PIC16F54T-I/SS - 20MHz 8-Bit 768B Flash MCU SSOP-20 | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F54T-I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.84 | $0.84 |
| 10 | $0.74 | $7.40 |
| 100 | $0.61 | $61.00 |
| 500 | $0.49 | $245.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.41 | $410.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.34 | $1,020.00 |
PIC16F54T-I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a processor core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral interfaces. The 8-bit class is the workhorse of embedded control: inexpensive, deterministic, low-power, and easy to program. The PIC16F54 belongs to the Microchip mid-range baseline architecture, which sits below the enhanced mid-range (PIC16F1xxx) and PIC18 families in complexity but excels in code density and interrupt-free deterministic execution, making it ideal for cost-sensitive volume production.
Key features of the PIC16F54 include 33 single-word instructions (12-bit opcode width), a Watchdog Timer with on-chip RC oscillator, Power-on Reset, Brown-out Reset, and a 4.5 ms power-on timer. The device runs from an internal RC oscillator up to 20 MHz or an external clock source, providing flexibility for timing-critical applications. The 12 I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA each, directly driving LEDs and small relays without buffer transistors.
Architecturally, the PIC16F54 uses a Harvard RISC core with separate program and data buses, enabling most instructions to execute in a single cycle. The 12-bit instruction word yields a 2:1 code compression advantage over 8-bit instruction MCUs in its class, reducing Flash usage. The device has no interrupt controller (baseline PIC), so all event handling is polling-based, simplifying deterministic loop timing for hard real-time tasks.
Typical applications include appliance controls (washing machines, microwave ovens, coffee makers), LED lighting controllers, battery chargers, small motor control, security keypads, toys, and automotive body electronics. The wide 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply range allows direct 3.3 V or 5 V operation from either alkaline or Li-ion battery stacks. The flash programmability enables in-field firmware updates and inventory-friendly blank-stock programming.
When designing with this device, note that the baseline PIC16F5X core has NO interrupts - timing must be polled. For applications requiring interrupts, peripherals, or more memory, migrate to PIC16F1xxx or PIC16F1xx enhanced mid-range. The SSOP-20 footprint is a tighter surface-mount package than DIP-18, requiring reflow soldering.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives (including tape-and-reel variants and the PIC16F54-I/SS, PIC16F54T-E/SS, and PIC16C54C-04/SS cross-references), and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F54T-I/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 PIC16F54T-I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature, MSL Level, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F54-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54T-E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.65 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54T-I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | PIC16F5X baseline |
| Architecture | 8-bit Harvard RISC |
| Program Memory | 768 B Flash (512 x 12 words) |
| RAM | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 instructions (12-bit opcodes) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 (PORTA: 4, PORTB: 8) |
| I/O Pin Current (source/sink) | 25 mA per pin |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Power-on Reset / Brown-out Reset | Yes |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| Lead-Free / RoHS Status | Lead-free / RoHS compliant (per data) |
PIC16F54T-I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 2 of PORTA |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 3 of PORTA |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O with optional Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset, active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O, bit 0 of PORTB |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 1 of PORTB |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 2 of PORTB |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 3 of PORTB |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 4 of PORTB |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 5 of PORTB |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 6 of PORTB |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 7 of PORTB |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 0 of PORTA |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O, bit 1 of PORTA |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (second VDD pin) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F54T-I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, LED Lighting Controllers, Battery Chargers (Small-Form-Factor), Security Keypads and Access Panels, Toy and Hobby Electronics, Automotive Body Electronics.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16F54T-I/SS fits appliance control boards (washing machines, microwave ovens, dishwashers) due to its 20 MHz performance, 12 GPIO at 25 mA per pin, and 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply. The 768 B Flash handles wash-cycle state machines and rotary-encoder inputs. With 33 deterministic single-cycle instructions and no interrupts, control loops are repeatable across production. Power-on Reset and Brown-out Reset ensure clean recovery from line-voltage glitches on 5 V rails.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16F54T-I/SS drives multi-channel LED lighting fixtures via PWM through its 12 GPIO pins (each rated 25 mA source/sink). Its 20 MHz instruction rate allows eight-bit PWM at 78 kHz (well above the flicker threshold) or 12-bit PWM at 19.5 kHz for smooth dimming. The 2.0 V to 5.5 V supply accepts 3.3 V or 5 V LED driver ICs directly, and the industrial temperature range suits outdoor and automotive interior lighting.
