PIC16C554-20E/P - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 896B, 18-PDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C554-20E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.15 | $215.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC16C554-20E/P Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a compact, deterministic embedded processor based on a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture that uses a Harvard memory layout (separate program and data buses) to fetch one instruction per clock cycle. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader category of microcontrollers, which are single-chip computers containing CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripherals. Compared with flash MCUs in the PIC16F family, the PIC16C OTP variants are programmed once at production using a dedicated device programmer and cannot be erased, which lowers per-unit silicon cost for high-volume, code-stable products.
Key features of the PIC16C554-20E/P include its 20 MHz maximum clock, 12 I/O pins supporting digital input/output, four interrupt sources, a programmable WDT for runaway code recovery, and an internal POR that initializes the device at power-up. The OTP program memory provides bit-level security through the standard PIC configuration-word fuse set, and the wide 4.5V to 5.5V supply range is matched to regulated 5V industrial rails. The 18-PDIP package exposes all MCU signals to standard 0.1-inch breadboards and through-hole prototype boards, which keeps engineering tooling costs low.
The PIC16C554 implements Microchip's PIC16C baseline architecture with a 14-bit instruction word, a single accumulator (W register), and a hardware stack for subroutine calls. With 80 bytes of general-purpose RAM and 12 I/O pins, the device targets glue-logic replacement and sensor-interface tasks rather than connectivity stacks. The automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and CMOS low-power design make it suitable for under-hood and industrial-control environments where EEPROM/flash equivalents would exceed BOM cost targets.
Typical applications include automotive body and chassis subsystems (window lift, mirror control, simple sensor conditioning), industrial control (small appliance controllers, pump timers, simple PLC I/O expanders), consumer electronics (remote controls, toy controllers, low-cost appliance user interfaces), and embedded sensor conditioning boards that need deterministic loop timing. The OTP memory and absence of on-chip peripherals like ADC or PWM keep cost minimal for code-fixed logic-replacement tasks.
When designing with the PIC16C554-20E/P, plan the firmware code path carefully because OTP cannot be reflashed in the field - any post-production code change requires a new silicon order. Decoupling must include a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor between VDD and VSS placed within 5 mm of the package, and the MCLR pin requires a pull-up if hardware reset is desired. The automotive-grade -E temperature rating confirms operation from -40C to +125C but does not by itself certify AEC-Q100 - confirm with the manufacturer datasheet for specific OEM qualification.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C554-20E/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 PIC16C554-20E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Package, Peripherals, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C554-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-10I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C554-10E/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C554-20E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 80 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Number of Interrupts | 4 |
| Peripherals | POR (Power-On Reset), WDT (Watchdog Timer) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive Grade, -E) |
| Package / Case | 18-PDIP (300 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
PIC16C554-20E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (4.5V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C554-20E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems, Industrial Control and Appliance Logic, Consumer Electronics and Remote Controls, Embedded Sensor Conditioning Boards, Logic-Replacement and Glue Logic, Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platforms.
Automotive Body and Chassis Subsystems
The PIC16C554-20E/P's -40C to +125C Extended temperature grade, OTP code-frozen architecture, and 20 MHz instruction throughput make it well-suited for automotive body and chassis subsystems where AEC-Q100 is not strictly required. The device reliably handles window lift, mirror control, seat-position switch scanning, and interior lighting timing tasks. Its 896B of OTP memory is enough for finite-state-machine logic and debounced switch inputs, and the 12 I/O pins cover multi-channel switch matrices without external muxing. Because the program is OTP, no firmware field updates are possible, locking the design to the as-shipped behavior - ideal for code-stable, low-BOM automotive nodes where per-unit silicon cost dominates the bill of materials.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Appliance Logic
The PIC16C554-20E/P suits industrial-control and appliance user-interface tasks such as washing-machine timer state machines, simple pump controllers, low-cost HVAC relay drivers, and small-PLC digital I/O expanders. Its 200 ns deterministic instruction execution ensures predictable loop timing for relay sequencing, and the 80-byte RAM plus 12 I/O pins comfortably handle 4-8 keypad matrix scanning with debounce in firmware. The 4.5V to 5.5V supply range matches 5V regulated industrial rails, and the OTP memory locks the firmware to prevent unauthorized feature modification. A single 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor plus a 10 kohm MCLR pull-up is sufficient for production deployment.
