PIC16C54T-XTE/SO - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 768B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C54T-XTE/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.5 | $3.50 |
| 10 | $3.15 | $31.50 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16C54T-XTE/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller is a small single-chip computer built around a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and I/O peripherals. The PIC16C5x family belongs to the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> MCU -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. These OTP CMOS MCUs target high-volume applications where mask-ROM cost savings are not warranted and field programmability is required. The PIC16C5x architecture uses a Harvard structure with separate program and data buses, an accumulator-based ALU, and a small two-level hardware stack, which simplifies interrupts and reduces die area compared with register-based CISC 8-bit cores.
Key features of the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO include a 33-instruction set, hardware multiplier-free architecture, 12 I/O pins with individual direction control, a programmable watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and a power-on reset circuit. The device supports sleep mode for low-power standby and has an operating temperature range typical of industrial-grade silicon. Power consumption in active mode is on the order of a few milliamperes at 5 V/4 MHz, with standby current dropping into the microampere range when sleep is engaged.
Typical applications include simple logic replacement, RC timers, sensor front-end conditioning, low-end consumer appliances, and industrial control subsystems where deterministic instruction timing and a small footprint matter more than raw throughput. The wide-body 18-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm) gives easier hand-soldering and inspection than narrow-body SO packages, while the -XTE speed designation corresponds to the 4 MHz oscillator grade with the industrial operating range. When designing with this part, allocate sufficient decoupling on VDD/VSS, keep crystal traces short, and respect the device's low drive-strength I/O limits; for designs that require re-programmability or in-circuit debugging, consider migrating to a flash-based PIC16F equivalent in the same footprint.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C54T-XTE/SO 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-XTE/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, Instruction Width, Operating Temperature, Package, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C54T-XT/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-LPI/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54-HS/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F54-I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C56T-XT/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54T-XTE/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Maximum CPU Speed | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V (3.3 V / 5 V nominal) |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm wide-body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT (watchdog timer with dedicated RC) |
| Packaging | Tape and Reel (T/R) |
PIC16C54T-XTE/SO 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 | RA4/T0CKI β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C54T-XTE/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Simple Logic Replacement and Glue Logic, RC Timer and Periodic Actuator Controllers, Sensor Front-End Signal Conditioning, Low-End Consumer Appliance Control, Industrial Control Subsystems, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Subsystems).
Simple Logic Replacement and Glue Logic
The PIC16C54T-XTE/SO is well suited to replacing discrete 74HC logic gates with a single 18-SOIC MCU running firmware-based state machines. With 768 bytes of OTP program memory and 33 instructions, the PIC16C5x core delivers deterministic 4 MHz execution that exceeds the propagation-delay behavior of multi-gate discrete solutions, while the 12 I/O pins directly drive LEDs, relays, and 5V logic inputs. Power consumption in the low milliampere range at 5V and a sub-microampere sleep current make it a cost-effective integrated replacement for applications that previously needed multiple MSI logic packages.
Recommended
RC Timer and Periodic Actuator Controllers
For periodic tasks such as blinking indicators, refreshing displays, or driving solenoids on a fixed schedule, the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO delivers accurate timing via its 4 MHz instruction clock with a one-microsecond instruction cycle. The 25 bytes of RAM are sufficient to maintain counters and flags, while the 12-bit OTP program space holds compact timing tables. Combined with the watchdog timer and power-on reset, the part creates robust appliance-style controllers that self-recover from brownouts without external supervisor ICs.
Recommended
Sensor Front-End Signal Conditioning
In sensor-conditioning subsystems, the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO reads slow analog signals via an external ADC and applies digital filtering, linearization, and threshold logic before passing results upstream. The 4 MHz core provides 1 MIPS throughput, adequate for thermocouple cold-junction compensation, simple RC bridge filtering, or hall-sensor pulse counting in industrial equipment. Its industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and 18-SOIC wide-body footprint also suit factory-floor environments with moderate thermal stress.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Appliance Control
Small kitchen, personal-care, and hobby appliances frequently use the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO to manage keypad scanning, LED indication, motor PWM, and buzzer feedback from a single chip. The 33-instruction RISC core keeps firmware small enough to fit in 768 bytes, and the 12 I/O pins cover 4x4 matrix keypads plus indicator LEDs without external mux. Its 5V tolerance matches legacy appliance power rails, simplifying the analog interface to triac-driven loads.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystems
Within larger industrial control panels the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO acts as a dedicated co-processor handling push-button debouncing, indicator multiplexing, watchdog supervision of a host CPU, and simple Modbus-free serial protocols. Its 18-SOIC wide-body package is convenient for hand rework and inspection on industrial PCBs, while its 3.0V to 5.5V supply range tolerates loosely-regulated 24V-derived rails. For higher noise immunity the PIC16C54-HS/SO variant supports 20 MHz clocks with the same OTP memory map.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy Subsystems)
Although generally superseded by automotive-qualified parts, the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO has historically appeared in body-electronics subsystems such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, and simple HVAC flap drivers. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature grade covers cabin environments, and the OTP memory prevents accidental firmware tampering in service. Modern AEC-Q100 designs should migrate to automotive-qualified PIC16F or dsPIC alternatives, but legacy repair channels continue to source this part for compatibility.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C54T-XTE/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C54T-XT/SO | PIC16C54-LPI/SO | PIC16C54-HS/SO | PIC16C54C-04/SO | PIC16F54-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295") | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same | 18-SOIC (0.295") - same |
| Max CPU Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 200 kHz (LP grade) | 20 MHz (HS grade) | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP | 768 B (512 x 12) Flash |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM (improved) | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade in 18-SOIC (vs PIC16C54T-XT/SO)
- Flash-based reprogrammability for development and field updates (vs PIC16C54C-04/SO (OTP))
- Doubling program memory without changing the footprint (vs PIC16C56T-XT/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 5 V VDD and 4 MHz oscillator, the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO draws roughly 2 mA active and 1 uA in sleep. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry point; keep the MCLR/VPP line either tied to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or driven by a proper supervisor for noisy industrial environments.
Keep oscillator traces between pins 15/16 (OSC2/CLKOUT, OSC1/CLKIN) and the crystal or resonator as short as possible and routed over a continuous ground pour. Avoid routing digital I/O traces directly beneath the oscillator area to minimise capacitive loading and stray injection that can shift the 4 MHz clock frequency or cause oscillator startup failures at cold temperatures.
OTP EPROM on the PIC16C54T-XTE/SO cannot be erased or re-programmed: a single programming error bricks the device. Always validate firmware on a PIC16F54-I/SO (flash) or PIC16C54C-04/SO equivalent before committing to the OTP production order, and budget for a programming yield loss of 1-3 percent when ordering OTP parts in volume.
The PIC16C54T-XTE/SO 18-SOIC wide-body package has a thermal pad connection through the lead frame to VSS pin 5. Provide a star-ground topology tying pin 5 directly to the ground pour, and avoid daisy-chaining high-current return paths through the MCU ground pin to prevent logic-noise injection that can cause spurious watchdog resets in motor-drive applications.
Compliance Information
Lifecycle status is NRND as of 2026-09-16 per Microchip product lifecycle policy. RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free status require confirmation from Microchip's latest material declaration since the PIC16C5x family was originally released before widespread RoHS adoption. No AEC-Q100 automotive qualification on this industrial-grade part.
