PIC16C620T-20E/SS - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620T-20E/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.95 | $5.95 |
| 10 | $5.4 | $54.00 |
| 100 | $4.85 | $485.00 |
| 500 | $4.32 | $2,160.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.89 | $3,890.00 |
PIC16C620T-20E/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (here: OTP EPROM), volatile data memory, digital I/O, and on-chip peripherals such as timers, comparators, and reset circuitry. Within the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C620 belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller category, which sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in arithmetic width but excels in deterministic interrupt latency, low cost, and tiny code footprint. PIC16-series devices use a Harvard RISC architecture with separate program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and data access in a single clock cycle.
Key features of the PIC16C620T-20E/SS include: 13 general-purpose I/O pins, 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), 16-bit timer/counter (TMR1), two on-chip analog comparators with programmable reference, 4 MHz internal oscillator option (selected at runtime), in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via RB6/RB7, and a programmable code-protection bit to lock the OTP array. The wide 3 V to 6 V supply range makes it compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V system rails, simplifying integration into mixed-voltage designs.
Technical depth: the device uses an enhanced CMOS process with fully static operation, meaning the clock can be halted without corrupting RAM. The 14-bit instruction set yields compact object code (~2x denser than typical 8-bit CISC architectures), and the 8-level hardware stack supports nested subroutine/interrupt calls without software bookkeeping. Two comparators can be paired for windowed voltage monitoring, while a configurable reference source feeds the comparator inputs from the internal bandgap or external pins.
Typical applications include industrial control logic replacement, consumer appliance interface boards, sensor signal conditioning with on-chip comparators, automotive body-electronics subsystems (under-hood temperature grades), and low-cost white-goods timers. The OTP memory makes it best suited for mature, fixed-code production volumes where firmware has stabilized and the cost-per-unit advantage of one-time programming outweighs field-upgradeability.
When designing with this MCU, reserve adequate decoupling noise margin on VDD/VSS pins and follow Microchip's recommended 100 nF + 10 uF bulk-capacitor placement within 5 mm of the supply pins. The MCLR reset pin must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation, and unused I/O must be configured as outputs to minimize supply current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in PIC16C62X family alternatives drawn from the Microchip part-numbering scheme, and practical design guidance not found in the bare datasheet - giving procurement engineers a single reference for sourcing and engineers a clear replacement path.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620T-20E/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 PIC16C620T-20E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Instruction Set, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620AT-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620T-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620A-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C620T-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C621AT-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620T-20E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Core Architecture | PIC RISC (Harvard) |
| Series | PIC16C62X |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| Data RAM Size | 80 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 20 MHz |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc/Vdd) | 3 V to 6 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C (Extended, "E" grade) |
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm body width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| On-chip Peripherals | Brown-out Detect (BOD), Power-On Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT), 2x Analog Comparators, TMR0 (8-bit), TMR1 (16-bit) |
| Connectivity | In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) via RB6/RB7 |
| Instruction Set | 35 single-cycle instructions |
| Hardware Stack | 8 levels |
| Packaging Form | Tape and Reel (T suffix) |
PIC16C620T-20E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/TOCKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP/RA5 — Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage / PORTA bit 5 |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (bidirectional I/O / PGM low-voltage programming) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (bidirectional I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock (serial programming) |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data (serial programming) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply (3 V to 6 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — PORTA bit 0 / Analog comparator input 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — PORTA bit 1 / Analog comparator input 1 |
| Pin 19 | RA2/AN2 — PORTA bit 2 / Analog comparator input 2 (per datasheet alternate) |
| Pin 20 | RA3/AN3 — PORTA bit 3 / Analog comparator input 3 (per datasheet alternate) |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620T-20E/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Logic Replacement, Consumer Appliance Interface Board, Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip Comparators, Automotive Body Electronics Subsystem, Low-Cost White-Goods Timer Module, Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node Edge Controller.
