PIC16LC554-04I/P - 4MHz, 0.875KB EPROM MCU, 13 I/O, 18-Pin DIP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC554-04I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.1 | $8.10 |
| 10 | $7.29 | $72.90 |
| 100 | $6.48 | $648.00 |
| 500 | $5.83 | $2,915.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.18 | $5,180.00 |
PIC16LC554-04I/P Overview
A PIC16C5x baseline microcontroller is an 8-bit RISC MCU built around a Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, twelve-bit-wide instruction words, and a 33-instruction set that executes most instructions in a single 1 µs instruction cycle at 4 MHz. In the broader taxonomy, the PIC16C5x sits at the entry level of the PIC10/12/16 baseline and mid-range families, beneath PIC16F mid-range flash MCUs and far below PIC24/dsPIC and PIC32 MIPS-based devices. Baseline PIC MCUs target simple control loops, glue logic replacement, and ultra-low-cost consumer/industrial nodes where deterministic interrupt-free execution and minimal pin count outweigh peripherals. PIC16LC554-04I/P represents the EPROM (erasable windowed) debug-friendly ancestor of today's flash-based PIC16F series and remains useful for legacy firmware maintenance and educational labs.
Key features include 80 bytes of general-purpose RAM, a 7-level hardware stack, three I/O ports with individual TRIS direction control, and an internal power-on reset with selectable oscillator options (RC, XT, HS, LP). A watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator is selectable via configuration bits, along with code-protection and ID-location fuses. The device integrates a 5-channel 8-bit A/D path is NOT present on this baseline part - PIC16LC554 has digital I/O only. Each I/O pin can source or sink 25 mA, enabling direct LED drive, and the device's CMOS design typically draws under 2 mA at 5 V with the watchdog disabled.
Typical applications include legacy industrial control boards, simple sensor-interface nodes, EEPROM/flash programmer targets, automotive body controllers from the mid-1990s, hobbyist/educational platforms, and replacement MCUs for end-of-life equipment. The windowed CERDIP package allows UV erasure and reprogramming, which is ideal for development flows but rarely needed in production.
When designing with this part, allocate a 4 MHz maximum oscillator, ensure VDD stays within 3.0 V - 6.25 V, and budget for the EPROM programming/verification cycle on first prototype build. Verify that your firmware uses only baseline PIC16C5x opcodes; PIC16F mid-range code is NOT binary-compatible with the baseline core.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC554-04I/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 PIC16LC554-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, I/O Pins, Mounting Type, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16F54-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16F505-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →PIC16C554-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C5x baseline, 8-bit RISC, Harvard |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit opcodes, 33 instructions |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (windowed, UV-erasable) |
| Program Memory Size | 0.875 KB (896 bytes) EPROM |
| Data RAM | 80 bytes |
| I/O Pins | 12 (Ports A/B/C with TRIS control) |
| Operating Voltage (VDD) | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial grade) |
| Package Type | CERDIP-18, windowed (DIP-18 through-hole) |
| I/O Sink/Source per Pin | 25 mA / 25 mA |
| Hardware Stack | 7 levels |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, with dedicated internal RC oscillator |
| Power-On Reset | Yes, internal |
| A/D Converter | None (digital I/O only on baseline part) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16LC554-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (active-low reset) / EPROM programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port A bit 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port A bit 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port A bit 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port A bit 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/RTCC — Bidirectional digital I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5/OSC1 — Bidirectional digital I/O / oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | OSC2 — Oscillator output (crystal/RC mode) |
| Pin 9 | RB0 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 0 |
| Pin 10 | RB1 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | RB2 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | RB3 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | RB4 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | RB5 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | RB6 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | RB7 — Bidirectional digital I/O, Port B bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | VDD — Positive supply (3.0 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground reference |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC554-04I/P is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Control Replacement, EPROM-Based Development Boards, Low-Power Battery Sensor Nodes, Hobbyist and Educational Platforms, Automotive Aftermarket Replacement, Glue-Logic Replacement Boards.
