PIC16C554-04I/P - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 896B, 13 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C554-04I/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.2 | $4.20 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.15 | $315.00 |
| 500 | $2.65 | $1,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.2 | $2,200.00 |
PIC16C554-04I/P Overview
What is a PIC16C OTP MCU? The PIC16C series is Microchip's classical OTP (One-Time-Programmable) 8-bit microcontroller family built on the RISC-based PIC architecture. OTP MCUs ship unprogrammed and are written once with a device programmer, after which the code is permanent. They sit in the hierarchy: MCU -> 8-bit microcontroller -> microcontroller -> embedded control IC. Compared with flash-based PIC16F parts, PIC16C OTP devices are typically used for mature, low-cost, high-volume products where firmware is finalized and code protection plus long-term archival stability matter more than field re-programmability.
Key features include a Harvard RISC core executing 35 single-word instructions, a hardware 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with optional prescaler, a watchdog timer, power-on reset, brown-out reset, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), and code protection via EPROM fuses. The 13 I/O pins can wake the core from SLEEP via interrupt-on-change, and the device supports up to 1 mA source / 25 mA sink per pin (per-pin limits require the user to consult the electrical characteristics table).
Architecture details: a 14-bit instruction word, two-stage pipeline, 8-bit data path, 7 special-function hardware registers, DC to 4 MHz clock input, and an internal oscillator option on selected derivatives. The 18-pin PDIP is the original PIC16C5x/PIC16C55x package and is still chosen where through-hole insertion, hand prototyping, or hobbyist breadboard compatibility matters.
Typical applications include appliance control (white goods, HVAC actuators), automotive body modules (pre-CAN nodes), industrial sensor front-ends, simple user-interface boards with keypads and LED indicators, security panels, low-end consumer devices, and legacy embedded products migrated from PIC16C5x designs where extra code space is required. The wide 3.0-5.5 V supply is convenient for both 3.3 V and 5 V rails.
Design consideration: OTP means firmware cannot be updated in the field; finalize code and plan volume production runs before mask commitment. Always reserve ICSP pins (RB6/RB7 on compatible derivatives, or the dedicated ICSPCLK/ICSPDAT pair) so programming is possible after PCB assembly.
This page consolidates Microchip datasheet parameters, distributor pricing, drop-in compatible parts in identical PDIP-18 packages, and practical design notes unavailable from a single manufacturer source.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C554-04I/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 PIC16C554-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Instruction Execution Time, Mounting Type, Program Memory Type.
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/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16C |
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (EPROM-based) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM | 80 B |
| EEPROM | None |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns (at 4 MHz) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Speed Grade | 04 (4 MHz) |
| Tube Quantity | Per Microchip packaging standard |
PIC16C554-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 2 of PORTA |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 3 of PORTA |
| Pin 3 | RA4/TOCKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O, bit 0 of PORTB / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 1 of PORTB |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 2 of PORTB |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 3 of PORTB |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 4 of PORTB / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 5 of PORTB / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 6 of PORTB / interrupt-on-change / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 7 of PORTB / interrupt-on-change / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 0 of PORTA |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 1 of PORTA |
Typical Applications
PIC16C554-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: White Goods and Appliance Control, Automotive Body and Comfort Modules, Industrial Sensor Front-Ends, User Interface Boards with Keypads and LEDs, Security and Alarm Panels, Low-End Consumer Devices and Toys.
White Goods and Appliance Control
The PIC16C554-04I/P's 896 B OTP and 13 I/O pins are well-matched to white-goods control boards where firmware is locked at production and code space must hold timing tables, sensor conditioning routines, and a small UI state machine. The 3.0-5.5 V supply accepts unregulated wall-adapter rails common in washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave controllers. Brown-out reset plus watchdog timer guard against supply transients on long-life appliance deployments. Designers typically drive relays and triacs through PORTB pins with the 8-bit TMR0 providing the cycle timing reference.
