PIC16C620A-20/P - 8-bit OTP MCU, 20MHz, 13 I/O, PDIP-18 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620A-20/P β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.2 | $22.00 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.72 | $860.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.55 | $1,550.00 |
PIC16C620A-20/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small, self-contained computer-on-a-chip that integrates a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, MCUs belong to microcontrollers, which sit under microprocessors, which in turn fall under logic ICs and ultimately integrated circuits. The PIC16C62X series is a ROM/EPROM/OTP-based subset of Microchip's PICmicro family of low-cost, high-performance, fully-static 8-bit MCUs.
Key features include two analog comparators with a programmable on-chip voltage reference, a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, an 8-bit timer/counter with a prescaler, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and an internal MCLR reset path selectable via configuration bit. The PIC16C620A also offers programmable code protection, power-saving Sleep mode, and a wide operating temperature range suitable for both consumer and industrial environments.
Architecturally, the device is built on Microchip's mature RISC-style PIC core with a Harvard bus architecture and 14-bit wide instructions for OTP program memory, plus an 8-bit data path. This gives a clean separation between program and data buses, enabling deterministic instruction timing that simplifies real-time control loops. The CMOS process keeps quiescent current in the microamp range during Sleep, an advantage for battery-powered or energy-harvesting nodes.
Typical applications include appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, low-cost motor drivers, LED lighting controllers, security system peripherals, and general-purpose replacement of discrete logic. In each of these, the 13 I/O lines, integrated comparators, and small footprint of the PDIP-18 package reduce BOM count and PCB area compared with discrete implementations. The wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range lets the same part run from a single Li-ion cell or a regulated 5 V rail.
Designers should note that OTP memory is one-time programmable: firmware is committed at production time and cannot be field-upgraded. If in-system reprogrammability is required, consider a Flash-based sibling such as the PIC16F62X family. For board layout, place a 0.1 microfarad decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin, and follow Microchip's recommended MCLR reset circuit to ensure reliable startup.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, comparator peripheral notes, and practical design considerations not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620A-20/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 PIC16C620A-20/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, Instruction Cycle Time, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C621A-20/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C622A-20/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628-20/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C620A-20/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC16C62X |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 96 x 8 (96 B) |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Analog Comparators | 2 (with programmable voltage reference) |
| Timers | 8-bit Timer/Counter with prescaler; Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC |
| CCP Module | 1 (Capture/Compare/PWM) |
| Reset | MCLR pin and internal MCLR path (configurable) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (DIP-18, 0.300 inch / 7.62 mm row) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16C620A-20/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP β Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 β Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 β Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 β Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 β Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI β Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 7 | RA5/SS β Bidirectional I/O / SSP slave select |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 11 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 12 | RB0/INT β Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt |
| Pin 13 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 15 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 16 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 17 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change |
| Pin 18 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O / interrupt-on-change / serial programming clock |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620A-20/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Board, LED Lighting Controller, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Threshold Detection, Low-Cost Motor Driver Controller, Security System Peripheral Modules, General-Purpose Replacement of Discrete Logic.
Appliance Control Board
The PIC16C620A-20/P's 20 MHz RISC core, 13 general-purpose I/O lines, and integrated CCP module suit it for appliance controllers such as washing machines, microwave ovens, and dishwashers. The MCU drives relays, triacs, and LEDs through its GPIO while the two on-chip analog comparators monitor temperature and water-level sensors without external comparator ICs. OTP program memory at 896 bytes is sufficient for fixed control loops, timer sequences, and user-interface state machines typical of mid-volume appliances. At 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply, the same part runs from a single-cell Li-ion backup or a regulated 5 V rail. Compared with discrete logic implementations, this part reduces BOM count, board area, and assembly cost, while the PIC RISC instruction set simplifies firmware maintenance for engineering teams familiar with the PIC16 family.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
With its CCP module generating PWM output, 8-bit timer/counter, and 20 MHz clock for fast PWM resolution, the PIC16C620A-20/P is a compact LED lighting controller for dimmable bulbs, signage, and decorative lighting strips. The 13 I/O pins drive multiple PWM channels and accept user input from potentiometers or push buttons. The two integrated analog comparators can be used for zero-crossing detection on mains-derived supplies or for analog brightness feedback. The 96-byte RAM is sufficient for small color-mixing or fade-effect state machines. Because OTP memory locks in firmware at production, this part is well suited for high-volume lighting SKUs where cost per unit is critical and the firmware is final. Operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, the MCU can be powered directly from an LED-driver auxiliary rail.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Threshold Detection
The PIC16C620A-20/P's two on-chip analog comparators with programmable voltage reference make it a strong fit for sensor signal-conditioning modules that need digital threshold outputs. The MCU can wake from Sleep on a comparator change, achieving microamp quiescent current for battery-powered sensor nodes. The 13 I/O lines drive indicator LEDs, buzzer outputs, and digital communication links such as UART bit-banging. With 896 bytes of OTP program memory, the device holds compact firmware for hysteresis, debouncing, and alarm logic. The wide 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range supports 3 V lithium battery stacks and 5 V regulated rails equally well. Compared with discrete comparator plus logic solutions, this part consolidates analog and digital functions onto a single die, reducing PCB area in smoke detectors, water-leak sensors, and similar IoT edge nodes.
