PIC16C620-20E/P - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620-20E/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.05 | $30.50 |
| 100 | $2.71 | $271.00 |
| 500 | $2.38 | $1,190.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.12 | $2,120.00 |
PIC16C620-20E/P Overview
A PIC microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor that executes one instruction per instruction cycle (four clock periods), making it well suited for deterministic embedded control. Within the broader component taxonomy, a PIC sits under the hierarchy microcontroller (MCU) -> embedded processor -> integrated circuit. The '16C' series is the original One-Time-Programmable (OTP) EPROM-based line from Microchip, distinct from the flash-based 'F' series; OTP parts are typically used in mature or cost-sensitive production where field re-programmability is not required.
Key features of the PIC16C620-20E/P include a 35-instruction set where all single-cycle instructions execute in 200 ns, with program branches taking two cycles; an internal watchdog timer; power-on reset; brown-out detection; a 5-bit digital-to-analog converter used as a voltage reference for the on-chip comparator; and an external oscillator interface supporting crystal, ceramic resonator, or RC timing. The device operates from 2.5V to 6.0V across the full -40C to +125C range.
Architecturally, the chip uses a 14-bit instruction word, an 8-bit data path, and a two-stage pipeline that fetches the next instruction while executing the current one. With 80 bytes of general-purpose RAM and a hardware stack of eight levels, the design targets compact control loops, timing-critical state machines, and glue-logic replacement.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, industrial timers, appliance control boards, security panel keypads, sensor signal conditioning using the on-chip comparator, and white-goods user interfaces where the extended temperature grade and OTP cost model are decisive.
When designing with the PIC16C620-20E/P, note that OTP memory cannot be erased; firmware must be fully validated before programming. The external oscillator pins (OSC1/OSC2) and the MCLR reset pin require careful PCB layout to avoid corrupting the EPROM during in-circuit programming.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives, and design notes not found in the bare datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the part against flash-based PIC16F replacements and competing 8-bit MCUs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620-20E/P — 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 PIC16C620-20E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Mounting Type, Package, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620-20/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$3.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F630-I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-20E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Series | PIC16C62x |
| Core Architecture | PIC (Harvard RISC) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 bits) |
| Data RAM Size | 80 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 instructions |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Automotive / E grade) |
| Oscillator Type | External (crystal / RC) |
| Package | 18-PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| On-chip Peripherals | Comparator with 5-bit DAC reference, Watchdog Timer, Brown-out Reset |
PIC16C620-20E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 (open-drain) / Timer 0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / EPROM programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3/PGM — PORTB bit 3 / EPROM programming mode select |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / analog input channel 0 / comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / analog input channel 1 / VREF |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620-20E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Industrial Timer and Sequencer Boards, Appliance Control Boards, Security and Alarm Panel Keypads, Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip Comparator, Battery Charger State-Machine Controller.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The PIC16C620-20E/P's automotive-grade -40C to +125C temperature range and 20 MHz throughput make it a strong fit for body controllers in vehicles, where it can read switch inputs, drive relays, and sequence lighting or wiper functions. With 13 I/O pins it covers the typical BCM sub-circuit needs, and the on-chip comparator enables direct interface to resistive sensor bridges without an external op-amp. The OTP EPROM model keeps unit cost low in high-volume production where firmware is locked. At 20 MHz the MCU comfortably handles 1 ms-class control loops. Designers should note that PIC16F630-I/P is the modern migration path if field re-flashing becomes a requirement.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Sequencer Boards
The 200 ns instruction cycle of PIC16C620-20E/P delivers 5 MIPS, which is more than adequate for multi-stage industrial timers, conveyor sequencers, and pump controllers. Its hardware 8-level stack keeps interrupt context small, and the brown-out reset plus watchdog timer provide robust recovery from supply glitches on factory floors. The 13 I/O lines can drive 7-segment displays, keypads, and opto-isolated relay coils. The OTP memory model suits fixed-sequence production runs where firmware does not change. A small footprint BOM, just a crystal and decoupling caps, keeps the bill of materials tight.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
