PIC16C54C-04I/P - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU, 768B, 18-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54C-04I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.33 | $2.33 |
| 10 | $2.1 | $21.00 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.45 | $1,450.00 |
PIC16C54C-04I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory, and peripherals on a single silicon die. The PIC16C5x family is considered a baseline MCU in the hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. The PIC16C5x uses a RISC architecture with only 33 single-word instructions, two-level hardware stack, and 12-bit-wide instruction words with an 8-bit data path, designed for deterministic real-time control in cost-sensitive applications.
Key features of the PIC16C54C-04I/P include 4MHz maximum operating frequency (4MHz oscillator input, 1MHz instruction execution), 100ns single-cycle instruction time, 8-bit real-time clock/counter (TMR0), Power-on Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with on-chip RC oscillator, and an operating voltage range of 4.5V to 5.5V. The 18-pin PDIP package suits through-hole prototyping and legacy industrial designs.
The PIC16C5x family uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and data access in a single cycle. The OTP program memory is programmed once at production time using a device programmer, which makes these parts ideal for high-volume fixed-function products. Code protection can be enabled to safeguard proprietary firmware.
Typical applications include appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens), simple sensor interfaces, LED drivers, automotive body electronics (pre-CAN era designs), industrial timers and counters, remote controls, and battery chargers. The wide 4.5V to 5.5V supply range and -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade make it suitable for factory-floor equipment and outdoor installations.
When designing with the PIC16C54C-04I/P, note that the 18-pin PDIP package requires through-hole PCB mounting, which is increasingly rare in modern surface-mount designs. Plan for an ICD (In-Circuit Debugger) socket during prototyping even though OTP cannot be reprogrammed, and budget for a windowed ceramic package variant (PIC16C54C/JW) for firmware development.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54C-04I/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 PIC16C54C-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1000 ns (1 us) at 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit real-time counter) |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Width | 12 bits |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 in, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Pin Count | 18 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C54C-04I/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 | T0CKI/RTCC — Timer0 clock input / Real-Time Clock/Counter |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset input) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 (interrupt on change) |
| 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 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (+5V) |
| Pin 12 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output (crystal mode) |
| Pin 13 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54C-04I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Ovens), Industrial Timer and Counter Modules, Remote Control and IR Transmitter Key Fobs, Automotive Body Electronics (Pre-CAN Era), LED Display Drivers and Signage, Simple Sensor Interfaces and Data Loggers, Battery Chargers and Power Management.
Appliance Control (Washing Machines, Ovens)
The PIC16C54C-04I/P is widely deployed in white-goods appliance controllers where its 12 I/O pins directly drive relays, triacs, and seven-segment displays. With 4MHz instruction execution supporting 1 MIPS throughput, the MCU handles keypad scanning, motor sequencing, and timer interrupts in real time. Its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and 4.5V to 5.5V supply match unregulated rectified 5V rails commonly found in appliances. The 768-byte OTP memory holds fixed-function firmware for wash cycles, defrost timers, and microwave power-level control. The 18-pin PDIP through-hole package simplifies manufacturing with wave-soldering and field-replaceable serviceability, both still preferred in appliance service environments. For OEM purchasing, OTP code-protection prevents aftermarket firmware cloning that could bypass safety lockouts.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Modules
The PIC16C54C-04I/P serves as the core of DIN-rail mounted industrial timers, counters, and process controllers where deterministic real-time response is required. The 8-bit TMR0 with programmable prescaler provides accurate timing bases down to 1 microsecond at 4MHz clock input, while the Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC oscillator prevents lockup in unattended installations. The 12 I/O pins accept 24V-tolerant interfaces via external resistor dividers and drive LED indicators, buzzer alarms, and SSR outputs. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature operation and the robust 18-pin PDIP package suit factory-floor cabinets with temperature swings. The OTP code-protection prevents reverse engineering of proprietary timing algorithms used in competitive process equipment.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter Key Fobs
The PIC16C54C-04I/P is found in low-cost IR/RF remote controls where its 768-byte OTP memory holds button-scan matrices and protocol encoders for consumer electronics. The 4MHz instruction execution supports NEC, RC5, and Sony SIRC protocol generation at sub-100us timing precision. With only 25 bytes of RAM, the MCU handles button debouncing and rolling-code generation for simple key-fob applications. Power-saving SLEEP mode combined with 5V supply extends battery life in handheld transmitters. The PIC16C5x instruction simplicity (33 single-word instructions) minimizes firmware development cost, while the OTP code-protection prevents cloning of proprietary remote control protocols by aftermarket accessory makers.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Pre-CAN Era)
Legacy automotive body controllers for seat adjustment, mirror control, and lighting timers used the PIC16C54C-04I/P before CAN-bus integration became standard. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating and 5V supply operation match 12V-battery-downregulated rails. The 12 I/O pins drive MOSFET gates for power window motors, mirror actuators, and interior lighting PWM dimming. The Watchdog Timer resets the MCU after electrical transients from the automotive 12V bus, while Power-on Reset ensures clean startup after battery disconnect. The through-hole PDIP package suits automotive service replacement. For modern designs, AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F variants are recommended, but the PIC16C54C remains in production for replacement-part inventory and legacy platform maintenance.
