PIC16C54T-RC/SS - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54T-RC/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.1 | $210.00 |
| 500 | $1.78 | $890.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.5 | $1,500.00 |
PIC16C54T-RC/SS Overview
What is a PIC16C5x microcontroller? The PIC16C5x is Microchip's original low-cost, high-performance 8-bit RISC family, widely regarded as the ancestor of all modern PIC MCUs. It uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, a 12-bit-wide instruction word, and a fixed 33-instruction set. In the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C5x sits under: microcontroller -> embedded microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> RISC MCU -> EPROM/ROM-based MCU -> power management and control IC family.
Key features include 33 single-word/single-cycle RISC instructions, 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit MCUs through 12-bit-wide instructions, Power-On Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) with on-chip RC oscillator, and programmable code protection. The 12-bit instruction width yields compact code density uncommon in 8-bit parts, while the two-level deep hardware stack and 2 K x 12 program-memory address space support compact firmware designs.
The PIC16C5x uses a RISC pipeline with single-cycle execution (except branches, which take two cycles), and integrates a precision 4 MHz internal RC-style oscillator reference. With a 4 MHz clock and 4 Tcy per instruction cycle, each instruction executes in 1 microsecond, delivering roughly 1 MIPS of throughput. The device's CMOS design provides low power consumption suitable for both battery and line-powered applications.
Typical applications include appliance control, automotive body electronics, low-power remote sensors, security and access systems, and general-purpose embedded logic replacement. The wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply range and small SSOP-20 footprint make it well-suited for cost-sensitive, space-constrained designs.
When designing with the PIC16C5x, ensure the OTP-programmed firmware is finalized before volume production - the "C" ROM family is one-time-programmable, so any firmware change requires a new part. Use the WDT for unattended recovery from software or hardware faults, and add 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitors near VDD/SS for stable operation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the PIC16C5x family and competitive 8-bit MCUs, application examples, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54T-RC/SS β 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-RC/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Program Memory Type, Mounting Type, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size.
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Request AlternativesPIC16C54T-RC/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC16C5x (PIC16C54) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Data Bus Width | 8 bit |
| Instruction Set Width | 12 bit |
| Number of Instructions | 33 single-word/single-cycle |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT (Watchdog Timer) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape and Reel) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16C54T-RC/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RB0 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 |
| Pin 4 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 5 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 6 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 7 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 8 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 9 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 10 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 11 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 12 | GND β Ground reference |
| Pin 13 | OSC1 β Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 14 | OSC2 β Oscillator output (crystal mode) |
| Pin 15 | T0CKI β Timer0 clock input / RA0 |
| Pin 16 | INT β External interrupt / RA1 |
| Pin 17 | MCLR β Master clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 18 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 19 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC β Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54T-RC/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (Washers, Microwaves), Automotive Body Electronics, Low-Power Remote Sensor Nodes, Security and Access Control Panels, Replacement of Discrete Logic / Glue Logic, Toys, Hobby Electronics, and Educational Kits.
Appliance Control (Washers, Microwaves)
The PIC16C54T-RC/SS fits white-goods appliance control because its 4 MHz PIC core delivers deterministic 1 MIPS throughput, the 12 GPIO pins directly drive relays and triacs via opto-isolators, and the 768 B OTP holds timing sequences for wash cycles or microwave power levels. With POR and WDT integrated, no external supervisor IC is required, reducing BOM cost. The wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply tolerates unregulated 5 V rails common in motor-driven appliances. Designers typically pair the part with an 8-bit Darlington array (e.g., ULN2803) to switch solenoids and indicator LEDs directly from the GPIO pins, each capable of 25 mA source/sink.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C54T-RC/SS serves automotive body-control applications such as interior lighting, window lifters, and seat-position memory, where its small SSOP-20 footprint fits behind dashboard connectors and the 12-bit instruction word compresses state-machine firmware into 768 B OTP. The 4 MHz clock and 25 mA GPIO drive capability directly switch small automotive loads. For under-hood applications, the industrial-temperature variant PIC16C54C-04I/SS is preferred for its -40C to +85C range, while commercial-temp units like the PIC16C54T-RC/SS are typically used in cabin-mounted modules. Always derate supply voltage against load-dump transients with a TVS clamp.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Sensor Nodes
The PIC16C54T-RC/SS is suited to low-power remote sensor endpoints (soil moisture, environmental monitors, building automation) thanks to its fully-static CMOS core, which allows the 4 MHz clock to be gated for sub-microamp standby current. The 12 GPIO pins read multiple sensor channels and drive a low-power radio or LoRa transmitter, while the WDT wakes the part periodically to take readings and transmit. With 768 B OTP holding the sensor-fusion algorithm and 25 B RAM for sample buffers, the part is a cost-effective node controller for IoT-style deployments where flash reprogrammability is not required.
