PIC16C620-04I/SS - 8-bit EPROM MCU, 896B, 13 I/O, SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620-04I/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.21 | $2.21 |
| 10 | $2.1 | $21.00 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.78 | $890.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.63 | $1,630.00 |
PIC16C620-04I/SS Overview
Background: An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), I/O peripherals and often analog blocks. PIC microcontrollers use a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses and a RISC instruction set, which enables deterministic instruction timing and very low power consumption. Within the PIC family, the PIC16C62x sits in the mid-range 14-bit instruction group, positioned between base-line PIC10/12/14 and enhanced mid-range PIC16F1xxx devices, and is historically used where simple control loops, comparator-based sensing, and OTP (one-time programmable) memory are acceptable.
Key features: 4 MHz oscillator input with 1 us instruction cycle; 35 single-word instructions; 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler; watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator for reliable reset; programmable code protection; in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via RB6/RB7; two on-chip analog comparators with programmable reference; power-on reset and brown-out detection.
Technical depth: The PIC16C620 implements a 14-bit instruction word with 8-bit data path, two file-select registers (FSR) for memory access, a 16-level hardware stack, and direct/indirect addressing. The 13 I/O pins share four ports (PORTA 5 pins, PORTB 8 pins) with individual direction control. The on-chip EPROM is one-time-programmable (OTP) at production time, making this part suitable for low-volume mature designs rather than field-upgradable products.
Typical applications: appliance control boards, security alarm panels, sensor signal conditioning with on-board comparators, automotive interior modules (non-safety), and simple motor-control glue logic. The wide 3-6V supply range and low power make it tolerant of unregulated rails in industrial environments.
Design consideration: Because the part is OTP EPROM (not Flash), firmware must be committed at programming time and cannot be re-flashed in application - select this device only for mature firmware with very low revision risk.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives from Microchip and competitors, and practical design notes compiled from public datasheets and reference designs - information engineers will not find in a single source elsewhere.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620-04I/SS — 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 PIC16C620-04I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Package, RAM Size, RoHS Status, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F648A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620T-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (0.875 KB) |
| RAM Size | 80 bytes |
| EEPROM Size | 0 bytes (none on chip) |
| CPU Core | PIC16 / 14-bit RISC |
| CPU Architecture | 8-bit Harvard |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Typical Operating Voltage | 5.0 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz ("-04" speed grade) |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us @ 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | SSOP-20 (5.3 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| On-chip Comparators | 2 (with programmable reference) |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) + WDT |
| A/D Converter | None (uses comparators) |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP (RB6/RB7) |
| Code Protection | Programmable |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life) |
PIC16C620-04I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O; analog comparator input) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O; also /MCLR alternative) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — PORTA bit 4 (bidirectional digital I/O; open-drain option) |
| Pin 4 | /MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input; tied to VDD through resistor |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — PORTB bit 0 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (interrupt-on-change capable; low-voltage programming) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (ICSP data) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (second ground pin) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output; RC or crystal connection |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input; RC or crystal connection |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (analog comparator input) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (analog comparator input) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (third ground pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0-6.0 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620-04I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Board, Security Alarm Panel, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Automotive Interior Module (Non-Safety), Battery Charger Control Logic, Simple Motor Control / PWM Driver.
Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C620-04I/SS fits appliance control boards where a sealed firmware, low-cost 8-bit controller drives relays, triacs, and indicator LEDs. The 896 bytes of OTP EPROM is sufficient for a fixed motor-sequence or heater-control algorithm, while the 13 I/O pins comfortably cover keypad scanning, status LEDs, and zero-cross detect. The on-chip analog comparators eliminate an external op-amp for temperature threshold detection via an NTC thermistor. Operating from a rectified 5 V supply, the device tolerates the wide 3.0-6.0 V range typical of unfiltered mains-derived rails.
