PIC16LC558-04E/SO - 4MHz 8-Bit OTP MCU 18-SOIC | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC558-04E/SO ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.4 | $3.40 |
| 10 | $3.06 | $30.60 |
| 100 | $2.72 | $272.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.18 | $2,180.00 |
PIC16LC558-04E/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer built around an 8-bit data path, integrating a CPU core, program memory (ROM/Flash/OTP), data RAM, and peripheral set. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, 8-bit MCUs sit below 32-bit Cortex-M devices and above 4-bit controllers. The PIC16C sub-family specifically uses a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Harvard architecture with separated program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and data access for predictable real-time behaviour.
Key features of the PIC16LC558 include an integrated watchdog timer, power-on reset, brown-out detect, 13 I/O pins, and two 8-bit timers (Timer0/Timer2) plus one 16-bit Timer1. The OTP program memory is factory-programmable once, making the part suitable for medium-volume production where mask ROM economics are not justified but in-system reprogrammability is not required.
The device architecture uses 35 single-word instructions with most executing in a single instruction cycle (4 clock periods), giving an effective throughput of 1 MIPS at 4MHz. Peripherals support interrupt-on-change on PORTB and a 5-channel 8-bit ADC on higher-pin siblings, while the LC558 itself offers digital I/O and timer resources. The LC designation confirms the low-voltage, lower-power CMOS variant of the PIC16C5x/558 line.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, sensor signal conditioning front-ends, LED driving controllers, and low-cost industrial timer/replacement logic. The wide 2.5V-5.5V range also supports battery-powered devices such as remote controls and toys. Designers select the OTP variant when unit cost matters more than field reprogrammability.
When designing with this device, ensure the oscillator configuration matches the application: the LC558 supports RC, crystal, and internal oscillator modes selected via configuration bits. The OTP nature means firmware must be verified before programming, and unused I/O pins should be configured as outputs to minimize quiescent current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and engineering design notes for the PIC16LC558-04E/SO that the bare manufacturer datasheet does not present in a single place.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC558-04E/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 PIC16LC558-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Watchdog Timer, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC558-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC558-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554T-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC554T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F88-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC558-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit RISC PIC16C (Harvard) |
| Family | PIC PIC® 16C |
| Series | PIC16LC558 |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Program Memory Size | 3.5 KB (2K x 14 words) |
| RAM Size | 128 x 8 bytes |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Set Width | 14 bits |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range (E suffix) | -40C to +125C |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0), 1 x 8-bit (TMR2), 1 x 16-bit (TMR1) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes (WDT) |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.295 inch / 7.50 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Pin Count | 18 |
PIC16LC558-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 (digital I/O, interrupt-on-change) |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock out |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock in |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC558-04E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Remote Control, Industrial Timer and Counter Module, LED Lighting Controller, Low-Cost Toy and Hobby Electronics, Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-End.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LC558-04E/SO fits consumer appliance control panels where its 3.5 KB OTP program memory holds pre-defined timer, indicator, and keypad-scan routines while 13 I/O pins drive 7-segment displays, status LEDs, and relay coils. The 4 MHz CPU provides roughly 1 MIPS of effective throughput, more than sufficient for slow polling loops at 100 Hz keypad scan rates. The -40C to +125C extended temperature range supports kitchen and laundry environments where ambient heat near heating elements regularly exceeds 85C, and the OTP architecture prevents firmware extraction from production units to protect OEM intellectual property.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Remote Control
The PIC16LC558-04E/SO suits battery-powered remote controls where the 2.5V to 5.5V supply range accepts two or three alkaline cells directly without a boost regulator, and the CMOS core draws under 2 mA at 4 MHz with most current consumed by output-pin drivers. The internal watchdog timer protects against software lockups when the user leaves the device idle, and the OTP memory ensures firmware cannot be tampered with to clone the IR/RF protocol. The 18-SOIC package fits behind a small PCB near the keypad matrix, and the industrial temperature grade covers outdoor and automotive cabin environments.
Recommended
Industrial Timer and Counter Module
The PIC16LC558-04E/SO serves industrial timer/counter modules where its Timer0, Timer1 and Timer2 peripherals handle pulse counting, debounced input sensing, and PWM output to drive optocouplers or solid-state relays. The 13 digital I/O pins map cleanly to discrete logic replacement boards where multiple 555 timers used to live, and the brown-out reset plus watchdog keep the unit latched through noisy industrial supply events. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade handles cabinet mounting near motors and contactors, and the OTP memory prevents end users from modifying the timing constants set by the OEM.
