PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 20-SSOP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.18 | $21.80 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.4 | $1,400.00 |
PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral set into one package. The PIC16LC54CT belongs to Microchip's classic baseline PIC16C5X architecture, which uses a RISC instruction set of 33 single-word, single-cycle instructions. Within the broader IC hierarchy, an MCU is a type of embedded processor IC, which itself is a subset of integrated circuits (ICs) used for digital logic and control. MCUs power everything from simple appliance timers to complex automotive body controllers.
Key features of this device include 12 bidirectional digital I/O pins, a Power-On Reset (POR) circuit, a Watchdog Timer (WDT) for recovery from code lockup, and an operating voltage range of 3.0 V to 6.25 V suitable for both battery and regulated supplies. The 'C' suffix indicates the OTP variant of the PIC16C54 line, the 'T' suffix denotes tape-and-reel packaging, and the 'I' suffix designates the industrial operating temperature grade of -40C to +85C. The 20-SSOP package provides a compact 5.30 mm body width suited for high-density PCB designs.
Architecturally, the PIC16LC54CT-04I uses a Harvard-style separate program/data bus, a 12-bit wide instruction word, and an 8-bit wide data path. The 4 MHz oscillator rating combined with a four-clock-per-instruction cycle yields a 1 MHz instruction throughput. There is no on-chip debugger or interrupt controller, which keeps the silicon small and inexpensive but means all I/O servicing must be polled.
Typical applications include low-end consumer appliances, battery-powered sensor interfaces, simple LED driver controllers, replacement of discrete logic gates, and industrial control modules where deterministic timing and minimal BOM cost are paramount. The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS is well suited to high-volume production runs where OTP programming at the factory is acceptable and field firmware updates are not required.
When designing with this part, ensure that the chosen programmer (such as the Microchip PICSTART Plus or MPLAB PM3) supports the OTP device variant. Because OTP memory cannot be erased, code must be fully verified before programming. Decoupling VDD with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the package pin is recommended, and unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs to minimize quiescent current draw.
This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, and Octopart; same-brand drop-in alternatives such as the PIC16LC54AT-04I/SS and PIC16LC54C-04I/SS; and practical design notes not found in the standard datasheet summary. All specifications below were extracted directly from manufacturer and distributor sources current as of 2026-09-22.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC54CT-04I/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 PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC54AT-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC54C-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC54AT-04/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$0.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54CT-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54A-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C5X (8-bit RISC) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 768 B (512 x 12 bits) |
| RAM Size | 25 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 1 MIPS (4 clocks per instruction cycle) |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-word instructions |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.30 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Peripherals | Power-On Reset (POR), Watchdog Timer (WDT) |
| MSL Level | 1 (per JEDEC J-STD-020) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — Real-Time Clock/Counter input (also RA4/T0CKI) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 (bidirectional digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | VSS — Ground reference (second VSS pin) |
| Pin 15 | OSC1 — Oscillator crystal input or external clock input |
| Pin 16 | OSC2 — Oscillator crystal output |
| Pin 17 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 19 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (bidirectional digital I/O) |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 6.25 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Timer Controller, Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, LED Driver Controller, Discrete Logic Replacement, Industrial Control Module, Toy and Hobby Electronics.
Consumer Appliance Timer Controller
The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS is well suited for low-end consumer appliances such as washing-machine timers, microwave oven keypads, and rice cooker controllers where a deterministic 1 MIPS instruction throughput, 12 I/O pins, and OTP-based 768-byte program memory meet the design requirements. Its 3.0 V to 6.25 V supply range accommodates both rectified-5 V rails and 3 V battery backup. The Watchdog Timer recovers the MCU from ESD-induced code lockup, which is critical for products that may experience line transients. Compared to discrete logic gate timers, a single PIC16LC54CT-04I replaces an entire 74HC logic board at under USD 2 per unit, simplifying PCB layout and reducing assembly cost. The 20-SSOP footprint fits easily into the compact main boards of small appliances where 5.30 mm body width is preferred over wider SOIC.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS operates at 3.0 V minimum supply, making it a fit for 2x AA or 3x AAA battery-powered sensor interfaces where a 3.3 V rail is not available. The 4 MHz maximum clock rate can be reduced via the internal oscillator divider to lower active current, while the Watchdog Timer allows periodic wake-up sensing with the MCU in a low-current sleep-like state. With 25 bytes of RAM and 12 I/O, the part can read one analog sensor via a simple RC-discharge trick on an I/O pin, process the result in software, and drive a status LED - all without an external ADC. The 20-SSOP package profile keeps the height under 2.0 mm for compact sensor enclosures. Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade supports outdoor sensor installations.
Recommended
LED Driver Controller
The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS can replace dedicated LED driver chips in low-channel-count lighting products, using its 12 I/O pins to drive MOSFETs that switch LED strings via PWM-like bit-banging. The 1 MIPS instruction throughput is sufficient for 8-bit PWM at 1 kHz refresh rate across 6 channels - a typical sweet spot for decorative lighting. The 3.0 V to 6.25 V supply range supports USB-powered 5 V LED lamps and 3 V coin-cell decorative fixtures. The OTP memory allows factory-only patterns that cannot be reverse-engineered via firmware update, an IP-protection feature valued by lighting OEMs. Compared to specialty LED driver ICs at USD 0.80 to USD 2, the PIC16LC54CT-04I adds programmability for animated effects at competitive cost in the same SSOP-20 surface-mount form factor.
