PIC16C620A-20/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620A-20/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.21 | $3.21 |
| 10 | $2.88 | $28.80 |
| 100 | $2.55 | $255.00 |
| 500 | $2.27 | $1,135.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.04 | $2,040.00 |
PIC16C620A-20/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (ROM/RAM), and peripherals on one die. The PIC16C62X series specifically is the 18- and 20-pin ROM/EPROM-based member of Microchip's versatile PICmicro family, sitting at the entry-level of the 8-bit MCU hierarchy. The 'A' revision adds enhancements over the original PIC16C620, and the -20 speed grade denotes 20MHz operation (200ns instruction cycle). The OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM program memory makes it suited for low-to-medium volume production where Flash reprogrammability is not required.
Key features include 20MHz operating frequency (200ns instruction execution), 8-level hardware stack, 14-bit wide instruction word, 8-bit data path, internal and external oscillator support, brown-out detect/reset, power-on reset (POR), and watchdog timer (WDT). The 18-SOIC package provides 13 digital I/O pins with individually configurable direction and weak pull-up options. Operating voltage range spans 2.5V to 6.0V, with low-power CMOS design supporting both active and sleep modes for battery-friendly designs.
The PIC16C620A-20/SO uses a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, achieving deterministic instruction throughput critical for real-time control. Built-in peripherals include an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with 8-bit prescaler, a 16-bit timer/counter (TMR1), and a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module. The CMOS process delivers low quiescent current in sleep mode, making the part suitable for power-constrained embedded applications where simple I/O expansion and timing control are required.
Typical applications include appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, coffee makers), automotive body electronics (window lift, seat control, climate modules), industrial sensors and actuators, security and alarm systems, and small motor control boards. Its small 18-SOIC footprint and high noise immunity also suit it for harsh industrial environments.
When designing with the PIC16C620A-20/SO, note that the EPROM/OTP memory cannot be electrically erased, so code must be fully verified before programming. In-circuit debug is supported via the ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) interface; use the MPLAB PM3 programmer to develop code. For new designs, consider the pin-compatible Flash-based PIC16F627A/PIC16F628A for greater design flexibility at similar cost.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620A-20/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Core Architecture, RoHS Status, Program Memory Size, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620A-20I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-20/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-20/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.52 / Unit
PIC16C620-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F627A-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620A-20/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Core Architecture | RISC (Harvard) |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-word instructions (14-bit wide) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 96 B |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, POR, WDT |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (contains lead - pre-RoHS package) |
PIC16C620A-20/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 4 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 5 (interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 6 (interrupt-on-change, ICSP clock) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B, bit 7 (interrupt-on-change, ICSP data) |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A, bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620A-20/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Industrial Sensor Interface Modules, Automotive Body Electronics, Security and Alarm Systems, Small Motor and Fan Speed Control, Remote Control and IR Transmitter/Receiver.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C620A-20/SO fits white-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) because its 20MHz RISC core and 13 I/O pins deliver 5 MIPS of deterministic control for relay driving, keypad scanning, and LED multiplexing. The 96-byte RAM is sufficient for simple state machines and the 896-byte OTP EPROM holds the appliance firmware after final validation. Its 2.5V-6.0V supply range handles 5V power rails commonly found in appliance SMPS outputs. Compared with a Flash MCU, the OTP version is cheaper per unit and reduces firmware theft risk, while the brown-out reset and watchdog timer ensure safe recovery from brown-out events during motor inrush.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16C620A-20/SO suits industrial 4-20mA sensor transmitters and discrete-signal conditioning modules that need 13 digital I/O for switch inputs and alarm outputs. The 20MHz speed executes simple Modbus-style UART protocols at 9600-19200 baud without timing issues, and the 8-bit PIC16C core simplifies deterministic response to interrupts from limit switches. Its -40C to +85C industrial variant (PIC16C620A-20I/SO) is the preferred choice here. The brown-out detect and watchdog timer are critical in industrial settings with long cable runs and EMI, where the MCU must recover gracefully from supply transients without locking up the I/O.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the PIC16C620A-20/SO has historically been used in non-safety automotive body modules like window lifts, seat controllers, and simple lighting timers. Its 13 I/O drive relays and LEDs directly, and the 20MHz core generates accurate PWM for motor speed control and soft-start functions. The brown-out reset handles the 8V-16V vehicle battery transients when paired with an external 5V regulator. For new automotive designs, however, Microchip recommends AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F equivalents, as the PIC16C620A is now NRND and the supply chain is tightening.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Systems
The PIC16C620A-20/SO is a fit for PIR-sensor alarm panels and small keyfob-style access controllers. Its low-power CMOS sleep mode and watchdog timer make it well suited for battery-backed security devices that must wake on interrupt, check sensor state, and return to sleep. The 13 I/O accommodate PIR inputs, reed-switch zones, status LEDs, and a piezo buzzer driver without external logic. The OTP EPROM secures the firmware against copying. Compared with a 32-bit MCU, the PIC16C620A costs less than half and draws less idle current, extending battery life in wireless sensors.
