PIC16C54CT-04/SS - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU, 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54CT-04/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.13 | $2.13 |
| 10 | $1.92 | $19.20 |
| 100 | $1.71 | $171.00 |
| 500 | $1.55 | $775.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.38 | $1,380.00 |
PIC16C54CT-04/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program + data), and peripherals into one device. The PIC16C5X series is one of the original baseline architectures in the PIC family, employing a RISC-like 12-bit instruction word that delivers approximately 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit CISC MCUs, enabling compact program storage for embedded control tasks. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C54 sits below mid-range PIC16 devices in capability but offers the lowest cost and smallest footprint in the family.
Key features of the PIC16C54CT-04/SS include a fully static CMOS design that allows clock frequencies down to DC, a wide 4.5V to 5.5V supply range, a hardware watchdog timer for unattended recovery, a power-on reset circuit, and a sleep mode for low-power standby. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM memory is factory- or field-programmable using Microchip's development tools, and the SSOP-20 footprint supports high-density surface-mount assembly on space-constrained boards. Twelve I/O pins can each sink or source up to 25 mA, sufficient for direct LED drive.
Internally the PIC16C54C revision uses a 2-stage pipeline RISC core with 33 single-word instructions, all executing in a single instruction cycle except branches. A dedicated 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit prescaler supports event counting and timing applications. The device has no on-chip peripherals beyond the timer and watchdog, which simplifies firmware development and reduces cost versus higher-tier PIC16F variants.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, remote-control transmitters, simple sensor interfaces, battery chargers, LED drivers, automotive body electronics (non-safety-critical), and educational or hobbyist embedded platforms. Its small SSOP-20 footprint makes it attractive for hand-held and wearable form factors where PCB real estate is at a premium.
When designing with the PIC16C54CT-04/SS, note that OTP memory cannot be erased, so any firmware revision requires a new part; for prototyping, choose the windowed CERDIP PIC16C54C-04/JW variant. Use a 4MHz ceramic resonator or crystal across OSC1/OSC2 and place decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of VDD and VSS pins.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternative listings, and practical design guidance beyond what is typically available in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54CT-04/SS — 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 PIC16C54CT-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Timers, Watchdog Timer, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.34 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54AT-10/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54AT-10E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.27 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54CT-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | PIC16C5X baseline 8-bit MCU |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC 8-bit (12-bit instruction word) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12-bit words) |
| Data RAM | 25 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 (PORTA: 4, PORTB: 8) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Sink/Source Current | 25 mA per pin |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip, software-enabled) |
| Power-On Reset | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial grade) |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.3 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C54CT-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 2) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 3) |
| Pin 3 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 0) |
| Pin 4 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 1) |
| Pin 5 | MCLR — Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 0) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 1) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 2) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 3) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 4) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 5) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 6) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 7) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal/ceramic resonator) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (crystal/ceramic resonator) |
| Pin 17 | T0CKI — Timer0 external clock input (shared with RA2) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.5 V to 5.5 V, tied to pin 19) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54CT-04/SS is suitable for 8 applications: Consumer Remote Control, Battery Charger Controller, LED Lighting Controller, Simple Sensor Interface, Automotive Body Electronics (Aftermarket), Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platform, Industrial Control Front-End, Smart Home Sensor Node.
Consumer Remote Control
The PIC16C54CT-04/SS fits consumer remote controls because its 25 mA I/O drive eliminates the need for external LED driver transistors, while the 4 MHz clock executes 4 MIPS enough for IR protocol encoding (RC5, NEC, SIRC) with minimal firmware. The 768-byte OTP stores protocol tables, button debounce state machines, and battery-low detection logic without needing external EEPROM. The 20-pin SSOP package keeps PCB area under 50 mm squared, critical for hand-held form factors where every square millimeter counts.
