PIC16C554T-04E/SS - 8-bit 4MHz OTP MCU 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C554T-04E/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.5 | $4.50 |
| 10 | $4.05 | $40.50 |
| 100 | $3.6 | $360.00 |
| 500 | $3.2 | $1,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.85 | $2,850.00 |
PIC16C554T-04E/SS Overview
An 8-bit OTP microcontroller is a CMOS microcomputer with non-volatile program memory that can be written exactly once using an external programmer, then retains the code indefinitely. OTP MCUs sit between masked-ROM devices (lowest unit cost at high volume) and flash-based MCUs (re-programmable but more expensive per bit). The PIC16C architecture belongs to the larger PIC family hierarchy: PIC16C -> PIC16 family -> PICmicro 8-bit -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor. This hierarchy places the part firmly in the industrial/commercial control domain where deterministic timing, low cost, and one-time-programmed code storage are required.
Key features include 13 digital I/O pins, an 8-bit timer/counter, watchdog timer for reliable operation, power-on reset, brown-out detection (per family datasheet), and an internal oscillator option (per family datasheet). The PIC16C554 also supports in-circuit serial programming via the ICSP interface. Compared to flash-based PIC16F devices, OTP variants deliver lower per-unit cost once programmed, making them suitable for high-volume sealed products.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, industrial sensor interfaces, consumer appliance control boards, security peripherals, and any cost-sensitive embedded system where code is finalized before production. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range ("E" suffix) makes it suitable for harsh-environment applications.
When designing with the PIC16C554T-04E/SS, engineers must program the OTP memory before final PCB assembly because OTP cannot be erased or rewritten. For prototyping or field-upgradable designs, choose a flash-based PIC16F equivalent. Verify programming tool compatibility with PIC16C OTP devices; not all modern PIC programmers support legacy OTP parts. The "T" suffix denotes tape-and-reel so the device is suitable for automated pick-and-place assembly.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C554T-04E/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 PIC16C554T-04E/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature Range, Packaging.
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PIC16C554-04E/SS
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PIC16C554T-04/SS
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View Datasheet βPIC16C554-04I/SS
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C554T-04E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 80 B |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns |
| Number of Instructions | 35 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "E" suffix) |
| Package | 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel ("T" suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (legacy OTP, Pb-bearing window/ceramic variants historically) |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Power-On Reset, Timer/Counter (per family datasheet) |
| Connectivity | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
PIC16C554T-04E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR β Master Clear (Reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 β I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC0 β I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | RC1 β I/O port C bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C554T-04E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Industrial Sensor Interface Boards, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Security System Peripherals, HVAC Zone Controllers, LED Lighting Controllers, Battery-Powered Remote Controls.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS fits automotive body control modules because of its extended -40 C to +125 C operating temperature range (E suffix) and rugged CMOS design. Automotive subsystems such as door lock controllers, mirror adjusters, seat controllers, and interior lighting drivers need deterministic 8-bit control with 13 GPIO, watchdog timer for safe lockup recovery, and 80 B RAM sufficient for state-machine logic. The 4 MHz clock (200 ns instruction cycle) provides responsive response times for sensor debouncing and actuator pulse-width modulation. OTP memory delivers low unit cost once code is finalized for high-volume vehicle production. Recommend pairing with the PIC16F1827-I/SS flash-based upgrade path during development for code iteration.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Boards
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS suits industrial sensor interface applications where it reads analog signals through external ADC, processes digital sensor outputs, and drives relays or optocouplers. The 13 GPIO pins accommodate multiple sensor inputs and output drivers, while 80 B RAM handles local data buffering. Industrial environments demand the extended -40 C to +125 C temperature range and reliable watchdog-timer-based fault handling. The 200 ns instruction cycle is fast enough for encoder counting, pulse timing, and limit-switch debounce. OTP memory provides low-cost sealed units with no field firmware updates required. Recommend pairing with the MCP6022 op-amp for signal conditioning.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS is well-matched for consumer appliance controllers in washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances. The 13 GPIO drive LED indicators, keypads, relay coils, and triac interfaces while the watchdog timer prevents lockup in unattended operation. 896 B OTP holds complete state-machine code for cycle sequencing. The 4 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle easily handle mains-zero-crossing detection and triac firing within the required microsecond accuracy. OTP programming delivers the lowest unit cost at high volume, ideal for cost-sensitive consumer markets. Recommend pairing with the MOC3041 triac driver for AC load switching.
