PIC16LC554-04I/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC554-04I/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.47 | $3.47 |
| 10 | $3.12 | $31.20 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.12 | $2,120.00 |
PIC16LC554-04I/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, non-volatile program memory (ROM/EPROM/Flash), volatile data memory (RAM), and configurable peripheral I/O. Within the broader taxonomy, an MCU belongs to the semiconductor > integrated circuit > microcontroller category. The PIC16C5x family uses a Harvard RISC architecture with only 33 single-cycle instructions, enabling deterministic 200 ns instruction execution at 4 MHz. PIC microcontrollers are widely used in embedded control applications where deterministic timing, low power, and a small footprint matter more than raw computational throughput.
Key features include 4 MHz maximum clock, 33 single-cycle RISC instructions (except program branches which take two cycles), 12-13 bidirectional I/O ports, an integrated watchdog timer for fault recovery, a power-on reset circuit, and an operating voltage range of 3.0 V to 6.25 V suitable for both 3.3 V and 5 V systems. The 'LC' prefix denotes the low-power CMOS variant optimized for battery-powered applications, while the 'I' suffix in the part number indicates the industrial operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. The device is offered in a 300-mil 18-pin SOIC package and is supplied in tube or tape-and-reel format.
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO is built on Microchip's proven baseline PIC16C5x core, which uses a 12-bit instruction word and a separate data-memory bus. Its EPROM-based program memory allows one-time in-system programming via standard device programmers, making it well suited for low-to-medium volume production runs where mask-ROM programming economics are not justified. Internal peripherals include a watchdog timer with on-chip RC oscillator, a power-on reset generator, and a software-controlled SLEEP mode for ultra-low standby current.
Typical applications include appliance controllers, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, automotive body electronics (non-safety subsystems), HVAC thermostat controls, simple PWM-driven lighting controllers, and battery-powered handheld instruments. The wide 3.0 V to 6.25 V supply range makes the part adaptable to both 3.3 V and 5 V rails common in industrial embedded designs.
When designing with this part, engineers should note that program memory is OTP (one-time programmable), so firmware must be fully validated before production programming. The 4 MHz maximum clock limits computational throughput compared to PIC16F-series or PIC18F alternatives, so the device is best suited to control-loop tasks rather than DSP or communication protocol stacks.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, parametric comparison data, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC554-04I/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 PIC16LC554-04I/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Watchdog Timer, Number of I/O Pins.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC554-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.71 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554T-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F54-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC554-04I/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC16C5x 8-bit RISC |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14) |
| Data RAM | 80 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Clock | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns at 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set Size | 33 single-cycle instructions (12-bit) |
| I/O Pins | 12-13 bidirectional |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (Industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes, on-chip RC oscillator |
| Power-On Reset | Yes (internal) |
| SLEEP / Low-Power Mode | Yes (software-controlled) |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO, 300 mil) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC554-04I/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 | T0CKI — Timer0 clock input / 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 (INT) |
| 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 (3.0-6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / RA0 |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / RA1 |
| Pin 17 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 18 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC554-04I/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, HVAC Thermostat Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Front-Ends, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Simple PWM Lighting Controllers, Handheld Test Instruments.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO fits appliance controllers (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens) because its 4 MHz baseline core delivers deterministic 200 ns instruction timing for relay and triac sequencing, while 80 bytes RAM is sufficient for state-machine firmware and sensor debouncing. The 3.0-6.25 V supply range accepts both legacy 5 V and modern 3.3 V logic rails, and the 12-13 I/O pins can drive up to 7-segment displays, keypad matrices, and zero-cross detectors. The OTP program memory suits mature production firmware that has been fully validated.
Recommended
HVAC Thermostat Control
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO serves residential and commercial HVAC thermostats because its on-chip watchdog timer and power-on reset ensure reliable recovery from brownouts and EMI events on the mains-coupled power supply. The 12-bit instruction width and 33-instruction RISC core are well suited to PID loop calculations on temperature inputs, while the wide 3.0-6.25 V supply lets the MCU run directly from a rectified 5 V rail. Industrial temperature rating (-40 °C to +85 °C) handles equipment-room installations.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Front-Ends
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO is well matched to battery-powered wireless sensor nodes because the 'LC' low-power CMOS process variant and software-controlled SLEEP mode drop quiescent current to microamp levels for duty-cycled operation. The 4 MHz clock provides enough throughput to service ADC sampling, simple encryption, and RF packet framing at low duty cycles. The 3.0 V minimum supply allows direct connection to two AA alkaline cells in series, and 12 I/O lines can scan multi-axis sensor arrays and drive a low-power RF transceiver.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO handles non-safety automotive body modules such as mirror controllers, seat-position memories, and interior lighting because the industrial temperature range and proven PIC16C5x baseline core deliver cost-effective deterministic control. The watchdog timer catches software lockups in electrically noisy 12 V vehicle environments. Note: this part is NOT AEC-Q100 qualified, so it must remain in non-safety subsystems only; for safety-critical body ECUs migrate to a Q-graded MCU.
