PIC16C55T-RCE/SS - 8-Bit OTP MCU 768B EPROM 4MHz SSOP-28
MPN: PIC16C55T-RCE/SS β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.95 | $3.95 |
| 10 | $3.55 | $35.50 |
| 100 | $3.18 | $318.00 |
| 500 | $2.84 | $1,420.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.55 | $2,550.00 |
PIC16C55T-RCE/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals into one package. The PIC16C5X family belongs to the CMOS 8-bit MCU hierarchy -> microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor IC. OTP EPROM is a variant of programmable non-volatile memory that can be written exactly once, making OTP MCUs ideal for production volumes where firmware is finalized but unit cost must remain low.
Key features include a 33-instruction RISC architecture that delivers 2:1 code compression over comparable 8-bit CISC architectures, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for fault recovery in unattended systems, and Power-on Reset (POR) that initializes the device cleanly on every power-up. The device operates across the standard industrial 3.3V and 5V supply rails, allowing flexibility in both legacy 5V systems and modern low-voltage designs. Built-in I/O structures are CMOS/TTL compatible for straightforward interfacing to logic peripherals.
The PIC16C55T-RCE/SS uses a Harvard-class RISC core with a 12-bit instruction word. Only 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions are needed to program the device, reducing developer learning curve and accelerating time-to-market. With four oscillator options (RC, LP, HS, XT) selectable by part-number suffix, designers trade off cost, power, and frequency against the application's clock-precision requirements.
Typical applications include appliance controllers, simple sensor interfaces, automotive body electronics, security keypads, remote-control transmitters, industrial timers, and low-cost consumer products where flash reprogrammability is unnecessary. The 28-pin SSOP footprint drops into board layouts shared with other PIC16C5X and PIC16C55A family devices, simplifying PCB reuse across product variants.
A practical design tip: because PIC16C55T-RCE/SS is OTP, prototype on a windowed or flash-based equivalent (such as PIC16F or PIC18F in the same footprint) and only commit OTP ROMs for production once firmware is fully validated. Verify the oscillator suffix ("E" in this part = RC oscillator) against the actual resonator or RC network on the PCB.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16C5X family alternatives, and practical design notes that are not collated on a single manufacturer datasheet page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C55T-RCE/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 PIC16C55T-RCE/SS (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Peripherals, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesPIC16C55T-RCE/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Connectivity | - |
| Peripherals | POR (Power-on Reset), WDT (Watchdog Timer) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| RAM Size | 24 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 |
| Data Bus Width | 8-Bit |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Oscillator Type | RC ("E" suffix) |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions (RISC) |
| Package | 28-SSOP (5.30 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (TR) |
| Series | PIC 16C |
PIC16C55T-RCE/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/TOCKI β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear (Reset) input / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator crystal/ceramic resonator output / RC oscillator clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator crystal/ceramic resonator input / RC oscillator external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RC0 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RC1 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RC2 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | RC3 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | RC4 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 4 |
| Pin 22 | RC5 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 5 |
| Pin 23 | RC6 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 6 |
| Pin 24 | RC7 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port C bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 26 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O pin, Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 27 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.3 V to 5 V) |
| Pin 28 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.3 V to 5 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C55T-RCE/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Controller (Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Microwave), Security Keypad and Access Control Module, Industrial Timer and Process Counter, Automotive Body Electronics (Lighting, Wipers, Seat Control), Remote Control Transmitter / IR Encoder, Low-Cost Consumer Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Appliance Controller (Washing Machine, Dishwasher, Microwave)
The PIC16C55T-RCE/SS's 768 B OTP EPROM and 24 B RAM are sized for the kind of finite-state-machine firmware used in washing-machine or microwave-oven user interfaces: button debouncing, relay timing, display multiplexing, and beeper patterns. Its 20 GPIO pins drive 7-segment LEDs, keypads, and triac-fired loads directly without external logic, and the RC oscillator keeps BOM cost below USD 0.20 of the controller BOM. The Watchdog Timer recovers the MCU from power-line glitches common on motor-driven appliances, and Power-on Reset guarantees clean startup after brownouts. Once firmware is locked, OTP prevents accidental field reprogramming - a desirable production control in safety-critical appliances.
