PIC16C54T-HS/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54T-HS/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.75 | $275.00 |
| 500 | $2.4 | $1,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.05 | $2,050.00 |
PIC16C54T-HS/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals into one device. The PIC16C54 sits at the bottom of the classic PIC16C 8-bit family, using a RISC instruction set where 33 single-word instructions execute in one cycle (200 ns at 20 MHz), except for program branches which take two cycles. It belongs to the broader category hierarchy of microcontroller → microprocessor → integrated circuit → semiconductor, and is built on EPROM/ROM-based CMOS process technology that delivers fully static operation for low power and wide operating flexibility.
Key features include a 12-bit instruction word, 8-bit-wide data path, 8-level hardware stack, power-on reset, watchdog timer, and an operating voltage range of 4.5 V to 5.5 V. The device supports a commercial temperature range of 0 °C to +70 °C. Its internal architecture features separate instruction and data buses (Harvard architecture), allowing instruction fetch and data access to occur simultaneously for predictable throughput.
Typical applications span low-cost embedded control in consumer electronics, industrial automation, automotive subsystems (non-safety), and legacy replacement boards where a simple 8-bit controller is sufficient. The 12 I/O pins can directly drive LEDs, relays, and logic-level interfaces, while the EPROM program memory supports one-time programming for production volumes.
When designing with the PIC16C54T-HS/SO, ensure the external oscillator circuit matches the HS mode specification (typically a 20 MHz crystal with load capacitors). Decouple VDD with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed close to the pin, and leave the MCLR pin connected through the recommended reset network. The OTP memory cannot be electrically erased, so firmware must be fully verified before programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in 18-SOIC alternatives from the same PIC16C5x family, and practical design guidance not consolidated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54T-HS/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 PIC16C54T-HS/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54C-20/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54AT-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54CT-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-HS/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC16C RISC |
| Family | PIC® 16C5x |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Oscillator Type | External (HS - High Speed) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (T suffix) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word instructions |
| Stack Depth | 8 levels (hardware) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lifecycle | Obsolete / Last-Time-Buy (per distributor listings) |
PIC16C54T-HS/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock in (HS mode) |
| Pin 10 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply (+5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54T-HS/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Control, Consumer Electronics Remote Controls, Automotive Body Electronics, Smart Home Sensor Hubs, Battery-Powered Portable Devices, Legacy Embedded Board Repair.
Industrial Automation Control
The PIC16C54T-HS/SO fits industrial automation control boards where a simple, deterministic 8-bit controller sequences relays, drives indicator LEDs, and reads contact inputs. Its 12 GPIO pins can directly drive opto-isolated logic-level interfaces, and the 200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz enables sub-millisecond response to limit-switch interrupts. The Harvard RISC core guarantees deterministic execution time for PLC-style ladder-logic emulation.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Remote Controls
The PIC16C54T-HS/SO suits low-cost consumer remote controls and appliance front panels where cost-per-unit is paramount and the 768 B OTP EPROM holds a fixed IR protocol or button-scanning routine. The 12 I/O pins map directly to a 4x4 matrix keypad plus a few status LEDs, while the 20 MHz HS oscillator drives accurate IR carrier generation. Once firmware is finalized, the OTP cell locks the code into production silicon with no programming overhead.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C54T-HS/SO is suitable for non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, and HVAC flap actuators where commercial-grade temperature (0 °C to +70 °C) is acceptable inside the cabin. The 12 GPIO pins control MOSFET drivers for small DC loads, and the 200 ns instruction cycle supports debounced switch scanning at 20 MHz. For under-hood applications requiring -40 °C to +125 °C, the PIC16C54CT-20I/SO industrial variant is the preferred drop-in.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Hubs
