PIC16LC54C-04I/SO - 4MHz 8-bit OTP MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC54C-04I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.75 | $3.75 |
| 10 | $3.38 | $33.80 |
| 100 | $2.95 | $295.00 |
| 500 | $2.62 | $1,310.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.3 | $2,300.00 |
PIC16LC54C-04I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and programmable I/O peripherals on a single silicon die. The PIC16LC54C belongs to the 8-bit microcontroller tier within the broader embedded controller hierarchy (8-bit MCU -> microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC). Its RISC architecture executes instructions from a fixed 33-instruction set in a single instruction cycle, providing deterministic throughput for real-time control applications.
Key features include a 4 MHz maximum clock rate, 25 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 12 bidirectional I/O lines, and an OTP program memory that supports prototyping and low-volume production. The 'LC' suffix indicates a low-voltage CMOS variant optimized for battery-powered operation, while the 'C' revision provides an improved instruction set over earlier 'A' and base versions. The industrial temperature grade and OTP memory suit field-programmed, cost-sensitive embedded applications.
Architecturally, the PIC16LC54C uses a Harvard-style memory map separating program ROM (12-bit instruction width) from data RAM (8-bit byte-wide). The 4 MHz oscillator drives a four-phase internal clock that delivers 1 MIPS peak throughput, with instruction cycles as short as 1 us. A watchdog timer and power-on reset enhance field robustness, and the 12 I/O pins can be individually configured with weak pull-ups and direction control.
Typical applications include battery-powered sensor nodes, simple appliance controllers, low-cost consumer electronics, automotive interior accessories (non-safety), industrial timer/counter modules, and replacement of discrete logic in legacy designs. The wide operating voltage and low power consumption also support remote-control transmitters and small-form-factor embedded modules.
When designing with this device, ensure the OTP programming window fits your production volume and field-update model, since OTP cannot be erased or rewritten after programming. For prototypes, consider a flash-based PIC16F54 equivalent in the same 18-SOIC footprint to allow iterative firmware development before locking the OTP production code.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible PIC16C5x alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and embedded engineers a one-stop reference for evaluating this legacy low-cost 8-bit MCU.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC54C-04I/SO — 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/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Watchdog Timer, Operating Temperature, Program Memory Size, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54AT-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54A-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54A-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16HV540T-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54C-04I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 8-bit Microcontroller (MCU) |
| Core | PIC16 (RISC) |
| Family | PIC16C5x |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12) |
| RAM Size | 25 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set | 33 single-word/single-cycle instructions |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18, 7.5 mil pitch) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology | Low-Voltage CMOS |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Data EEPROM | None |
PIC16LC54C-04I/SO 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/RTCC — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / RTCC timer input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/Vpp — Master Clear reset (active low) / Programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 / External interrupt input |
| 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 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / Clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / External clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC54C-04I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Battery-Powered Remote Controls, Appliance Timer and Controller Modules, Automotive Interior Accessories, Industrial Counter and Timer Modules, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Sensor Front-End and Signal Conditioning.
Battery-Powered Remote Controls
The PIC16LC54C-04I/SO's low-voltage CMOS process and 4 MHz maximum clock keep active current low, while 768 bytes of OTP program memory fits compact IR/RF encoder firmware. Its 25 bytes of RAM handles short button-debounce state, and 12 I/O pins cover matrix keypads and LED indicators. Compared to a discrete 555-timer encoder, this MCU adds protocol configurability without battery penalty, extending coin-cell life across standby-heavy duty cycles typical of TV remotes and garage-door key fobs.
Recommended
Appliance Timer and Controller Modules
With 12 I/O pins, the PIC16LC54C-04I/SO can drive relays, sense push-buttons, and read thermistor inputs in washing machines, microwave ovens, or small kitchen appliances. The 33-instruction RISC core executes a 1 us cycle at 4 MHz, giving the deterministic timing needed for relay de-bounce and PWM-like buzzer tones. Industrial -40C to +85C temperature rating supports under-cabinet heat, while OTP memory locks firmware to prevent field tampering in cost-sensitive consumer products.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories
The PIC16LC54C-04I/SO's industrial -40C to +85C temperature range and 12 GPIO pins suit non-safety automotive accessories such as ambient lighting controllers, seat-position memory modules, and aftermarket gauge drivers. Its OTP memory and low unit cost fit accessory-tier BOMs, while the 4 MHz speed handles CAN-bridge-free local tasks like LED fading and switch multiplexing. Engineers designing for cabin environments appreciate the small 18-SOIC footprint and Microchip's long-lifecycle supply commitment.
