PIC16LC620-04/SS - 4MHz 8-bit OTP MCU 896B EPROM | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC620-04/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.85 | $4.85 |
| 10 | $4.42 | $44.20 |
| 100 | $3.95 | $395.00 |
| 500 | $3.4 | $1,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.95 | $2,950.00 |
PIC16LC620-04/SS Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU core, program memory, data memory, peripherals, and I/O on one substrate. The PIC16LC620 family historically sits in the legacy PIC16C/LC mid-range tier, mapping to the broader product hierarchy: microcontroller -> embedded MCU -> semiconductor -> electronic component. The LC sub-family specifically targets low-voltage and low-quiescent-current operation, distinguishing it from standard PIC16C parts that operate on a wider supply range. EPROM-based program memory is one-time-programmable (OTP) and shadow-programmed by Microchip for high-volume customers, offering low unit cost in fully tested, windowed-less packaging.
Key features include a 35-instruction RISC instruction set, 2 hardware timer modules, a watchdog timer, and a brown-out/reset circuit for fail-safe operation. The 13 I/O pins support direct LED drive and 5 V tolerant interfacing. The 4 MHz maximum oscillator input translates to a 1 microsecond instruction cycle via the 4-clock-per-instruction PIC core, enabling simple state-machine and timing-control code without external clock multiplication. Programming is performed via Microchip's standard ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) protocol, although the LC620 is supplied factory-programmed when ordered through Microchip Direct.
Architecture is a Harvard-class 8-bit RISC core with separate program and data buses, 14-bit wide instruction words, and a two-stage pipeline that executes most instructions in one cycle. The CMOS EPROM cell structure yields low dynamic power dissipation proportional to clock rate, which is why the LC variant is favored in standby-dominant products such as remote controls, sensor front ends, and metering encoders. The internal oscillator and reset architecture eliminate many external components, supporting compact PCB layouts.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, low-end remote-control encoders, security keypads, sensor signal conditioning front ends, simple motor control drivers, white-goods user interfaces, and industrial timing/sequencing modules. Industrial temperature grade (and commercial, depending on suffix) supports harsh-environment deployments with long-life product cycles.
When selecting this MCU, note that production status is legacy/Obsolete for many LC620 SKUs - confirm lifetime-buy availability on Microchip Direct before design-in, and consider PIC16F648A-I/SS or PIC16F716 drop-in Flash replacements for new designs. The 04 speed suffix denotes 4 MHz max, while the /SS suffix denotes 20-pin SSOP package; verify operating voltage (LC = 2.5-6 V) is compatible with your supply rail.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the PIC16LC620-04/SS for legacy maintenance versus migration to Flash-based MCUs.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620-04/SS — 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 PIC16LC620-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Program Memory Size, Package, Program Memory Type, RAM Size.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC620A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F648A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F716-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC620-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (0.875 KB) |
| RAM Size | 80 bytes |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (SS) |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Number of Pins | 20 |
| Connectivity | None (standalone MCU) |
| Peripherals | Watchdog Timer, Brown-out Reset, POR |
| Lead Free / RoHS | Confirmed via Distributor (status varies by revision) |
PIC16LC620-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 / MCLR input (alternate) |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / T0CKI clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear reset input / programming voltage |
| 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 / ICSPCLK |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 / ICSPDAT |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.0 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 1 |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 5 / SS (slave select) |
| Pin 20 | VSS — Ground reference (secondary) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Remote Control Encoders, Appliance Control Boards, Security Keypad and Sensor Nodes, Industrial Timing and Sequencing Modules, Automotive Interior Accessories (Legacy), Simple Motor Control Drivers.
Consumer Remote Control Encoders
The PIC16LC620-04/SS is well-suited to low-cost IR/RF remote-control encoder duties where compact SSOP-20 packaging, low standby current, and 13 GPIO allow direct switch-matrix scanning plus high-frequency carrier generation. Its 0.875 KB EPROM holds a 35-instruction RISC program that handles button debounce, repeat-key, and protocol transmit code without external memory. Operating from a single 3 V battery cell (2.5 V minimum), it draws microamp-level current during standby, satisfying multi-year battery life. Unlike Flash-based alternatives, OTP EPROM is cost-optimized for high-volume single-program SKUs.
Recommended
Appliance Control Boards
In washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave oven user interfaces, the PIC16LC620-04/SS provides a low-BOM microcontroller with built-in watchdog timer, brown-out reset, and POR - critical for white-goods safety. The 13 GPIO directly drive 7-segment LED displays and keypads without external logic, while the 80-byte RAM supports simple state machines for cycle sequencing. Operating across 2.5 V to 6.0 V, it accepts 5 V regulated rails from a wide-input offline supply. EPROM-based OTP gives low per-unit cost at high-volume appliance production.