Legacy Industrial Control Replacement
The PIC16LC554-04I/P's baseline 8-bit RISC core and 18-pin DIP form factor make it a drop-in substitute for obsolete Microchip controllers in legacy industrial control boards originally designed in the late 1990s. Its 0.875 KB EPROM matches the program space of older PIC16C5x designs, and the 3.0 V - 6.25 V supply range allows direct replacement on both 5 V and 3.3 V rails without board rework. Engineers rebuilding end-of-life PLCs, sensor-interface boards, or motor-control front-ends can populate the existing through-hole pads and preserve the original firmware image (after optional re-compilation to PIC16F). The 25 mA I/O drive eliminates the need for buffer transistors on small relays or LED indicators.
Recommended
EPROM-Based Development Boards
The windowed CERDIP-18 package of PIC16LC554-04I/P is specifically chosen for development work where code is iteratively UV-erased and re-programmed during firmware bring-up. The 0.875 KB EPROM holds a meaningful baseline-core firmware image, while the 4 MHz instruction cycle allows step-rate debugging with standard PIC16C5x emulators. Universities, R&D labs, and embedded-systems training programs use this part to teach baseline RISC concepts before migrating students to flash-based mid-range PIC16F MCUs. The windowed package also enables independent verification of code-protection and ID-location bits during algorithm development.
Recommended
Low-Power Battery Sensor Nodes
The "LC" low-power CMOS variant of PIC16LC554-04I/P draws under 2 mA active at 5 V and supports 3.0 V operation, making it a candidate for battery-powered sensor nodes where energy budget matters. The 12 CMOS I/O pins connect directly to digital sensors, low-power UART peripherals, and small-signal conditioning circuits. Although the baseline core lacks an on-chip ADC, designers pair it with an external ADC companion for periodic sensor sampling, leveraging the watchdog timer to wake the controller at programmed intervals. The 7-level hardware stack and 80-byte RAM comfortably hold a simple duty-cycled firmware scheduler.
Recommended
Hobbyist and Educational Platforms
The PIC16LC554-04I/P's 18-pin DIP package is breadboard-friendly and easy to socket, making it a popular choice for hobby electronics and classroom microcontroller courses. Its 33-instruction baseline opcode set is simple enough for beginners to learn assembly language, while its 4 MHz instruction cycle is fast enough to drive LED arrays, simple motor-control loops, and UART-based debug printing. The EPROM window allows students to erase and re-flash the chip dozens of times during a semester's lab work. The 25 mA per-pin drive eliminates the need for external driver chips when interfacing with small solenoids, relays, or 7-segment displays.
Recommended
Automotive Aftermarket Replacement
The PIC16LC554-04I/P appears in automotive body controllers, gauge drivers, and accessory modules from the mid-1990s that are still in service today. Its industrial -40 °C to +85 °C temperature grade and high-noise-immunity CMOS design suit the under-hood and cabin environments. Replacement of failed units in classic cars and legacy fleet vehicles often specifies this exact part number for solder-and-replace repair rather than redesign. The through-hole DIP package, while not ideal for vibration, is robust in the protective enclosures typical of automotive controller boxes.
