PIC16C620-04/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz CMOS MCU, 896B OTP, 13 I/O | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.32 | $2.32 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.74 | $870.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16C620-04/SO Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a compact microcontroller unit (MCU) built on a Harvard-architecture Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) core that integrates CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral I/O on a single chip. PIC microcontrollers sit within the broader hierarchy of embedded processors -> microcontrollers -> 8-bit MCUs -> PIC16C family, and are widely used as the central controller in industrial, automotive, appliance, and consumer-electronic products. The PIC16C620 specifically belongs to Microchip's mid-range PIC16C5x/PIC16C6x lineage featuring OTP EPROM program memory, suitable for low-volume, cost-sensitive, or development-stage designs. An OTP device is programmed once and cannot be erased, which makes it ideal for fixed-function production units that do not require firmware updates.
Key features of the PIC16C620-04/SO include 80 bytes of data RAM, 13 digital I/O pins, a watchdog timer, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), and a power-on reset (POR) circuit. The device supports a wide operating voltage range, allowing it to operate from low-voltage battery systems as well as standard 5 V rails. Compared to flash-based PIC16F successors, the OTP PIC16C620 offers lower per-unit cost at higher volumes, with no field-upgrade capability.
Typical applications for the PIC16C620-04/SO include low-cost remote control transmitters, small appliance controllers, security-system keypads, sensor-interface modules, and industrial timer modules. Designers transitioning legacy PIC16C620 designs to flash-based replacements typically migrate to PIC16F627A/628A/648A in the same 18-pin SOIC footprint for in-circuit re-programmability.
When designing with this part, remember that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed - any firmware change requires a new device. For prototypes and field-updateable production, consider a flash-based PIC16F6xxA in the same 18-SOIC footprint.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620-04/SO — 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 PIC16C620-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, RoHS Status, Timers, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.49 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Architecture | RISC (Harvard) |
| Speed (Max) | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| Data RAM | 80 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Package / Case | 18-SOIC (SO) - 0.295" wide body, gull-wing |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature (Commercial) | 0C to +70C |
| Operating Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.0 V (5 V typical) |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer (WDT), Power-on Reset (POR), TMR0 8-bit Timer/Counter, Brown-out Reset |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains Pb in OTP windowed variants); check lot |
PIC16C620-04/SO 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 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 7 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output (4 MHz at OSC1) |
| Pin 8 | RC0 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 0 |
| Pin 9 | RC1 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | RC2 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | RC3 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | RC4 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | RC5 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | RC6 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | RC7 — Bidirectional I/O port C bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 17 | RA6 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | RA7 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 7 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620-04/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control Transmitter, Small Appliance Controller (Coffee Maker / Toaster), Security System Keypad / Access Control Panel, Sensor Interface Module (Temperature / Pressure), Industrial Timer / Counter Module, Battery-Powered Low-Cost Toys / Gadgets.
Remote Control Transmitter
The PIC16C620-04/SO fits remote control transmitters because its 4 MHz core delivers 1 MIPS, more than enough for IR carrier generation (typically 38-40 kHz), button-debounce scanning across a 4x4 keypad matrix using only 8 I/O pins, and small protocol-encoded command buffers. With 896 bytes of OTP the entire transmit state machine fits in a single device, eliminating external logic.
Recommended
Small Appliance Controller (Coffee Maker / Toaster)
The PIC16C620-04/SO is well-suited for small appliance control because its 13 I/O pins directly drive 7-segment LED indicators, relay coils for heater elements, and rotary encoder inputs without external mux logic. The 80-byte RAM handles timer counters for brew-cycle sequencing, and the 3.0-6.0 V supply range accepts unregulated DC from rectified mains without additional regulators.
Recommended
Security System Keypad / Access Control Panel
For keypad entry controllers, the PIC16C620-04/SO scans a 12-key matrix with 8 I/O pins using standard diode-isolation techniques, verifies a 4-6 digit PIN stored in OTP, and drives a magnetic-door strike relay. The 896B OTP stores encrypted PIN tables and protocol handlers for Wiegand-output readers. The industrial-grade PIC16C620-04I/SO variant extends the operating range for outdoor keypads.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Module (Temperature / Pressure)
Sensor-interface modules benefit from the PIC16C620-04/SO because its built-in TMR0 8-bit timer/counter handles interval timing for periodic sensor reads, while 13 I/O drive SPI or I2C peripherals to external sensors. The 80-byte RAM buffers up to ~20 12-bit ADC readings at 5 ms sample intervals. OTP memory stores calibration tables and linearization polynomials.
Recommended
Industrial Timer / Counter Module
The PIC16C620-04/SO is a strong fit for industrial timer modules because the 8-bit TMR0 combined with a 4 MHz instruction cycle delivers 1 us resolution, and the watchdog timer adds failsafe auto-reset on firmware lockup. The 18-SOIC package is small enough for DIN-rail-mount timer enclosures, and the 3.0-6.0 V supply accepts 5 V or 24 V (with regulator) industrial rails.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Low-Cost Toys / Gadgets
Battery-powered toys benefit from the PIC16C620-04/SO because the 3.0 V minimum supply operates directly from 2 AA cells (2.4-3.2 V), and the 5 mA typical operating current is acceptable for short-play sessions. The 4 MHz CPU drives simple PWM motor control and LED chase patterns with 896 bytes of OTP. For even lower quiescent current, the PIC16C620-04I/SO with brown-out reset extends battery runtime.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620A-04/SO | PIC16C620-04I/SO | PIC16C620T-04/SO | PIC16C620-04E/SO | PIC16F627A-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (SO) | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B | 896 B | 896 B | 896 B | 1.75 KB (flash) |
| Data RAM | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 224 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Silicon-revision A errata fixes over original -04/SO (vs PIC16C620-04/SO (this product))
- Industrial temperature grade option available in same package (vs PIC16C620-04I/SO)
- Field-reprogrammable flash upgrade in same 18-SOIC footprint (vs PIC16F627A-I/SO)
Design Notes
The PIC16C620-04/SO is an OTP EPROM device - once programmed, the firmware CANNOT be erased or rewritten. Do not use this part for prototypes or any design where firmware changes are expected. For development, use PIC16F627A-I/SO (flash) in the same 18-SOIC footprint, then migrate to PIC16C620-04/SO only when firmware is locked. A common pitfall is to order the OTP version for engineering samples and then need firmware changes - this wastes the entire lot.
Place the 4 MHz crystal or resonator as close as possible to the OSC1 (pin 6) and OSC2 (pin 7) pins, with short traces and a solid ground plane beneath. Add a 1 M-ohm parallel resistor across the crystal if low-drive crystals are used, and keep digital signal traces away from the OSC traces to avoid coupling noise into the clock. Place decoupling capacitors (100 nF + 10 uF) within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 16).
Estimated: at 4 MHz and 5 V supply the PIC16C620-04/SO draws approximately 5 mA typical, less than 25 mA worst case. Total power is therefore below 125 mW, well within the SOIC package's thermal limit. For battery-powered designs, use the watchdog timer's internal RC oscillator (~1.6 uA) and SLEEP mode to drop quiescent current to single-digit microamps, enabling years of life on 2xAA cells.
Compliance Information
PIC16C620-04/SO is generally listed as RoHS non-compliant at distributors due to Pb-bearing OTP EPROM windowed packages historically used; verify lot-specific RoHS certificates of compliance with Microchip CoC database. For RoHS-required designs, migrate to PIC16F627A-I/SO or PIC16F648A-I/SO in the same 18-SOIC footprint.
