PIC16LC554-04E/P - 8-Bit OTP MCU 4MHz 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC554-04E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.35 | $2.35 |
| 10 | $2.1 | $21.00 |
| 100 | $1.85 | $185.00 |
| 500 | $1.62 | $810.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.41 | $1,410.00 |
PIC16LC554-04E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data RAM, and peripheral interfaces into one device. The PIC16LC5X family belongs to the Harvard-architecture 8-bit RISC microcontrollers from Microchip, sitting within the broader taxonomy of microcontroller -> embedded processor -> semiconductor IC. The PIC16LC5X series is positioned as a baseline, OTP-based, low-pin-count family optimized for cost-sensitive and high-volume embedded applications where a single-task program is sufficient.
Key features of the PIC16LC554-04E/P include 4 MHz maximum clock speed, 12 special-function registers, a 12-bit instruction word with 33 single-word instructions, a two-stack-level hardware stack, an 8-bit real-time timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler, power-on reset (POR), watchdog timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and a wide 3.0 V to 6.25 V supply voltage range. The 'LC' prefix indicates the low-voltage CMOS process variant, and the 'E' suffix marks the extended industrial temperature grade (-40C to +125C).
The architecture uses a RISC instruction set with single-cycle execution for most instructions (except branches), an internal RC oscillator option, and an EPROM/OTP program memory that is one-time programmable but erasable only by UV exposure (windowed CERDIP variants). The '04' suffix denotes the 4 MHz speed grade, while the '/P' package code denotes the plastic DIP form factor for through-hole PCB assembly.
Typical applications include appliance controls, simple sensor interfaces, low-cost consumer electronics, battery-powered timers, and legacy industrial control modules. The PIC16LC554-04E/P is well suited for designs that demand deterministic behavior, small code footprint, and a wide supply-voltage tolerance.
Design consideration: because OTP memory cannot be re-programmed in-circuit, design verification on a windowed CERDIP variant (PIC16LC554-04E/JW) is recommended before committing to the OTP plastic-DIP version for production.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, application notes, and design trade-offs that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet summary, helping engineers select the right baseline MCU for cost-sensitive embedded designs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC554-04E/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 PIC16LC554-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, RAM Size, Operating Temperature Range, Timers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC554-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC554-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC558-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54A-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.7 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC54C-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$2.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC (PIC16C Harvard) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 words) |
| Data RAM | 80 B |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Word Width | 14 bits |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 instructions |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| I/O Pins | 12-13 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler |
| Watchdog Timer (WDT) | Yes, with dedicated on-chip RC oscillator |
| Power-On Reset (POR) | Yes |
| Hardware Stack Levels | 2 |
| Package | 18-PDIP (Plastic DIP, through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Extended, 'E' grade) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Pin Count | 18 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per DigiKey product listing) |
PIC16LC554-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RTCC — Timer/counter external clock input (also RA4) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input (active low) |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 0 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 1 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 2 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 3 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 4 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 5 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 6 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 (interrupt on change) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (3.0 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator crystal output (or RC clock out) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator crystal input (or RC clock in) |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC554-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Modules, Low-Cost Consumer Electronics, Sensor Interface Front-Ends, Battery-Powered Timers, Legacy Industrial Control Modules, Automotive Auxiliary Modules.
Appliance Control Modules
The PIC16LC554-04E/P suits appliance control boards where 12-13 I/O pins are sufficient for keypad scanning, LED or relay driving, and a single sensor interface. Its 896 B OTP program memory comfortably fits typical washing-machine, microwave, or dishwasher state-machine firmware with timing and mode tables. The wide 3.0-6.25 V supply range accepts unregulated wall-adapter rails after a rectifier, and the 4 MHz CPU clock gives microsecond instruction timing - fast enough to multiplex 7-segment displays and debounce mechanical switches without perceptible lag.