Recommended
Low-Cost Motor Driver Controller
The PIC16C620A-20/P serves as the digital controller in low-cost brushed DC and small stepper-motor driver boards used in toys, small appliances, and hobby robotics. Its CCP module generates PWM at frequencies derived from the 20 MHz system clock, providing smooth speed control, while the 8-bit timer/counter handles commutation timing for simple stepper sequences. The 13 GPIO pins drive H-bridge enable inputs, direction logic, and fault feedback lines, while the two on-chip comparators monitor back-EMF or current-sense amplifier outputs. The 18-pin PDIP through-hole package is easy to hand-solder or rework on prototype motor boards, lowering development cost. With OTP memory locked at production, the part targets high-volume motor control SKUs where cost dominates and firmware is fixed.
Recommended
Security System Peripheral Modules
The PIC16C620A-20/P fits security-system peripherals such as PIR motion detector boards, glass-break sensors, and door/window contact interfaces that require low cost, modest processing, and reliable digital I/O. The two analog comparators detect PIR amplifier outputs or audio-band signals, while the 13 GPIO lines drive status LEDs, relay outputs, and alarm-loop wiring. With Sleep current in the microamp range and brown-out-reset support, the device is suited to battery-backed sensors that must survive long idle periods. The 18-pin PDIP form factor simplifies through-hole assembly and field serviceability. OTP memory locks the firmware at production, which is acceptable for high-volume security SKUs where reverse-engineering concerns favor fixed firmware. Compared with 32-bit Cortex-M0 alternatives, this part significantly reduces BOM cost.
Recommended
General-Purpose Replacement of Discrete Logic
The PIC16C620A-20/P is a low-cost replacement for discrete 74HC logic glue in mixed-signal boards where designers want to consolidate timing, sequencing, and I/O-expansion functions onto a single MCU. Its 35-instruction RISC core is easy to learn, and the 200 ns instruction cycle is fast enough for most glue-logic timing patterns. With 13 GPIO and a CCP module, the device replaces counters, monostables, and shift registers in legacy designs while adding programmability. OTP memory at 896 bytes accommodates compact sequencing firmware, and the 18-pin PDIP package fits standard 0.300 inch sockets for prototype work. The 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct interfacing to 3.3 V and 5 V logic families. This application is common when modernizing legacy products while keeping the PCB footprint unchanged.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620A-20/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C621A-20/P | PIC16C622A-20/P | PIC16F628-20/P | PIC16C620A-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-18 | PDIP-18 (same) | PDIP-18 (same) | PDIP-18 (same) | PDIP-18 (same) |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) - same | 2K x 14 OTP - upgrade | 2K x 14 Flash - upgrade | 896 B OTP (512 x 14) - same |
| RAM | 96 B | 96 B - same | 128 B - upgrade | 224 B - upgrade | 96 B - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 20 MHz - same | 4 MHz - downgrade |
| Program Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash - reprogrammable | OTP |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 - same | 13 - same | 16 - upgrade | 13 - same |
| Internal Oscillator | No (external crystal/RC required) | Yes - upgrade | Yes - upgrade | Yes - upgrade | No - same |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest cost per unit in the PIC16C62X family (vs PIC16C621A-20/P)
- Re-programmable firmware for design flexibility (vs PIC16F628-20/P)
- Faster instruction throughput for time-critical control (vs PIC16C620A-04/P)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 microfarad decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 11) on the PIC16C620A-20/P, with the ground return connected to VSS (pin 10) through a short, wide trace. For designs switching higher-current loads, add a 1 microfarad to 10 microfarad bulk capacitor on the same supply rail. Brown-out-reset is supported via configuration bit; enabling BOR prevents code execution at marginal VDD and reduces corruption of RAM and EEPROM-imitating registers.
When laying out the PIC16C620A-20/P on a through-hole board, route the crystal or resonator traces from OSC1 (pin 9) and OSC2 (pin 8) with short, symmetric paths and a ground guard ring to minimize EMI pickup. Keep high-current traces (relay drivers, triac outputs) at least 5 mm away from the oscillator network. The 18-pin PDIP footprint is 0.300 inch row spacing, which fits standard 18-pin IC sockets for prototype work.
Do not assume OTP program memory is erasable or field-upgradable - once written, the PIC16C620A-20/P firmware is locked. For prototypes and low-volume builds, use the Flash-based sibling PIC16F628-20/P instead, or step up to a socketed emulator. A common mistake is leaving the MCLR pin floating; tie MCLR to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor or drive it actively from a supervisor or reset controller to avoid spurious resets in noisy environments.
Estimated: the PIC16C620A-20/P's two analog comparators share reference and input pins with GPIO. To use them as analog inputs, configure the corresponding TRIS bits as inputs and disable the digital output driver on those pins. Route analog traces away from digital switching signals and place the comparator reference bypass capacitor (typically 0.01 microfarad to 0.1 microfarad) as close to the CVREF pin as the package allows. Following these layout practices, the on-chip comparators typically achieve sub-millivolt threshold accuracy at room temperature.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not explicitly stated in the verified web data and should be confirmed by part marking or manufacturer declaration before use in regulated designs. The PIC16C62X family is not AEC-Q100 qualified; do not use in automotive safety applications. Conflict-minerals compliance per Microchip's standard supplier program.
