PIC16C554-20E/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C554-20E/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.2 | $3.20 |
| 10 | $2.95 | $29.50 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.2 | $1,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.95 | $1,950.00 |
PIC16C554-20E/SS Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a RISC-based Harvard-architecture computing core optimized for embedded control. The PIC16C family sits at the entry level of Microchip's PIC hierarchy (PIC10/12/16/18/24/32), combining low pin counts (up to 28 pins), small OTP/EPROM program memory, and a minimal peripheral set to provide deterministic, low-cost control logic for simple I/O and timing tasks in cost-sensitive applications.
Key differentiating features of the PIC16C554-20E/SS include 13 digital I/O pins, an 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, power-on reset, brown-out detection, and code protection. Its 35 single-word instruction RISC engine simplifies code generation, while the 14-bit instruction word and 8-bit data path deliver predictable interrupt response at 20 MHz. The SSOP-20 footprint (5.30 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch) makes the device suitable for compact consumer and automotive PCB layouts.
Architecture-wise, the PIC16C554 uses Microchip's classic two-stage pipeline, separating program and data buses. OTP memory allows factory or aftermarket programming for production volumes but precludes firmware updates in the field, distinguishing it from the Flash-based PIC16F family. The -20E suffix denotes the 20 MHz, extended-temperature grade. The -SS suffix confirms the 20-pin SSOP gull-wing package, also referenced as 20-SSOP in distributor catalogs.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, appliance control boards, sensor interfaces, simple remote controls, LED drivers, low-end motor control, and replacement of discrete logic in cost-optimized designs. The wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V operating range and automotive-grade temperature span allow direct 5 V regulated rail operation in vehicles and industrial equipment.
When designing with the PIC16C554-20E/SS, engineers should note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed - firmware must be verified before final programming. The part is widely listed as obsolete or last-time-buy across major distributors, so production teams should plan for cross-reference to Flash-based PIC16F equivalents or stockpile remaining inventory.
This page synthesizes real-time distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives drawn from Microchip's cross-reference and competitor cross-brand equivalents, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet's typical-application section.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C554-20E/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 PIC16C554-20E/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Mounting Type, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C554A-20E/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C554-20I/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C554-04E/SS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.35 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C554-20E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14 bits) |
| RAM Size | 80 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| Code Protection | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E' grade) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm width, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Gull-wing) |
| Pitch | 0.635 mm |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Tube Quantity | 67 per tube (per distributor packaging) |
PIC16C554-20E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 2) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 3) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR β Master Clear (active-low reset input) |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β Bidirectional I/O / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 1) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 2) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 3) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 4) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 5) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 6) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTB bit 7) |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Crystal oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Crystal oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 0) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O pin (PORTA bit 1) |
| Pin 19 | VSS β Ground reference (secondary) |
| Pin 20 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C554-20E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Appliance Control Boards, Simple Sensor Interface Modules, LED Driver and Lighting Controllers, Remote Control Transmitters, Industrial Logic Replacement.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16C554-20E/SS is well suited to automotive body control applications such as interior lighting, simple wiper control, and door-module logic, where its extended -40C to +125C temperature grade ensures reliable operation under hood and cabin thermal extremes. The 13 I/O pins comfortably drive LED arrays, relay coils, and switch inputs without external buffers, while the 80-byte RAM and 512-word OTP memory handle small state machines and lookup tables for things like debounce logic or pulse-counting. Its 20 MHz core delivers 5 MIPS throughput, more than adequate for time-multiplexed control loops that previously required discrete 555 timers. Automotive wiring-harness designs benefit from the SSOP-20's compact 5.30 mm width, freeing PCB space for CAN transceivers and load drivers.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
White-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators) commonly deploy the PIC16C554-20E/SS to replace legacy 4-bit and discrete-logic controllers. Its 35-instruction RISC core lets engineers replace dozens of CMOS gates with a single chip that handles user inputs from keypads, drives 7-segment or LED indicators, and times motor or heater cycles via its on-chip 8-bit timer with prescaler. The OTP memory is sufficient for fixed appliance firmware that does not require field updates, while the brown-out reset and watchdog timer protect against the noisy 5 V rails typical of universal-motor appliances. The SSOP-20 footprint drops onto existing appliance-PCB footprints designed for SO-16 or DIP-16 controllers, modernizing designs without layout rework.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Interface Modules
Industrial and consumer sensor-interface modules (temperature, humidity, contact-closure, or simple pulse-counter front-ends) benefit from the PIC16C554-20E/SS's combination of 13 I/O, an 8-bit ADC-free architecture, and 35 single-cycle instructions. The MCU can scan up to 13 digital sensors, debounce mechanical inputs, and drive isolated outputs to upstream controllers at rates easily handled by the 20 MHz core. Its OTP memory keeps unit cost below Flash-MCU alternatives, an important factor for high-volume disposable sensor modules such as single-use medical patches or shipping-container trackers. The 80-byte RAM accommodates 40 16-bit sensor readings before batched transmission, ideal for low-duty-cycle wireless sensor nodes.
