PIC16LC554-04E/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 896B ROM, 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC554-04E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.92 | $960.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.71 | $1,710.00 |
PIC16LC554-04E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/EPROM/OTP), data memory (RAM), and peripheral interfaces onto one IC. The PIC16LC554 falls under the legacy 8-bit PIC baseline architecture, occupying the microcontroller -> embedded controller -> semiconductor device taxonomy. It uses a RISC instruction set with a fixed 12-bit-wide instruction word, where every instruction executes in a single instruction cycle (except branches, which take two), enabling deterministic timing for real-time control loops.
Key features of the PIC16LC554-04E/SO include 4 MHz clock speed (the "-04" speed suffix), 13 I/O pins, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit prescaler, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable resets, and code protection to prevent unauthorized firmware readback. The device supports both RC and crystal/ceramic resonator oscillator modes, giving designers flexibility for cost-driven oscillator selection. The OTP program memory allows programming once at production time, eliminating the need for a windowed or UV-erasable package and reducing per-unit cost.
Architecturally, the PIC16C5x baseline core uses a 12-bit program counter, a two-level deep hardware stack for subroutine calls, and direct/indirect addressing modes. Power consumption is optimized for battery and line-powered applications, with the "LC" low-voltage variant drawing minimal operating current at 3-5 V rails. The 18-SOIC wide-body (0.300 inch / 7.50 mm width) package provides standard through-hole-compatible land patterns for hand-soldered prototyping and production SMT assembly.
Typical applications include appliance control (washing machines, microwave ovens, coffee makers), HVAC fan and damper control, simple sensor signal conditioning, battery chargers, security keypads, low-end consumer electronics, and educational/development boards. The extended -40C to +125C temperature range supports under-hood automotive subsystems and outdoor industrial installations. Designers typically pair the PIC16LC554 with discrete MOSFET drivers, op-amps for sensor conditioning, and EEPROM for non-volatile parameter storage.
Key design considerations include providing a stable decoupling network (100 nF + 10 uF) near the VDD pin, selecting appropriate MCLR reset circuit components (typically 10 kohm pull-up + diode), and verifying oscillator start-up time across the full temperature range. Engineers upgrading to the Flash-based PIC16F54 family can use the same 18-SOIC footprint and development tools, simplifying field re-programmability.
This page synthesizes distributor stock, lifecycle status, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond a manufacturer datasheet re-statement.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC554-04E/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 PIC16LC554-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Watchdog Timer, Core Architecture, I/O Pins, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F54-E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.88 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.12 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C54C-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.68 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC16C |
| Core Processor | PIC 8-bit |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) / EPROM |
| RAM Size | 80 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 (also cited as 13) |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Extended, "E" code) |
| Package / Case | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Oscillator Type | External (RC / Crystal / Ceramic resonator) |
| Peripherals | WDT (Watchdog Timer), TMR0 (8-bit Timer/Counter with prescaler), POR (Power-On Reset) |
| Connectivity | None (no UART, I2C, SPI) |
| Data Converters | None (no ADC) |
| Instruction Set | PIC baseline (12-bit wide, 33 instructions) |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 20 MHz; 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Speed Grade Suffix | -04 = 4 MHz |
| Temperature Suffix | E = Extended Industrial -40C to +125C |
PIC16LC554-04E/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 | T0CKI/RA4 — Timer0 clock input / bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 (open-drain) |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear (active-low reset) / VPP 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 (3.0V to 6.25V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal connection / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal connection / 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
PIC16LC554-04E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: White Goods and Appliance Control, HVAC Fan and Damper Motor Control, Low-End Consumer Electronics and Toys, Security Keypad and Access Control Panels, Battery Chargers and Power Management Sub-Controllers, Educational Development Boards and DIY Projects.