Recommended
Battery Chargers (Small-Form-Factor)
The PIC16F54T-I/SS implements single-cell Li-ion / NiMH charging algorithms using its ADC-less architecture to switch current via GPIO-controlled FETs. With 768 B Flash it stores CC-CV profile curves; 25 mA pin drive controls logic-level MOSFETs directly. Its low operating current on internal 4 MHz RC oscillator keeps standby drain below 1 mA, suitable for wall-wart or USB-powered chargers. Industrial -40 C to +85 C range covers consumer charging environments.
Recommended
Security Keypads and Access Panels
The PIC16F54T-I/SS scans 4x4 matrix keypads using 8 GPIO pins (PORTB as row drives, PORTA as column reads) and handles debouncing, PIN storage, and relay/buzzer actuation. The Watchdog Timer recovers the MCU from keypad lockups. 768 B Flash stores custom PIN algorithms and protocol framing. 25 mA per pin sinks buzzer/transistor directly. Brown-out Reset protects PIN memory during power-loss events on door-control systems.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16F54T-I/SS is a workhorse in low-cost toys, RC controllers, and hobby kits thanks to its sub-$0.50 price at qty 1,000 and 20-pin SSOP that fits 5 x 5 mm board outlines. Its 20 MHz performance drives sound generation, motor PWM, and IR remote protocols. Flash programmability enables custom feature sets per SKU. Industrial temperature range tolerates sealed battery-compartment heat from alkaline and Li-ion packs.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16F54T-I/SS handles low-speed body-control tasks like seat-position memory, mirror fold control, or simple body control modules where extended temperature (-40 C to +125 C) is required - in that case use the PIC16F54T-E/SS drop-in variant. Its 12 GPIO with 25 mA drive directly control small relays and indicator LEDs. 768 B Flash stores trim memory, and the Watchdog Timer recovers from automotive load-dump events on the 12 V battery rail.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F54T-I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F54-I/SS | PIC16F54T-E/SS | PIC16C54C-04/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP | 20-pin SSOP |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 768 B Flash | 768 B Flash | 768 B Flash | 768 B OTP EPROM |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Memory Technology | Flash | Flash | Flash | OTP EPROM (one-time programmable) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +125 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube |
| Unit Price (qty 1000) | $0.41 | $0.40 (typical, similar) | $0.45 (extended grade premium) | $0.55 (OTP/EOL risk premium) |
Key Differentiators
- Flash reprogrammability in inventory (vs PIC16C54C-04/SS)
- Industrial temperature range standard (vs PIC16F54T-E/SS)
- Tape-and-reel packaging for SMT (vs PIC16F54-I/SS)
- 20 MHz vs 4 MHz clock capability (vs PIC16C54C-04/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: SSOP-20 pad layout requires 0.65 mm pitch land pattern with 0.40 mm pad width per IPC-7351 nominal. Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 3 mm of pin 14 (VDD) and a second 100 nF near pin 20 (VDD) to suppress switching transients. Connect the MCLR/VPP pin (4) to VDD through a 10 kohm pull-up resistor or, for in-circuit serial programming (ICSP), to the ICSP header directly.
The PIC16F54T-I/SS draws approximately 2 mA at 5 V and 20 MHz active, and less than 1 uA in Sleep mode. For battery-powered designs, use the Sleep mode aggressively and wake via Watchdog Timer timeout (typical 18 ms). Brown-out Reset voltage is configurable via configuration bits; set BOREN=ON to prevent Flash corruption on slow VDD ramp-up. Use the on-chip Power-on Reset (PWRT) which adds a 72 ms fixed delay after VDD stabilizes.
Common pitfalls: (1) The baseline PIC16F5X core has NO interrupts - all event handling must be polled; (2) The RTCC (Timer0) counter is 8-bit, not 16-bit; (3) Reading the PORTB latch requires two reads with a 1-instruction-cycle delay for proper read-modify-write (problem of single-port reads in shadow situations); (4) I/O pin current specification is 25 mA absolute maximum, but total package dissipation must not exceed 250 mW - derate when driving multiple high-current loads simultaneously.
For MCLR/VPP pin immunity to noise and ESD, place a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS close to the MCU. The OSC1/OSC2 oscillator traces must be kept short (under 10 mm) and routed over a continuous ground plane to avoid coupling noise into the system clock. If using the internal 4 MHz RC oscillator, leave the OSC1/OSC2 pins unconnected or use them as GPIO (RA5/OSC1 and RA6/OSC2 are NOT present on PIC16F54 SSOP-20 - this variant uses standard OSC1/OSC2 only).
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not directly qualified (use automotive-graded parts from the PIC16F1xxx family for AEC-Q100 designs). Conflict-minerals statement available from Microchip.