Recommended
Low-Cost Consumer Electronics
Toy controllers, remote-control transmitters, novelty gadgets and small kitchen-counter appliances frequently use the PIC16LC554-04E/P because its OTP cost is lower than flash alternatives and the PIC16C5X architecture is stable across the product lifetime. The 80 B RAM supports a handful of state variables and a key-scan buffer; the 12-I/O lines handle IR LEDs, button matrices and a buzzer driver. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +125C) gives margin for enclosed-product thermal rise during continuous operation.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Front-Ends
The PIC16LC554-04E/P works well as a discrete sensor-interface MCU that reads a thermistor, photocell or Hall-effect sensor, applies a linearization table in 896 B of OTP, and drives a 4-20 mA or PWM output. The 8-bit timer/counter with 8-bit prescaler can be re-purposed as a 1-wire or UART bit-banging engine, avoiding the cost of a dedicated peripheral IC. Brown-out-free OTP devices are well-suited to remote or battery-powered sensor nodes where the host MCU performs all the work and the PIC16LC554 sits as a satellite.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Timers
Coin-cell or two-AA powered timer products benefit from the PIC16LC554-04E/P's low-voltage operation down to 3.0 V and its single-timer/counter plus WDT architecture. The on-chip watchdog timer with its own RC oscillator lets the MCU wake, sample, decide and return to sleep without external supervision. With minimal code footprint (typically under 256 instructions), 4 MHz operation gives microsecond granularity for pulse-width, delay and debounce timing - ideal for irrigation valves, parking-ticket dispensers or countdown modules.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Control Modules
Mature factory-automation I/O modules, protocol converters and motor-driver front-ends often specify the PIC16LC554-04E/P because the PIC16C5X architecture has decades of firmware and qualification heritage. The 18-PDIP through-hole package simplifies field-replacement and prototyping on legacy control boards; the wide 3.0-6.25 V supply accommodates 5 V logic and 24 V industrial rails after regulation. With 13 I/O pins, the MCU can serve as a single-chip relay driver, optocoupler interface or stepper sequencer in a larger control system.
Recommended
Automotive Auxiliary Modules
Interior lighting controllers, seat-memory modules, accessory timers and HVAC damper drivers in older vehicles rely on extended-temperature (-40C to +125C) baseline microcontrollers like the PIC16LC554-04E/P. The OTP-programmed firmware avoids the soft-error risk of flash in high-temperature under-hood environments, and the 18-PDIP package is preferred for serviceability in dealer-installed accessories. With 80 B RAM and 12 I/O, the MCU easily drives a CAN/LIN transceiver companion chip or a small MOSFET bridge.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC554-04E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC554-04/P | PIC16LC554-04E/SO | PIC16LC558-04E/P | PIC16LC54A-04E/P | PIC16LC54C-04I/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-PDIP (through-hole) | 18-PDIP - same | 18-SOIC (surface-mount) | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 2 KB (1K x 14) OTP | 512 B (256 x 14) OTP | 768 B (384 x 14) OTP |
| Data RAM | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 128 B | 25 B | 25 B |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| 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 | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| I/O Pins | 12-13 | 12-13 | 12-13 | 12-13 | 12 | 12 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended industrial temperature grade in 18-PDIP (vs PIC16LC554-04/P)
- Larger program memory and RAM than baseline PIC16LC54A (vs PIC16LC54A-04E/P)
- PIC16C5X baseline heritage for legacy firmware reuse (vs PIC16LC558-04E/P)
Design Notes
PIC16LC554-04E/P uses One-Time Programmable (OTP) EPROM: the program memory can only be written once. Engineers must finalize and verify firmware on a windowed CERDIP variant (PIC16LC554-04/JW) or on a flash-based PIC16F630-I/P equivalent before committing to OTP for production. Mistakes on OTP parts result in scrap.
The PIC16LC554-04E/P accepts 3.0 V to 6.25 V on VDD (pin 14). For battery-powered designs, add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor close to VDD and a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. The internal POR circuit holds the MCU in reset until VDD rises above the brown-out threshold - no external reset IC is required for most applications.
When using the 18-PDIP package, leave room around the IC for a programming clip or for hand-solder rework. The MCLR pin (pin 4) typically requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; place this resistor within 5 mm of the pin to keep the reset line noise-free. If the external oscillator is used, keep traces from OSC1/OSC2 short and surround them with a ground guard ring to suppress EMI.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance and lead-free status per DigiKey product listing. REACH and conflict-minerals data not present in the verified web data and left as 'unknown'. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this baseline industrial/consumer-grade MCU.