Recommended
Simple PWM Lighting Controllers
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO drives low-cost PWM lighting controllers (LED strips, accent lighting, dimmers) because the 4 MHz clock supports software-generated PWM at audio-bypass frequencies above 20 kHz, eliminating flicker in residential and commercial LED installations. The 12-13 I/O pins can output multiple PWM channels for RGB or tunable-white fixtures, and the 3.0-6.25 V supply lets the MCU share a 3.3 V or 5 V rail with the LED driver. OTP memory ensures production-cost efficiency for high-volume lighting SKUs.
Recommended
Handheld Test Instruments
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO acts as the control MCU in handheld multimeters, insulation testers, and simple oscilloscope front-ends because the 'LC' low-power process and SLEEP mode extend battery life for field-service technicians. The 80 bytes RAM is sufficient for measurement state, calibration constants, and LCD driver frames, while 12-13 I/O pins handle keypad scanning, mode switching, and range-selection relays. The industrial temperature range supports outdoor and unconditioned-environment usage.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC554-04I/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC554-04E/SO | PIC16LC554T-04I/SO | PIC16LC554-04I/P | PIC16LC554-04I/SS | PIC16F54-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (300 mil) | 18-pin SOIC (300 mil) - same | 18-pin SOIC (300 mil) - same | 18-pin PDIP (through-hole) | 20-pin SSOP | 18-pin SOIC (300 mil) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B Flash |
| Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash (reprogrammable) |
| Max CPU Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Data RAM | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 25 B |
| 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 | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +125 °C (E) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) | -40 °C to +85 °C (I) |
| I/O Pins | 12-13 | 12-13 | 12-13 | 12-13 | 20 | 12 |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (internal RC) | Yes (internal RC) | Yes (internal RC) | Yes (internal RC) | Yes (internal RC) | Yes (internal RC) |
Key Differentiators
- Higher data RAM than flash-based equivalent (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Wider supply voltage range (vs PIC16F54-I/SO)
- Industrial temperature vs narrow equivalent (vs PIC16LC554-04I/SS (20-pin SSOP variant))
Design Notes
Estimated: at VDD = 5.0 V and 4 MHz active CPU clock, the PIC16LC554-04I/SO draws roughly 2 mA active and below 5 µA in SLEEP mode (per Microchip PIC16C5x family typical curves). For battery-powered designs, use SLEEP aggressively between sensor-sampling events and wake via watchdog timer interrupt to keep average current in the tens of microamps. Place a 0.1 µF decoupling capacitor as close to VDD pin 14 as possible, with a bulk 10 µF tantalum or ceramic on the same supply rail.
OTP memory can be programmed exactly once — there is no erasure pathway. Pre-production units (windowed CERDIP PIC16LC554-JW variants) should be used for firmware validation; once production OTP units are programmed, any silicon revision or bug requires a new tape-out cost. Always keep at least one engineering windowed device on hand for re-validation if the firmware needs late changes.
Route the MCLR pin (pin 4) directly to a pull-up resistor (typically 10 kΩ) and place any reset capacitor as close to the MCLR pad as possible to avoid noise injection. Keep the oscillator traces (OSC1/OSC2, pins 15-16) short and shield them from high-current switching traces; for crystal mode add 15-33 pF load caps to ground. The SOIC-18 thermal pad is not present — this device dissipates negligible power and needs no copper pour for cooling.
The PIC16LC554-04I/SO's 12-13 I/O pins can source/sink up to 25 mA per pin (per pin) and 90 mA total across all I/O, but practical EMI-safe designs typically limit switching currents to 10 mA. For relay or triac drive, add a flyback diode (1N4148) across inductive loads and a snubber (100 Ω + 0.1 µF) across the triac to keep conducted emissions within industrial EMC limits.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product page; not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial grade only); conflict-minerals compliant per Microchip CMRT. Halogen-free status not stated in the verified distributor data — set to unknown.
