PIC16LC505-04I/SL - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU, 1.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC505-04I/SL ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.91 | $2.91 |
| 10 | $2.62 | $26.20 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.85 | $925.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.62 | $1,620.00 |
PIC16LC505-04I/SL Overview
An 8-bit PIC microcontroller is a compact, deterministic RISC processor that executes one instruction per instruction cycle (4 clock cycles) and uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses. The PIC16C5xx family is the low-pin-count, low-cost foundation of the PIC microcontroller lineup and remains popular in cost-sensitive, high-volume embedded designs where simplicity and predictable timing outweigh the need for large memory or advanced peripherals.
Key features include 12 I/O pins with individually programmable direction, a programmable Watchdog Timer for unattended operation, an 8-bit Timer/Counter, and power-saving SLEEP mode with wake-up via interrupt. The device supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) via two pins, allowing OTP programming at the factory. The 12-bit wide instruction set is symmetrical, typically achieving 2:1 code compression over competing 8-bit MCUs in the same price class, while the easy-to-remember instruction set shortens development time.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer electronics, battery-powered devices such as remote controls and toys, simple sensor interfaces, white-goods control boards, LED lighting controllers, and small appliance controls. The wide 2.5V to 5.5V operating range allows direct connection to a single Li-ion cell or two alkaline cells with no additional regulation.
When designing with this part, allocate GPIO pins carefully - only 12 are available and some are multiplexed with the ICSP and Timer functions. Because this is an OTP device, firmware must be 100% validated in prototype Flash equivalents (such as the PIC16F505) before committing to mask production; OTP cannot be erased or rewritten.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC505-04I/SL — 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 PIC16LC505-04I/SL (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Package, RAM Size, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F505-I/SL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C505-04I/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C505-04E/SL
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F505T-I/SL
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16HV540-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC505-04I/SL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Program Memory | 1.5 KB (1K x 12) OTP |
| RAM | 72 B |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit Timer/Counter |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (programmable) |
| ADC | None |
| Package | 14-SOIC (SL) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit |
| Programming Method | ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC505-04I/SL Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GP5/TOCKI — Bidirectional I/O pin / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 2 | GP4/AN4 — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog comparator input |
| Pin 3 | GP3/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O pin / Master Clear (Reset) / Programming voltage |
| Pin 4 | GP2/AN2/INT — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog input / external interrupt |
| Pin 5 | GP1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog comparator input |
| Pin 6 | GP0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog comparator input |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal connection / clock output |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal connection / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | GP6/AN5 — Bidirectional I/O pin / analog comparator input |
| Pin 11 | GP7 — Bidirectional I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC505-04I/SL is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Control / IR Transmitter, Battery-Powered Toys and Gadgets, LED Lighting Controllers, Small Appliance Control Boards, Sensor Interface Modules, White Goods Control Boards.
Remote Control / IR Transmitter
The PIC16LC505-04I/SL is well-suited for low-cost IR remote controls because its 12 I/O pins are sufficient for IR LED driver, button matrix scanning, and status LED. Operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, the part runs directly from 2x AA alkaline cells without voltage regulation, saving BOM cost. The 4 MHz CPU and 12-bit instruction set provide enough throughput for SIRC/RC5/ NEC protocol generation, while SLEEP mode reduces quiescent current to a few microamperes between button presses, extending battery life to multiple years.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Toys and Gadgets
The PIC16LC505-04I/SL fits sub-$5 toys and disposable gadgets because its 2.5V minimum supply voltage allows direct operation from a single CR2032 coin cell (3.0V nominal) without a boost regulator. The 4 MHz CPU executes 5 MIPS, enough for sound playback, simple motor control via PWM emulation, and LED sequencing. The OTP program memory is non-volatile and tamper-resistant, preventing aftermarket firmware cloning. Industrial temperature rating (-40C to +85C) ensures operation in outdoor toys and freezers.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LC505-04I/SL drives simple LED lighting controllers and decorative lighting strips by bit-banging PWM on 6-8 of its 12 GPIO pins. The 4 MHz CPU can multiplex 8 RGB channels at 100 Hz refresh without flicker. With OTP memory, manufacturers can lock color sequences and prevent user firmware changes. The 2.5V minimum supply allows operation from USB-powered 5V or 3.3V regulated rails common in architectural lighting. Watchdog timer recovers from electrical glitches on long cable runs.