The PIC16C54T-HS/SO serves as a low-power sensor-hub MCU in smart-home nodes that aggregate temperature, contact, and PIR sensor inputs. Its 25-byte RAM holds a small sample buffer, and the 12 GPIO pins interface with low-bandwidth I2C or SPI sensor front-ends via bit-banging. With the OTP EPROM locking the sensor-fusion firmware, the device draws only a few milliamps at 5 V and provides the deterministic timing smart-home protocols require.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Devices
The PIC16C54T-HS/SO operates as the controller for handheld battery-powered tools and instrumentation where the EPROM firmware holds a fixed measurement or sequencing routine. Its CMOS design delivers typical quiescent current of a few hundred microamps at 5 V, and the HS-mode 20 MHz clock can be gated via the MCLR pin for power-saving standby. The 18-SOIC surface-mount package fits standard handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded Board Repair
The PIC16C54T-HS/SO is still ordered for repairing legacy embedded boards where the original OTP firmware cannot be changed and a pin-compatible replacement is mandatory. Stocking distributors such as Heisener maintain remaining inventory specifically for these service scenarios. When original-stock parts run out, the PIC16C54A-20/SO or PIC16C54C-20/SO drop-ins preserve firmware and PCB compatibility, allowing long-life industrial and military systems to remain operational.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54T-HS/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54C-20/SO | PIC16C54A-20/SO | PIC16C54AT-20/SO | PIC16C54CT-20I/SO | PIC16C54C-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP EPROM (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP EPROM (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP EPROM (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP EPROM (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP EPROM (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP EPROM (512 x 12) |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz (HS mode) | 20 MHz (HS mode) | 20 MHz (HS mode) | 20 MHz (HS mode) | 20 MHz (HS mode) | 4 MHz (HS/XT mode) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Oscillator Mode | External HS only | LP/XT/RC/HS selectable | LP/XT/RC/HS selectable | LP/XT/RC/HS selectable | LP/XT/RC/HS selectable | LP/XT/RC selectable |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel (T suffix) | Tube (no T suffix) | Tube (no T suffix) | Tape & Reel (T suffix) - same | Tape & Reel (T suffix) - same | Tube (no T suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Active-production drop-in alternative with identical 18-SOIC pinout (vs PIC16C54C-20/SO)
- Industrial-temperature drop-in for harsh environments (vs PIC16C54CT-20I/SO)
- Selectable oscillator modes vs fixed HS-only (vs PIC16C54A-20/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 18) with the ground return routed directly to the VSS pin (pin 7). For HS-mode 20 MHz operation, add a bulk 10 µF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor on the same VDD rail. Keep the oscillator traces short and surround them with a ground guard ring to prevent high-frequency noise from coupling into adjacent signal lines on the PCB.
The PIC16C54T-HS/SO must operate strictly within 4.5 V to 5.5 V on VDD; operation below 4.5 V can cause unreliable OTP EPROM reads and program-counter corruption. Use a regulator with ±5 % tolerance and add a reverse-polarity protection diode on the input rail. Estimated: typical active current at 5 V, 20 MHz is 5-7 mA, and quiescent current in sleep mode is below 1 µA - verify with the PIC16C5X datasheet electrical characteristics table for your specific lot.
The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to VDD for normal operation; leaving it floating causes spurious resets or prevents code execution from the OTP EPROM. The HS-mode oscillator requires a 20 MHz crystal with load capacitors sized to the crystal manufacturer's specification (typically 15-33 pF). Do not assume the C-revision parts (PIC16C54C-20/SO) will run at 20 MHz without verifying the configuration-bit oscillator mode is set to HS, not XT or RC.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces as a short differential pair directly under the IC and keep them away from switching signals. Place the crystal within 5 mm of the oscillator pins to minimize parasitic capacitance. For noisy environments, add a 4.7 kΩ resistor in series with the OSC2 pin to dampen over-shoot. The MCLR trace should be guarded with a ground trace to prevent false reset events from EMI.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance are confirmed by Microchip product documentation and distributor listings. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification is not applicable to the commercial 0 °C to +70 °C grade; for AEC-Q100-grade equivalents consult PIC16C54C-20I/SO derivative datasheets.
