PIC16F627-20E/SS - 8-bit PIC MCU, 1.75KB Flash, 20MHz | Microchip
MPN: PIC16F627-20E/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.92 | $960.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.65 | $1,650.00 |
PIC16F627-20E/SS Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory (ROM/Flash), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces on one die. The PIC16F62X family uses a Harvard architecture in which program and data buses are accessed separately, a RISC-style instruction set with 35 single-word instructions, and a two-stage pipeline that delivers one instruction per clock cycle. 8-bit MCUs sit at the bottom of the microcontroller taxonomy: 8-bit -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC, and they remain the workhorse of cost-sensitive, deterministic, low-power applications.
Key features include Power-on Reset (POR), Power-up Timer (PWRT), Oscillator Start-up Timer (OST), Brown-out Detect (BOD), a Watchdog Timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation, multiplexed MCLR pin, and programmable weak pull-ups on PORTB. The 20MHz internal/external oscillator, 2.0V to 5.5V wide operating voltage range, and in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) simplify prototyping and field upgrades. The architecture is optimized for low-power embedded control with nanoWatt technology and sleep currents as low as 100nA typical.
Typical applications include remote controls, security and alarm panels, automotive body electronics, small appliances, sensor interfaces, battery chargers, and low-end consumer products. The wide temperature range makes the -20E variant suitable for industrial and automotive under-hood environments, while the SSOP-20 footprint allows space-constrained PCB layouts. Developers pair this MCU with MPLAB X IDE and XC8 compiler for firmware development.
A key design consideration is the maximum clock frequency of 20MHz, which directly limits instruction throughput to 5 MIPS (million instructions per second). For timing-sensitive applications, calculate the worst-case interrupt latency (5 instruction cycles) before committing to the 8-bit PIC platform.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a faster path from selection to qualified BOM.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16F627-20E/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 PIC16F627-20E/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Architecture, Instruction Cycle Time, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F627-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F627A-E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628-20E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.94 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627-20/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F627-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.52 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F627-20E/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC16 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory (Flash) | 1.75 KB (1K x 14 words) |
| RAM | 224 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 5 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 16 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with programmable VREF |
| Timers | TMR0, TMR1, TMR2 (3 total) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with on-chip RC oscillator |
| Brown-out Detect | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, "E") |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (SS) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| In-Circuit Programming | ICSP supported |
| Architecture | Harvard, 14-bit instruction word |
PIC16F627-20E/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA7/OSC1/AN7/CP1 — I/O port A bit 7 / Oscillator input / Analog input 7 / Comparator 1 input |
| Pin 2 | RA6/OSC2/CLKO/CCP2 — I/O port A bit 6 / Oscillator output / Clock output / CCP2 PWM output |
| Pin 3 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — I/O port A bit 5 / Master Clear reset (input) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 4 | RA4/AN6/T0CKI/C2OUT — I/O port A bit 4 / Analog input 6 / Timer0 clock input / Comparator 2 output |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN5/C1OUT/VREF — I/O port A bit 3 / Analog input 5 / Comparator 1 output / Voltage reference |
| Pin 6 | RA2/AN4/CVREF — I/O port A bit 2 / Analog input 4 / Comparator voltage reference output |
| Pin 7 | RA1/AN3/C1IN+ — I/O port A bit 1 / Analog input 3 / Comparator 1 non-inverting input |
| Pin 8 | RA0/AN2/C1IN- — I/O port A bit 0 / Analog input 2 / Comparator 1 inverting input |
| Pin 9 | RA0/AN1 — See pin 8 (corrected name: RA0/AN1/C2IN+) |
| Pin 10 | RB7/AN6 — I/O port B bit 7 / Analog input 6 |
| Pin 11 | RB6/AN5 — I/O port B bit 6 / Analog input 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB5/AN4 — I/O port B bit 5 / Analog input 4 |
| Pin 13 | RB4/AN3 — I/O port B bit 4 / Analog input 3 |
| Pin 14 | RB3/CCP1/AN2 — I/O port B bit 3 / CCP1 PWM output / Analog input 2 |
| Pin 15 | RB2/AN1 — I/O port B bit 2 / Analog input 1 |
| Pin 16 | RB1/AN0 — I/O port B bit 1 / Analog input 0 |
| Pin 17 | RB0/INT — I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 19 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0V to 5.5V) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet package variant) |
Typical Applications
PIC16F627-20E/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Remote Control and IR Transmitter Systems, Security and Alarm Panel Controllers, Automotive Body Electronics and RKE, Industrial Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning, Battery Chargers and Power Management, Small Appliance and White Goods Control, Hobby and Educational Development Platforms.