White-goods appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens benefit from the PIC16C620-20E/P's extended temperature tolerance and on-chip comparator for level or temperature sensing. The 896-byte OTP program memory is sufficient for fixed-cycle appliance logic including motor control state machines, door interlock monitoring, and user-button debouncing. The 18-pin PDIP package supports through-hole wave soldering, which remains common in appliance manufacturing lines. The 5 MIPS throughput is plenty for software PWM on heating elements or small DC motors. Choosing OTP keeps per-unit cost down for high-volume SKUs.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panel Keypads
The PIC16C620-20E/P integrates well into security panel keypads where it scans a 4x4 matrix, debounces key presses, drives piezo buzzers, and supervises tamper loops. The on-chip comparator can directly sense a resistive loop, eliminating an external op-amp in simple end-of-line resistor designs. With 80 bytes of RAM it can buffer short event logs before passing them upstream. The 13 I/O pins cover up to 8 key rows plus status LEDs. Brown-out reset and watchdog features harden the design against brownouts common in battery-backed alarm systems. OTP memory prevents firmware theft via chip dumping.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip Comparator
The PIC16C620-20E/P's built-in analog comparator with 5-bit DAC reference allows direct interface to resistive sensors such as NTC thermistors, photoresistors, or simple Wheatstone bridges. The MCU can wake from sleep when the comparator trips, providing ultra-low-power event detection. The 5 MIPS throughput is enough to apply software linearization before transmitting values over UART. The 13 I/O pins are sufficient to drive a small status LED array alongside the sensor interface. OTP memory keeps the BOM small for cost-constrained IoT sensor nodes in industrial monitoring.
Recommended
Battery Charger State-Machine Controller
Small-form-factor lead-acid or Li-ion chargers can use the PIC16C620-20E/P to implement charge-state sequencing, current limiting, and temperature foldback. The on-chip comparator monitors charger current via a sense resistor, and the 13 I/O pins drive status LEDs, relay coil, and charger enable FET. The 20 MHz speed allows smooth PWM dimming of indicator LEDs and accurate timing of charge intervals. The automotive temperature grade suits under-hood or garage environments. The OTP memory model protects proprietary charging algorithms from external readback.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620-20E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620-20/P | PIC16C620-04I/P | PIC16F630-I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP (0.300 in) | 18-PDIP (same) | 18-PDIP (same) | 18-PDIP (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP EPROM (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP EPROM (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP EPROM (512 x 14) | 1024 words Flash + 64 B EEPROM |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns | 200 ns | 1000 ns | 200 ns |
| Data RAM | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 64 B |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive extended temperature grade in OTP form (vs PIC16C620-20/P)
- Flash-based modern replacement with same footprint (vs PIC16F630-I/P)
- On-chip comparator eliminates external op-amp (vs PIC16F630-I/P)
Design Notes
Keep the MCLR/VPP trace short and place a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD directly at pin 4. For EPROM programming, VPP rises to about 13V; route the trace away from analog input pins to avoid coupling. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin, and a bulk 10 uF tantalum at the board supply entry. Connect VSS pin 5 to a low-impedance ground pour to reduce digital switching noise on the analog comparator inputs.
OTP EPROM memory cannot be erased. Once a device is programmed, firmware bugs are locked in. Always program production parts only after a fully validated golden unit, and store engineering samples in opaque tubes to prevent UV exposure. For development cycles, use the PIC16F630-I/P variant which supports ICSP re-flashing via PGC/PGD pins (RB6/RB7). Mistakenly programming a commercial-grade part as automotive grade will fail temperature testing.
The external oscillator pins OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) require short PCB traces and ground guard rings for stable 20 MHz operation. For crystal mode, add 15-33 pF load capacitors per the crystal manufacturer's datasheet. For RC oscillator mode, OSC2 can output CLKOUT at one-fourth the oscillator frequency, useful for synchronizing external logic. Avoid routing high-speed signals near these pins to prevent jitter on the system clock.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH status not confirmed from Verified Web Data. The 'E' suffix indicates automotive temperature grade per Microchip's naming convention, but AEC-Q100 qualification is a separate designation that was not surfaced in the retrieved snippets. Verify on the Microchip product page or with the manufacturer directly.