Recommended
Consumer Electronics and Remote Controls
The PIC16C554-20E/P is appropriate for consumer electronics such as TV remote controls, IR-to-relay decoder boards, toy controllers, low-cost appliance user interfaces, and dedicated function-button panels. The 20 MHz clock rate supports tight button-scan and IR-decode loops in firmware, while the 896B OTP memory holds complete protocol stacks for fixed-function consumer products. The 35-instruction RISC set keeps firmware development cycles short, and the 18-PDIP package simplifies through-hole prototype assembly. For battery-powered remotes, an external sleep timer or RC-based power-down circuit complements the PIC16C554's low-power CMOS design to extend battery life.
Recommended
Embedded Sensor Conditioning Boards
The PIC16C554-20E/P handles sensor-conditioning boards where deterministic, low-latency digital I/O and watchdog recovery are critical. It can scan digital temperature, limit, and contact-switch sensors, drive indicator LEDs, and supervise mechanical actuators under WDT protection. Although the PIC16C554 has no on-chip ADC, it pairs well with external sigma-delta or SAR ADC front-ends over GPIO bit-banging or SPI bit-bang, making it suitable for low-channel-count sensor nodes. The Extended temperature grade and CMOS low-power design suit outdoor and under-hood sensor deployments where flash reprogramming is undesirable.
Recommended
Logic-Replacement and Glue Logic
The PIC16C554-20E/P is frequently used as a single-chip replacement for multiple 74-series logic gates, latches, and discrete timer circuits in legacy designs being modernized. One PIC16C554 can replace dozens of discrete logic ICs, reducing PCB area, BOM count, and assembly cost while adding programmable flexibility. Its 12 I/O pins, 4 interrupts, and WDT provide features unavailable in discrete logic, such as glitch filtering and runaway-code recovery. The 18-PDIP package is pin-compatible with many legacy 74HC-series 20-pin DIP footprints when wired appropriately. OTP memory locks the logic-replacement firmware to prevent end-user modification.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Embedded Platforms
The PIC16C554-20E/P serves as a teaching vehicle in university embedded-systems courses and hobbyist electronics projects where the through-hole 18-PDIP package simplifies breadboard prototyping. Students and hobbyists can program the OTP memory using a PICkit or ICD device programmer and run simple C or assembly firmware without surface-mount soldering. Its 35-instruction RISC set, 20 MHz clock, and 12 I/O pins cover introductory topics including GPIO control, timer-based sequencing, interrupt handling, and watchdog supervision. The low per-unit cost and Microchip's free MPLAB X IDE make the part accessible to entry-level embedded learners.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C554-20E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C554-04E/P | PIC16C554-04I/P | PIC16C554-04/P | PIC16C554-10I/P | PIC16C554-10E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | 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-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 10 MHz | 10 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| RAM Size | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive Extended (-40C to +125C) | Automotive Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Automotive Extended (-40C to +125C) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 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 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole (PDIP) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade in the PIC16C554 family at 20 MHz (vs PIC16C554-04E/P)
- Extended automotive temperature grade vs lower-temp variants (vs PIC16C554-10I/P)
- OTP code-frozen silicon for tamper-resistant production nodes (vs PIC16F54-I/P (flash equivalent))
Design Notes
Place a single 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor between VDD (pin 14) and VSS (pin 5) within 5 mm of the package, with the capacitor trace stubs as short as possible. For boards with multiple ICs, add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor near the PIC16C554 supply pin to suppress regulator droop during WDT reset transients. The 4.5V to 5.5V VDD range matches standard 5V regulated rails, so a 7805 or switching 5V buck is sufficient; do not operate below 4.5V or the internal POR brown-out threshold may trigger spuriously.
The PIC16C554 OTP program memory cannot be erased or rewritten after programming - any firmware bug shipped to production is permanent. Build a robust golden-sample firmware validation procedure before committing OTP code, and always keep a parallel flash PIC16F54-I/P prototype populated for in-circuit debug so firmware can be iterated without burning OTP silicon. Do not pull MCLR low during normal operation without a series resistor, as the MCLR pin is internally filtered and direct shorts to ground will prevent reset deassertion.
Route the OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) traces as short as possible and shield them from noisy digital lines; for crystal operation, place the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) within 3 mm of the OSC pins. The MCLR trace (pin 4) should also be short and routed away from high-frequency switching nodes. Use a guard ring around the analog or sensitive I/O pins if any pins are used as comparator inputs in future revisions, even though the PIC16C554 itself has no analog peripherals.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status for the PIC16C554-20E/P 18-PDIP part are not explicitly confirmed in the verified web data; mark as unknown and verify on the Microchip product page ordering information section before committing to RoHS-critical designs. The -E Extended temperature grade is not equivalent to AEC-Q100 qualification; AEC-Q100 status requires the -Q1 part number suffix on Microchip automotive parts.