Recommended
LED Driver and Lighting Controllers
Architectural lighting, decorative LED strips, and signage controllers use the PIC16C554-20E/SS to generate multi-channel PWM patterns, chase effects, and brightness ramps across 13 GPIO pins. Each I/O can source 25 mA, enough to directly drive low-current indicator LEDs or to switch the gate of an external MOSFET for high-current strips. The 8-bit timer/counter with programmable prescaler forms the timebase for software PWM, achieving flicker-free dimming at refresh rates above 100 Hz. The wide 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply range lets the same part operate from a 3.3 V logic rail or a 5 V regulated supply, simplifying inventory across lighting SKUs.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
Low-cost RF and IR remote controls leverage the PIC16C554-20E/SS's small SSOP-20 footprint, low BOM count, and ability to remain in sleep with watchdog reset for months on a coin cell. The 13 I/O pins directly key-scan a 4x4 button matrix plus an LED indicator, while one timer drives IR carrier generation (typically 38 kHz or 40 kHz) with software PWM. The OTP memory holds fixed protocol codes without risk of firmware corruption. With only 35 instructions, hand-coded IR protocols (RC5, NEC, Sony SIRC) fit comfortably within the 512-word program space, and the 80-byte RAM keeps button-state buffers minimal.
Recommended
Industrial Logic Replacement
Designers migrating older designs built from 74HC-series CMOS logic gates can consolidate dozens of ICs into a single PIC16C554-20E/SS, reducing PCB area, power consumption, and BOM cost. The 35-instruction RISC core, 200 ns cycle time, and 13 I/O pins can emulate complex glue logic, state machines, and timing functions that would otherwise require multiple counters, latches, and decoders. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range and 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply tolerance make the part a drop-in modernization for industrial PLC I/O cards, HVAC controllers, and elevator-call systems that demand long-term silicon availability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C554-20E/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C554A-20E/SS | PIC16C554-20I/SS | PIC16C554-04E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) |
| 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 |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive temperature grade in SSOP-20 (vs PIC16C554-20I/SS)
- Refreshed silicon revision for legacy support (vs PIC16C554A-20E/SS)
- 20 MHz maximum clock for time-critical control (vs PIC16C554-04E/SS)
Design Notes
OTP memory cannot be re-programmed - verify firmware (including oscillator configuration bits, watchdog enable, and code-protection settings) on prototype hardware before committing to production programming. Once the EPROM cells are written, the device is locked. For prototype development, use the windowed PIC16C554/JW ceramic package or migrate to the Flash-based PIC16F648A-I/SS to allow code iteration.
Decouple VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of pins 14 and 20 (both VDD). The PIC16C554 has two VDD pins that must both be connected to the same rail. Add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum polymer capacitor near the MCU for noisy automotive environments. The brown-out reset (BOR) is enabled by configuration bit and trips near 2.5 V, holding the MCU in reset until VDD stabilizes.
Route the MCLR pin through a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS for noise-free reset. Place the crystal or ceramic resonator within 10 mm of pins 15-16 (OSC2/OSC1) and guard the traces with a ground pour to prevent EMI coupling. The SSOP-20's 0.65 mm pitch requires reflow profiles compatible with JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level handling.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral status not provided in the verified web data; marked unknown. The -E temperature suffix indicates an industrial/automotive grade but is not AEC-Q100 qualified - check Microchip's product page for the latest compliance documents.
