PIC16C620-04E/SO - 4MHz 8-bit OTP MCU, 13 I/O, 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620-04E/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.86 | $3.86 |
| 10 | $3.48 | $34.80 |
| 100 | $3.1 | $310.00 |
| 500 | $2.78 | $1,390.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.49 | $2,490.00 |
PIC16C620-04E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program and data memory, peripherals, and I/O on one die. The PIC16C62X family sits within the broader taxonomy of PIC mid-range 8-bit microcontrollers, which themselves descend from the RISC-based PIC architecture and the wider class of embedded controllers used in low-power deterministic real-time systems. PIC MCUs are widely used in automotive body electronics, appliance control, sensor interfacing, and industrial 8-bit applications where predictable instruction timing and small footprint matter more than raw compute throughput.
Key features include 35 single-cycle RISC instructions (200 ns cycle at 4 MHz), wide 2.5V-6.0V operating voltage, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) capability, power-saving SLEEP mode, and an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator option. The 13 I/O pins are bidirectional with individually selectable weak pull-ups, and the analog comparators support programmable reference and multiple input configurations for signal conditioning.
Architecturally, the PIC16C620 uses a Harvard-style bus (separate program and data paths) and a 14-bit instruction word, delivering deterministic single-cycle execution on most opcodes. The EPROM program memory supports one-time programming for prototype and low-volume production; Microchip recommends the flash-based PIC16F62X family as the migration path for new designs.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, small appliance control boards, sensor interfaces, security alarm panels, and remote-control encoders. Designers choose the PIC16C620 for its compact SOIC footprint, mid-range peripheral set, and Microchip's mature toolchain support via MPLAB X IDE and the PICkit programmer family.
When designing with this device, note that EPROM-based parts cannot be erased by the user; engineers should validate firmware on flash equivalents (PIC16F62X) before committing to the OTP variant in production. The E suffix denotes the extended -40C to +125C industrial temperature range.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative cross-references, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a faster path from MPN search to validated BOM decision.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620-04E/SO 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Program Memory Type, Oscillator Type, RAM Size, Timers, Program Memory Size.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F627A-04I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628A-04I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-04I/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C620T-04E/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$2.65 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C620T-04I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC (mid-range) |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 80 x 8 (80 bytes) |
| EEPROM Size | None (flash-based variants only) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns (single-cycle, 4-clock oscillator) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 instructions |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E suffix, extended) |
| Package / Case | 18-SOIC (0.295 in / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External (crystal/RC); internal 4 MHz RC option |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit Timer0, 1 x 8-bit Timer1 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (software-enabled) |
| Analog Peripherals | 2 x analog comparators with programmable reference |
| Programming Interface | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| Data Sheet Document | DS30235J (PIC16C62X) |
PIC16C620-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O; analog comparator output |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O; MCLR input (optional) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 β Bidirectional I/O; Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β Bidirectional I/O; external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O; analog comparator input |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O; analog comparator input |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O; analog comparator reference |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O; ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O; ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VSS β Ground (substrate) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O; analog comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O; analog comparator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620-04E/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, Small Appliance Control Boards, Security Alarm Sensor Interfaces, IR Remote Control Encoders, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery Charger State Controllers, Educational Microcontroller Trainer Boards.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16C620-04E/SO fits automotive body electronics because its 13 digital I/O lines, two analog comparators, and -40C to +125C extended temperature range match the harsh under-hood and cabin environments. The 35-instruction mid-range core delivers deterministic 200 ns execution at 4 MHz, ideal for body control modules (BCMs) that poll switch inputs, drive relays, and run timers for window lifters, mirror controllers, and seat adjusters. The 80-byte RAM is sufficient for state machines but not for over-the-air firmware updates, so designers typically integrate the PIC16C620 as the secondary low-cost MCU under a higher-end BCM host. Wide 2.5V-6.0V supply tolerates automotive load-dump events when paired with a TVS diode.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Boards
For appliance control boards (coffee makers, microwave keypads, washing machine user interfaces), the PIC16C620-04E/SO delivers the right balance of I/O count, cost, and code efficiency. Its 896-byte OTP holds compact state-machine firmware for sensor polling, button debouncing, triac zero-cross firing, and PWM motor control via Timer0/Timer1. The two on-chip analog comparators enable direct NTC thermistor interfacing without an external op-amp, reducing BOM cost for thermostat-style temperature regulation. With 13 I/O pins, designers can drive 7-segment LED displays directly, eliminating a separate display driver. The 18-SOIC surface-mount package fits standard 0.1-inch pitch appliance PCBs and reflow-solders cleanly.