White Goods and Appliance Control
The PIC16LC554-04E/SO fits perfectly into white-goods appliance control boards such as washing-machine user-interface controllers, microwave-oven keypads, refrigerator temperature displays, and dishwasher cycle timers. The device's 4 MHz baseline RISC core and 12 I/O pins are sufficient to scan 4x4 membrane keypads, drive multiplexed 7-segment or 16-segment LCDs, and read NTC thermistor sensor inputs through external resistor dividers. The 3.0-6.25 V wide supply voltage range is compatible with both 3.3 V regulated logic and 5 V noisy switching power rails common in appliance power supplies. The -40C to +125C extended industrial temperature grade is critical for under-counter or outdoor-installed appliances where ambient temperatures can exceed 70C. The OTP program memory keeps per-unit cost low for high-volume production, and the integrated watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator provides reliable recovery from supply glitches and motor-induced brown-outs.
Recommended
HVAC Fan and Damper Motor Control
The PIC16LC554-04E/SO is well-suited for HVAC indoor-unit fan-speed control, zone-damper actuator control, and thermostat relay-driver boards. The 8-bit TMR0 with 8-bit prescaler can generate PWM at standard 25 kHz carrier frequency for variable-speed fan motor drive, and the 12 I/O pins can simultaneously read multiple thermistor inputs and drive triac or relay outputs for compressor contactors. The 80-byte RAM and 512-word program memory easily accommodate state-machine-based thermostat logic with hysteresis, scheduling, and EEPROM-backed setpoint storage. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade is mandatory for attic and rooftop HVAC equipment where ambient temperatures can swing from -30C in winter to +80C in summer. The OTP memory prevents field tampering with firmware in commercial HVAC installations, a regulatory requirement in many jurisdictions.
Recommended
Low-End Consumer Electronics and Toys
The PIC16LC554-04E/SO is a workhorse MCU for cost-sensitive consumer products such as electronic toys, remote controls, fitness-tracker sub-controllers, educational STEM kits, and battery-powered novelty items. The PIC baseline RISC architecture delivers deterministic instruction timing, allowing accurate generation of IR remote-control carrier frequencies (38 kHz / 56 kHz) and audio-tone synthesis through bit-banged PWM. The 3.0-6.25 V supply range directly supports two AA or AAA alkaline cells (nominally 3 V) up to a USB 5 V rail. The integrated watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator enables reliable recovery from low-battery brown-out conditions. The 12 I/O pins are sufficient to drive LED arrays, scan small keypads, and read single-axis analog sensors through external comparator circuits. The OTP memory keeps per-unit cost low for high-volume toy production where re-programmability is not required.
Recommended
Security Keypad and Access Control Panels
The PIC16LC554-04E/SO is well-matched to security-system keypad controllers, RFID reader sub-controllers, and access-control panel logic. The 12 I/O pins can scan 4x4 or 5x4 metal-key keypads, drive piezoelectric buzzer for key-press feedback, control relay outputs for electric door strikes, and read Wiegand-format card-reader data through external interrupt-driven GPIO. The 8-bit TMR0 with hardware interrupt enables accurate keypad-debounce timing without software polling overhead. The code-protection feature in the OTP memory prevents reverse-engineering of PIN-handling firmware, a security-critical requirement. The -40C to +125C extended industrial temperature supports outdoor-mounted keypads in direct sunlight or unheated vestibules. The wide 3.0-6.25 V supply range is compatible with both 12V-battery-backed security systems (regulated down to 5 V) and PoE-powered access controllers (regulated to 3.3 V).
Recommended
Battery Chargers and Power Management Sub-Controllers
The PIC16LC554-04E/SO serves as a low-cost charge-management sub-controller in consumer battery chargers, USB power banks, solar charge regulators, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) front panels. The 12 I/O pins are sufficient to read battery voltage through external resistor dividers and ADC-free comparator circuits, drive status LEDs (charging / full / fault), and control MOSFET gate drivers for the main charge path. The 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler can implement CC/CV (constant-current / constant-voltage) charge profiles through software state machines, eliminating the cost of a dedicated charge-management IC. The OTP memory locks the charge algorithm, preventing user modification - critical for safety-certified Li-ion charger designs. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade supports chargers installed in enclosed cabinets or hot automotive interiors. The 3.0-6.25 V supply is compatible with 5V USB VBUS and 6V lead-acid float rails.