Recommended
Discrete Logic Replacement
The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS is an effective replacement for 74HC-series glue logic in designs where multiple gates, latches, and counters would otherwise occupy a significant portion of the PCB. Its 12 bidirectional I/O pins implement any combinational or sequential logic function in software, and the 768-byte OTP program stores the equivalent of dozens of discrete gates. Compared to a typical 74HC00 quad NAND (USD 0.20) plus a 74HC161 counter (USD 0.45), one PIC16LC54CT-04I at USD 1.85 in small quantities replaces USD 1 to USD 3 of 74HC logic while shrinking the BOM and enabling late-stage design changes. The 20-SSOP footprint fits standard 74HC land patterns with minor rework. Engineers benefit from schematic compaction, simplified sourcing, and the ability to add features without redesigning the PCB.
Recommended
Industrial Control Module
The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C), Watchdog Timer, and Power-On Reset make it a candidate for industrial control modules such as relay drivers, conveyor-belt timers, and small PLC expansion cards. The 12 I/O pins drive optocouplers or small signal relays directly via 10 kohm pull-up resistors, and the OTP memory locks firmware against unauthorized field modification. The 3.0 V to 6.25 V supply range accepts 24 V industrial rails after a simple linear regulator, simplifying the power tree. The 4 MHz clock and deterministic instruction timing make the part suitable for bit-banged protocols such as UART, SPI, or I2C master mode at low speeds. Compared to 5 V 80C51 designs, the PIC16LC54CT-04I's RISC core delivers more instructions per clock and consumes less power.
Recommended
Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS is a cost-effective controller for hobby electronics, educational kits, and toy products that benefit from a programmable MCU rather than a hard-wired logic circuit. At approximately USD 1.40 per unit in volume, it undercuts many specialty toy-controller ICs while delivering 12 I/O pins, 4 MHz operation, and 768 bytes of OTP for sound-effect playback, motor control, and LED choreography. The 20-SSOP package supports small PCB outlines typical of handheld toys, and the industrial temperature grade ensures outdoor or rough-use durability. Compared to bare 8051-based toy MCUs, the PIC16LC54CT's RISC architecture is simpler for beginners learning assembly. Pre-programmed OTP parts also prevent hobbyists from overwriting factory sound banks.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC54AT-04I/SS | PIC16LC54C-04I/SS | PIC16LC54AT-04/SS | PIC16LC54CT-04I/SO | PIC16LC54A-04E/SS | PIC16F628A-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SOIC - same pinout, wider body | 20-SSOP - same | 20-SSOP - same |
| Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC | 8-bit PIC16C5X RISC | 8-bit PIC16 mid-range (Flash) |
| Program Memory | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 768 B OTP | 3.5 KB Flash |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RAM Size | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 25 B | 224 B |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 16 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (Extended) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage CMOS operation from 3.0 V (vs PIC16C54-04/P (standard C variant))
- Industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature grade (vs PIC16LC54AT-04/SS (commercial grade))
- Compact 5.30 mm SSOP body width (vs PIC16LC54CT-04I/SO (SOIC variant))
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 20) of the PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS, with a trace length under 5 mm. Add a 10 uF bulk electrolytic or tantalum capacitor near the VDD rail if the supply is sourced from a switching regulator. Both VSS pins (5 and 14) must be connected to ground for proper return-current paths and to meet the datasheet's specified ESD performance. Brown-out detection is not present on this baseline PIC16C5X, so use the Power-On Reset (POR) timing to ensure VDD stabilizes before code execution begins.
The PIC16LC54CT-04I/SS uses OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory which cannot be erased after writing. Always develop and fully verify firmware on a windowed EPROM variant (such as PIC16C54/JW) or a Flash-based sibling (such as PIC16F628A-I/SS) before programming production units. Ensure your programmer (PICSTART Plus, MPLAB PM3, or PICKit 2 with adapter) supports the OTP PIC16C5X device ID. The MCLR pin must be pulled high through a 10 kohm resistor; do not leave it floating, as this causes intermittent reset behavior.
Route the OSC1 and OSC2 traces to the crystal or resonator with short, symmetric traces and a ground guard ring to minimize EMI pickup. Keep digital I/O traces away from the oscillator loop to prevent injected noise from causing clock jitter. For 4 MHz operation, a parallel-resonant crystal with 22 pF load capacitors typically provides stable startup. The 20-SSOP package has a thermal pad on its underside (not electrically connected) - leave it floating or solder to a small copper pour for improved thermal dissipation in high-ambient-temperature applications.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page and distributor listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part is targeted at consumer and industrial markets, not automotive safety-critical applications. Lead-free terminations per JEDEC J-STD-020 MSL-1 classification.
