PIC16C620T-20I/SO - 8-Bit 20MHz OTP MCU, 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16C620T-20I/SO β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.06 | $4.06 |
| 10 | $3.83 | $38.30 |
| 100 | $3.55 | $355.00 |
| 500 | $3.21 | $1,605.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.88 | $2,880.00 |
PIC16C620T-20I/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a programmable integrated circuit that combines a CPU, memory, and peripherals on a single die. The PIC16C family is part of Microchip's mid-range architecture and sits inside a broader hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The 'C' in PIC16C620 denotes EPROM/OTP program memory, distinguishing it from the Flash-based PIC16F family, while 'T' indicates tape-and-reel packaging and '20' specifies the 20MHz maximum oscillator frequency.
Key features include 13 digital I/O pins, one 8-bit timer/counter and one 16-bit timer/counter, a watchdog timer, power-on reset, brown-out detect/reset, an analog comparator, and a programmable voltage reference. The PIC16C620T-20I/SO operates from 2.5V to 6.0V (industrial -40C to +85C) and supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) through the RB6/RB7 pins. Its Harvard RISC architecture executes most instructions in a single 200ns cycle at 20MHz, delivering predictable interrupt latency for real-time control loops.
Typical applications include appliance control, security and alarm panels, automotive body electronics (non-safety), low-end remote controls, sensor interfaces, battery chargers, and small motor controllers. The integrated analog comparator and reference allow threshold detection without external components, while the 13 I/O pins can directly drive LEDs, relays, and small solenoids.
When designing with this part, ensure the supply voltage stays within the 2.5V to 6.0V window and add a 0.1uF decoupling capacitor close to VDD. Note that the 'C' EPROM/OTP variant cannot be re-programmed in-circuit after the UV window is covered; use the Flash-based PIC16F630-I/SL as a modern drop-in upgrade for new designs.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Microchip datasheet, helping procurement and design engineers evaluate lifecycle, second-source, and modern replacement options in a single view.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16C620T-20I/SO 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 PIC16C620T-20I/SO (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Analog Comparator, Data EEPROM, I/O Pins, Instruction Cycle Time, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16C620T-04I/SO
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620-20E/SO
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.3 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16F630-I/SL
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C620T-20I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit Harvard RISC |
| Series | PIC16C620 (PIC16C family) |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM/OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 80 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | Not present |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 20MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns at 20MHz |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit, 1 x 16-bit |
| Analog Comparator | Yes (2) |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes |
| Brown-out Reset (BOR) | Yes |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| In-Circuit Serial Programming (ICSP) | Yes (RB6/RB7) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial, 'I') |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
PIC16C620T-20I/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β GPIO port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β GPIO port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI β GPIO port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP β Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT β GPIO port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β GPIO port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β GPIO port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β GPIO port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β GPIO port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β GPIO port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6/PGC β GPIO port B bit 6 / ICSP clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7/PGD β GPIO port B bit 7 / ICSP data |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (2.5V to 6.0V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT β Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN β Oscillator input / clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 β GPIO port A bit 0 / analog comparator input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β GPIO port A bit 1 / analog comparator input |
Typical Applications
PIC16C620T-20I/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Security and Alarm Panels, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Remote Controls and IR Transmitters, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Battery Chargers and Power Management, Small Motor and Solenoid Drivers.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16C620T-20I/SO's 13 I/O pins, integrated analog comparators, and 5V operating range make it a strong fit for white-goods control boards such as washing-machine timers, dishwasher controllers, and microwave-oven user interfaces. Its 200ns instruction cycle supports real-time debouncing of mechanical keypads and direct LED/relay drive at low BOM cost. The EPROM/OTP memory holds the appliance firmware permanently, eliminating field reprogramming risk in harsh consumer environments where Flash bit-rot could occur. The watchdog timer and brown-out reset protect against mains brown-outs common in motor-driven loads. With the industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade, the part survives under-cabinet heat soak in kitchen installations.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
The PIC16C620T-20I/SO suits legacy PIR-sensor alarm panels and entry-keypad controllers where the 13 I/O scan a 4x4 matrix, drive a piezo buzzer, and read analog loop supervision via the on-chip comparators. The 2.5V to 6.0V VDD range accommodates battery-backup systems running from 3x AA cells, while the low-power sleep mode (typical <1uA) extends backup runtime during AC mains loss. Brown-out reset and watchdog timer provide the fault-recovery robustness that UL-listed alarm panels require. The OTP memory prevents field firmware tampering, a security advantage in access-control products where end-users must not be able to reflash the controller. The industrial temperature grade covers indoor wall-mount installations in unconditioned spaces.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
For non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, mirror-adjust drivers, and seat-position memory, the PIC16C620T-20I/SO's 13 I/O pins drive LEDs and H-bridge pre-drivers while the 16-bit timer generates PWM for motor speed control. The integrated comparator enables current-limit sensing without an external op-amp, reducing PCB area. Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the industrial temperature grade suffices for cabin-mounted modules. The 20MHz instruction rate delivers the timing resolution needed for LIN-bite software UART emulation in low-cost body nodes. Engineers transitioning to AEC-Q100-qualified designs should migrate to PIC16F1823-I/SL or PIC16F1824-I/SL, both pin-compatible with the PIC16C620 footprint in 18-SOIC.
