PIC16LC558-04E/P - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU 3.5KB | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC558-04E/P ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 10 | $2.2 | $22.00 |
| 100 | $1.95 | $195.00 |
| 500 | $1.72 | $860.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.5 | $1,500.00 |
PIC16LC558-04E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU, memory (program + data), and peripherals such as timers, I/O, and communication interfaces. The PIC16LC558 belongs to the Microchip mid-range PIC architecture hierarchy: MCU -> 8-bit PIC -> PIC16C family -> PIC16LC5xx subfamily. This product type is a classical OTP-based Harvard-architecture device aimed at cost-sensitive embedded control applications where reprogrammability is not required.
Key features include 3.5KB OTP program memory, 128 bytes RAM, 13 I/O pins, 1 8-bit timer and 1 Watchdog Timer, 4-channel 8-bit ADC, and power-on reset. The device operates at 4MHz and provides low-power consumption typical of LC-series PIC MCUs. The OTP memory is one-time programmable but supports verification before final programming, making the part suited to high-volume production.
The PIC16LC558 uses a RISC-based Harvard architecture with separate program and data buses, enabling single-cycle instruction execution except for branch instructions. The 4MHz oscillator allows a 1 microsecond instruction cycle, providing deterministic real-time control. Brown-out detection is not featured on the LC558, and external reset components may be required for robust power-up behavior in noisy environments.
Typical applications include automotive body controllers, appliance control, sensor interface modules, low-cost consumer electronics, and industrial control subsystems. The wide operating voltage (3.0V to 5.5V) and automotive temperature grade make it suitable for 12V battery-powered systems with voltage regulation.
When designing with this device, ensure Vdd decoupling with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor close to the supply pin. Use a 10kohm pull-up on MCLR/Vpp for proper reset, and consider external brown-out protection since the LC558 lacks internal BOR. The OTP memory requires programming via Microchip development tools prior to deployment.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC558-04E/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 PIC16LC558-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Architecture, Timers, Program Memory Size, Instruction Cycle Time, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC558-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.97 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC558-04I/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.73 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16C558-04/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F88-I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.61 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F84A-04/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC558-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Series | PIC 16C |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 128 bytes |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us at 4 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Number of Pins | 18 |
| Package Type | 18-PDIP (0.300 inch, 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +125 C |
| ADC | 4-channel 8-bit |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit + Watchdog |
PIC16LC558-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/Vpp — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 (digital I/O, AN0 analog input) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 (digital I/O, AN1 analog input) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 (digital I/O, AN2 analog input) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 (digital I/O, AN3 analog input) |
| Pin 6 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 (digital I/O, T0CKI timer0 clock) |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 (digital I/O, SS optional) |
| Pin 8 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / crystal connection |
| Pin 9 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / crystal connection |
| Pin 10 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 11 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 12 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 13 | RC3 — Port C bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 14 | Vss — Ground reference |
| Pin 15 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 16 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 17 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC558-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Controllers, Appliance Control Modules, Low-Cost Sensor Interface Nodes, Industrial Control Subsystems, Battery-Powered Consumer Devices, Legacy Replacement and Industrial Sustainment.
Automotive Body Controllers
The PIC16LC558-04E/P fits automotive body-control modules where its automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) and 3.0-5.5V supply tolerance accommodate 12V battery rails after regulation. Its 13 I/O pins drive relays, lamps, and switch inputs for door locks, wipers, and interior lighting. The 4MHz clock and 1us instruction cycle handle 10ms-class control loops with margin, while 128 bytes RAM supports state-machine logic without external memory. The OTP memory prevents field firmware tampering, which is a security plus for production-locked automotive sub-assemblies.
Recommended
Appliance Control Modules
Washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens use the PIC16LC558-04E/P for keypad scan, LED/LCD segment drive, and sensor interfacing. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC reads thermistor, water-level, and humidity sensors directly, while 13 I/O pins multiplex the user interface. The 3.5KB OTP stores fixed wash-cycle or cooking programs. Low LC-series quiescent current reduces standby power below 1 mA, helping meet energy-star limits for white goods. Through-hole PDIP simplifies wave-solder assembly on economy-class appliance boards.
