PIC16C558/JW - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 18-CERDIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C558/JW ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.5 | $7.50 |
| 10 | $6.8 | $68.00 |
| 100 | $6.05 | $605.00 |
| 500 | $5.4 | $2,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.85 | $4,850.00 |
PIC16C558/JW Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals on one die. The PIC16C5x family sits at the foundation of Microchip's PIC architecture: 12-bit wide instruction bus with an 8-bit data path, two-level hardware stack, direct/indirect/relative addressing, and a 12 I/O architecture optimized for compact, deterministic control loops. PIC microcontrollers are widely used as glue logic, sensor interface controllers, and battery-powered embedded supervisors where small footprint and low cost dominate over raw throughput.
Key features of the PIC16C558 include a 20 MHz maximum operating frequency (4 MHz in low-frequency parts), 3.0 V to 6.25 V single-supply operation, integrated Power-On Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT), and a 8-bit real-time counter/timer (TMR0). The 18-CERDIP windowed package exposes the die for UV erasure, making this part suitable for engineering prototypes and small production runs where code iteration is expected. Operating temperature range spans commercial 0 °C to +70 °C.
Architecturally, the PIC16C558 implements a RISC-style Harvard design with separate program and data buses. The 35-instruction instruction set simplifies code generation in assembly or C, while the deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle supports tight real-time loops without pipeline surprises. The two-level deep hardware stack limits subroutine nesting but eliminates the runtime overhead of a software stack pointer.
Typical applications include industrial appliance controllers, automotive body modules (pre-CAN era), security alarm panels, sensor signal conditioning, low-cost motor control, and embedded instrumentation. The windowed CERDIP package is preferred over OTP plastic variants when firmware iteration is required during development or for low-volume production that benefits from reprogramming.
A primary design consideration is that the /JW package requires a quartz window for UV erasure; field-deployed units should use the OTP plastic equivalents (PIC16C558-04/P or PIC16C558-20I/SO). Developers should also account for the two-level hardware stack limitation when porting C code originally written for larger PIC families.
This page consolidates Microchip and distributor specifications, pin-compatible alternatives in the CERDIP/P-DIP package family, and practical design notes that are not collected in the manufacturer datasheet PDF alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C558/JW — 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 PIC16C558/JW (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature, Package, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C558-20I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C558-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C55/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C/JW
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C558/JW Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 16C (8-bit, RISC, Harvard) |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit wide instructions / 8-bit data path |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Execution Time | 200 ns at 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (UV-erasable, windowed CERDIP) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Number of Instructions | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 13 programmable I/O |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, Indirect, Relative |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Package | 18-pin CERDIP (WDIP, through-hole, windowed) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Power-On Reset | Yes (POR) |
PIC16C558/JW Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / TMR0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0-6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / CLKOUT |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C558/JW is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Appliance Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy), Security and Alarm Panels, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Low-Cost Stepper and DC Motor Control, Embedded Instrumentation and Test Fixtures.
Industrial Appliance Controllers
The PIC16C558/JW fits appliance controller boards because its 3.5 KB EPROM holds state-machine firmware for washing machines, microwave ovens, and HVAC damper actuators while the 13 programmable I/O pins directly drive relays, triacs, and keypad matrices. At 20 MHz with 200 ns instruction cycles, the PIC16C558 executes sensor scan loops and PID updates fast enough for sub-millisecond control updates. The integrated Watchdog Timer recovers from firmware lockups caused by EMI from motor switching, and the 3.0-6.25 V supply range aligns with 5 V regulated rails common in white goods. The windowed CERDIP package allows last-minute firmware tweaks during pilot builds without re-spinning plastic OTP parts.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Legacy)
Pre-CAN automotive body modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and lighting timers historically used PIC16C-series microcontrollers because the 8-bit PIC core with 35 instructions supports small RTOS-free loops that meet automotive latency budgets. The PIC16C558's 128 bytes RAM and 13 I/O pins handle mirror position memory, switch debouncing, and PWM-style lamp dimming without external glue logic. Power-On Reset and Brown-Out Reset behavior on the 3.0-6.25 V rail tolerate cranking transients on 12 V battery systems when paired with an external regulator. The windowed CERDIP variant is well suited to low-volume specialty vehicle programs where pre-programmed OTP is overkill.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
PIC16C558/JW suits wired security alarm panels because its 13 I/O pins can scan a 4x4 keypad matrix while still driving a piezo buzzer, status LED bank, and a relay that triggers the dialer. The 3.5 KB EPROM accommodates zone-state machines, EEPROM-emulated user codes via external I2C memory, and a watchdog-protected main loop that survives brown-outs during alarm events. Deterministic 200 ns instruction timing lets the firmware debounce mechanical switches and time-stamp events without an external RTC. The 5 V supply and through-hole CERDIP package remain common in legacy alarm-panel PCB layouts that predate SMD-only designs.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
In sensor interface boards the PIC16C558/JW acts as a low-cost front-end that reads analog sensors via an external ADC, applies linearization in firmware, and presents the result over a UART or SPI link to a host processor. The 20 MHz core delivers 5 MIPS, which is sufficient to bit-bang software I2C or SPI at 400 kHz while simultaneously scanning multiple digital inputs at 1 kHz. The 128 bytes of RAM buffer short message frames, and the two-level hardware stack keeps interrupt latency predictable for time-critical sensor reads. The 5 V tolerant I/O directly interfaces 5 V analog front-ends common in industrial sensor modules.