Recommended
Small Motor and Fan Speed Control
The PIC16C620A-20/SO works for low-cost BLDC or brushed-DC motor controllers in fans, pumps, and small appliances. Its 20MHz core generates accurate PWM at 20-25kHz above the audible range, and the 13 I/O drive phase-control signals, tachometer feedback, and pushbutton inputs. The hardware CCP module captures the tach edge and triggers the commutation routine in software, while the brown-out detect prevents FET shoot-through during supply dips. The -I industrial variant (PIC16C620A-20I/SO) is preferred for under-hood automotive or outdoor installations with wide temperature swings.
Recommended
Remote Control and IR Transmitter/Receiver
The PIC16C620A-20/SO fits consumer IR remote controls and receiver-side decoders where 13 I/O are plenty for key matrix scanning and an IR-modulated carrier. Its 20MHz core generates the 38-56kHz carrier with sub-microsecond timing accuracy required by NEC, RC5, and SIRC protocols. The capture/compare/PWM peripherals can also be used for IR demodulation on the receiver side. The 2.5V-6.0V supply range supports both 3V coin-cell and 5V wall-adapter remotes. The OTP memory protects the firmware against bit-for-bit cloning by third parties.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620A-20/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620A-20I/SO | PIC16C620-20/SO | PIC16F628A-I/SO | PIC16F627A-I/SO | PIC16C620-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC | 8-bit PIC RISC |
| Max Clock Speed | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM 896B | OTP EPROM 896B | OTP EPROM 896B | Flash 2K words | Flash 1K words | OTP EPROM 896B |
| RAM Size | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 224 B | 128 B | 96 B |
| Number of I/O | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 13 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial-temperature variant available with same 18-SOIC pinout (vs PIC16C620A-20I/SO)
- Active-production Flash-based successor with more memory (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO)
- Same 18-SOIC pinout across speed grades (vs PIC16C620-04/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the Vdd pin (pin 14) of the PIC16C620A-20/SO to suppress high-frequency switching noise from the internal logic. Add a 10uF bulk capacitor at the board's power entry point. The 18-SOIC package's 7.50mm body width allows standard SOIC footprints and hand-soldering if needed. Estimated: total supply ripple should remain below 50mVpp for clean oscillator operation at 20MHz.
Route the OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) traces as short as possible and keep them away from the I/O lines to minimize capacitive coupling and stray pickup. For crystal operation, place the crystal and load capacitors (typically 15-33pF) within 5mm of the OSC pins. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should be tied to Vdd through a 10k resistor with a 100nF cap to ground to ensure a clean power-on reset; do not leave MCLR floating.
OTP EPROM on the PIC16C620A-20/SO cannot be electrically erased - once programmed, the device is one-way. Always verify code in a windowed or Flash-based equivalent (PIC16F628A) before committing to OTP. For new designs, Microchip recommends Flash-based PIC16F627A/PIC16F628A as the active-production alternative. The brown-out detect voltage threshold is factory-trimmed; check the CONFIG register settings in your code to ensure BOR is enabled for safety-critical applications.
Estimated: at 20MHz and 5V, the PIC16C620A-20/SO draws approximately 5-10mA active and <1uA in sleep mode. Use the SLEEP instruction and wake on interrupt (via RB0/INT or PORTB change) for battery-powered designs. The 2.5V-6.0V operating range allows direct 3.3V or 5V operation from a simple linear regulator; avoid switching regulators with high ripple unless the MCU supply is post-filtered.
Compliance Information
PIC16C620A-20/SO is generally non-RoHS due to lead-bearing SOIC terminations on legacy PIC16C family. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; use AEC-Q100 PIC16F1825 or similar for automotive. REACH compliance is per Microchip product declaration.