Recommended
Security Keypad and Sensor Nodes
For low-cost wired security keypads and PIR-sensor front ends, the PIC16LC620-04/SS fits the bill with its 13 GPIO supporting 4x4 matrix keypads plus piezo buzzer output, and integrated watchdog timer that resets the MCU on firmware hang. The brown-out detector ensures clean reset during power-line events, while the 2.5 V minimum supply lets the part run from linear regulators fed by 5 V or battery-backed supplies. OTP EPROM encrypts firmware against easy read-out, an asset in anti-tamper security designs.
Recommended
Industrial Timing and Sequencing Modules
Industrial timing relays and process-sequencing modules benefit from the PIC16LC620-04/SS's built-in watchdog, brown-out reset, and 2.5-6.0 V supply range while serving 24 V logic-side rails through simple regulators. Its 35-instruction RISC core executes deterministic 1 microsecond cycle instructions, ideal for repeating time-base code without RTOS overhead. The SSOP-20 package fits crowded PLC-style boards with high component density. Industrial grade -04I suffix expands the operating range for harsh factory environments.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Accessories (Legacy)
For non-critical legacy automotive interior accessories such as glove-box lamps, vanity-mirror controls, or aftermarket alarm remotes, the PIC16LC620-04/SS provides reliable 13-GPIO control in a compact SSOP-20 form. Its 2.5 V minimum supply accepts 5 V regulated battery feeds while maintaining brown-out reset for cranking transients. Designers should note that AEC-Q100 qualification is not available on this part - automotive safety-critical designs require PIC16F648A-I/SS or higher-grade Flash MCUs.
Recommended
Simple Motor Control Drivers
Low-power DC motor direction/duty-cycle control in fans, pumps, and small appliances benefits from the PIC16LC620-04/SS's 13 GPIO (PWM generated via firmware) and 80-byte RAM to hold ramp profiles. The integrated POR and watchdog keep motor drives safe through brown-out events, while the SSOP-20 footprint is compact enough to fit alongside power MOSFETs in small form factors. Designers should add external gate drivers and current sense; the LC620's role is sequencing and PWM, not high-current switching.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620A-04I/SS | PIC16LC620-04I/SS | PIC16LC620-04E/SS | PIC16F648A-I/SS | PIC16F716-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same | Microchip Technology - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B EPROM (OTP) | 896 B EPROM | 896 B EPROM | 896 B EPROM | 4 KB Flash (reprogrammable) | 8 KB Flash (reprogrammable) |
| RAM Size | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 256 B | 368 B |
| Max Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 20 MHz |
| Operating Voltage | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.5 V to 6.0 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Active |
| Unit Price (1-pc, USD) | $4.85 | ~$4.50 | ~$4.85 | ~$5.00 | ~$2.40 | ~$3.20 |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost OTP EPROM part in SSOP-20 across PIC16LC620 family (vs PIC16F648A-I/SS)
- Pin-to-pin drop-in to modern Flash-based PIC16F648A-I/SS (vs PIC16F648A-I/SS)
- Active supply chain through Microchip legacy support (vs PIC16C56-HS/SS)
Design Notes
Estimated: At VDD=5 V and active mode at 4 MHz, the PIC16LC620-04/SS draws approximately 2 mA active and 1 microamp sleep. Add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor directly between VDD (pin 14) and VSS (pin 5) within 5 mm of the device. For Brown-Out Reset stability at the 2.5 V minimum supply, ensure regulator load-transient response is below 50 mV drop. - severity: critical
Place the decoupling capacitor on VDD and the MCLR/VPP pull-up (typically 10 kohm to VDD) as close to the SSOP-20 package as physically possible. Keep the OSC1/OSC2 traces short (under 10 mm) and routed symmetrically; for crystal operation, add 10-30 pF load capacitors to GND per Microchip's Crystal Oscillator Application Note section. Avoid routing high-current switching signals under the SSOP pads. - severity: recommended
The PIC16LC620-04/SS uses EPROM (OTP) program memory - once programmed, it cannot be erased. Always prototype with a Flash equivalent (PIC16F648A-I/SS) first, then commit finalized firmware to OTP LC620 SKUs for production. Watchdog timer must be enabled in firmware and reset periodically or the MCU will reset every ~18 ms. MCLR cannot be left floating - tie to VDD through 10 kohm or define as reset-controlled by firmware. - severity: critical
The SSOP-20 package has theta_JA approximately 91 C/W in still air. At VDD=5 V and active mode drawing 2 mA, power dissipation is 10 mW yielding negligible junction temperature rise (under 1 C). However, in high-temperature industrial enclosures (>60 C), consider the -04I industrial variant instead of the commercial -04/SS. - severity: optional
Compliance Information
Lifecycle status Obsolete. RoHS/REACH compliance not verified in provided data; historical Microchip OTP MCUs vary by date code. AEC-Q100 not applicable - product not automotive qualified. Verify compliance status against specific distributor lot before procurement.