Recommended
Glue-Logic Replacement Boards
Engineers use PIC16LC554-04I/P to replace complex 74HC-series glue-logic implementations with a single programmable device that handles multiple timing, sequencing, and I/O conditioning tasks. The 12 I/O pins, 4 MHz CPU, and baseline instruction set provide more than enough horsepower for sequenced power-up controllers, watchdog supervisors, custom keypads, and signal-conditioning front-ends. The 80-byte RAM accommodates simple state-machine firmware, and the 7-level hardware stack supports nested subroutine calls without software stack overflow. Migration to PIC16F505-I/P is straightforward when additional peripherals or in-system programming are later required.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC554-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16F54-I/P | PIC16F505-I/P | PIC16C554-04/P | PIC16LC554-04E/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | DIP-18 (windowed CERDIP) | DIP-18 (PDIP, flash) | DIP-18 (PDIP, flash) | DIP-18 (windowed CERDIP) - same | DIP-18 (windowed CERDIP) - same |
| Core Architecture | PIC16C5x baseline, 8-bit RISC | PIC16 baseline, 8-bit RISC | PIC16 enhanced baseline, 8-bit RISC | PIC16C5x baseline, 8-bit RISC - same | PIC16C5x baseline, 8-bit RISC - same |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same |
| Program Memory | 0.875 KB EPROM (896 bytes) | 512 words flash | 1.5 KB flash | 0.875 KB EPROM - same | 0.875 KB EPROM - same |
| Data RAM | 80 bytes | 25 bytes | 72 bytes | 80 bytes - same | 80 bytes - same |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.25 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V (narrower) | 3.0 V to 6.25 V - same |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C | Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C | Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C | Commercial 0 °C to +70 °C (variant) | Extended -40 °C to +125 °C (wider) |
| RoHS Compliance | Not RoHS (windowed CERDIP contains lead) | RoHS compliant (PDIP flash) | RoHS compliant (PDIP flash) | Not RoHS (windowed CERDIP) | Not RoHS (windowed CERDIP) |
Key Differentiators
- Windowed CERDIP-18 package for iterative UV-erase development (vs PIC16F54-I/P)
- Low-power CMOS process with 3.0 V minimum operating voltage (vs PIC16C554-04/P)
- Larger EPROM program memory than sibling devices (vs PIC16C554A-04I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC554-04I/P requires a stable 3.0 V to 6.25 V VDD with a decoupling capacitor of 100 nF placed as close as possible to pin 17 (VDD) and pin 18 (VSS). Bulk capacitance of 10 µF is recommended if the VDD rail is shared with other switching loads. During EPROM programming the device draws higher peak current from VPP on pin 1 - ensure your programmer can supply at least 20 mA during the VPP-high phase to avoid programming errors. The MCLR pin should be tied to VDD through a 10 kΩ pull-up resistor with a 100 nF decoupling cap to ground for reliable reset behavior in noisy environments.
Do not assume PIC16F-series opcodes are binary-compatible with PIC16LC554-04I/P - they are not. The PIC16C5x baseline core uses 12-bit instructions and lacks the mid-range PCLATH paging register; PIC16F mid-range firmware requires recompilation. Watchdog enable/disable is controlled by configuration fuses, NOT by software registers, so verify the WDTE bit before relying on the watchdog in your design. The TRIS register direction-control semantics differ from mid-range parts (PORTA TRISA = 0xFF sets all pins to input) - reading the datasheet carefully will prevent I/O-port misconfiguration. Finally, when migrating firmware from PIC16C554 to PIC16LC554, verify that your code does not assume 5 V-only logic levels since LC parts operate down to 3.0 V.
For the windowed CERDIP-18 package, install the device in a machined-pin IC socket (TE Connectivity 1-390261-2 or equivalent) to allow easy removal for UV erasure. The quartz window must face upward and be unobstructed - do not place tall components within 5 mm above the window or apply conformal coating over the top surface. For through-hole layout, use 0.65 mm pad diameter with 1.0 mm drill for clean wave-solder joints. Route the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2) on the same side as the MCU, keep them short, and surround them with a ground pour to minimize EMI pickup. MCLR trace should be short and direct to minimize false resets from capacitive coupling.
The CERDIP-18 package has a typical θJA of approximately 50 °C/W in still air, but the PIC16LC554-04I/P dissipates well under 100 mW in normal digital I/O applications, so thermal management is rarely a concern. Worst-case active current at 6.25 V and 4 MHz is roughly 5 mA, yielding power dissipation of about 31 mW and a junction-to-ambient temperature rise of 1.5 °C. Induced heating only becomes relevant if all 12 I/O pins are simultaneously sourcing 25 mA into shorted loads - in that fault case the device will enter thermal shutdown only if package temperature exceeds the silicon limit. Standard layout practice (ground pour, minimal current-loop area) is sufficient.
Compliance Information
Windowed CERDIP-18 package contains lead-based glass seal and tin-lead lead finish - not RoHS-compliant per the verified web data distributor listings. For RoHS-compliant designs use the plastic DIP flash equivalents PIC16F54-I/P or PIC16F505-I/P. REACH and conflict-mineral compliance not confirmed in distributor data.
