PIC16HV540-20/SS - 8-bit OTP MCU with Voltage Regulator | Microchip
MPN: PIC16HV540-20/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.95 | $2.95 |
| 10 | $2.65 | $26.50 |
| 100 | $2.3 | $230.00 |
| 500 | $2.05 | $1,025.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.8 | $1,800.00 |
PIC16HV540-20/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is an integrated circuit that combines a CPU, non-volatile program memory, volatile working RAM, and peripheral I/O on a single die. Within the broader hierarchy, the PIC16HV540 belongs to the 8-bit MCU family, more specifically the PIC16 family of OTP/EPROM microcontrollers, which occupy the entry-level and cost-sensitive tier of Microchip's PIC portfolio. The 8-bit MCU category itself sits inside microcontrollers and embedded controllers, which are part of the integrated circuits and embedded systems domain.
The 20 MHz oscillator and 200 ns instruction cycle deliver five million instructions per second (5 MIPS). With 12-bit wide, highly orthogonal instructions, code density is roughly 2:1 better than competing 8-bit MCUs in the same price range, simplifying firmware development and reducing memory pressure on the small 768-byte OTP program store. Twelve bidirectional I/O pins, an 8-bit timer/counter with a prescaler, watchdog timer, power-on reset, and programmable code protection round out the on-chip peripherals.
The standout architectural feature is the on-chip shunt voltage regulator on the VDD pin, which permits the device to run from raw supplies up to 15V by absorbing excess voltage as heat in an external resistor. This eliminates the need for an external 5V regulator in many cost-sensitive and battery-charging applications. The CMOS process yields very low power consumption, with typical active current under 2 mA at 5V/4 MHz and standby currents in the microamp range.
Typical applications include single-cell battery chargers, automotive control modules, security and access-control devices, low-cost remote controls, and white-goods control boards. Industrial uses span appliance timing, smart sensors, and simple motor control loops where the high-voltage input capability is a differentiator. The industrial -40C to +85C range option (PIC16HV540-20I/SS) extends reach to harsher environments.
When designing with this part, treat the shunt regulator power dissipation as a thermal load. At 12V input delivering 5 mA to the chip, the shunt resistor dissipates approximately (12-5) x 5 mA = 35 mW - low enough for a 0805 resistor. Brown-out and watchdog configurations must be set in the configuration word at programming time; verify the configuration bits in your hex file before going to production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand PIC16C5x drop-in alternatives, and practical thermal and EMI notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16HV540-20/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 PIC16HV540-20/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, On-chip Voltage Regulator, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16HV540-04/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16HV540-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV540T-20/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV540T-20I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV540-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV540/JW
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$6.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV540-20/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Family | PIC16C (PIC16HV540 subfamily) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable EPROM) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 bytes (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| EEPROM (Data) | None |
| CPU Speed (Max) | 20 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| MIPS (Peak) | 5 MIPS |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit with prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (on-chip, enabled via configuration word) |
| Brown-out Reset | Not available |
| On-chip Voltage Regulator | Yes, high-voltage shunt regulator on VDD |
| Maximum Input Voltage (HV mode) | 15 V (regulator absorbs excess) |
| Operating Voltage (Logic mode) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Instruction Width | 12-bit |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (lead-free SSOP) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
PIC16HV540-20/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 (open-drain option) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear / Reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | RTCC — RTCC timer I/O / GP3 alternate |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal mode) or GP4 |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input (crystal / external clock) or GP5 |
| Pin 17 | GP0 — General-purpose I/O bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | GP1 — General-purpose I/O bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | GP2 — General-purpose I/O bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply (on-chip HV shunt regulator input) |
Typical Applications
PIC16HV540-20/SS is suitable for 7 applications: Single-Cell Battery Charger, Remote Control and Security Keyfob, White-Goods Control Board, Automotive Auxiliary Module, Simple Motor Speed Controller, Smart Sensor Signal Conditioner, Lighting Controller (LED Dimmer).
Single-Cell Battery Charger
Why it fits: The PIC16HV540-20/SS's on-chip high-voltage shunt regulator accepts raw supplies up to 15 V, allowing it to be powered directly from a 9 V wall adapter or 12 V solar rail without an external 5 V regulator. The 12-bit OTP memory and 20 MHz throughput are more than adequate for CC-CV charge profile control loops. How it is used + trade-off: One GPIO reads the cell voltage through a divider; another PWM-style bit-banged output drives the pass element. The shunt regulator dissipates (VIN - 5 V) x 5 mA continuously - typically 35 mW at 12 V input, manageable on an 0805 resistor. Consider the PIC16HV540-04I/SO at 4 MHz for slower charge loops to cut active current below 1 mA.
Recommended
Remote Control and Security Keyfob
Why it fits: The PIC16HV540-20/SS delivers 5 MIPS peak with standby currents in the microamp range, ideal for coin-cell or alkaline-powered keyfobs. The 768-byte OTP memory stores fixed transmit IDs, button-debounce logic, and rolling-code seeds. How it is used + trade-off: The 12 GPIO handle up to 12 buttons; one timer produces the 38 kHz carrier; another drives the IR LED. The on-chip shunt regulator is normally disabled by tying VDD directly to the battery, keeping quiescent draw under 1 uA in sleep. For higher-volume production, PIC16HV540-04/SS at 4 MHz trims active current by 5x.
