERDIP package enables iterative firmware development (vs PIC16C54A/J (non-windowed CERDIP))
- 20 MHz maximum clock rate in the PIC16C5x family (vs PIC16C54/JW (4 MHz original))
- Larger program memory than baseline PIC16C54 (vs PIC16C54-04/P (768 B baseline))
Design Notes
The PIC16C54A/JW uses OTP EPROM, which can only be programmed one time per erase cycle. In the windowed JW package, the EPROM is erased by exposing the die to UV light through the quartz window (typically 20-30 minutes under a UV eraser at the rated intensity). Attempting to program the device without first fully erasing will result in programming errors. Plan firmware-iteration cycles around UV-erasure lead time during development.
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18), with the ground lead returning directly to the VSS pin (pin 9). For designs driving relays or triacs, add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the supply rail to absorb inrush current. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and surround them with a ground pour to reduce EMI susceptibility. MCLR (pin 1) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD for normal operation; a manual reset switch can be added with a series resistor to limit inrush.
Estimated: At 20 MHz clock, VDD = 5.0V, and typical CMOS I/O loading, the PIC16C54A/JW dissipates approximately 25-30 mW of power. The CERDIP package has a theta_JA of approximately 60-70 C/W, resulting in a junction temperature rise of roughly 2 C above ambient. No heatsink is required for normal operation. However, in enclosed high-temperature environments (>50Β°C ambient), derate by ensuring ambient does not exceed the commercial-grade 70Β°C maximum, or migrate to the industrial-grade (-40C to +85C) variant.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status not explicitly confirmed in the verified data for the JW CERDIP variant; verify with Microchip's product compliance documentation before using in RoHS-restricted designs. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial-grade MCU; automotive designs should select AEC-Q100-qualified parts.