Recommended
Security and Access Control Panels
The PIC16C54T-RC/SS is well-suited to legacy alarm panels, keypad controllers, and access-control readers where its 12-bit PIC instruction set holds keyscan debounce routines, EEPROM emulation, and simple encryption in 768 B of OTP. The 12 GPIO directly scan a 4x4 matrix keypad (8 lines) and drive status LEDs, while a serial interface (bit-banged UART) talks to a central panel. The OTP memory also provides natural security: once programmed, the firmware cannot be read back without erasing, deterring casual reverse engineering.
Recommended
Replacement of Discrete Logic / Glue Logic
The PIC16C54T-RC/SS is often used as a one-chip replacement for 74-series glue-logic clusters in cost-sensitive designs. A single PIC16C5x can replace 3-5 discrete logic ICs by sequencing outputs based on input patterns stored in OTP code, freeing PCB area and reducing BOM count. The 1 MIPS throughput handles debouncing, sequencing, and simple state machines with cycle-accurate timing. Designers port existing HC/AC-logic designs by writing state diagrams in PIC assembly, then program the OTP once and never change the firmware.
Recommended
Toys, Hobby Electronics, and Educational Kits
The PIC16C54T-RC/SS is a popular choice for educational kits and hobby electronics because of its low unit cost, simple 33-instruction RISC architecture, and wide availability through hobbyist distributors. Students learn embedded programming on the same PIC core that launched the modern microcontroller era, while the 4 MHz clock and 1 MIPS throughput are sufficient to drive LED chasers, servo controllers, and simple robotic platforms. The 20-pin SSOP package is breadboard-friendly with breakout boards, and the OTP memory forces disciplined firmware development.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54T-RC/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54-RC/SS | PIC16C54T-RC/SO | PIC16C54C-04/SS | PIC16C54C-04I/SS | PIC16F54-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SOIC (7.50 mm) - different footprint | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B | 768 B |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V (wider) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume SMT assembly (vs PIC16C54-RC/SS)
- SSOP-20 small-footprint option vs SOIC-20 (vs PIC16C54T-RC/SO)
- Modern flash migration path available in same footprint (vs PIC16F54-I/SS)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD to ground with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin. For systems with noisy switching loads (relays, triacs) on the same supply, add a 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic bulk capacitor. The PIC16C54T-RC/SS supply range is 3.0 V to 5.5 V; operation outside this range is undefined and may damage the OTP memory cell.
The PIC16C54T-RC/SS uses One-Time-Programmable (OTP) EPROM, which means firmware cannot be modified after programming. Verify your firmware thoroughly before committing to volume programming - any code change requires a new device batch. Always keep the MCLR pin pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor and tied to VDD; floating MCLR can cause spurious resets in noisy environments.
The 20-pin SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pin pitch and 5.30 mm body width - small enough that hand-soldering requires care. Use a reflow profile with peak temperature of 250C for no more than 30 seconds. Add a ground pour under the device to improve thermal dissipation; even though the PIC16C5x is low-power, OTP programming draws extra current that benefits from a thermal copper plane.
Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and away from high-current switching traces. For crystal mode, place load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) close to the pins. For RC oscillator mode (the "RC" in this part number), the oscillator frequency depends on the external resistor and capacitor; consult the PIC16C5x datasheet section on OSC options for component selection curves.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product declaration. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications use the PIC16C54C-04I/SS industrial-temp variant and apply additional qualification. Lead-free reflow-compatible (peak 250C).