Remote Control and IR Transmitter Systems
The PIC16F627-20E/SS is well suited for IR remote control transmitters where its 1.75KB Flash easily holds RC5, NEC, or SIRC protocol stacks, and the 20MHz clock generates accurate 38kHz/40kHz/56kHz carrier frequencies via timer interrupts. The 16 I/O pins drive key matrix scanning, LED indicators, and IR LED output through high-current sink/source drivers, while 128 bytes of EEPROM store learned-code tables across power cycles. The 2.0V to 5.5V supply range supports direct Li-ion or 2xAA battery operation with nanoWatt sleep currents extending battery life. Compared with 32-bit MCUs in this role, the PIC16F627's deterministic interrupt response and 5 MIPS throughput guarantee jitter-free carrier generation critical for IR receiver compatibility. The SSOP-20 footprint fits inside compact handheld enclosures.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panel Controllers
In security alarm panels, the PIC16F627-20E/SS handles zone-input scanning, siren driver control, and keypad polling with its 16 I/O pins and three timers providing precise debounce intervals. The two on-chip analog comparators with programmable VREF directly monitor battery voltage and PIR sensor signals without external components, reducing BOM cost. Flash memory stores event logs and configuration while 128B EEPROM retains user codes during power loss. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range allows installation in unheated garages or outdoor enclosures. Its 5 MIPS throughput is sufficient to scan 16 zones every 10ms while maintaining UART communication with central monitoring stations.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics and RKE
The PIC16F627-20E/SS -40C to +125C extended temperature range makes it appropriate for automotive body controllers, remote keyless entry (RKE) fobs, and interior lighting modules where thermal stress is significant. Its 1.75KB Flash holds RKE rolling-code algorithms and lighting-state machines, while the 20MHz clock drives LIN-bus-style UART communication at 19.2kbaud. Sleep currents below 1uA preserve automotive battery life during parking, and the SSOP-20 surface-mount package withstands high-vibration automotive environments. Note that for safety-critical or formally certified automotive designs, AEC-Q100-qualified variants or different parts are required.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning
The PIC16F627-20E/SS fits industrial 4-20mA loop-powered sensor transmitters where its two analog comparators with programmable VREF implement window-discriminator thresholds without external op-amps. The 20MHz clock supports HART or MODBUS-RTU UART output at 1200 to 19200 baud, and the 224-byte RAM buffers measurement frames. The 2.0V minimum supply enables operation from loop-derived 3.3V rails, while the -40C to +125C range handles factory-floor temperatures. SSOP-20 mounting suits compact DIN-rail transmitter housings, and ICSP allows in-the-field firmware updates without removing the unit from service.
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management
For NiMH, Li-ion, or lead-acid chargers in the 1-5A range, the PIC16F627-20E/SS provides PWM control via its 16-bit Timer2/CCP module, ADC-free voltage and current sensing through the analog comparators, and EEPROM-stored charge profiles for different battery chemistries. The 20MHz clock generates PWM frequencies above 25kHz to avoid audible noise, while nanoWatt sleep modes reduce standby drain to under 1uA. SSOP-20 fits space-constrained charger PCB layouts, and the wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range supports direct operation from USB or 12V adapters with simple LDO front-ends.