Recommended
Low-Cost Sensor Interface Nodes
Distributed sensor nodes in HVAC and industrial monitoring deploy the PIC16LC558-04E/P as a low-cost ADC front-end and digital pre-processor. The 4-channel 8-bit ADC digitizes 0-5V sensor signals at up to 20 ksps, and the 4MHz core runs moving-average filters before transmitting data via bit-banged UART on GPIO. The OTP memory locks calibration coefficients at production. With 3.0V operation, the part runs from two AA cells with a boost or from a 3.3V regulated rail, and its small 18-PDIP footprint fits compact sensor PCBs.
Recommended
Industrial Control Subsystems
The PIC16LC558-04E/P serves in factory-floor subsystems such as conveyor sorters, pump controllers, and small PLC I/O cards. Its industrial/automotive temperature grade tolerates -40 to +125 C cabinet environments, and the 4MHz core provides deterministic timing for PWM-driven motor or valve control via the 8-bit timer. Through-hole PDIP survives vibration-prone machinery better than fine-pitch SMT in legacy equipment. The OTP memory prevents accidental field firmware changes that could disrupt certified processes.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Consumer Devices
Remote controls, electronic toys, and small handheld gadgets use the PIC16LC558-04E/P because its LC-process low quiescent current extends battery life beyond 1 year on two AA cells. Operating voltage 3.0-5.5V matches alkaline and NiMH cell stacks directly without regulation. The 13 I/O pins drive IR LEDs, key-matrix scan, and small buzzers. OTP memory locks the device's behavior at production so end-users cannot reflash consumer firmware, which protects OEM IP in cost-sensitive products.
Recommended
Legacy Replacement and Industrial Sustainment
Long-lifecycle industrial and medical equipment designed in the late 1990s and early 2000s uses the PIC16LC558-04E/P as a form-fit-function replacement for installed units still in service. Because the part is OTP and was qualified in legacy BOMs, sustaining manufacturers keep ordering it to support field repairs and avoid re-certifying new microcontrollers. The automotive temperature grade and through-hole PDIP make it ideal for older industrial control boards where surface-mount is impractical. Stocking distributors like Veswin and Hotenda carry remaining inventory specifically for sustainment programs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC558-04E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC558-04/P | PIC16LC558-04I/P | PIC16C558-04/P | PIC16F88-I/P | PIC16F84A-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-PDIP (0.300 inch) | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same | 18-PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP | 7 KB Flash | 1.75 KB Flash |
| RAM | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 128 bytes | 368 bytes | 68 bytes |
| Operating Voltage | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Automotive -40 to +125 C | Commercial 0 to +70 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Automotive | Industrial -40 to +85 C | Industrial -40 to +85 C |
| ADC | 4-ch 8-bit | 4-ch 8-bit | 4-ch 8-bit | 4-ch 8-bit | 8-ch 10-bit | None |
Key Differentiators
- Automotive temperature grade in 18-PDIP through-hole (vs PIC16LC558-04/P)
- Low-voltage 3.0 V operation versus 4.5 V minimum (vs PIC16C558-04/P)
- In-system reprogrammability versus one-time-only OTP (vs PIC16F88-I/P)
Design Notes
PIC16LC558-04E/P operates from 3.0 V to 5.5 V; place a 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (pin 5) and another near Vss (pin 14). For battery-powered designs, the LC process yields lower quiescent current than the C variant, so favor LC parts for sub-1 mA standby budgets. Estimated: at Vdd=5V and 4MHz oscillator, typical IDD is 2 mA active / 1 uA sleep; verify against datasheet for production tolerance.
The MCLR/Vpp pin (pin 1) requires a 10 kohm pull-up resistor to Vdd for proper reset operation in noisy environments. If in-circuit programming is required, route MCLR/Vpp to a programming header pin with no series resistance. Place the 4 MHz crystal or resonator close to OSC1 (pin 8) and OSC2 (pin 9) with short traces and a ground guard ring for noise immunity.
PIC16LC558 lacks internal brown-out reset (BOR); in 12V automotive rails regulated to 5V, a slow-rising or sagging Vdd may cause code-execution errors during power transitions. Add an external voltage supervisor (e.g., MCP100 or MCP809) tied to MCLR for robust power-on behavior. The OTP memory cannot be erased - verify firmware with a windowed or Flash-equivalent PIC16F88-I/P before committing to OTP programming.
Compliance Information
RoHS, REACH, lead-free and halogen-free statuses are [DATA_NEEDED] in current data set. AEC-Q100 not applicable (automotive temperature grade only, not full AEC-Q100 qualification). Conflict-mineral compliance statement per Microchip standard policy.
