PIC16C54C-20E/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 18-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54C-20E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.84 | $1.84 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.49 | $149.00 |
| 500 | $1.33 | $665.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.18 | $1,180.00 |
PIC16C54C-20E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, program memory, and I/O peripherals into one package. The PIC16C5x line belongs to the original baseline PIC architecture, sitting hierarchically under PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> CMOS microcontroller -> embedded controller. The OTP version uses windowless or windowed EPROM for prototype and low-volume production, while ROM/Flash variants (PIC16C54A, PIC16F54) target high-volume cost-sensitive designs.
Key features of the PIC16C54C-20E/P include 12 I/O pins supporting direct LED drive, a 20 MHz internal clock with 200 ns instruction cycle, a wide -40 C to +125 C extended operating temperature range (denoted by the -20E suffix), and a programmable code-protect bit. The device integrates a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, and a 12-bit-wide instruction set optimized for compact code density. The /P package suffix indicates a plastic-leaded CERDIP-18 through-hole pinout with a quartz window for UV erasure, suitable for engineering development and small-batch production runs.
The PIC16C5x architecture uses a Harvard design with separate program and data paths, allowing instruction fetch and execute to overlap in a two-stage pipeline. Compared to contemporary 8-bit MCUs of the 1990s, the PIC16C5x delivers roughly an order-of-magnitude higher MIPS-per-dollar performance, with 33 single-word instructions and DC-20 MHz operation at 5 V. Its symmetrical 12-bit instruction encoding eliminates the page-boundary inefficiencies common in 14-bit PIC cores, and its RISC-style instruction set is well suited to deterministic control loops in real-time embedded systems.
Typical applications include appliance controllers, security-system keypads, simple sensor signal conditioners, low-end remote controls, automotive body electronics (interior lighting, mirror controls, wiper timers), industrial timing and sequencing modules, and educational or hobbyist development platforms. The windowed CERDIP package is particularly valuable during firmware development because the EPROM can be erased with UV light and re-programmed multiple times.
When designing with the PIC16C54C-20E/P, choose a programmer that supports the device ID 0x04A6 (PIC16C54C family). The maximum supply is 5.5 V; apply decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF) close to VDD/VSS pins. The /MCLR reset pin requires a 10-50 kohm pull-up to VDD, and for in-circuit debugging a standard ICD header is recommended.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, datasheet links, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same PIC16C5x family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54C-20E/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-20E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Watchdog Timer, RoHS Status, I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-20/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-20I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-20I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-10I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-20E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC16C5x baseline |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (windowed CERDIP) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 wide instructions) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 20 MHz (200 ns instruction cycle) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (extended) |
| Package Type | CERDIP-18, 0.300 inch, windowed |
| Mounting Type | Through-hole |
| Timer Modules | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with watchdog |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, on-chip RC oscillator |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Code Protection | Programmable code-protect bit |
| Instruction Set | 33 instructions, 12-bit wide |
| Pin Count | 18 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C54C-20E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | /MCLR — Master clear (reset), active-low input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| 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 | VDD — Positive supply, 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Pin 13 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 14 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 15 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 16 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 17 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 / ICSP data |
| Pin 18 | OSC1/CLKIN — Crystal oscillator input or external clock in |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54C-20E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Security Keypad Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Timer and Sequencer Modules, Remote Control and IR Transmitter, Educational and Hobby Development.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C54C-20E/P fits appliance applications because its 20 MHz CPU and 200 ns instruction cycle execute PID-style temperature and motor-control loops in well under 1 ms, while the 25 B RAM is sufficient to hold a few state-machine variables. The 12 I/O pins drive relays, triac optocouplers, and indicator LEDs directly, removing external driver logic. The 4.5-5.5 V supply matches a rectified 5 V rail from a small switching supply. The -40 to +125 C extended grade supports washing-machine, oven, and refrigerator environments. Program the OTP via ICSP at end-of-line to set per-model timing constants without hardware variants.
