PIC16C620-04E/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU, 896B, 4MHz, 18-DIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620-04E/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.75 | $275.00 |
| 500 | $2.4 | $1,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.1 | $2,100.00 |
PIC16C620-04E/P Overview
A PIC microcontroller (Peripheral Interface Controller) is a family of Harvard-architecture 8-bit RISC microcontrollers from Microchip Technology, widely used in embedded systems for low-power, deterministic control. Positioned in the hierarchy as: PIC microcontroller -> 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> semiconductor. The PIC16C62X family specifically targets cost-sensitive applications with one-time programmable (OTP) memory for prototyping and low-volume production. The 'E' suffix indicates the extended operating temperature range (-40C to +125C, automotive grade), and the '04' denotes the 4MHz maximum clock speed grade.
Key features of the PIC16C620-04E/P include a RISC core with only 35 single-word instructions to learn, all single-cycle except program branches which are two-cycle, an internal watchdog timer, power-on reset, brown-out reset, and an external oscillator interface. The 13 I/O pins support digital I/O with individually programmable direction registers. The OTP memory allows one-time field programming via standard device programmers such as the MPLAB PM3.
Technically, the PIC16C620 architecture uses a Harvard design with separate program and data buses, enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. The 14-bit instruction word provides efficient encoding for the RISC instruction set, and the 8-bit data path with 80 bytes of RAM supports typical control-loop variables, small buffers, and stack operations (8-level hardware stack). Operating voltage is specified for 3.0V to 5.5V, with low-power sleep modes available for battery-sensitive designs.
Typical applications include automotive body electronics, appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, simple motor control, and legacy industrial control systems. Its 18-pin DIP package also makes it suitable for educational and hobbyist use where through-hole construction is preferred. The automotive temperature grade qualifies it for under-hood and cabin-mounted modules.
When designing with this part, note that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed, so the PIC16C620 is best suited to mature firmware or low-volume production. Engineers migrating to flash memory should consider the PIC16F62X family, which offers in-circuit reprogramming while maintaining pin compatibility. Always verify oscillator type and frequency against the system timing requirements.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the PIC16C62X family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620-04E/P 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 PIC16C620-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Mounting Type, RAM Size, Instruction Cycle.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620-04I/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C620-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C621-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C622-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C620-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP |
| RAM Size | 80 x 8 (80 bytes) |
| Number of I/O | 13 |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (single-cycle) |
| Package / Case | 18-DIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, 'E' grade) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, WDT |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Packaging | Tube |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive |
PIC16C620-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 β Port A bit 2 / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 β Port A bit 3 / Analog input 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β Port A bit 4 / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR β Master Clear (reset) input |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β Port B bit 0 / External interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive power supply |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / Clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / Clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 β Port A bit 0 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 β Port A bit 1 / Analog input 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Appliance Control, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Simple Motor Control, Legacy Industrial Control, Educational and Hobbyist Projects.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C620-04E/P's extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and 13 digital I/O pins make it well-suited for automotive body control modules such as seat controllers, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting. Its 896B OTP program memory accommodates typical body-control state machines, while the 80B RAM supports small lookup tables and timing variables. The 4MHz clock and 200ns instruction cycle provide responsive control for relays and PWM-driven loads. Compared to flash-based alternatives, the OTP memory offers lower per-unit cost at the expense of field reprogrammability. The 18-pin PDIP through-hole package also simplifies prototyping and rework on automotive production lines.