Recommended
Security Alarm Panel
The PIC16C620-04I/SS is well-suited to security alarm panels that require a sealed, code-protected firmware image plus simple analog sensing. The two on-chip comparators with programmable reference allow direct threshold detection on PIR sensor outputs and reed-switch debouncing without external analog ICs. The 13 I/O lines support keypad matrix, zone LEDs, and siren drivers, while the watchdog timer ensures reliable reset under ESD or power glitches common in alarm installations. Industrial -40 to +85 C operation tolerates garage and attic environments.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
For industrial sensor signal conditioning front-ends, the PIC16C620-04I/SS offers two on-chip analog comparators with programmable reference, useful for threshold detection on 4-20 mA loop signals or thermistor bridges. Its 4 MHz instruction rate handles 1 ms loop times for closed-loop heater control, and the wide 3.0-6.0 V supply tolerance allows direct connection to 24 V-rectified rails via a dropping resistor. The 80-byte RAM is sufficient for simple FIR filters; code protection prevents cloning of proprietary calibration tables.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Module (Non-Safety)
Within non-safety automotive interior modules such as seat heaters, mirror adjusters, and lighting controllers, the PIC16C620-04I/SS provides cost-effective logic control. Its -40 to +85 C industrial temperature rating covers most cabin environments, and the watchdog timer plus brown-out reset protect against cranking transients when paired with an external TVS. OTP EPROM suits the high-volume cost targets typical of these applications where firmware is fully qualified and frozen.
Recommended
Battery Charger Control Logic
In small battery charger designs - particularly for sealed lead-acid and NiMH packs - the PIC16C620-04I/SS implements charge state machine, timer, and termination logic. The on-chip comparators directly sense battery voltage against an internal reference, eliminating an external voltage monitor IC. With 13 I/O pins, the MCU handles MOSFET gate drive, LED status indication, and temperature sensor input. The 4 MHz clock supports accurate timing for CC-CV transition without an external RTC.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control / PWM Driver
For brushed DC motor speed control or stepper sequencing in low-power applications, the PIC16C620-04I/SS generates PWM or step patterns using the TMR0 timer plus firmware. The 4 MHz clock supports 8-bit PWM at reasonable repetition rates for motor control, and the 13 I/O lines drive direction logic, enable, and fault feedback. Watchdog timer ensures recovery from stall-induced firmware hang. Code protection prevents unauthorized cloning of proprietary motor tuning tables in white-goods and HVAC equipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F628A-I/SS | PIC16F648A-I/SS | PIC16C620A-04I/SS | PIC16C620-04/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (896 B) | Flash (1024 words) | Flash (1024 words) | OTP EPROM (896 B) | OTP EPROM (896 B) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes | 2048 bytes | 2048 bytes | 896 bytes | 896 bytes |
| RAM Size | 80 bytes | 224 bytes | 256 bytes | 80 bytes | 80 bytes |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0-6.0 V | 2.0-5.5 V | 2.0-5.5 V | 3.0-6.0 V | 3.0-6.0 V |
| Temperature Range | -40 to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 to +70 C (Commercial) |
| On-chip EEPROM | None | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | None | None |
| USART | No | Yes (hardware) | Yes (hardware) | No | No |
| Lifecycle | Obsolete | Active | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- On-chip dual comparators with programmable reference (vs PIC16C620-04I/SO)
- Pin-compatible Flash upgrade path (vs PIC16F628A-I/SS)
- Industrial temperature range (vs PIC16C620-04/SS)
Design Notes
PIC16C620-04I/SS uses OTP EPROM - firmware is committed at programming time and cannot be rewritten. Do not select this part for new designs with any expected firmware revision; use the Flash-based PIC16F628A-I/SS or PIC16F648A-I/SS instead. Code-protect bits, once programmed, prevent re-reading the EPROM image, which is desirable for IP protection but creates a hard brick if firmware bugs are found post-release.
VDD must be decoupled with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 20) plus a bulk 10 uF tantalum or aluminum at the supply entry. The PIC16C620 brown-out reset is factory-trimmed; verify the BOR trip voltage in the datasheet against the minimum regulator tolerance. For 5 V designs powered from a 7805 or similar, the wide 3.0-6.0 V tolerance allows direct connection without an LDO. Add a reverse-polarity protection diode at the bulk input.
OSC1/OSC2 traces should be short and isolated from switching signals; with a crystal oscillator, keep ground plane intact beneath the crystal and load capacitors, and place a guard ring around the oscillator area. The /MCLR pin (pin 4) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground for in-circuit programming; ensure the ICSP connector (RB6/RB7 + /MCLR + VDD + VSS) does not share pins with loads that would prevent clean programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH status not confirmed in the provided verified web data; the SSOP-20 package is generally available in both lead-free and lead-containing finishes depending on date code. Microchip publishes material compliance data on its product page. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - PIC16C620 is not qualified for automotive safety applications; use PIC16F628A-I/SS automotive-grade variants if required.