Recommended
LED Display Drivers and Signage
The PIC16C54C-04I/P drives multiplexed LED matrix displays and scrolling-message signs where its 12 I/O pins and 4MHz throughput handle row-column scanning at refresh rates above 100Hz to avoid flicker. The TMR0 interrupt supports precise multiplexing timing, and the 25-byte RAM buffers character patterns and animation frames. The industrial temperature range supports outdoor signage exposed to sunlight heating. The 768-byte OTP memory holds multi-language character sets, scrolling algorithms, and brightness PWM profiles. Through-hole PDIP simplifies hand-soldered prototype signage and small-batch custom installations where surface-mount equipment is not available. Code-protection secures proprietary display fonts and animations against unauthorized cloning.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interfaces and Data Loggers
The PIC16C54C-04I/P reads analog sensors through external ADC interfaces and logs data to EEPROM via I/O bit-banging in low-cost environmental monitors. Although the PIC16C5x baseline lacks an internal ADC, its 12 I/O pins connect to external ADC chips like the MCP3201 for temperature, humidity, and pressure sensing. The 4MHz instruction execution supports 10Hz sampling with averaging and EEPROM write cycles. The 25-byte RAM buffers readings between EEPROM writes, and the Watchdog Timer recovers from sensor bus stalls. The industrial temperature rating suits outdoor weather stations and greenhouse monitoring. Through-hole PDIP simplifies field-replaceable sensor node designs where mechanical robustness outweighs miniaturization concerns.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management
The PIC16C54C-04I/P implements CC-CV (constant-current constant-voltage) charging algorithms for lead-acid, NiMH, and Li-ion battery chargers in cost-sensitive consumer products. The 12 I/O pins monitor battery voltage via resistor dividers, control MOSFETs for charge current regulation, and drive status LEDs. The 4MHz instruction execution supports 1ms control loop updates for accurate current regulation, while the Watchdog Timer prevents runaway charging on firmware lockup. The 4.5V to 5.5V supply range operates from USB or wall-adapter inputs. Through-hole PDIP package simplifies chassis-mount designs in charger enclosures. OTP code-protection prevents unauthorized firmware modifications that could compromise battery safety in field-deployed chargers.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54C-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04E/P | PIC16C54C-04/P | PIC16C54C-04/SS | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16C54A-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP | 20-SSOP | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | Flash (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 2.0V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $2.33 | $2.45 | $2.10 | $2.40 | $1.95 | $2.20 |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature range (vs PIC16C54C-04/P)
- OTP code protection (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- Through-hole PDIP for field serviceability (vs PIC16C54C-04/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C54C-04I/P requires a stable 4.5V to 5.5V supply; bulk-decouple VDD with a 10uF electrolytic plus 100nF ceramic placed within 5mm of pin 11, and add a 100nF ceramic on the MCLR pin (pin 4) to suppress noise-induced resets. For battery-powered designs, the PIC16C5x SLEEP mode reduces current to typical 1-5uA range, with the Watchdog Timer waking the MCU at programmable intervals. Estimated: SLEEP current at 5V/25C is typically under 5uA per datasheet 30453D electrical characteristics. Ensure VDD rise time at power-on is faster than the Power-on Reset (POR) release time to avoid undefined startup states.
Place the 4MHz ceramic resonator or crystal as close as possible to pins 12 (OSC2) and 13 (OSC1), with load capacitors (typically 15-33pF) tied to ground. Keep high-current switching traces (relay drivers, triac gates) physically separated from the oscillator traces to prevent clock corruption. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should have its 10k pull-up to VDD placed within 10mm to ensure clean reset behavior. For OTP programming, route the ICSPDAT and ICSPCLK signals to dedicated test pads accessible by the Microchip PICkit programmer without removing the MCU from the circuit.
The PIC16C5x baseline family has only a 2-level hardware stack, meaning subroutine nesting beyond depth 2 silently overwrites the return address - this is a frequent source of bugs for developers accustomed to deeper stacks in PIC16F or PIC18 families. The 25-byte RAM is shared between general-purpose variables and the hardware stack, so deep recursion or large local arrays can corrupt memory. Configuration fuses (WDT enable, code protection, oscillator mode) are programmed once with the OTP memory and cannot be changed; double-check fuse settings before bulk programming production units. There is no in-circuit debugger for the PIC16C5x - use the JW windowed package variant (PIC16C54C/JW) for firmware development.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive applications, the PIC16C54C-04E/P extended temperature variant is recommended. REACH compliance confirmed per Microchip product declaration.
