PIC16LC54C-04I/P - 8-bit 4MHz 768B OTP MCU | Microchip 18-PDIP
MPN: PIC16LC54C-04I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.53 | $3.53 |
| 10 | $3.18 | $31.80 |
| 100 | $2.84 | $284.00 |
| 500 | $2.55 | $1,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.31 | $2,310.00 |
PIC16LC54C-04I/P Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a small computer-on-a-chip containing a CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripherals on a single die. PIC microcontrollers are part of the broader category of microcontrollers -> embedded controllers -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. The PIC16C5x architecture delivers instruction performance roughly an order of magnitude higher than competing 8-bit MCUs in its price class, using 12-bit wide instructions with 2:1 code compression over typical 8-bit architectures.
Key features include 4MHz maximum clock, 768 bytes OTP program memory, 25 bytes RAM, 12 I/O ports, and a low-power CMOS process. The /P suffix denotes the through-hole PDIP-18 form factor, while the I in /04I/P indicates the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). The OTP memory is one-time programmable but offers cost-effective prototyping and low-volume production.
Technical depth: the PIC16C5x uses a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, 33 single-word instructions, and a 12-bit instruction width. Two hardware interrupt sources (external INT and timer overflow) and a watchdog timer are provided. Power consumption is low for the LC variant, making it suitable for battery-powered applications.
Typical applications include simple embedded control (appliance controls, toys, lighting), sensor signal conditioning front-ends, low-speed serial interface bridges, and legacy industrial replacement designs. The /P PDIP package also supports easy breadboarding and educational development boards.
When designing with this part, observe that OTP memory cannot be re-programmed, so choose the PIC16F54-I/P or PIC16C54C-04/P flash variants for development cycles requiring code iteration. The 12-bit instruction width may require recompilation if migrating to PIC16F1x or PIC18 architectures.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from Microchip's PIC16 family, and practical design notes not aggregated on DigiKey or Mouser product pages.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC54C-04I/P — 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 PIC16LC54C-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC54C-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16C54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54A-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.19 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54C-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package Type | 18-pin PDIP (Through-Hole) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Memory Architecture | Harvard |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 33 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
PIC16LC54C-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3V-5.5V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / Clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC54C-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Low-Cost Appliance Control, Toys and Hobby Electronics, Lighting Control Modules, Simple Sensor Signal Conditioning, Legacy Industrial Replacement, Educational Development Boards.
Low-Cost Appliance Control
The PIC16LC54C-04I/P fits appliance control boards with its 4 MHz 8-bit core, 12 I/O pins for relay drivers, keypads, and LED indicators, and 768B OTP memory storing compact state-machine control code. Its 3V-5.5V supply range suits both battery and rectified-mains designs. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade handles oven, washer, and HVAC environments.
Recommended
Toys and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16LC54C-04I/P is widely used in toys and hobby-grade electronics where the OTP memory, 25B RAM, and 12 I/O support PWM motor control, simple sound playback, and IR remote decoding. Its 4 MHz throughput is sufficient for sequenced LED animations and servo control loops. Low cost at <$3 per unit in volume makes it attractive for consumer-grade products.
Recommended
Lighting Control Modules
The PIC16LC54C-04I/P drives LED dimmers, RGB controllers, and DMX512 lighting slaves where its 12 I/O pins can generate PWM channels for brightness control while the 4 MHz CPU executes fade algorithms and serial parsing. OTP memory locks the final production code, preventing firmware tampering. The 18-PDIP package simplifies through-hole assembly for low-volume lighting products.
Recommended
Simple Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC54C-04I/P performs sensor readout, threshold detection, and digital filtering in standalone environmental sensors where the 25B RAM holds calibration constants and the 4 MHz clock supports ADC polling. Industrial temperature grade suits outdoor weather stations. OTP memory locks the calibration to the specific sensor batch.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Replacement
The PIC16LC54C-04I/P replaces obsolete PIC16C54 and PIC16C54A silicon in legacy industrial equipment where the 18-pin PDIP footprint, 4 MHz clock, and PIC16C5x instruction set remain drop-in compatible. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature grade matches factory floor conditions. Source code compiled for PIC16C5x architecture runs without modification.
Recommended
Educational Development Boards
The PIC16LC54C-04I/P is mounted on educational microcontroller trainer boards and university curricula due to its 18-PDIP through-hole package which is easy to insert in breadboards. The 12 I/O pins are sufficient for student projects involving switches, LEDs, and 7-segment displays. The PIC16C5x instruction set is simple enough to teach RISC fundamentals in a single semester.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC54C-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC54C-04/P | PIC16C54C-04I/P | PIC16C54C-04/P | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16LC54A-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Size | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (OTP) | 768 B (OTP) | 768 B (OTP) | 768 B (OTP) | 768 B (Flash) | 768 B (OTP) |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | OTP |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage LC variant extends battery life (vs PIC16C54C-04I/P)
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16LC54C-04/P)
- Drop-in flash upgrade path via PIC16F54-I/P (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
Design Notes
The OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory of the PIC16LC54C-04I/P can only be programmed once. After programming, the device cannot be erased or re-flashed, so all code bugs must be resolved before final production programming. For development, use the flash-based PIC16F54-I/P variant in the same 18-PDIP footprint to iterate code without scrapping parts. Verify the entire application code path, including interrupt vectors and watchdog timer configuration, before committing OTP parts to a production run.
The LC variant operates from 3V to 5.5V, but the standard PIC16C54C variant operates up to 6.25V. Do not substitute the LC part into a 5V design expecting 6V tolerance - it will exceed absolute maximum ratings. For battery-powered designs, add a 10uF bulk capacitor plus 100nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD pin 14, and place a 10k pull-up on MCLR pin 4 to prevent spurious resets. The internal brown-out reset is not present on all PIC16C5x revisions, so verify on the silicon errata.
The 18-pin PDIP package requires through-hole mounting with 0.1 inch (2.54mm) pin pitch. For new designs, use a DIP-18 socket to allow field replacement and programming adapter access. Place decoupling capacitors (100nF ceramic + 10uF electrolytic) within 5mm of VDD pin 14, with a short ground return to VSS pin 5. The OSC1/OSC2 crystal or resonator should be placed within 10mm of pins 15-16 to minimize parasitic capacitance and ensure stable 4 MHz oscillation.
When laying out the PCB, reserve the RA0-RA4 and RB0-RB7 pin traces as direct GPIO connections to LEDs, switches, or peripheral headers. The MCLR pin (pin 4) should not be left floating - tie it to VDD through a 10k resistor to ensure proper reset behavior. If using ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming), route MCLR, VDD, VSS, RB6, and RB7 to a programming header to allow field updates before OTP lock.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in provided web data; RoHS/REACH lead-free status should be verified against the Microchip product page or PCN documents for the specific date code. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (not a power management or automotive-grade part).