Recommended
Remote Controls and IR Transmitters
The PIC16C620T-20I/SO powers low-end IR remote controls for TVs, set-top boxes, and ceiling fans thanks to its ultra-low sleep current (sub-1uA), 13 I/O for keypad scanning and LED drive, and 16-bit timer for accurate 38kHz carrier generation. The 5V operating range supports two-AAA-cell designs with a boost converter, while the 2.5V minimum extends battery life when cells weaken. OTP memory locks the protocol code to a single SKU without external protection. Brown-out reset prevents corrupted IR frames when battery voltage sags during button presses. The industrial -40C to +85C grade survives automotive cabin and outdoor patio use for ceiling-fan controls.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
For thermistor, photodiode, and Hall-sensor signal-conditioning front-ends, the PIC16C620T-20I/SO uses its two analog comparators to generate window-detect outputs without an external op-amp. The 5V VDD accommodates standard sensor bridges, and the 13 I/O provide ample headroom for multiplexed sensor arrays. Its 200ns instruction cycle samples at rates up to 5MHz equivalent for periodic sensor scanning. The brown-out detector ensures clean reset behavior when sensor power is interrupted, preventing latch-up in H-bridge feedback loops. Industrial temperature grade suits outdoor HVAC and refrigeration sensors where the controller sits adjacent to the thermistor well.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management
The PIC16C620T-20I/SO runs as the supervisor MCU in linear and switch-mode NiCd/NiMH/Li-ion chargers, using its analog comparators to monitor charge current and battery voltage while 16-bit timer PWM regulates the charge cycle. The 2.5V to 6.0V VDD range suits single- and two-cell Li-ion packs with protection FETs. Brown-out reset protects the cell from over-discharge when the load shorts. The OTP memory locks the charge algorithm to a specific cell chemistry without risk of end-user corruption. Industrial -40C to +85C covers commercial charging environments. Production engineers should evaluate PIC16F690-I/SL for new designs needing Flash flexibility for firmware tuning per cell chemistry.
Recommended
Small Motor and Solenoid Drivers
For small brushed-DC motor and solenoid control, the PIC16C620T-20I/SO delivers PWM via the 16-bit timer at frequencies up to 50kHz, with the 8-bit timer handling current-sense blanking. Its 13 I/O can simultaneously drive a half-bridge pre-driver, read encoder feedback, and monitor a thermistor. The 5V VDD with 6.0V max survives 12V automotive load-dump transients when paired with a TVS clamp. OTP memory locks the motor-startup profile for safety-critical actuators where end-user reprogramming must be prevented. Industrial temperature grade supports under-hood and outdoor industrial actuator enclosures where the controller may operate adjacent to the motor windings.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16C620T-20I/SO β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16C620T-04I/SO | PIC16C620T-20/SS | PIC16C620AT-20/SS | PIC16C620A-20I/SS | PIC16C620-20E/SO | PIC16F630-I/SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm) - pin-compatible |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Max CPU Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP/EPROM (896B) | OTP/EPROM (896B) | OTP/EPROM (896B) | OTP/EPROM (896B) | OTP/EPROM (896B) | OTP/EPROM (896B) | Flash (1024 words) |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.5V to 6.0V | 2.0V to 5.5V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40C to +85C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Industrial -40C to +85C |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 |
| In-Circuit Re-programmable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed rating in the PIC16C620 family at 20MHz (vs PIC16C620T-04I/SO)
- Industrial temperature grade vs commercial-only same-package variants (vs PIC16C620T-20/SS)
- OTP memory vs Flash on the modern PIC16F replacement (vs PIC16F630-I/SL)
- Extended temperature option exists within the same part family (vs PIC16C620-20E/SO)
Design Notes
Add a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10uF tantalum or aluminum cap on the supply rail. The PIC16C620T-20I/SO draws brief inrush currents during oscillator start-up and ADC reference switching that can glitch VDD if not decoupled, causing spurious brown-out resets. For battery applications, place a 100-ohm resistor in series with VDD to limit inrush and prevent cell voltage dip below the BOR threshold.
Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 15-16) shorter than 10mm and away from high-current switching traces. The PIC16C620T-20I/SO is sensitive to capacitive loading on CLKOUT when used as a clock source for other devices - limit CLKOUT load to <30pF. Place the MCLR pull-up resistor (typically 10kΞ©) close to pin 4 to prevent false triggering from ESD or motor back-EMF; add a 100nF cap to VSS if the reset line is routed near noise sources.
Do not assume the ICSP pins (RB6/RB7, pins 12-13) can be used as general-purpose outputs in production - they remain tristated during reset and may load other circuitry. For OTP programming, ensure the programming voltage on MCLR/VPP reaches 13V within 1us; slower rise times can cause programming failures. Do not connect any load to RA4 (pin 3) above 8mA - it is an open-drain output and requires an external pull-up resistor of typically 4.7kΞ© to VDD.
The 18-SOIC package has a typical ΞΈJA of 75Β°C/W, allowing continuous operation up to ~1W internal dissipation. The PIC16C620T-20I/SO typically dissipates under 50mW at 20MHz and 5V, well within thermal limits. For high-ambient (>70Β°C) applications, attach a small copper pour under the SOIC land pattern on the top layer to reduce ΞΈJA by ~20%. Industrial -40C to +85C operation is guaranteed only with adequate PCB thermal management in enclosed fixtures.
The PIC16C620T-20I/SO's analog comparator inputs (RA0-RA3, pins 1-3 and 17-18) share pins with digital I/O; configure them as analog inputs by clearing the corresponding CMCON bits to disable the digital input buffer, preventing cross-talk and reducing current consumption by ~5uA per pin. When using the on-chip voltage reference, add a 0.01uF capacitor on the CVREF pin to filter reference noise; a 100mV reference ripple will couple into the comparator threshold and cause false triggers on slowly-changing sensor signals.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly listed in provided data - marked as 'unknown' pending verification with Microchip product compliance documentation. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; industrial temperature grade only.