PIC16C54T-LPI/SO - 8-Bit 40MHz OTP MCU, 768B, 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54T-LPI/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.84 | $3.84 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.16 | $316.00 |
| 500 | $2.85 | $1,425.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16C54T-LPI/SO Overview
What is an OTP microcontroller? An OTP (One-Time Programmable) microcontroller is a type of embedded controller that uses non-volatile memory which can be written only once after manufacture. Unlike flash-based MCUs that allow many erase/write cycles, OTP parts are programmed a single time at production and are typically lower cost, making them well suited for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where firmware is finalized before production. OTP microcontrollers belong to the broader hierarchy of microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> microprocessors -> semiconductor ICs.
Key features include 12 I/O pins supporting bidirectional digital I/O, a programmable Watchdog Timer (WDT) for runaway code recovery, Power-On Reset (POR) for reliable cold-start behavior, and an internal oscillator option for designs that minimize external component count. The PIC16C5x RISC architecture provides 33 single-word instructions, of which all execute in a single 200 ns cycle except program branches (two cycles), giving C-code-density 2:1 compression versus typical 8-bit CISC microcontrollers in its class.
Technical depth: the part runs from a 4.5V to 5.5V supply, supports an external clock up to 20 MHz (yielding 200 ns instruction cycle time), and includes a brown-out/reset path. The industrial-grade temperature variant (the "I" suffix in LPI) operates from -40 °C to +85 °C. Because the device is OTP, firmware must be fully validated before programming; field updates are not possible without a hardware swap.
Typical applications include low-cost appliance controllers, remote-control transmitters, simple sensor interfaces, LED driving, and small consumer-electronic subsystems. The PIC16C54T-LPI/SO fits particularly well when deterministic timing, a tiny code footprint, and a minimal BOM are higher priorities than in-system reprogrammability.
A key design consideration is choosing OTP over flash: OTP units ship at lower per-piece cost and offer a more secure code image, but they cannot be re-burned during board bring-up, so engineering development should use a JW or QTP equivalent.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (PIC16C54C-04/SO, PIC16C54A-20/SO, PIC16C54CT-20I/SO, PIC16C54-LPI/SO, PIC16C54T-LP/SO), and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54T-LPI/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-LPI/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Type, Program Memory Size, RoHS Status, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54T-LP/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54-LPI/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54A-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54CT-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54T-LPI/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC (PIC16C5x family) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable), 512 x 12-bit words |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Maximum External Clock | 20 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Number of Instructions | 33 (single-word) |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| Brown-Out Reset | Yes (per datasheet) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial, "I" suffix) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO), 0.295" / 7.50 mm body |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 (per Microchip SOIC JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Microchip product page) |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
PIC16C54T-LPI/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/Vpp — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 4 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 5 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 7 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RC0 — PORTC bit 0 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC1 — PORTC bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 13 | Vdd — Positive supply (4.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 14 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / external clock return |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 16 | RC2 — PORTC bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC3 — PORTC bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC4 — PORTC bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54T-LPI/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control Transmitter, Small Appliance Controller, LED Lighting Driver / Sign Controller, Simple Sensor Interface Module, Toy and Game Electronics, Automotive Interior Accessory Module.
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16C54T-LPI/SO is a strong fit for low-cost handheld remote-control transmitters because its 768-byte (512 x 12-bit) OTP memory is sufficient to hold a fixed-key IR/RF encoding protocol and its 12 I/O pins drive both the encoder matrix and the LED/IR emitter without external logic. Per the Microchip PIC16C5x datasheet 30400D, the 33-instruction RISC core yields 2:1 code compression versus typical 8-bit CISC controllers, so even complex RC5/RC6 or proprietary pulse-position-modulation schemes fit comfortably. The 4.5-5.5 V supply matches a coin-cell booster or 3xAA stack, and the industrial -40 °C to +85 °C range survives outdoor key-fob environments. With its 200 ns instruction cycle the part can bit-bang carrier generation without a dedicated PWM peripheral, eliminating the timer module that a flash-based PIC16F would otherwise require. OTP programming locks the firmware once at production, preventing field tampering with the encoded key stream - a security plus for garage-door openers and entry-system remotes.
Recommended
Small Appliance Controller
The PIC16C54T-LPI/SO is well suited to small appliance controllers (coffee makers, blenders, fans, simple HVAC controls) where the firmware is finalized at design time and per-piece cost dominates the BOM. Per the Microchip datasheet 30400D, the integrated Watchdog Timer and Power-On Reset give robust cold-start behavior with no external reset IC, while 12 I/O pins drive relays, triac gates, key-scan matrices, and indicator LEDs directly. The 4.5-5.5 V supply aligns with rectified-mains-derived 5 V rails typical in white goods, and the industrial -40 °C to +85 °C range covers under-counter and garage installations. The OTP memory is a deliberate cost-down choice - replacing a flash-based PIC16F with this part saves roughly 15-25 % on MCU cost at qty 10k once firmware is locked. Because OTP cannot be re-burned, all bring-up must be done on a JW windowed or QTP sample before committing to the production order.
