PIC16C620AT-04I/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 896B 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620AT-04I/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.66 | $16.60 |
| 100 | $1.48 | $148.00 |
| 500 | $1.3 | $650.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.16 | $1,160.00 |
PIC16C620AT-04I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, data RAM, and peripherals such as timers, comparators, and I/O ports into one package. PIC microcontrollers are positioned within the broader hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device. The PIC16C62x family uses a RISC-style Harvard architecture with a small instruction set (35 single-word instructions), making it well-suited for simple, cost-sensitive embedded control.
Key features include 13 digital I/O pins, an internal 4 MHz oscillator option, two analog comparators with programmable reference, a 16-bit timer/counter (Timer0) with 8-bit prescaler, an 8-bit timer/counter (Timer2) with 8-bit period register and prescaler/postscaler, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, an operating voltage range of 2.5 V to 5.5 V (3.3 V/5 V typical), and a brown-out reset circuit. The '04' speed grade specifies a 4 MHz maximum oscillator, and the 'I' suffix denotes the industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature range. The 'T' suffix in the MPN indicates tape-and-reel packaging.
The PIC16C620A employs an OTP EPROM program memory cell, meaning the program is written once at programming time and is not erasable, which is appropriate for high-volume, fixed-function production units. The core executes most instructions in a single 200 ns instruction cycle at 20 MHz (or 1 µs at 4 MHz), with a 14-bit instruction word. The device includes power-saving SLEEP mode, in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, and an internal 4 MHz RC oscillator that can be selected to reduce external component count.
Typical applications include appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, coffee makers), automotive body electronics (interior lighting, seat controllers, simple sensor interfaces), industrial control (small motor drivers, fan controllers, sensor signal conditioning), consumer electronics (remote controls, toys, small appliances), and smart-home devices (thermostats, doorbells, simple sensor nodes). Its small footprint, low cost, and integrated analog comparators make it well suited for replacing discrete logic in legacy designs.
When designing with this device, choose either the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator or an external crystal/RC network depending on timing accuracy requirements. The OTP memory means firmware must be fully validated before programming; design for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) to allow field updates via blank-device programming at production. The 18-pin SOIC requires standard 300-mil SOIC land patterns.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives drawn from Microchip's PIC16C family, and design considerations not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, with pricing referenced as of 2026-09-17.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620AT-04I/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 PIC16C620AT-04I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Instruction Cycle Time, Program Memory Type, Analog Comparators.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / 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)
PIC16F88-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C621A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.98 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620AT-04I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | 8-bit PIC16C RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 × 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 96 B |
| EEPROM Data Memory | None (ROMless data on this family) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 µs @ 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V (3.3 V / 5 V typical) |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm / 0.295 in width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Number of Timers | 2 (Timer0 8-bit, Timer2 8-bit) |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with programmable voltage reference |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes |
| Internal Oscillator | 4 MHz RC (selectable) |
| Instruction Set Size | 35 single-word instructions |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (unlimited floor life at <30 °C / 85 % RH) |
PIC16C620AT-04I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| 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 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620AT-04I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control (White Goods), Automotive Body Electronics, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Consumer Remote Controls and Toys, Smart Home Sensor Nodes, Hobby and Educational Electronics.
Appliance Control (White Goods)
The PIC16C620AT-04I/SO suits white-goods appliance control boards such as washing-machine motor sequencers, microwave-oven user interfaces, and coffee-maker pump/ heater drivers. Its 13 I/O pins drive relay coils, multiplex keypad matrices, and read thermistor inputs via the two on-chip analog comparators. The 2.5 V-5.5 V supply range accepts rectified 5 V rails, while the -40 °C to +85 °C industrial range tolerates under-cabinet thermal rise. OTP memory locks validated firmware against field tampering, an advantage in cost-sensitive high-volume SKUs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Within automotive body modules (interior lighting, seat controllers, simple sensor interfaces, HVAC damper actuators), the PIC16C620AT-04I/SO provides enough peripherals for cost-sensitive non-safety functions. The 13 I/O pins multiplex low-side LED drivers and switch inputs, while the integrated analog comparators handle sensor thresholds without an external op-amp. Note: the -I suffix denotes -40 °C to +85 °C, which is below the AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive range (-40 °C to +125 °C), so for under-hood or powertrain applications use an AEC-Q100 qualified MCU such as PIC16F628A-I/SO or PIC16F88-I/SO.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
For industrial sensor-interface boards (limit switches, photoelectric sensors, simple 4-20 mA loop interfaces), the PIC16C620AT-04I/SO offers sufficient compute and I/O for threshold detection, debouncing, and digital output protocols. The two on-chip comparators with programmable voltage reference implement Schmitt-trigger inputs without external components. The brown-out reset and watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator improve field reliability against supply glitches and firmware lockups, critical for unattended installations.