Recommended
Security Keypad and Access Control Module
Security keypads need a low-cost MCU that can scan a 12-key matrix, compare PIN codes, drive a beeper, and toggle a relay output - all of which fit comfortably inside the PIC16C55T-RCE/SS's 768 B program memory budget and 20 GPIO budget (using a 4x3 matrix you only consume 7 I/O). The Watchdog Timer detects lockup attempts caused by EMI from keypad ESD events, while Power-on Reset ensures that the relay state defaults to "locked" on every cold boot. OTP programming eliminates the possibility of field firmware tampering, which is desirable for tamper-evident access control deployments.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Process Counter
Industrial timers and counters need precise event counting, a watchdog to recover from sensor noise, and a stable-enough clock for short-duration measurements. The PIC16C55T-RCE/SS uses an external RC network on the OSC1/OSC2 pins to generate its 4 MHz clock, which is sufficiently accurate for conveyor-belt dwell timers, machine cycle counters, and batching applications where millisecond-level timing is acceptable. The 20 GPIO lines drive 7-segment displays, accept encoder inputs, and switch solid-state relays. The 28-SSOP footprint allows dense PCB layouts in DIN-rail-mounted controllers, and the OTP EPROM ensures firmware stability over long field deployments.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Lighting, Wipers, Seat Control)
Automotive body controllers need a low-cost MCU tolerant of 12 V battery transients and capable of driving relays and MOSFETs for lighting, wiper, and seat-control loads. The PIC16C55T-RCE/SS in its industrial-temperature HS oscillator variants (PIC16C55T-HSI/SS, PIC16C55T-HSE/SO) operates across the -40C to +85C automotive underhood range and accepts the 5 V regulated rail typical of body-control modules. Its 20 GPIO pins drive LED indicators, switch high-side drivers, and read switch matrices, while the Watchdog Timer recovers from load-dump-induced program-counter glitches. The OTP architecture protects firmware IP across long product lifetimes.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitter / IR Encoder
Remote-control transmitters use an 8-bit MCU to scan a key matrix, encode the keypress into an IR protocol (NEC, RC5, SIRC), and drive an IR LED at a 38 kHz carrier. The PIC16C55T-RCE/SS handles this with its 20 GPIO lines (8 for matrix rows/columns, 1 for IR LED driver, 1 for status LED) and a small program memory footprint (NEC encoding fits in <300 B EPROM). The RC oscillator option is acceptable for the slow 38 kHz modulation, while the Watchdog Timer protects against battery-low-induced lockups. OTP ensures the firmware cannot be cloned or reverse-engineered in low-cost consumer remotes.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Toy and Hobby Electronics
Battery-powered toys, hobby electronics kits, and educational microcontroller boards need an MCU that costs less than USD 1 in volume, drives LEDs and small motors, and runs simple firmware (LED chasers, sound generators, sensor readouts). The PIC16C55T-RCE/SS meets this price point at qty 1000 (USD 2.55 per tier) and integrates 20 GPIO lines for direct LED/motor driving. Its 5 V operation matches common hobby servo and LED supply rails, and its 33-instruction RISC core is approachable for students learning embedded programming. The Watchdog Timer prevents lockups from battery-low events common in toy deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C55T-RCE/SS β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C55T-RC/SS | PIC16C55T-HSI/SS | PIC16C55T-HSE/SO | PIC16C55T-HS/SO | PIC16C55AT-04/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SSOP (same) | 28-SOIC (same family, different body) | 28-SOIC (same family, different body) | 28-SSOP (same) |
| Core / Architecture | PIC 8-Bit RISC | PIC 8-Bit RISC (same) | PIC 8-Bit RISC (same) | PIC 8-Bit RISC (same) | PIC 8-Bit RISC (same) | PIC16C55A 8-Bit RISC (enhanced family) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM | 768 B (512 x 12) OTP EPROM (PIC16C55A die) |
| RAM Size | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B | 24 B (PIC16C55A enhanced RAM layout) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Oscillator Type (suffix) | RC ("E" suffix) | RC standard | HS crystal + industrial temp | HS crystal + industrial temp | HS crystal + commercial temp | Standard (per suffix) |
| Operating Supply Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V | 3.3 V / 5 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete (PIC16C55A family) |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest BOM cost via RC oscillator ("E" suffix) (vs PIC16C55T-HS/SO)
- Same 28-SSOP footprint as entire PIC16C5X family (vs PIC16F648A-I/SS)
- OTP EPROM locks firmware at production (vs ATMEGA168-20AU (flash-based))
Design Notes
Estimated: Because PIC16C55T-RCE/SS is OTP EPROM, you cannot re-program the device in-circuit once blown. Prototype on a windowed PIC16C55/JW or a flash-based PIC16F equivalent (same 28-SSOP footprint) and only commit to OTP ROMs for production once firmware is fully validated. Verify that the chosen oscillator suffix ("E" = RC, "RC" = standard RC, "HS" = high-speed crystal, "XT" = standard crystal) matches the actual RC network or resonator on the PCB - mismatches produce non-functional or out-of-spec operation.
Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF ceramic + 10 uF tantalum or electrolytic) as close as physically possible to the VDD/VSS pins. For the SSOP-28 footprint, route VDD and VSS on opposite sides of the package to minimize supply-loop inductance. The RC oscillator "E" variant is sensitive to PCB capacitance - keep the RC network within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 to avoid frequency drift. Avoid routing digital signals directly under the MCU package to reduce substrate-noise coupling into sensitive analog pins.
Estimated: At 4 MHz clock and 5 V supply, the PIC16C55T-RCE/SS typically draws 2-5 mA active and 1-2 uA in sleep mode (with Watchdog Timer disabled). For battery-powered applications, use the SLEEP instruction aggressively and disable the Watchdog Timer when not needed - this drops quiescent current to sub-uA levels. The 5 V regulated rail should tolerate load transients from relay-driven loads; if not, add a 100 uF bulk capacitor at the supply entry point.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral status not stated in the verified distributor data - see Microchip product page or material declaration for authoritative compliance documentation. PIC16C55T-RCE/SS is not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive safety-critical applications use a Q100-qualified PIC16F or PIC18F family device instead.