Recommended
LED Lighting Driver / Sign Controller
The PIC16C54T-LPI/SO is widely deployed in LED signage, decorative lighting strips, and channel-letter controllers where a fixed pattern sequence is burned once and shipped by the thousand. Per Microchip datasheet 30400D, the 12 I/O pins multiplex directly to Charlieplexed LED arrays, eliminating external shift-register chains, and the 200 ns instruction cycle supports software-PWM dimming at frequencies above the flicker-fusion threshold. OTP memory locks the lighting choreography so end users cannot re-program the display, an advantage for branded retail installations. The 4.5-5.5 V supply pairs naturally with 5 V regulators fed from 12 V or 24 V LED-driver rails, and the CMOS process keeps quiescent current low enough for always-on decorative fixtures. Industrial temperature rating supports outdoor signage enclosures in cold climates, and the 18-SOIC footprint allows automated pick-and-place on high-density sign-PCBs.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C54T-LPI/SO fits sensor-interface front-ends that digitize a single transducer (thermistor, photocell, simple switch matrix) and report over UART, I/O bit-bang, or a low-cost RF link. Per Microchip datasheet 30400D, the 25-byte RAM is enough to buffer a small sample set, and the 12 I/O pins handle the ADC-read via comparator plus the serial output to the host. Its OTP nature ensures the calibration constants are tamper-proof in the field - useful for medical or industrial sensor calibrations where endpoint security matters. The 4.5-5.5 V supply matches typical sensor-module rails, and the industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range covers outdoor and under-hood sensor installations. Cost-conscious designs benefit from the PIC16C5x 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit CISC cores, letting complex linearization tables fit in 768 bytes.
Recommended
Toy and Game Electronics
The PIC16C54T-LPI/SO is a workhorse for low-cost electronic toys, talking plush modules, sound-effect generators, and simple game controllers where the BOM cost is the dominant design driver. Per the Microchip PIC16C5x datasheet 30400D, the 33-instruction RISC core runs simple state machines, LED chasers, and PWM-driven sound effects at 40 MHz, all in 768 bytes of OTP. The 12 I/O pins drive button matrices, vibration motors, and piezo buzzers without external glue logic, and the OTP memory locks the game logic so it cannot be cloned via field reprogramming. The 4.5-5.5 V supply runs from 3xAA batteries with a boost or LDO, and the CMOS process keeps quiescent current in the low-mA range so battery life matches the toy's shelf expectations. Industrial temperature rating prevents cold-weather toy failures in unheated retail inventory.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessory Module
The PIC16C54T-LPI/SO is used in automotive interior accessories (ambient lighting controllers, simple door-lock sequencers, headlight-delay timers) where OTP locks the timing logic and the 18-SOIC footprint survives the under-dash thermal environment. Per Microchip datasheet 30400D, the industrial -40 °C to +85 °C range covers cabin temperatures, and the 4.5-5.5 V supply accepts a 5 V regulator fed directly from the 12 V automotive bus. The 12 I/O pins drive relay coils, status LEDs, and switch inputs without external buffers; the integrated Watchdog Timer recovers the module from load-dump transients, while Power-On Reset handles cranking cold-starts. OTP ensures the timing curve cannot be altered in the field, a regulatory plus for FMVSS-compliant headlight-delay circuits. Note: this is the standard industrial-grade variant; for AEC-Q100-qualified modules, designers should migrate to a PIC16F or dsPIC family.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54T-LPI/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54T-LP/SO | PIC16C54-LPI/SO | PIC16C54C-04/SO | PIC16C54A-20/SO | PIC16C54CT-20I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 40 MHz (20 MHz external) | 40 MHz | 40 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (512 x 12) | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| 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 |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tube | Tube | Tape & Reel |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C operating temperature with OTP memory (vs PIC16C54T-LP/SO)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMD production (vs PIC16C54-LPI/SO)
- Highest speed grade in the PIC16C54 SOIC family (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO)
Design Notes
Because PIC16C54T-LPI/SO is OTP (One-Time Programmable), firmware bugs that survive to production are unrecoverable. Per Microchip datasheet 30400D, always develop and debug on a JW (windowed, erasable) or QTP (qualification) sample of the same PIC16C5x die, then freeze the firmware before committing to the OTP production order. Also verify the bit-fuse configuration word (watchdog enable, oscillator mode, code-protect) is set correctly during development - the configuration word is also OTP and cannot be changed.
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd pin (pin 13) and a bulk 10 uF tantalum or ceramic on the same supply trace, per Microchip PIC16C5x datasheet 30400D. The MCLR/Vpp pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kΩ pull-up to Vdd for normal operation; in noisy environments add a 100 nF cap from MCLR to Vss to improve reset noise immunity. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short and surround them with a ground guard ring if using a crystal.
All 12 I/O pins on PIC16C54T-LPI/SO source or sink up to 25 mA per pin (100 mA total per port, 150 mA total) per Microchip datasheet 30400D. When driving LEDs or relay coils directly, place a flyback diode across any inductive load (relay coil, solenoid, DC motor) and verify the per-pin and per-port current budgets are not exceeded. For PWM-driven LEDs, the firmware PWM frequency should stay above 100 Hz to avoid visible flicker and below the GPIO toggle-rate limit of ~5 MHz at 40 MHz FOSC.
At 40 MHz and 5 V, PIC16C54T-LPI/SO draws approximately 5 mA active and <1 µA in sleep mode per Microchip datasheet 30400D. For battery-powered designs, leverage the SLEEP instruction aggressively: a coin-cell remote control can achieve multi-year standby by waking only on an MCLR reset or watchdog timeout. The brown-out reset threshold is approximately 4.0 V; design the regulator or battery stack so that supply droop below 4.0 V is treated as a clean reset rather than a runaway CPU state.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page (microchip.com/en-us/product/PIC16C54). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part is industrial-grade, not automotive-grade. For AEC-Q100 designs, choose a PIC16F or dsPIC family member.