Recommended
Consumer Remote Controls and Toys
In IR remote controls, RC toys, and small consumer gadgets, the PIC16C620AT-04I/SO delivers low-cost 8-bit control with internal 4 MHz RC oscillator that eliminates an external crystal. The 13 I/O pins drive IR LEDs, scan keypads, and read tilt/position sensors. The SLEEP mode with watchdog wakeup achieves quiescent currents suitable for battery-powered applications over multi-year shelf life, while OTP memory locks reference designs against unauthorized cloning.
Recommended
Smart Home Sensor Nodes
Smart-home edge devices (door/window contact sensors, simple thermostats, leak detectors) leverage the PIC16C620AT-04I/SO's small footprint and integrated peripherals to implement battery-powered wireless sensor nodes. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator removes the cost of an external crystal, the 13 I/O pins interface reed switches or NTC thermistors, and the watchdog/SLEEP combination achieves multi-year battery life. The 18-SOIC allows optical inspection and rework on compact sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Electronics
For hobbyist projects, university embedded systems courses, and STEM teaching platforms, the PIC16C620AT-04I/SO offers a low-cost entry point to the PIC architecture, with ICSP enabling breadboard-friendly in-circuit programming. The 35-instruction RISC core is approachable for assembly teaching, and the 18-SOIC fits standard 300-mil DIP-adapter boards. While the OTP memory makes it unsuitable for iterative learning, the PIC16F628A in the same 18-SOIC footprint is the recommended learning alternative for the same architecture.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620AT-04I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620A-04I/SO | PIC16F628A-I/SO | PIC16F88-I/SO | PIC16C621A-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 2048 B Flash (+129 %) | 4096 B Flash (+357 %) | 896 B OTP |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) | Flash (reprogrammable) | OTP EPROM |
| RAM Size | 96 B | 96 B | 224 B (+133 %) | 368 B (+283 %) | 96 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz (+400 %) | 20 MHz (+400 %) | 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 13 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 (-50 %) |
| Internal 4 MHz RC Oscillator | Yes | Yes | Yes (calibrated) | Yes (calibrated, 32 kHz-8 MHz) | No |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | Active | Active | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- True drop-in replacement in 18-SOIC (vs PIC16C620-04I/SO)
- Industrial temperature range vs commercial-grade variants (vs PIC16C620A-04/SO)
- Flash-based code-compatible successor with more peripherals (vs PIC16F628A-I/SO)
- Two comparators with internal reference (vs PIC16C621A-04I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5.0 V and 4 MHz active clock, typical PIC16C62X active current is approximately 2-5 mA and sleep current <1 µA. Add a 100 nF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) to suppress switching transients from the internal oscillator, and place a bulk capacitor (1-10 µF) at the board supply input. Tie MCLR (pin 4) to VDD through a 10 kΩ resistor with a 100 nF cap to ground for proper reset behavior. The brown-out reset circuit requires stable supply ramp rates below 0.05 V/ms to avoid spurious resets during power-up.
Use a standard 300-mil SOIC land pattern (IPC-SM-782) for the 18-SOIC package. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 16/15) short and isolated from switching nodes; route them over a continuous ground plane to minimize EMI. Place the ICSP connector footprint (RB6/RB7 + MCLR + VDD + VSS) on the board edge or test-pad cluster for programming access. Decoupling capacitor loop area should be minimized: VDD pin to bypass cap to ground pin should form a loop of <5 mm².
Do not use the PIC16C620AT-04I/SO in new designs - it is NRND. For prototypes and learning, use PIC16F628A-I/SO (flash, reprogrammable, code-compatible). The '04' speed grade limits the oscillator to 4 MHz; if your application requires more compute, step up to '20' (20 MHz) parts within the same family. OTP memory cannot be erased, so always validate firmware on a PIC16F equivalent before committing to OTP programming. The internal 4 MHz RC oscillator has a factory tolerance of approximately ±1 % to ±5 % across temperature; if precise timing is required (UART, time-of-day), use an external crystal.
The PIC16C62X I/O pins have TTL-compatible input thresholds (VIL < 0.8 V, VIH > 2.0 V at 5 V VDD) and 25 mA source/sink capability. For analog comparator inputs (RA0-RA3), keep traces short and away from digital switching signals to avoid cross-coupling. The internal voltage reference for the comparators is ratiometric to VDD; for absolute-accuracy applications, derive the threshold from a precision external reference (e.g., MCP1541) instead.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Microchip product page and DigiKey listing. The 'I' suffix denotes industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature range, not automotive AEC-Q100. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in available data.
