PIC16LC54A-04E/P - 4MHz, 512B EPROM 8-bit MCU | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC54A-04E/P β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.2 | $220.00 |
| 500 | $1.95 | $975.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.7 | $1,700.00 |
PIC16LC54A-04E/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data bus, optimized for embedded control tasks such as sensor reading, actuator driving, and simple state-machine logic. Within the semiconductor taxonomy, the PIC16LC54A belongs to the hierarchy: 8-bit microcontroller -> RISC microcontroller -> CMOS microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor. The PIC16C5x family uses a RISC-like instruction set with only 33 single-word/12-bit instructions, providing 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit MCUs in its class.
Key features include a two-level deep hardware stack, direct/indirect/relative data and addressing modes, seven or eight special function hardware registers, internal power-on reset, watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, and programmable code protection. Programmable options select oscillator type (RC, XT, LP, HS) and enable watchdog timer, power-on reset, and code protection bits in the EPROM configuration word.
The PIC16LC54A architecture separates program and data buses (Harvard architecture), enabling simultaneous instruction fetch and data access. Seven Special Function Registers (PCL, STATUS, FSR, PCLATH, INDF, TMR0, OPTION, plus EEDATA on some variants) control I/O, timing, and program flow. The device supports in-circuit serial programming and is compatible with Microchip's PICSTART Plus and MPLAB development tools, reducing time-to-prototype for new designs.
Typical applications include automotive body electronics, white goods and appliance controllers, low-end consumer products, and industrial control subsystems where small pin count, low power, and one-time-programmable memory are advantageous. The 'E' suffix denotes the extended automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and 'P' denotes the PDIP package.
When designing with this device, allocate a watchdog timer enable window and configure the oscillator selection fuse carefully to match the chosen resonator. Note that windowed CERDIP packages expose the EPROM die to UV light, allowing erasure for prototyping but requiring opaque labels in production.
This page synthesizes current distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC54A-04E/P 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 PIC16LC54A-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Core Architecture, Mounting Type, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC54A-04/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC54A-04I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54A-04/P
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$3.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βPIC16C54A-04I/P
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC54A-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC16C5x |
| Instruction Word Width | 12-bit |
| Data Path Width | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (windowed CERDIP allows UV erasure) |
| Program Memory Size | 512 x 12 words (768 bytes) |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Stack Depth | 2 levels (hardware) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Automotive / 'E' grade) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (CERDIP, windowed, 0.300 inch) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Special Function Registers | 7-8 (PCL, STATUS, FSR, PCLATH, INDF, TMR0, OPTION) |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, Indirect, Relative |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (with on-chip RC oscillator) |
| Power-On Reset | Yes (programmable) |
| Code Protection | Yes (programmable via EPROM config word) |
| Lifecycle Status | ACTIVE |
PIC16LC54A-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 β Bidirectional I/O Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 β Bidirectional I/O Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC β TMR0 real-time clock/counter input (Schmitt trigger) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR β Master Clear (reset) input, active low |
| Pin 5 | VSS β Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 7 | RB1 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 β Bidirectional I/O Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | VDD β Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 β Oscillator output / CLKOUT |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 β Oscillator input / CLKIN |
| Pin 17 | RA0 β Bidirectional I/O Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 β Bidirectional I/O Port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC54A-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Electronics, White Goods and Appliance Controllers, Low-End Consumer Products, Industrial Control Subsystems, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends, Educational and Hobbyist Learning Platforms.
Automotive Body Electronics
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P's automotive 'E' temperature grade (-40C to +125C), through-hole CERDIP package, and 20-year Microchip longevity commitment make it a strong fit for body-electronics ECUs where reliability under hood-cabin thermal cycling is mandatory. The 4 MHz clock provides adequate throughput for body-control tasks such as seat position memory, mirror-fold sequencing, and simple lighting-pattern generation via TMR0 interrupts. The 12 I/O pins map cleanly to relay drivers and switch inputs without external multiplexing. Compared with newer PIC16F1xxx families, this part trades peripheral richness for known-good long-term automotive availability.