Recommended
LED Lighting Controller
The PIC16LC558-04E/SO acts as a small LED lighting controller where the 4 MHz core drives PWM-based dimming on multiple channels through the Timer2 module while software manages colour-mixing tables, fade transitions, and user-input buttons. The wide 2.5V to 5.5V supply accepts power from a single Li-ion cell or from a 5V USB rail, and the 13 I/O pins handle several RGB channels plus rotary-encoder or capacitive-touch inputs. The OTP memory locks the firmware so lighting fixtures cannot be reprogrammed to bypass licensing or warranty terms, and the extended temperature range supports enclosed luminaire housings that can reach 70C ambient.
Recommended
Low-Cost Toy and Hobby Electronics
The PIC16LC558-04E/SO drives low-cost hobby electronics such as model-train controllers, electronic dice, educational STEM kits, and animatronic toys where the OTP program memory locks in pre-programmed behaviour that children cannot accidentally corrupt by pulling programming pins. The 4 MHz clock produces visible PWM at modest frequencies for servo control, and the 13 I/O pins drive small DC motors via BJT or MOSFET drivers. The 2.5V to 5.5V supply accepts two AA cells, and the extended temperature range survives storage in attics, garages and outdoor play environments from -40C to +125C.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Front-End
The PIC16LC558-04E/SO operates as a sensor front-end controller that reads digital sensors over GPIO bit-banging, performs simple linearisation or threshold detection in software, and outputs the result over UART, I2C bit-bang, or a PWM rail for an external ADC. The 4 MHz CPU executes calibration and self-test routines in single-cycle instruction slots, and the 3.5 KB OTP memory holds lookup tables for thermistor linearisation, NTC Beta compensation, and per-unit offset trimming written at factory calibration. The 128-byte RAM keeps recent sample windows in scratch memory, and the extended temperature grade handles outdoor sensor housings exposed to -40C winter cold and +125C direct summer sun.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC558-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC558-04I/SO | PIC16LC558-04/SO | PIC16LC554T-04I/SO | PIC16F88-I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same | 18-SOIC (7.50 mm) - same |
| Program Memory | 3.5 KB OTP | 3.5 KB OTP - same | 3.5 KB OTP - same | 0.875 KB OTP (-75%) | 4 KB Flash (+14%) |
| Maximum Clock | 4 MHz | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 4 MHz - same | 20 MHz (+400%) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (E grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (I grade) | -40C to +85C (I grade) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - same | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP - same | OTP - same | OTP - same | Flash (in-circuit programmable) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active |
| Pin Count | 18 | 18 - same | 18 - same | 18 - same | 18 - same |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +125C industrial temperature grade (vs PIC16LC558-04I/SO)
- OTP one-time programmable architecture (vs PIC16F88-I/SO)
- Low-voltage CMOS LC process for 2.5V operation (vs PIC16C558-04E/SO (non-LC variant))
Design Notes
Estimated: route a single 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor from VDD (pin 14) directly to VSS (pin 5) within 5 mm of the package pins to suppress digital switching noise. Place MCLR (pin 4) with a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD and a 100 nF cap to ground to ensure clean reset behaviour during brown-out events, per Microchip PIC16C5x hardware design guidelines. Keep crystal traces (OSC1/OSC2) short and surround them with a ground guard ring to limit EMI coupling into adjacent analog traces.
Estimated: the OTP nature of PIC16LC558 means firmware cannot be re-flashed in-circuit - production code must be fully validated before programming, and a single bad batch consumes all inventory. Configuration bits (oscillator selection, watchdog enable, code protection) are also OTP and cannot be modified after programming, so engineers must review CONFIG register settings at the same time as the application code review. The 18-SOIC package is not pin-compatible with 18-pin DIP (PIC16C558-04/P variants require separate PCB footprints).
Estimated: at VDD=5V and FOSC=4 MHz, the PIC16LC558 draws approximately 2 mA active, dropping to under 5 uA in SLEEP mode. For battery-powered designs, use the SLEEP instruction combined with watchdog timer wake-up to drop average current below 50 uA for duty-cycled applications. Brown-out detect should be enabled to prevent code execution at low VDD where EEPROM read/write integrity is no longer guaranteed. Refer to Microchip PIC16C558 datasheet section on power management for exact figures.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q100 not qualified - the PIC16LC558 is a general-purpose OTP MCU without automotive qualification. RoHS/REACH/lead-free status was not present in the Verified Web Data and is marked [DATA_NEEDED]. Microchip Technology publishes a general Conflict Minerals Declaration confirming CMRT compliance across the PIC portfolio.