Recommended
Industrial Counter and Timer Modules
The PIC16LC54C-04I/SO serves as a low-cost replacement for electromechanical counters in factory automation, providing 12 I/O lines for sensor inputs, display drivers, and relay outputs. The watchdog timer and power-on reset improve field robustness against brown-outs common in industrial control cabinets. The 768-byte OTP memory is sufficient for fixed counting algorithms and preset values, while the 18-SOIC package allows compact DIN-rail-mount PCB designs.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
Toy manufacturers, novelty gadgets, and educational kits frequently use the PIC16LC54C-04I/SO for its < $3 unit price, 12 GPIO pins, and OTP code-locking that prevents firmware cloning. The 4 MHz clock and 33-instruction RISC core support interactive sound effects, motor pulse-width patterns, and simple LED chases from a single chip. Combined with a CR2032 coin cell, the low-voltage CMOS design enables multi-month battery life in low-duty-cycle consumer products sold through retail.
Recommended
Sensor Front-End and Signal Conditioning
The PIC16LC54C-04I/SO can host simple sensor linearization, threshold detection, and alarm-trigger logic at the edge of a sensing system, freeing a downstream host MCU from low-level scanning. Its 12 I/O lines multiplex multiple analog front-ends via external FETs, while 768 bytes of OTP memory holds calibration constants and look-up tables. The 4 MHz instruction rate supports polling loops in the 10 kHz range, sufficient for thermistor, photodiode, and Hall-effect sensor conditioning.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC54C-04I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC54C-04I/P | PIC16LC54AT-04I/SO | PIC16LC54A-04E/SS | PIC16LC54A-04/SS | PIC16HV540T-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) | 18-PDIP (through-hole) | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) - same | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP | 18-SOIC (SOIC-18) - same |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP (512 x 12) | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP |
| RAM | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C (Extended) | 0C to +70C (Commercial) | -40C to +85C |
| Special Feature | Low-voltage CMOS OTP | Low-voltage CMOS OTP, through-hole | Low-voltage CMOS OTP, tape-and-reel | Extended temp range | Commercial temp range | High-voltage I/O (HV variant) |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible flash alternative available in same footprint (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Through-hole variant simplifies hand-prototyping (vs PIC16LC54C-04I/P)
- High-voltage variant supports mains-connected sensors (vs PIC16HV540T-04I/SO)
Design Notes
OTP program memory cannot be erased after programming. Plan your firmware revision-control workflow before committing OTP code in production. For prototype development, use the flash-based PIC16F54-I/SO in the same 18-SOIC footprint; once firmware is locked, migrate to the PIC16LC54C-04I/SO for cost-down without PCB rework. Estimate: 768 bytes of OTP is sufficient for ~250-300 instructions when written in efficient PIC assembly, but only ~150 instructions if the C compiler generates verbose code.
The PIC16LC54C's low-voltage CMOS process draws significantly less active current than standard 5 V NMOS PIC16C5x variants. Decouple Vdd with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pin, and add a 10 uF bulk capacitor if the supply is shared with relays or motors. Estimated: at 4 MHz and 3 V Vdd, active current is roughly 1-2 mA, allowing CR2032 coin-cell operation for years in standby-dominant duty cycles.
Place the oscillator crystal or resonator within 5 mm of the OSC1 and OSC2 pins to minimize stray capacitance. For cost-sensitive designs, an internal RC oscillator mode eliminates the external crystal entirely, but trades absolute frequency accuracy for BOM savings. Keep the MCLR/Vpp pin trace short and add a 10 kohm pull-up to Vdd for reliable reset behavior; do not leave MCLR floating even in battery-powered applications.
The 18-SOIC package's theta_JA of approximately 100 C/W is adequate for the PIC16LC54C's low active current (single-digit mA). Estimated: at 5 V Vdd, 4 MHz, and 2 mA active current, internal power dissipation is ~10 mW, well below any thermal concern. No heatsink is required for normal embedded applications; however, sustained operation above 70C ambient should still be verified against the datasheet's thermal derating curves.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not stated in the verified distributor data; consult Microchip's product environmental compliance page. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial/industrial-grade 8-bit MCU, not an automotive-qualified part. Conflict-minerals declaration available from Microchip per company policy.