Recommended
White Goods and Appliance Controllers
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P's 3.0 V to 6.25 V supply range simplifies integration with rectified mains-derived 5 V rails in washing machines, refrigerators, and microwave ovens where dropout to battery backup is occasionally needed. Its 33-instruction RISC core and 1 MIPS throughput suffice for appliance state machines, sensor polling (door switch, thermistor via ADC-free RC timing), and triac/SCR firing-angle control. The 25-byte RAM and 512-word EPROM are intentionally small to keep unit cost low for high-volume appliance production. Through-hole PDIP eases hand-solder rework on white-goods production lines.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Products
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P's small footprint and 12-bit instruction efficiency provide 2:1 code compression versus competing 8-bit MCUs, enabling tight consumer-product firmware in 512 words. Toy controllers, remote-control key fobs, novelty lighting sequencers, and battery-powered gadgets all benefit from the device's 3 V low-voltage operation and <1 mA active current at 4 MHz. The windowed CERDIP allows fast prototype iteration via UV erasure, accelerating product-development cycles. For cost-sensitive consumer SKUs, the OTP nature of EPROM prevents firmware cloning by competitors.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystems
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P's extended temperature range and through-hole CERDIP package suit industrial control PCBs designed for harsh environments including factory-floor cabinets and outdoor instrumentation. The two-level hardware stack, 8-bit TMR0 counter, and 12 I/O pins are sufficient for simple PID loops implemented in assembly, sensor multiplexing via RC-discharge timing, and discrete-logic replacement. The 3 V minimum supply enables 3.6 V lithium-battery backup of critical control state during mains brownouts. PIC16C5x family long-term availability from Microchip supports industrial product life cycles exceeding 15 years.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-Ends
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P's low-voltage operation, deterministic instruction timing, and hardware flexibility make it useful as a dedicated front-end for sensor arrays where a host processor offloads periodic scanning. The 8-bit TMR0 combined with RC-network timing can measure resistive sensors (thermistors, photoresistors) without an external ADC, and the 12 I/O pins interface directly to low-cost sensor matrices. At 3 V supply the device draws under 1 mA active, suitable for solar/battery-powered remote sensor nodes. The OTP nature lets OEMs lock calibration constants during manufacturing.
Recommended
Educational and Hobbyist Learning Platforms
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P remains a popular teaching vehicle for embedded-systems courses because of its simple 33-instruction RISC core, 12-bit instruction word, and 18-pin DIP package that fits standard breadboards without surface-mount adapters. Students learn fundamentals of assembly programming, register-level I/O manipulation, timer interrupts, and watchdog configuration on this device before progressing to PIC16F or PIC18 families. Windowed CERDIP allows infinite erase/program cycles for lab exercises, and Microchip's MPLAB X IDE provides free toolchain support across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC54A-04E/P β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC54A-04/P | PIC16LC54A-04I/P | PIC16C54A-04/P | PIC16C54A-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (CERDIP windowed) | 18-pin PDIP (CERDIP windowed) | 18-pin PDIP (CERDIP windowed) | 18-pin PDIP (CERDIP windowed) | 18-pin PDIP (CERDIP windowed) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 512 x 12 EPROM | 512 x 12 EPROM | 512 x 12 EPROM | 512 x 12 EPROM | 512 x 12 EPROM |
| RAM Size | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes | 25 bytes |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive / 'E') | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Process Variant | Low-voltage CMOS ('LC') | Low-voltage CMOS ('LC') | Low-voltage CMOS ('LC') | Standard CMOS ('C') | Standard CMOS ('C') |
| Instruction Set Compatibility | 12-bit PIC16C5x (33 instructions) | 12-bit PIC16C5x (33 instructions) | 12-bit PIC16C5x (33 instructions) | 12-bit PIC16C5x (33 instructions) | 12-bit PIC16C5x (33 instructions) |
| Lifecycle Status | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive 'E' temperature grade (-40C to +125C) (vs PIC16LC54A-04I/P)
- Low-voltage LC process for 3.0 V minimum supply (vs PIC16C54A-04E/P)
- Windowed CERDIP package supports UV erasure (vs PIC16F54-I/P (plastic PDIP))
Design Notes
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P operates from 3.0 V to 6.25 V; add a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor directly across VDD (pin 14) and VSS (pin 5), with trace length under 5 mm to the IC pins. For battery applications drawing from a 3.6 V lithium cell, the LC variant's lower minimum supply extends operating life versus the C-variant. Always include a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 4) to prevent spurious resets during supply ramp-up. Estimated: at 4 MHz and 5 V, active current is approximately 1.8 mA; at 3 V it drops to roughly 0.8 mA (figure derived from typical PIC16C5x family curves, not measured on this specific lot).
For CERDIP windowed packages used with the PIC16LC54A-04E/P, allow at least 8 mm of vertical clearance above the package to install a UV erasure lamp for prototype development. Do not place tall components within 5 mm of the quartz window on production boards; opaque dot stickers (e.g. 3M ELECTROPLATE) can be applied to prevent data corruption from ambient UV. For through-hole wave soldering, the 0.300 inch CERDIP body requires standard 2.54 mm pitch hole patterns; pin 1 is identified by a chamfered corner and a dot on the package top.
The PIC16LC54A-04E/P shares the 12-bit PIC16C5x instruction set, NOT the 14-bit PIC16Fxxx instruction set - attempting to program it with PIC16F hex files will fail silently or produce incorrect execution. The two-level hardware stack means deeply nested subroutines (more than two levels) will corrupt the return address; refactor code to use iterative loops or in-line state machines instead of recursion. Watchdog timer enable is in the EPROM configuration word and cannot be disabled in software once enabled - design code to either service the WDT regularly or leave it disabled in the config word. Finally, the '04' speed grade means VDD must be stable above 3.0 V before MCLR is released, otherwise oscillator startup may be unreliable.
Compliance Information
CERDIP windowed package uses lead-bearing ceramic hermetic sealing and is NOT RoHS compliant per Microchip product page. 'E' suffix denotes extended automotive temperature grade but the part is not AEC-Q100 qualified. REACH compliance status confirmed via Microchip substance declarations.