Industrial Control Logic Replacement
The PIC16C620T-20E/SS is well-suited to industrial control logic replacement where a mature 8-bit MCU replaces discrete logic or relay timers. With 896 B of OTP program memory and 35 single-cycle instructions, the device executes deterministic control loops at up to 5 MIPS (20 MHz / 4), easily handling state-machine code for conveyor interlocks, pump sequencing, and machine-tool timers. The 13 I/O lines directly drive indicator LEDs, optocoupler inputs, and TRIAC gate drivers. The on-chip analog comparators close feedback loops (over-current, over-temperature) without external op-amps, while brown-out reset and the watchdog timer keep the controller recoverable from supply glitches common in 24 V industrial rails. Operates over -40 C to +125 C, making it appropriate for cabinet-mounted controllers near motors or heaters.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Interface Board
In consumer appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens, the PIC16C620T-20E/SS serves as the user-interface controller that scans keypads, drives 7-segment or LED displays, and orchestrates timing of the main appliance controller via UART or discrete handshake lines. The OTP memory suits cost-sensitive, high-volume SKUs where firmware has stabilized and field-reprogramming is not required. The 80-byte RAM is sufficient for keypad debounce, display refresh buffers, and simple state variables. Power-on reset and brown-out detection ensure reliable boot in noisy mains environments, while the watchdog timer recovers from firmware lockups. The 3-6 V supply window accommodates both 3.3 V display-driver rails and 5 V relay-driver boards with no level shifting.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning with On-Chip Comparators
The PIC16C620T-20E/SS integrates two analog comparators with a programmable voltage reference, enabling low-cost sensor threshold detection without external op-amps. Use cases include thermistor-based overtemperature shutdowns, photodiode dark-current detectors, and battery voltage monitors where the comparator triggers an interrupt when Vbatt falls below a configurable threshold set by the internal bandgap reference. The comparators can be cascaded for windowed sensing (alert when sensor is both above and below bounds), and their outputs feed the PIC interrupt controller for low-latency response. This saves 2-4 external components per board and reduces BOM by tens of cents in volume production.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics Subsystem
Within automotive body-electronics subsystems such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory modules, and mirror-adjust controllers, the PIC16C620T-20E/SS provides the deterministic 8-bit control required by entry-level nodes. The extended -40 C to +125 C temperature grade handles under-dash and door-module environments. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified by default, the part is widely deployed in non-safety-critical body functions where cost dominates over qualification. The OTP program memory locks firmware against field tampering, an advantage in commercial-fleet vehicles. The 13 I/O lines multiplex seat motors, LED indicators, and CAN/LIN transceivers for body-control network endpoints.
Recommended
Low-Cost White-Goods Timer Module
The PIC16C620T-20E/SS is frequently used as a stand-alone timer module in white-goods such as microwave ovens, egg timers, and irrigation pumps where a dedicated MCU drives a relay or TRIAC after a user-set interval. The 8-bit TMR0 and 16-bit TMR1 with prescaler generate accurate timing bases from the system clock, while the watchdog timer guards against firmware faults. The 20 MHz instruction rate gives 200 ns resolution for short-burst outputs such as TRIAC zero-crossing triggers. OTP memory prevents accidental field reprogramming that could defeat manufacturer-set intervals (e.g., to circumvent warranty timers).
Recommended
Battery-Powered Wireless Sensor Node Edge Controller
In battery-powered wireless sensor nodes (WSN), the PIC16C620T-20E/SS can act as a low-power edge controller that wakes a sub-GHz radio module only when the on-chip analog comparator detects a sensor threshold crossing. The fully static CMOS core allows halting the clock entirely between events, dropping current consumption to leakage-only levels. The 3 V minimum supply rating supports direct Li-primary (3.0-3.6 V) battery operation without a boost converter. The PIC then bursts the radio module (e.g., SPI-attached TX) to transmit the event, before returning to sleep. Brown-out detection protects against cell end-of-life, while the watchdog recovers from firmware lockups.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620T-20E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620AT-20E/SS | PIC16C620T-20/SS | PIC16C620A-20E/SS | PIC16C620T-04E/SS | PIC16C621AT-20E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-SSOP (5.30 mm) | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| Maximum Clock | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40 C to +125 C) | Extended (-40 C to +125 C) | Commercial (0 C to +70 C) | Extended (-40 C to +125 C) | Extended (-40 C to +125 C) | Extended (-40 C to +125 C) |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tape & Reel |
| Number of I/O | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| Comparators | 2 on-chip | 2 on-chip | 2 on-chip | 2 on-chip | 2 on-chip | 2 on-chip (different register map) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade with tape-and-reel packaging (vs PIC16C620T-20/SS)
- 20 MHz instruction throughput at extended temperature (vs PIC16C620T-04E/SS)
- Drop-in compatibility with the A-revision silicon family (vs PIC16C620AT-20E/SS)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor near the supply entry point. The PIC16C620T-20E/SS has modest supply current (typically < 5 mA active at 20 MHz, < 1 uA sleep), but analog comparator switching transients can inject noise on VDD without adequate decoupling. Tie the VSS pin (pin 5) directly to a low-impedance ground plane rather than a thin trace, especially when comparator inputs are used.
MCLR (pin 4) requires a pull-up to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor for normal operation; leaving it floating will hold the part in reset. Do not connect a capacitor directly to MCLR unless a slow-reset delay is intentional. Configure all unused I/O pins as outputs (not inputs) to prevent floating-input shoot-through current and reduce supply current by hundreds of microamps. Note that pin 4 is shared between MCLR and RA5 - if MCLR is disabled (configuration bit MCLRE=0), RA5 becomes available as a general-purpose I/O.
Keep analog comparator input traces (RA0-RA3, pins 17-20) short and away from digital switching lines such as RB7/PGD and oscillator pins to minimize noise coupling into the threshold detection. If using the internal oscillator mode, OSC1 (pin 16) can be left open or tied to VDD per datasheet; if using a crystal, route both oscillator pins on the same layer with a ground guard ring and keep traces under 10 mm. Route ICSP pins (RB6/RB7, pins 12-13) to an in-circuit programming header with no series resistors - programming requires direct connection.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance status not explicitly stated in the verified distributor listings for this obsolete part. Engineers must request a certificate of compliance from the supplier before shipping into RoHS-mandated regions. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; not recommended for safety-critical automotive applications.