Recommended
Educational Development Boards and DIY Projects
The PIC16LC554-04E/SO is a popular teaching and DIY-development MCU because of its low cost, simple baseline architecture (only 33 instructions), and well-documented instruction set. Universities, technical colleges, and maker communities use the PIC16C5x family to teach embedded C and assembly programming because the architecture exposes students to register-level programming without the abstraction layers of modern ARM Cortex-M cores. The 18-SOIC wide-body package is breadboard-friendly when paired with SOIC-to-DIP adapter boards, and the 12 I/O pins comfortably support beginner projects like LED blinkers, servo controllers, simple robots, and sensor data loggers. The 3.0-6.25 V supply range works with both USB 5 V and 3xAA battery packs (4.5 V). The integrated watchdog timer teaches students about real-time-system reliability concepts. Although the OTP memory is one-time programmable, students typically buy pre-programmed parts for class assignments or migrate to the Flash-based PIC16F54 for hands-on programming exercises.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC554-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F54-I/SO | PIC16F54-E/SO | PIC16LC554-04I/SO | PIC16C54C-04I/SO | PIC16C554-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) | 18-SOIC (same) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory Type | OTP / EPROM | Flash | Flash | OTP / EPROM | OTP | OTP |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 896 B (512 x 14) | 512 B (256 x 14) - SMALLER | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (narrower) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| RAM Size | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 25 B - SMALLER | 80 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| ADC Peripherals | None | None | None | None | None | None |
Key Differentiators
- Flash-based drop-in replacement with in-circuit reprogrammability (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Identical extended-temperature grade with Flash memory (vs PIC16F54-E/SO)
- Direct same-die drop-in at lower temperature grade (vs PIC16LC554-04I/SO)
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 14) and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same supply rail within 1 cm. The PIC16LC554's baseline core can draw short current spikes during instruction execution; insufficient decoupling will cause code-fetch errors and brown-out-like resets. Estimated: at 4 MHz clock with all 12 I/O switching, peak supply current can reach ~5 mA, requiring the local bulk cap to absorb di/dt spikes faster than the upstream regulator can respond.
Route the MCLR reset line (pin 4) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF capacitor to VSS to form a typical Microchip recommended reset circuit. The MCLR pin is also the VPP programming voltage input - never tie it directly to VDD. Estimated: a 10 kohm pull-up with 100 nF cap provides a typical reset pulse width of 1 ms at power-on, sufficient for the internal POR circuit to complete oscillator stabilization before code execution begins.
Do not assume the PIC16LC554 is electrically compatible with mid-range PIC16Fxxx parts. The PIC16LC554 uses the 12-bit baseline instruction set (33 instructions, 12-bit wide PC, two-level hardware stack), while PIC16F716 / PIC16F72 use the 14-bit mid-range instruction set (35 instructions, 14-bit PC, eight-level stack). Firmware written for one family will not execute on the other without a complete rewrite. Also note the PIC16LC554 has NO ADC, NO UART, NO I2C, NO SPI - external peripherals are required for any analog or serial communication.
Keep the OSC1 (pin 16) and OSC2 (pin 15) traces short and surrounded by a ground guard ring. For crystal or ceramic resonator operation, place the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) within 5 mm of the OSC pins. For RC oscillator mode, use a 1% metal-film resistor and NP0/C0G ceramic capacitor; electrolytic capacitors will cause frequency drift over temperature. Estimated: stray capacitance above 10 pF on the OSC pins can shift oscillator frequency by more than 5%, impacting UART baud-rate accuracy if a soft-UART is bit-banged.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not explicitly stated in the verified web data for this mature / OTP-process part. The PIC16LC554 is typically supplied with Pb-free / matte-tin lead finish per Microchip's standard lead-free program, but RoHS compliance is part-number dependent and should be verified against the manufacturer's shipping documentation.