PIC16C554-04E/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C554-04E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.75 | $275.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16C554-04E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, non-volatile program memory, working RAM, and on-chip peripherals. The PIC16C554 belongs to Microchip's PIC16C mid-range family - a RISC architecture where every instruction is a single 14-bit word, allowing high code density and predictable interrupt latency. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C554 sits as: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> 8-bit MCU -> CMOS OTP MCU -> PIC16C family. The 04 speed suffix designates the 4MHz oscillator domain, while the E suffix denotes the Extended (automotive) temperature grade and the /P suffix identifies the PDIP package.
Key features include 12 I/O pins with individual direction control, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit prescaler, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator, Power-On Reset (POR), Power-Up Timer (PWRT), and code-protection support. The device offers low-power operation and a 25mA source/sink capability per I/O pin for directly driving optoelectronic and other hardware peripherals. The OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM cell technology allows rapid prototyping at low cost, but limits the part to single programming - for field-updateable designs consider a Flash-based PIC16F equivalent.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, industrial sensor interfaces, appliance control boards, security alarm panels, and remote-control transmitters. The wide temperature range and high-noise-immunity CMOS process also suit automotive subsystems such as lighting controllers, seat/door modules, and HVAC actuators. Because the PIC16C554 shares pin compatibility with several PIC16C5x siblings, designers can move between PIC16C54/55/56/57 footprints with minimal PCB rework.
When designing with this device, note that OTP parts cannot be reprogrammed - production programming must be the final step. Reserve the MCLR, OSC1/OSC2, and VDD/GND pin functions carefully because the 18-pin PDIP is pin-limited and these pins cannot be repurposed as I/O. For low-pin-count modern designs consider the PIC16F54 or PIC12F parts as drop-in Flash alternatives.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C554-04E/P — 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 PIC16C554-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Mounting Type, Program Memory Type, Number of I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C554-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04E/JW
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C554T-04E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C554-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-10I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55-10I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 80 x 8 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Peripherals | POR, WDT, PWRT, TMR0 |
| I/O Sink/Source | 25 mA per pin |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive |
PIC16C554-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Digital I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Digital I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Digital I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — Digital I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Digital I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS/AN4 — Digital I/O port A bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input |
| Pin 10 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT — Digital I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 — Digital I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | RB2 — Digital I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB3 — Digital I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | RB4 — Digital I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | RB5 — Digital I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | RB6 — Digital I/O port B bit 6 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C554-04E/P is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Controller, Industrial Sensor Interface Module, Security Alarm Panel, Remote Control Transmitter, Appliance Control Board, Lighting Controller / DMX Node, Battery Charger Supervisory MCU.
Automotive Body Controller
The PIC16C554-04E/P fits automotive body controller modules because its Extended -40 to +125 C temperature grade matches under-hood and cabin thermal requirements. With 12 I/O pins each capable of 25 mA sink/source, it directly drives relay coils, LED indicators, and small motors without external drivers. The 896-byte OTP program memory holds the full state-machine firmware for door-lock, lighting, or wiper control loops. Designers place the MCU on the body-controller PCB with MCLR tied through a 10 kohm pull-up, an external 4 MHz crystal on OSC1/OSC2, and 0.1 uF decoupling on VDD. Compared to modern 32-bit automotive MCUs, the PIC16C554 offers deterministic 200 ns instruction execution and BOM-cost savings.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Module
The PIC16C554-04E/P serves industrial 4-20 mA sensor transmitters and limit-switch input modules where Extended temperature operation and deterministic loop times are required. Its 12 I/O pins can multiplex up to 12 discrete sensor inputs while two pins drive the HART modem or RS-485 transceiver enable line. The 200 ns instruction cycle produces a fixed 50 us sensor-scan loop that simplifies EMC certification. Wide 3.0-5.5 V VDD operation tolerates the 24 V industrial bus after a Zener clamp or DC-DC step-down. Industrial designers benefit from the OTP device's one-time-programming security, which prevents firmware reverse-engineering from production units.
Recommended
Security Alarm Panel
The PIC16C554-04E/P runs the supervision loop in residential and commercial security alarm panels, scanning 8-12 zones for intrusion sensors, fire detectors, and glass-break inputs. Its Watchdog Timer with dedicated internal RC oscillator ensures the panel recovers from firmware faults or EMI events - critical for life-safety systems. The Extended temperature grade allows deployment in unheated garages, attics, and exterior equipment closets. With 80 bytes of RAM and 896 bytes of OTP program memory, the device holds the full zone-mapping table, event log buffer, and dialer handshake routine. Compared to PIC16F Flash parts, the OTP variant prevents post-production firmware tampering in the field.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16C554-04E/P operates as the encoder in IR/RF remote controls where its 4 MHz clock, 12 I/O, and OTP program memory hold the full button matrix scan, encryption seed, and transmit packet routine. The 25 mA I/O source/sink directly drives an IR LED without a discrete transistor - significant BOM savings in high-volume consumer remotes. Extended temperature range allows the remote to operate in parked cars at -30 C and in direct sunlight at +60 C. The 200 ns instruction execution encodes a 48-bit packet within 1 ms, faster than the 38 kHz carrier envelope, simplifying the transmit ISR.