Recommended
Low-Cost Stepper and DC Motor Control
The PIC16C558/JW drives small unipolar stepper motors and brushed DC motors in low-cost motion-control applications such as camera pan-tilt heads, valve actuators, and small CNC accessory axes. With 13 I/O pins the MCU can directly sink the four phase lines of a 5-wire unipolar stepper through discrete Darlington drivers while monitoring end-stop switches and an index pulse on the same pins. At 20 MHz the device generates step rates beyond 10 kHz in firmware, which is fast enough for smooth low-vibration stepper motion. The TMR0 counter with prescaler offloads step-rate generation from the main loop, and the WDT resets the controller if motor stall conditions hang the firmware.
Recommended
Embedded Instrumentation and Test Fixtures
PIC16C558/JW is well-suited to ATE rack fixtures and bench-top instrumentation where the windowed CERDIP package allows engineers to swap firmware between test campaigns without re-spooling plastic parts. The 13 I/O pins drive front-panel switches, status LEDs, and handshake lines to a host PC over RS-232, while the 3.5 KB EPROM holds calibration tables and test sequence scripts. The 35-instruction PIC core simplifies hand-coded assembly test routines, and the two-level hardware stack is rarely a constraint in linear test-flow code. 5 V operation matches legacy instrumentation supply rails, and POR plus WDT protect unattended long-duration soak tests.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C558/JW — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C558-20I/P | PIC16C558-04I/P | PIC16C55/JW | PIC16C54C/JW | PIC16C554-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-CERDIP (windowed) | PDIP-18 (OTP) - same footprint | PDIP-18 (OTP) - same footprint | 18-CERDIP - same package | 18-CERDIP - same package | PDIP-18 - same footprint |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) EPROM | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) EPROM | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) EPROM | 0.875 KB (512 x 14) EPROM | 0.875 KB (512 x 14) EPROM | 0.875 KB (512 x 14) EPROM |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 32 bytes | 32 bytes | 80 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 |
| Windowed (UV-erasable) | Yes | No (OTP plastic) | No (OTP plastic) | Yes | Yes | No (OTP plastic) |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Approximate Unit Price (USD) | 7.50 (qty 1) | 5.20 (qty 1) | 4.95 (qty 1) | 6.80 (qty 1) | 6.50 (qty 1) | 4.20 (qty 1) |
Key Differentiators
- 3.5 KB EPROM with 128 bytes RAM versus 0.875 KB / 32-80 bytes in the legacy PIC16C5x family (vs PIC16C55/JW)
- Windowed UV-erasable CERDIP for code iteration (vs PIC16C558-20I/P)
- 13 I/O pins versus 12 on older PIC16C5x siblings (vs PIC16C54C/JW)
Design Notes
The PIC16C558/JW requires a stable 3.0 V to 6.25 V supply on VDD (pin 14) with VSS (pin 5) as ground return. Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin and a 10 uF bulk tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitor at the regulator output to suppress switching transients. The POR circuit resets the device if VDD falls below the brown-out threshold; design the regulator ramp to settle within the POR release window. Estimated: assuming a 20 MHz clock and typical CMOS load, the device draws approximately 10-20 mA active and 1-5 uA sleep, per the Microchip datasheet DC characteristics.
Route the crystal or resonator traces to OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) as short as possible, and keep them away from high-current switching lines such as relay drivers or motor phases. Place a ground guard ring around the oscillator network to reduce stray coupling. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should have a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for a hardware reset button without false triggering from EMI. The 13 I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA per pin and 100 mA total per port, so do not exceed the port aggregate when driving LED arrays directly.
The PIC16C558/JW has only a two-level hardware stack, so deeply nested C function calls compiled by modern XC8 compilers can overflow it and corrupt the program counter. When porting code from larger PIC families (PIC16F1xxx or PIC18), either rewrite hot paths in flat assembly or migrate to a newer PIC16F or PIC18F device with a deeper stack. The windowed CERDIP package must be covered with opaque tape when not in active UV erasure to prevent accidental code loss from ambient UV light. Finally, note that /JW parts are typically NOT RoHS-compliant because CERDIP packages use lead-bearing glass seals; verify against the latest Microchip RoHS statement before designing into EU-market products.
Compliance Information
CERDIP packages historically use lead-bearing glass seals; verify RoHS/lead-free status against the latest Microchip product declaration before designing into RoHS-compliant products. AEC-Q100 not qualified per Microchip product family listing.