Recommended
Appliance Control
The PIC16C620-04E/P is widely used in home appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens for sequencing motors, valves, and indicators. Its 35-instruction RISC core simplifies firmware development for control loops, and the 13 I/O pins are sufficient for driving relays, reading sensors, and controlling 7-segment displays. The brown-out reset and watchdog timer peripherals ensure reliable recovery from power glitches common in motor-driven appliances. With 896B of OTP memory, the part handles small control algorithms without the cost of flash memory. The 18-DIP package also supports easy through-hole assembly on appliance control boards.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16C620-04E/P serves as a low-cost digital signal conditioning front-end for sensors in industrial measurement systems. Its 13 I/O pins can interface to multiple analog sensors via external ADC or comparator circuits, while the 4MHz clock provides adequate processing for linearization and calibration routines. The 80B RAM supports small lookup tables for sensor compensation, and the 896B OTP memory stores calibration coefficients and protocol handlers. The extended temperature range makes it suitable for outdoor or factory-floor sensor nodes. The RISC architecture executes deterministic control loops with predictable timing, critical for real-time sensor sampling.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control
The PIC16C620-04E/P can drive small DC motors, stepper motors, and solenoids via its 13 I/O pins with external MOSFET or driver circuits. The 4MHz clock supports PWM generation at frequencies suitable for motor speed control, and the 200ns instruction cycle enables fast response to feedback signals. The hardware watchdog timer prevents motor runaway in fault conditions, and brown-out reset ensures safe motor stop on power loss. With 896B of OTP memory, it can store speed profiles, ramp tables, and basic PID parameters. The 18-DIP package simplifies integration into motor control PCBs and supports through-hole assembly for high-vibration environments.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control
The PIC16C620-04E/P continues to be used in legacy industrial control systems where its 18-pin DIP footprint, OTP memory, and long-term Microchip supply commitment provide design stability. Its 13 I/O pins interface to legacy 24V industrial signal levels via external optocouplers and drivers, while the 4MHz clock executes deterministic ladder-logic-equivalent control sequences. The 80B RAM and 896B OTP memory are sized for typical PLC-like control tasks. The extended temperature grade supports factory-floor and outdoor installations. Migrating to flash-based PIC16F62X is possible in the same 18-DIP footprint when field upgrades are needed.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Projects
The PIC16C620-04E/P is popular in educational settings and hobbyist projects because its 18-pin PDIP through-hole package is breadboard-friendly and easy to solder. The simple 35-instruction RISC core is ideal for teaching microcontroller fundamentals, and the 13 I/O pins provide ample connections for LEDs, buttons, sensors, and small displays. The 896B OTP memory challenges students to write efficient code within tight memory constraints, a valuable learning experience. Development tools include the MPLAB PM3 programmer and free MPLAB X IDE. Hobbyists building retro computing projects, robot controllers, or custom peripherals also favor this part for its low cost and through-hole convenience.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620-04E/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620-04I/P | PIC16C620-04/P | PIC16C621-04/P | PIC16C622-04/P | PIC16C620-04E/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-SOIC - different footprint |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP - same | 896 B OTP - same | 1 KB OTP (+14%) | 2 KB OTP (+128%) | 896 B OTP - same |
| RAM Size | 80 B | 80 B - same | 80 B - same | 80 B - same | 128 B (+60%) | 80 B - same |
| Number of I/O | 13 | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same | 13 - same |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole (PDIP) | Through-Hole - same | Through-Hole - same | Through-Hole - same | Through-Hole - same | Surface Mount (SOIC) |
Key Differentiators
- Extended automotive temperature range (vs PIC16C620-04I/P)
- Larger program memory for complex firmware (vs PIC16C620-04/P)
- Significant memory and RAM expansion available in same family (vs PIC16C622-04/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16C620-04E/P operates from 3.0V to 5.5V on VDD (pin 14). For reliable operation, place a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to VDD and a bulk capacitor (10uF or larger) on the supply rail. The brown-out reset (BOR) peripheral monitors VDD and resets the device if voltage drops below threshold, preventing code execution corruption during power dips. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should be tied to VDD through a 10k pull-up resistor with a 0.1uF capacitor for proper reset behavior.
The PIC16C620-04E/P requires an external clock source connected to OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15). Common configurations include crystal oscillator (XT mode for 200 kHz to 4 MHz), ceramic resonator, or external clock driver. For 4 MHz operation, an XT-mode crystal with two 15-33 pF load capacitors to ground is standard. The '04' speed grade means the internal clock divider should be configured for 4 MHz input; do not exceed this frequency or instruction timing will be violated.
Estimated: OTP memory limitation - the PIC16C620-04E/P can only be programmed once, so always verify firmware with a flash-based emulator (e.g., PIC16F620 with MPLAB X) before committing to OTP programming. Do not exceed 4 MHz clock frequency or 5.5V VDD. The MCLR pin must NOT be left floating; always connect through a pull-up. Finally, ensure the configuration word (oscillator, watchdog, code protect) is set correctly before programming, as OTP devices cannot be reprogrammed to fix configuration errors.
Compliance Information
The PIC16C620-04E/P is an older EPROM-based part. RoHS and REACH compliance status was not explicitly stated in the provided data. The 'E' suffix denotes extended automotive temperature grade but is not equivalent to AEC-Q100 qualification. Verify compliance with manufacturer documentation before use in regulated applications.