Recommended
Automotive Body and Comfort Modules
Pre-CAN automotive body modules including seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and basic lighting nodes have used PIC16C55x OTP MCUs for decades because the industrial temperature window (-40C to +85C) covers cabin environments. The 4 MHz clock and 35-instruction RISC core are sufficient for sensor debouncing, PWM-driven actuators, and LIN-style single-wire comms. OTP memory prevents field tampering with seat-position calibration data. For new automotive designs prefer AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F1xxx parts.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Front-Ends
Industrial sensor interfaces - simple temperature, pressure, or limit-switch front-ends - use PIC16C554-04I/P to read sensors, linearize values, and drive 4-20 mA loops or simple displays. The 13 I/O pins comfortably host an analog mux (with external ADC), a UART-style output, status LEDs, and a keypad interface for calibration. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports factory-floor installations. Brown-out reset prevents corruption of calibration tables during brown-outs on long cable runs.
Recommended
User Interface Boards with Keypads and LEDs
Front-panel UI boards for embedded products - keypads, 7-segment LED drivers, simple LCD multiplexers - use PIC16C554-04I/P for matrix key scanning and indicator control. PORTB drives multiplexed LED digit common lines while PORTA reads key-pad rows via interrupt-on-change wakeup from power-saving SLEEP. Code space accommodates debounce tables and character maps for the supported UI language set. The industrial temperature grade supports outdoor kiosks and equipment rooms.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Legacy security panels and PIR-based alarm keypads use PIC16C554-04I/P because OTP memory protects the encrypted zone-configuration code from firmware-level tampering. The 80 B RAM is sufficient for zone status tables and the 13 I/O pins cover a 4x4 keypad matrix, status LEDs, a piezo buzzer, and a relay-output for siren drive. Brown-out reset prevents nuisance alarms during power dips; watchdog timer recovers from EMI events common in alarm installations.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Devices and Toys
Battery-powered consumer novelties, educational toys, and small appliances use PIC16C554-04I/P because OTP cost-of-goods is lower than flash parts at high volumes. SLEEP mode plus interrupt-on-change allow long battery life with wake-on-button. The 4 MHz clock drives simple PWM for motors or LEDs. Industrial temperature supports both indoor and outdoor consumer SKUs. Designers should adopt PIC16F flash parts if future code updates are anticipated.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C554-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C554-04/P | PIC16C554-04E/P | PIC16C554-04I/SO | PIC16C554-04E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (P) | 18-pin PDIP (P) - same | 18-pin PDIP (P) - same | 18-pin SOIC (SO) | 18-pin SOIC (SO) |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| RAM | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (industrial) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | Extended per 'E' suffix | -40C to +85C (industrial) | Extended per 'E' suffix |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Largest OTP program memory in PIC16C55x family (vs PIC16C54C-04I/P)
- Industrial temperature grade in PDIP-18 (vs PIC16C554-04/P)
- Through-hole PDIP for hand prototyping and breadboard (vs PIC16C554-04I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the board power-entry. The PIC16C554-04I/P's brown-out reset circuit is sensitive to VDD ripple; inadequate decoupling may cause spurious resets. Route the MCLR line with a pull-up resistor to VDD and a capacitor to ground to filter noise - values typically 10-47 kohm and 100 nF.
OTP memory cannot be erased or rewritten. Verify firmware with engineering samples (e.g., PIC16F554 flash equivalent) before committing to OTP volume programming. Plan for code-protection fuses via the device programmer to prevent read-back. The 80 B RAM is small - stack depth is limited; deep call chains with local variables can overflow and corrupt RAM. Keep call depth shallow or use static allocation patterns.
Reserve RB6 and RB7 (pins 12-13) for ICSP if in-system programming is required after PCB assembly. Route traces to a programming header even if not used in the application, since OTP parts cannot be socket-swapped on the production line. Keep the crystal or resonator close to OSC1/OSC2 (pins 15-16) with short traces and a ground guard ring to minimize EMI susceptibility in industrial environments.
Compliance Information
PIC16C554-04I/P is an OTP PDIP-18 part originally released before widespread RoHS adoption; lead-free (Pb-free) is not standard for this legacy part. REACH compliance is presumed per Microchip product statements. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; choose Q1 automotive variants for AEC-Q100 needs.