Recommended
Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C554-04E/P is found in washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and HVAC damper controllers where 12 I/O pins drive triac gates, sense switches, and the user-interface keypad. The Extended temperature grade tolerates the thermal cycling inside appliance cabinets. With 80 bytes RAM the device buffers sensor averages between the zero-crossing triac-fire interrupt and the main loop. OTP memory locks the firmware at production, preventing after-sale modification that could violate UL/CE safety certifications.
Recommended
Lighting Controller / DMX Node
The PIC16C554-04E/P implements low-cost DMX-512 receivers in architectural lighting fixtures, decoding 250 kbps serial data and driving 12 PWM channels to dim LEDs. Its deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle produces a fixed 22.7 kHz PWM frequency (well above the 100 Hz flicker threshold) for smooth dimming without visible artifacts. Wide VDD range supports both 3.3 V and 5 V LED driver rails. Extended temperature grade ensures operation in outdoor fixtures at -30 C to +60 C. The OTP program memory holds the full DMX address table and curve lookup, eliminating external EEPROM in cost-sensitive designs.
Recommended
Battery Charger Supervisory MCU
The PIC16C554-04E/P supervises charge cycles in lead-acid and NiMH battery chargers, monitoring voltage dividers, current shunts, and end-of-charge thermistors on its 12 I/O pins. The 4 MHz clock provides 200 ns instruction execution for accurate delta-V and dT/dt charge-termination algorithms that depend on precise sample timing. Extended temperature range allows installation in unheated garages and solar power cabinets. OTP memory prevents field modification of the charging profile - critical for safety and warranty. Compared to dedicated charge-controller ICs, the PIC16C554 allows custom algorithms and LCD drive from a single chip.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C554-04E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C554-04/P | PIC16C554-04E/JW | PIC16C554T-04E/P | PIC16C554-04/SO | PIC16C55-10I/SS | PIC16C55-10I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP (same) | 18-PDIP (same) | 18-PDIP (same) | 18-SOIC (different) | 18-SSOP (different) | 18-SOIC (different) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B Window EPROM | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40 to +125 C) | Standard (0 to +70 C) | Extended (-40 to +125 C) | Extended (-40 to +125 C) | Standard (0 to +70 C) | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) | Industrial (-40 to +85 C) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 to 5.5 V | 3.0 to 5.5 V | 3.0 to 5.5 V | 3.0 to 5.5 V | 3.0 to 5.5 V | 3.0 to 5.5 V | 3.0 to 5.5 V |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (UV window) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive temperature grade (-40 to +125 C) (vs PIC16C554-04/P)
- Windowed UV-erasable option for prototype development (vs PIC16C554-04/P)
- Same 18-PDIP footprint, 10x faster oscillator (vs PIC16C55-10I/SO)
- Pin-compatible with PIC16C54 for cost-down migration (vs PIC16C54C-04E/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor directly between VDD (pin 11) and VSS (pin 10), with traces shorter than 5 mm to the IC pads. Add a 10 uF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor if the supply is shared with motors or relay coils. The PIC16C554 datasheet specifies that VDD rise time must be less than the Power-Up Timer (PWRT) window to guarantee a clean POR - if your supply ramps slowly (RC supply, supercap backup), add an external brown-out reset supervisor.
The PIC16C554-04E/P Extended grade is rated to +125 C junction temperature, but plastic PDIP packages dissipate only 1 W maximum in still air. For under-hood automotive mounting above +85 C ambient, ensure the copper area around the device is at least 1 square inch to keep the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance theta_JA below 70 C/W. The PDIP package relies on the lead frame for heat conduction - keep the ground plane continuous under the IC.
Route the 4 MHz crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 9-8) symmetrically, with ground guard traces on both sides. Keep the crystal within 10 mm of the IC and place load capacitors (typically 15-22 pF) directly between each OSC pin and ground. Avoid routing switching signals (relay drivers, PWM outputs) under the crystal area - capacitive coupling will inject jitter into the oscillator and corrupt the 200 ns instruction timing.
OTP program memory cannot be erased or reprogrammed - if firmware is incorrect the part must be scrapped. Add a programming test mode and a verification read-back step before placing the chip in-circuit. Also note that the PIC16C554 does not support in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) the same way as Flash PICs - consult the device programming specification for the high-voltage parallel programming sequence required by the MCLR/VPP pin.
Keep the MCLR pin (pin 1) tied to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor, with a 100 nF capacitor to ground for noise filtering. Long MCLR traces pick up EMI in motor-drive applications and may cause spurious resets. Place the MCLR pull-up and capacitor within 5 mm of the IC pin. For automotive load-dump and jump-start immunity, add a TVS diode from MCLR to VSS to clamp transients above VDD + 5 V.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Microchip product page. Automotive temperature grade is per Microchip's internal qualification - AEC-Q100 documentation is not separately listed. Lead-free and halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance data.