Recommended
Battery Charger Controller
In single-cell NiMH or lead-acid charger designs, the PIC16C54CT-04/SS monitors charge current via an ADC-free voltage comparator and switches a MOSFET via one of its 12 I/O pins. Its 4 MHz clock provides adequate resolution for delta-V detection algorithms, and the 25 mA I/O source can directly drive indicator LEDs and optocouplers. The 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply range matches a wall-adapter-derived rail. The OTP memory is suitable for fixed charging profiles where firmware revision is unnecessary.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16C54CT-04/SS drives LED arrays by PWM-ing its 25 mA-rated I/O pins to deliver smooth dimming without external driver chips for small arrays up to 12 channels. The 4 MHz instruction rate supports 8-bit PWM at 60 Hz refresh with full channel coverage, while the watchdog timer protects unattended installations against firmware lockup. The SSOP-20 footprint is ideal for slim aluminum extrusion-based linear fixtures where PCB height is constrained to under 2 mm.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface
The PIC16C54CT-04/SS serves as a low-cost sensor-polling front end for thermistors, photoresistors, and reed switches by using its 8-bit TMR0 timer to generate wake events and its I/O pins to read digitized sensor outputs through an external comparator. The 25-byte RAM holds sample buffers and rolling averages for environmental monitoring, and the 4 MHz clock handles bit-banged 1-Wire or UART comms at low baud rates. The 5 V supply simplifies resistive sensor biasing.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Aftermarket)
After-market automotive accessories such as interior lighting controllers, alarm chirp modules, and window-closer timers use the PIC16C54CT-04/SS because its 12 I/O pins drive relays and LEDs directly, while the watchdog timer recovers from automotive electrical noise transients. Although the commercial temperature grade (0 to +70 C) limits under-hood use, cabin-temperature applications are within spec. The OTP memory suits fixed-function automotive accessories that don't require in-field firmware updates.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platform
Universities and hobbyists adopt the PIC16C54CT-04/SS as an introductory microcontroller because its 33-instruction RISC core and small memory footprint expose learners to bare-metal embedded concepts without overwhelming complexity. The 4 MHz clock, 20-pin SSOP package, and 12 I/O pins fit standard breadboard adapter boards, while the OTP memory forces careful firmware planning before programming. The mature PIC16C5X toolchain (MPLAB X, MPASM, PICkit programmers) is freely available and well documented for classroom use.
Recommended
Industrial Control Front-End
Low-end industrial control panels use the PIC16C54CT-04/SS for button-and-indicator I/O scanning where its 12 I/O pins interface directly to 24 V-tolerant optocouplers and panel LEDs. The hardware watchdog and power-on reset ensure reliable recovery from brown-out events common on factory floors. The SSOP-20 surface-mount package supports conformal-coated PCB assemblies that meet industrial environmental requirements, and the OTP memory secures firmware against accidental field modification.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Node
The PIC16C54CT-04/SS acts as a low-cost wake-up controller in battery-powered smart home sensors, periodically waking from sleep via TMR0 to sample a PIR motion detector or temperature sensor and transmit a simple UART or OOK RF packet. The 4 MHz clock provides enough bandwidth for short beacon transmissions, while the low-cost OTP silicon enables sub-$1 BOM for high-volume disposable sensor designs. The 5 V operation simplifies alkaline or USB-derived power topologies common in residential gateways.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54CT-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-04/SS | PIC16C54C-04I/SS | PIC16C54A-04/SS | PIC16C54AT-10/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) | SSOP-20 (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz (faster) |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost baseline PIC with full SSOP-20 SMT assembly (vs PIC16C54C-04I/SS)
- Faster headroom available within same family (vs PIC16C54AT-10/SS)
- Mature, stable silicon with multi-decade supply continuity (vs PIC16F54-I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: Place a 100 nF X7R decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 19 or 20) and tie both VDD pins together with a wide trace. Connect VSS (pin 14) directly to the ground plane with a via. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1 pin 16, OSC2 pin 15) short and shield them with a ground guard ring to reduce EMI pickup. A 4 MHz ceramic resonator with internal capacitors simplifies the BOM versus a discrete crystal.
OTP memory cannot be erased after programming, so any firmware bug requires a new part. For prototyping, substitute the windowed CERDIP PIC16C54C-04/JW variant which supports UV erasure. Additionally, the PIC16C5X core has only a 2-level hardware stack - do not nest subroutine calls deeper than two levels or risk stack overflow and unexpected resets.
MCLR (pin 5) must be tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; a direct short to ground forces reset. For noisy environments, add a 100 nF capacitor from MCLR to ground to filter transient glitches that could cause spurious resets. The internal power-on reset circuit holds the device in reset until VDD reaches a stable threshold, but external brown-out conditions below 4.5 V may require a dedicated supervisor IC.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance verified through Microchip product documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; PIC16C54AT-10E/SS extended-temperature variant suits automotive interior applications but still lacks formal AEC-Q100 certification.