Recommended
Small Appliance and White Goods Control
In coffee makers, washing machines, microwave ovens, and similar white goods, the PIC16F627-20E/SS runs state-machine firmware for user-interface buttons, seven-segment or LCD displays, sensor monitoring, and triac/SCR-based heater or motor control. The 16 high-current I/O pins directly drive LED indicators, relay coils, and buzzer elements without external drivers. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range survives under-cabinet and inside-appliance thermal stress, while the SSOP-20 surface-mount package supports automated PCB assembly. With 128 bytes of EEPROM, user settings and calibration data persist across power cycles.
Recommended
Hobby and Educational Development Platforms
The PIC16F627-20E/SS is widely used in hobbyist projects, university embedded-systems courses, and DIY microcontroller trainers because its SSOP-20 footprint is breadboard-compatible via carrier boards, and Microchip's MPLAB X IDE with the free XC8 compiler provides a complete toolchain. The 1.75KB Flash is large enough for serial-monitor, I2C, SPI, and basic RTOS exercises, while 224 bytes of RAM is sufficient for sensor-data buffers. The wide 2.0V to 5.5V supply range simplifies battery-powered lab experiments, and ICSP programming lets students debug without removing the chip. SSOP-20 breakout boards from SparkFun, Adafruit, and other vendors accelerate prototyping.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16F627-20E/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F627-20I/SS | PIC16F627A-E/SS | PIC16F628-20E/SS | PIC16F627-20/SS | PIC16F627-04/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Flash Memory | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB | 2 KB | 1.75 KB | 1.75 KB |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| RAM | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes | 224 bytes |
| EEPROM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) |
| I/O Pins | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with VREF | 2 with VREF | 2 with VREF | 2 with VREF | 2 with VREF | 2 with VREF |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C temperature range for industrial/automotive environments (vs PIC16F627-20I/SS)
- Full 20MHz throughput versus lower-frequency legacy variants (vs PIC16F627-04/SS)
- Mature PIC16F62X ecosystem with extensive application notes and code libraries (vs PIC16F627A-E/SS)
Design Notes
The PIC16F627-20E/SS operates from 2.0V to 5.5V and supports multiple sleep modes including nanoWatt technology. Estimated: typical active current at 20MHz/5V is approximately 10-15 mA with all peripherals enabled, dropping to under 1uA in sleep mode. For battery-powered designs, leverage the WDT wake-up and INT-on-change features to keep the CPU in sleep until an external event occurs. Place a 100nF decoupling capacitor within 5mm of the VDD pin and a 10uF bulk capacitor near the MCU power input for stable operation across voltage transients.
For the SSOP-20 package, route all I/O signals on the top layer to minimize via count and use a ground pour on the bottom layer for return-path integrity. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2 or RA6/RA7) under 10mm in length and shield them with a grounded guard trace if running near noisy signals. ICSP programming requires dedicated connections to VPP/MCLR, PGD/RB7, and PGC/RB6 - do not share these pins with high-current loads that could exceed 25mA sink/source during programming. A 10k pull-up on MCLR ensures reliable reset behavior.
Estimated: A common mistake is configuring the CONFIG register incorrectly, which can lock the MCLR pin as I/O and prevent ICSP programming, or disable the WDT and BOD when they are needed for reliable operation. Always set CONFIG to enable PWRT, BOD, and WDT for industrial applications unless power-budget constraints require otherwise. The Brown-out Detect voltage is selectable via CONFIG; for 5V systems, BODEN at 4.0V prevents code execution at marginal supply voltages that could corrupt EEPROM data. Also note that the analog comparators share pins with PORT A, so enabling the comparator module overrides the digital I/O function on those pins.
The PIC16F627-20E/SS is rated for 20MHz maximum clock, but actual throughput is 5 MIPS due to the 4-clock-per-instruction architecture. For timing-sensitive applications like UART generation, calculate worst-case interrupt latency of 5 instruction cycles plus 2 cycles for interrupt entry, giving 1.4us at 20MHz. The analog comparators have a propagation delay of approximately 200-500ns depending on overdrive voltage; for high-speed threshold detection, use the dedicated C1OUT/C2OUT signals rather than polling through software. Long analog input traces should be guarded with a grounded trace to minimize digital crosstalk into the comparator inputs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - select a different part for safety-critical automotive applications requiring formal certification.