Recommended
White-Goods Control Board
Why it fits: The PIC16HV540-20/SS on-chip HV shunt regulator accepts 12 V or 24 V appliance rails directly, eliminating an external 5 V regulator on washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. The commercial 0C to +70C rating covers indoor appliance environments. How it is used + trade-off: The 12 GPIO handle relays, triac firing, LED indicators, and the keypad matrix; one timer drives the triac zero-cross detection. A key design choice is whether to enable the watchdog timer via the configuration word - recommended for unattended appliances.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Module
Why it fits: The PIC16HV540-20I/SS industrial variant handles -40C to +85C under-hood environments, and the on-chip shunt regulator absorbs 12 V automotive load-dump spikes up to 15 V. While not AEC-Q100 qualified, the part is widely used in non-safety automotive body modules. How it is used + trade-off: GPIOs drive small relays and read switches; the shunt regulator dissipates load-dump energy as heat, so a 0.5 W external shunt resistor is recommended. PIC16HV540-04I/SS at 4 MHz saves power in always-on modules.
Recommended
Simple Motor Speed Controller
Why it fits: With 5 MIPS throughput and 12 GPIO, the PIC16HV540-20/SS can bit-bang PWM at 20 kHz for small DC motor and fan speed control. The on-chip shunt regulator accepts 12 V or 24 V fan rails without an external regulator. How it is used + trade-off: One timer drives a software PWM output to a logic-level MOSFET gate; a feedback GPIO reads the tachometer from the motor. Trade-off: at 20 MHz the chip draws ~2 mA active, so an HV version running on the shunt resistor adds 35-50 mW of continuous dissipation.
Recommended
Smart Sensor Signal Conditioner
Why it fits: The PIC16HV540-20/SS combines a 5 MIPS core, 12 GPIO, and an integrated HV shunt regulator in a 20-pin SSOP, making it a self-contained signal conditioner for industrial sensor nodes. The 12-bit ADC equivalent on the GPIO (via software oversampling) handles thermistor, RTD, or Hall-sensor signal chains. How it is used + trade-off: Configure the watchdog timer for fault recovery, use a GPIO to drive a 4-20 mA loop transmitter, and read the sensor via an analog comparator on the digital I/O. Trade-off: the 25-byte RAM is tight for moving-average filters, so applications requiring heavy DSP should consider PIC16F1705-I/SS instead.
Recommended
Lighting Controller (LED Dimmer)
Why it fits: The PIC16HV540-20/SS 20 MHz throughput can bit-bang 1 kHz PWM at 12-bit resolution for smooth LED dimming, and the on-chip shunt regulator accepts 12 V or 24 V LED-driver rails. The OTP memory stores fixed dim curves and fade profiles. How it is used + trade-off: One GPIO outputs the PWM gate signal to a MOSFET, another reads a button or rotary encoder input, and a third monitors the LED current via a sense resistor. Trade-off: PIC16F54-I/SS flash alternative is preferable when fade profiles require late-stage tuning.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16HV540-20/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16HV540-04/SS | PIC16HV540-20I/SS | PIC16HV540T-20/SS | PIC16HV540T-20I/SS | PIC16HV540-04I/SO | PIC16HV540/JW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | 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 | SSOP-20 - same (windowed ceramic) |
| Maximum Oscillator Frequency | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | 0C to +70C |
| On-chip HV Regulator | Yes (up to 15 V) | Yes (up to 15 V) | Yes (up to 15 V) | Yes (up to 15 V) | Yes (up to 15 V) | Yes (up to 15 V) | Yes (up to 15 V) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | OTP (768 bytes) | Windowed EPROM (prototype) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns | 1 us | 200 ns | 200 ns | 200 ns | 1 us | 200 ns |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated high-voltage shunt regulator on-chip (vs PIC16F54-I/SS)
- Same SSOP-20 footprint across -04 and -20 speed grades (vs PIC16HV540-04/SS)
- Industrial temperature drop-in for harsher environments (vs PIC16HV540-20I/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 12 V raw supply input and 5 mA device current, the on-chip HV shunt regulator drops (12 V - 5 V) x 5 mA = 35 mW in the external Rsense resistor. At 15 V input the dissipation rises to 50 mW, which is at the edge of an 0805 resistor rating - derate by using a 1206 or two 0805 in series. Always compute worst-case VIN x 5 mA at the maximum expected supply voltage, not the nominal.
Place the Rsense shunt resistor between the raw supply and the VDD pin (pin 20) with the trace as short as possible - any inductance couples switching noise into the MCU supply. Keep the 100 nF VDD bypass within 3 mm of pin 20 and a 10 uF bulk cap on the raw supply side. The VSS pin (5) must connect to a ground pour with at least one via tie to the inner ground plane to handle the shunt regulator return current.
Brown-out reset is NOT available on this device; if VIN sags below 2.5 V, the MCU enters undefined states. Add an external voltage supervisor on the MCLR pin (pin 4) for any safety-relevant application. Also, the watchdog timer is OFF by default - if your firmware can hang, you must explicitly enable it in the configuration word at programming time, otherwise the chip will stay locked up on a fault.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; the part is not recommended for safety-critical automotive ECUs. PIC16HV540T-20I/SS industrial variant extends the temperature range but does not add AEC-Q100 qualification.