Recommended
Security System Peripherals
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS provides a low-cost control core for security peripherals such as PIR motion sensor modules, glass-break detectors, smoke-detector signal processors, and door/window contact transmitters. Its 13 GPIO read multiple sensor zones and drive alarm indicators or wireless transmitters. The 80 B RAM stores debounced event counters and tamper flags. The extended temperature range supports outdoor enclosures. OTP memory locks the firmware against reverse-tampering attempts. Low power consumption makes it suitable for battery-powered wireless sensors with sleep modes. Recommend pairing with the MAX1472 wireless transmitter for RF alarm signaling.
Recommended
HVAC Zone Controllers
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS fits HVAC zone controller modules that drive damper motors, read temperature sensors, and communicate with a central thermostat bus. The 13 GPIO handle multiple temperature inputs, relay outputs, and status LEDs. Watchdog timer recovers from electrical noise on long HVAC wiring. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature rating covers attic and basement installations. 896 B OTP holds full zoning logic, and OTP programming ensures the firmware cannot be accidentally overwritten in the field. Recommend pairing with the MCP9700 analog temperature sensor.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS controls LED driver circuits in architectural lighting, decorative strips, and indicator panels. The 13 GPIO drive multiple LED channels via MOSFET drivers or constant-current sinks while the 4 MHz clock and 200 ns instruction cycle generate PWM dimming at frequencies above the audible range (>20 kHz) to avoid flicker. OTP memory locks dimming curves and color sequences for production. The 80 B RAM holds running color/brightness state for animations. Extended temperature range supports outdoor and industrial lighting fixtures. Recommend pairing with the TLC59401 LED driver for multichannel dimming.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS is suitable for handheld remote controls where it scans key matrices, drives IR LEDs, and handles RF transmit protocols. The 13 GPIO easily accommodate 4x4 keypads or capacitive touch buttons plus status indicators. Sleep-mode operation preserves battery life, waking on interrupt to process button presses. The 4 MHz internal oscillator option eliminates external crystals for compact remote designs. OTP memory locks the IR/RF protocol so it cannot be extracted or modified. Recommend pairing with the MAX1472 or equivalent transmitter IC for RF output.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C554T-04E/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C554-04E/SS | PIC16C554T-04/SS | PIC16C554-04I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP (Tape & Reel) | 20-SSOP (Tube) | 20-SSOP (Tape & Reel) | 20-SSOP (Tube) |
| Core Size | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| RAM Size | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Packaging Format | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature range with Tape & Reel packaging (vs PIC16C554-04E/SS)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16C554T-04/SS)
- Lower-volume industrial alternative with same die (vs PIC16C554-04I/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS uses OTP (one-time programmable) memory, which means the firmware must be fully verified before programming. Once programmed, the code cannot be erased or rewritten. According to the family datasheet, OTP programming requires a high-voltage programmer (typically 13 V on the MCLR/VPP pin). Engineers prototyping new designs should develop on a flash-based PIC16F equivalent (e.g., PIC16F1827-I/SS) in the same 20-SSOP footprint, then port the verified code to the PIC16C554T-04E/SS for production.
The 20-SSOP package has a 0.65 mm pitch and 5.30 mm body width, requiring fine-pitch PCB layout. Per Microchip SSOP layout guidelines, use solder mask-defined (SMD) pads rather than non-solder mask defined (NSMD) for better paste release, and add thermal reliefs on through-hole ground vias to ease hand-rework. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk capacitor (1-10 uF) at the supply entry point.
The PIC16C554T-04E/SS operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V supply voltage. For battery-powered designs, use the internal oscillator option (per family datasheet) to eliminate the external crystal and reduce quiescent current. Add a decoupling network of 100 nF ceramic in parallel with 10 uF electrolytic/tantalum at the VDD pin. The MCLR reset pin (pin 4) requires a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kohm) to VDD; if not used, it can be tied directly to VDD but loses the reset function.
The extended temperature ("E") grade supports -40 C to +125 C junction temperature. The 20-SSOP package has a thermal resistance (theta_JA) of approximately 100 C/W on a standard JEDEC 4-layer test board, which is sufficient for the low-power CMOS PIC16C554T-04E/SS (typical operating current <2 mA at 4 MHz). At maximum ambient (125 C), power dissipation must keep the junction temperature within limits. No heatsink is required for typical MCU duty cycles under 50%.
Compliance Information
PIC16C OTP family predates widespread RoHS adoption. The 'E' extended temperature variant was commonly released with Pb-bearing terminations. Modern RoHS-compliant designs should select flash-based PIC16F or PIC16F1xxx equivalents. Reach and conflict minerals data not publicly disclosed for this legacy part.