Recommended
Security Alarm Sensor Interfaces
Security alarm panels (PIR motion detectors, glass-break sensors, reed-switch door sensors) use the PIC16C620-04E/SO as the local processing hub. The two analog comparators handle direct PIR sensor signal conditioning and window-discrimination threshold detection, while the 13 digital I/O lines drive the alarm LED, buzzer, relay output, and EEPROM-less event counter held in 80-byte RAM. SLEEP mode with watchdog timer enables multi-year battery life on a single CR123A cell, with the 4 MHz internal RC oscillator providing startup timing for the sensor calibration sequence. The 35-instruction RISC core executes deterministic 200 ns steps, so sensor debounce and event timestamping can be implemented without RTOS overhead.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Encoders
Consumer IR remote controls (TVs, set-top boxes, AC units) use the PIC16C620-04E/SO for protocol encoding thanks to its compact 18-SOIC footprint and 13 I/O with weak pull-ups. The Timer0 peripheral generates 38 kHz / 56 kHz carrier PWM for NEC, RC5, and Sony protocols with minimal firmware overhead, while the 35-instruction RISC core handles Manchester/PCM bit encoding in real time. SLEEP current plus the watchdog timer deliver multi-year battery life on coin cells. The 80-byte RAM is sufficient for protocol state and button matrix debouncing, and the EPROM-based OTP prevents firmware cloning - a security advantage for set-top box OEMs.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
Industrial sensor signal-conditioning front-ends use the PIC16C620-04E/SO for low-speed analog-to-digital conversion via its two on-chip comparators plus a software slope ADC. The 4 MHz clock provides 1 us ADC resolution per step, and the 13 I/O handle 4-20 mA loop interfaces, opto-isolated digital inputs, and relay outputs. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range meets IEC 60068-2 industrial environmental stress profiles. Wide 2.5V-6.0V supply rails ride out 24V industrial bus transients when protected by a TVS diode, and the deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle ensures that control-loop firmware runs jitter-free under interrupt load.
Recommended
Battery Charger State Controllers
Lead-acid and NiMH battery charger controllers use the PIC16C620-04E/SO as the charge-state supervisor. The two analog comparators monitor battery voltage across a resistor divider, while Timer0/Timer1 implement the charge-cycle timing (bulk/absorption/float transitions). The 13 digital I/O drive MOSFET gate drivers, status LEDs, and an optional fan control output. The OTP EPROM prevents end-user firmware tampering - important for safety-critical charger designs. At 4 MHz and 5V typical, current draw stays in the low single-digit mA, well within budget for a 24V wall-adapter powered charger that needs standby compliance.
Recommended
Educational Microcontroller Trainer Boards
PIC16C620-04E/SO is widely used in college microcontroller training kits and hobbyist trainer boards because the 35-instruction RISC core is simple enough to teach assembly in a single semester. The 18-SOIC package fits standard 0.1-inch prototyping boards when paired with an SOIC-to-DIP adapter, and the 13 I/O lines are enough for LED-blinking, button-input, and 7-segment display labs. The ICSP programming interface lets students flash firmware via the PICkit 3 without removing the MCU. The extended temperature range is irrelevant for classroom use but builds good habits for students who will work on industrial designs later. Pricing is friendly for bulk lab purchases.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620-04E/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F627A-04I/SO | PIC16F628A-04I/SO | PIC16C620-04I/SO | PIC16C620T-04E/SO | PIC16C620T-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 in) | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP) | Flash | Flash | EPROM (OTP) | EPROM (OTP) | EPROM (OTP) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) | 1024 x 14 (1.75 KB) | 2048 x 14 (3.5 KB) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 80 x 8 | 128 x 8 | 224 x 8 | 80 x 8 | 80 x 8 | 80 x 8 |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +125 C (E extended) | -40 C to +85 C (I industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (I industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (I industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (E extended) | -40 C to +85 C (I industrial) |
| EEPROM | None (OTP only) | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | None | None | None |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | Active | Active | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range (vs PIC16C620-04I/SO)
- True PIC16C62X die with OTP EPROM (vs PIC16F627A-04I/SO)
- 18-SOIC surface-mount variant (vs PIC16C620-04/P (PDIP))
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5 V and 4 MHz external clock, the PIC16C620 draws approximately 5 mA active and 1 uA in SLEEP mode. Decouple VDD with a 100 nF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the SOIC pin 18 lead, and add a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum-polymer cap near the IC for switching-load transients. The wide 2.5 V to 6.0 V supply tolerance allows direct 5 V regulator operation, but automotive load-dump events require an external TVS diode (e.g., SMBJ16A) on the supply rail.
The PIC16C620 is OTP EPROM-based; firmware errors cannot be corrected. Prototype all code on the PIC16F627A flash equivalent first, then port the verified binary to the PIC16C620 for production. Also note that configuration bits (oscillator selection, watchdog, code protect) must be programmed correctly during the single ICSP programming pass - a mis-set configuration bit can brick the part. Use MPLAB X IDE with the PICkit 3 to set configuration bits via the source code CONFIG pragma.
Keep the 4 MHz crystal (or ceramic resonator) traces between pins 15 (OSC2) and 16 (OSC1) under 10 mm and guard them with a ground ring to reduce EMI susceptibility. Place load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) as close to the OSC pins as possible. The MCLR/VPP pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF decoupling cap; ICSP operation requires the 13 V VPP voltage to be applied to MCLR during programming, so leave a dedicated test point accessible to your production fixture.
Estimated: at maximum 4 MHz clock and 6.0 V supply, the PIC16C620-04E/SO dissipates approximately 30 mW. The 18-SOIC package has theta_JA around 70 C/W on a 1-oz 4-layer FR4 PCB, giving a 2 C junction rise above ambient - well within the -40 C to +125 C operating range. For high-vibration automotive environments, add corner stake-down glue dots to the SOIC package to prevent solder joint fatigue.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not confirmed in the verified distributor data - check the manufacturer product page or order acknowledgement for the specific lot. This part is NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs); Microchip recommends migrating to PIC16F627A/628A for new programs.