Recommended
Security Keypad Controllers
The PIC16C54C-20E/P is well-suited to security keypads because its 768 B OTP comfortably holds matrix-decode firmware plus a 4-digit PIN buffer in 25 B of RAM. The 12 I/O pins scan a 4x4 keypad (8 lines) and drive status LEDs plus a buzzer without external logic. The code-protect bit secures the stored PIN logic from extraction. The windowed CERDIP package lets engineers re-program during prototype evaluation; once firmware is locked, migrate to the plastic PDIP PIC16C54C-20I/P for production. Watchdog timer ensures keypad lockup auto-recovery if a button is held indefinitely.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C54C-20E/P powers body-electronics modules such as interior-lighting dimmers, mirror-position controllers, and intermittent wiper timers. Its 20 MHz CPU executes fade-ramp and debounce routines with sub-millisecond latency, and the extended -40 to +125 C grade survives under-hood and door-panel thermal stress. 12 I/O lines drive MOSFET gate drivers and read switch inputs; the watchdog timer recovers from load-dump transients. The 5 V rail is taken from a regulator downstream of the battery. The OTP is programmed per-vehicle-trim at the supplier. Pair with TVS protection on each I/O for automotive surge compliance.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Sequencer Modules
The PIC16C54C-20E/P fits industrial timing modules because its deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle and single 8-bit TMR0 deliver repeatable timing accuracy of 1 microsecond per instruction, easily achieving 0.1% set-point precision over the -40 to +125 C range. 12 I/O control solid-state relays, status LEDs, and binary-bcd switches without a bus expander. The code-protect bit prevents accidental or malicious firmware changes in the field. The 768 B OTP holds substantial state-machine logic for multi-stage process sequencing. The windowed package allows last-minute calibration changes during commissioning.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter
The PIC16C54C-20E/P drives low-cost IR remote controls because its 20 MHz core generates precisely-timed 38 kHz / 40 kHz carrier bursts for NEC, RC5, or SIRC protocols with cycle-accurate resolution. 12 I/O scan a 5x7 keypad matrix (12 lines), drive an IR LED via a transistor, and read a battery-voltage divider for low-battery detect. The 25 B RAM easily holds a 32-key scan buffer plus protocol state. The 4.5-5.5 V supply suits two-AA or two-CR2032 cells with boost. Power-on reset prevents lockup on battery insertion transients.
Recommended
Educational and Hobby Development
The PIC16C54C-20E/P is a popular teaching MCU because its 33-instruction baseline PIC architecture lets students master RISC concepts in a single lab session, while the windowed CERDIP package is erasable with a UV eraser - ideal for the repeated program/erase cycle of a university course. The 18-PDIP pinout accepts standard 0.1 inch protoboard headers, eliminating surface-mount soldering for beginners. The ICSP pins let modern MPLAB X tools program the device in-circuit. The 768 B OTP capacity suits semester projects on traffic controllers, dice simulators, and small robots.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54C-20E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-20/P | PIC16C54C-20I/P | PIC16C54C-04/P | PIC16C54A-20I/P | PIC16C54-10I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | CERDIP-18 (windowed) | PDIP-18 - same pinout | PDIP-18 - same pinout | PDIP-18 - same pinout | PDIP-18 - same pinout | PDIP-18 - same pinout |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| CPU Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz (-80%) | 20 MHz | 10 MHz (-50%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Package Type | CERDIP windowed (UV-erasable) | Plastic PDIP | Plastic PDIP | Plastic PDIP | Plastic PDIP | Plastic PDIP |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty-1) | $1.84 | $1.50 | $1.55 | $1.10 | $1.40 | $1.20 |
Key Differentiators
- Windowed CERDIP package for UV erasure (vs PIC16C54C-20/P (plastic PDIP))
- Extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade (vs PIC16C54C-20/P (0-70 C))
- 20 MHz full-speed operation (vs PIC16C54C-04/P (4 MHz))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 uF tantalum bulk capacitor at the board's power entry. The PIC16C54C-20E/P draws up to 25 mA active at 20 MHz with all I/O loaded - size the regulator for at least 1.5x this. Add a 10-50 kohm pull-up on /MCLR tied to VDD to ensure clean power-on reset; floating /MCLR will lock the part in reset.
Route the crystal traces (or external clock) to OSC1/OSC2 with short, symmetrical paths and a guard ring tied to ground. Keep high-current switching traces (relay drivers, triac gates) at least 5 mm away from the oscillator loop to prevent radiated EMI coupling into the clock. Place the ICSP header (RB6/RB7, /MCLR, VSS, VDD) at the board edge for easy in-circuit programming without removing the MCU.
Do not apply VDD above 5.5 V - the PIC16C54C EPROM cell write circuits are not 5.5 V tolerant and will degrade over time. The OTP memory cannot be electrically erased; the windowed CERDIP variant requires 30 minutes of UV-C exposure (253.7 nm, 12 mW/cm2) before re-programming. Failing to enable the watchdog timer (CONFIG fuse WDTE) leaves the MCU vulnerable to lockup on electrical noise or ESD events.
I/O pin source/sink current is rated 20 mA per pin, 100 mA total package. For loads above 50 mA use a discrete driver (ULN2003, BTS432E2) rather than the MCU pin directly. Add 10-100 ohm series resistors on fast-switching outputs to dampen transmission-line ringing on long PCB traces. The PIC16C5x lacks internal Schmitt triggers on all ports - external hysteresis resistors (10 kohm feedback) may be needed for noisy switch inputs.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - automotive applications should verify EMI/ESD conformance at the system level. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip material declaration.