Recommended
Small Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC505-04I/SL fits small appliance controllers such as coffee makers, electric kettles, and small fans where 12 GPIO is sufficient for keypad input, LCD/LED display output, triac drive, and temperature sensing via comparator. The 8-bit Timer/Counter provides accurate timing for heating element duty-cycle control. Industrial -40C to +85C range covers kitchen and laundry environments. OTP memory locks calibration and safety parameters at production, preventing aftermarket modification of safety limits.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Modules
The PIC16LC505-04I/SL serves as a simple I2C/SPI-to-UART bridge or sensor pre-processor in industrial sensor modules. The 4 MHz CPU handles polling, averaging, and threshold detection at low power. With 2.5V minimum supply, the part can be powered from energy-harvesting sources. OTP memory holds calibration coefficients permanently, eliminating trim pots on finished modules. The 12 GPIO can host SPI/I2C masters plus discrete sensor enables and alarm outputs.
Recommended
White Goods Control Boards
The PIC16LC505-04I/SL is a cost-optimized control MCU for washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave oven user-interface boards where 12 GPIO is enough for keypad matrix, 7-segment LED drive, buzzer, and triac control of motors/valves. The 8-bit PIC16C5xx architecture is field-proven in white goods with decades of deployment. OTP memory locks cycle definitions per model SKU. Wide 2.5V-5.5V supply tolerates noisy SMPS rails from relay-coil switching transients.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC505-04I/SL — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F505-I/SL | PIC16C505-04I/SL | PIC16C505-04E/SL | PIC16F505T-I/SL | PIC16HV540-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 14-SOIC | 14-SOIC (same) | 14-SOIC (same) | 14-SOIC (same) | 14-SOIC (same) | 14-SOIC (same) |
| Program Memory Type | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB Flash | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB OTP | 1.5 KB Flash | 768 B OTP |
| RAM | 72 B | 72 B | 72 B | 72 B | 72 B | 25 B |
| Max CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.5 V to 15 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest voltage threshold in PIC16C5xx 14-SOIC family (vs PIC16C505-04I/SL)
- Industrial temperature range for harsh environments (vs PIC16C505-04E/SL)
- Lowerest-cost OTP programming at production volumes (vs PIC16F505-I/SL)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF decoupling capacitor as close as possible between VDD (pin 13) and VSS (pin 7) on PIC16LC505-04I/SL designs. Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the board power entry. If using a crystal, route OSC1/OSC2 traces short and symmetric, with the crystal case grounded. Keep the MCLR/VPP pin trace short to prevent accidental reset from EMI; if no in-circuit programming is needed, tie MCLR directly to VDD through a 10 kohm resistor.
Do not confuse OTP with Flash when prototyping - the PIC16LC505-04I/SL cannot be reprogrammed once written. Develop firmware on the pin-compatible PIC16F505-I/SL and only commit to OTP when code is fully validated. Note also that pin 3 is shared between GP3, MCLR (reset), and VPP (programming voltage), so any circuit connected to this pin must tolerate the 13V VPP voltage during ICSP programming.
Estimated power consumption for PIC16LC505-04I/SL: ~2 mA active at 4 MHz / 5V and ~1 mA active at 4 MHz / 3V, based on typical Microchip datasheet figures. In SLEEP mode current drops to ~1 uA. For battery-powered designs, use SLEEP aggressively and wake via the watchdog timer or GP2/INT interrupt to extend battery life into multi-year ranges.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. Industrial temperature range -40C to +85C; not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive.
