PIC16LC620-04I/P - 4MHz, 8-Bit CMOS MCU, 896B OTP | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC620-04I/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.63 | $2.63 |
| 10 | $2.4 | $24.00 |
| 100 | $2.18 | $218.00 |
| 500 | $1.96 | $980.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.78 | $1,780.00 |
PIC16LC620-04I/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (ROM/RAM), and programmable I/O peripherals. The PIC16LC620 belongs to the PIC16C family, which sits within the broader taxonomy: PIC16C -> PIC16 family -> 8-bit PIC microcontrollers -> PIC microcontrollers -> microcontrollers -> embedded processors -> semiconductors. The PIC16C series uses a RISC-based Harvard architecture with only 35 single-cycle instructions (200 ns at 20 MHz input, or 1 us at 4 MHz), enabling deterministic execution suitable for real-time control applications.
Key features include 13 I/O pins, 80 bytes of RAM, an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0), a watchdog timer, power-on reset, power-saving SLEEP mode, and a 14-bit wide instruction word with an 8-bit wide data path. The two-level hardware stack supports subroutine nesting, while direct, indirect, and relative addressing modes provide flexible memory access for C and assembly development. The device operates across the industrial temperature range and integrates an internal RC oscillator option to reduce external component count.
The PIC16LC620's low-voltage CMOS process allows operation down to 2.5 V, an advantage versus standard 5 V-only PIC16C620 parts. This makes it well suited to portable instrumentation, 3 V battery systems, and energy-harvesting nodes. The architecture supports in-circuit serial programming (ICSP) through the RB6/RB7 pins, enabling field updates and factory calibration without removing the device from the board.
Typical applications include consumer appliance control, low-end remote-control transmitters, LED driver controllers, simple sensor interfaces, automotive interior sub-modules, and battery-powered embedded subsystems. Designers select the PIC16LC620 when they need deterministic 8-bit performance with the flexibility of OTP memory for moderate-volume production.
When designing with the PIC16LC620-04I/P, note that the '04' speed grade denotes 4 MHz operation versus the 20 MHz '20' grade. Verify that the MCLR, VDD, VSS, OSC1/OSC2, and ICSP pin assignments match your existing layout before substituting a higher-speed variant, as pin-compatible PIC16LC620A or PIC16F628 drop-ins may require firmware changes due to enhanced peripheral register maps.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes drawn from the Microchip datasheet and reference designs - information not consolidated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620-04I/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 PIC16LC620-04I/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Core Architecture, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC620-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628-04I/P
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F870-I/SP
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC58B-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.86 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04I/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | PIC 8-bit RISC (Harvard) |
| Series | PIC16C (low-power 'LC' CMOS variant) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14 words), OTP |
| RAM Size | 80 B |
| EEPROM Size | None (OTP only) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 1 us at 4 MHz (200 ns at 20 MHz input equivalent architecture) |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | 1 x 8-bit (TMR0) |
| Watchdog Timer | Yes |
| Number of Instructions | 35 (single-cycle, except branches) |
| Stack Depth | 2 levels (hardware) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial, 'I' suffix) |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 inch / 7.62 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROM |
| ICSP (In-Circuit Serial Programming) | Yes (via RB6/RB7) |
| Power-on Reset | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per distributor listings) |
PIC16LC620-04I/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master clear reset (active low) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 2 | RA0 — PORTA bit 0 (digital I/O, analog-capable on A variant) |
| Pin 3 | RA1 — PORTA bit 1 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 4 | RA2 — PORTA bit 2 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 5 | RA3 — PORTA bit 3 (digital I/O) |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — PORTA bit 4 / Timer0 clock input (open-drain on some revisions) |
| Pin 7 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 8 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator crystal input / external clock input |
| Pin 9 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator crystal output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 10 | RB0/INT — PORTB bit 0 / external interrupt input |
| Pin 11 | RB1 — PORTB bit 1 |
| Pin 12 | RB2 — PORTB bit 2 |
| Pin 13 | RB3 — PORTB bit 3 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 14 | RB4 — PORTB bit 4 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 15 | RB5 — PORTB bit 5 (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 16 | RB6 — PORTB bit 6 / ICSP clock (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 17 | RB7 — PORTB bit 7 / ICSP data (interrupt-on-change capable) |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620-04I/P is suitable for 7 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Remote Control Transmitters, LED Lighting Drivers, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Automotive Interior Sub-Modules, Industrial Control Panels, Simple Timer / Counter Modules.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LC620-04I/P fits consumer appliance control (washing machines, microwave user interfaces, rice cookers) because its 13 I/O pins are sufficient for keypad scan, LED/LCD drive, and relay/buzzer outputs, while the 4 MHz instruction cycle delivers deterministic response under 1 us. The 2.5-6.25 V supply range accepts direct 3-cell battery or rectified-5 V rails, eliminating level shifters. OTP memory at 896 B (512 x 14) holds typical appliance state machines plus a small UI lookup table. PIC's 35-instruction RISC core simplifies assembly coding for cost-sensitive consumer production.
Recommended
Remote Control Transmitters
The PIC16LC620-04I/P is well suited to IR/RF remote-control transmitters where low standby current and small code footprint matter. SLEEP mode plus watchdog wake-up let a coin-cell battery last years, and 896 B of OTP program memory easily accommodates RC5/SIRC/NEC encoder tables. The 13 I/O pins drive up to a 4x4 keypad matrix plus a status LED and IR emitter transistor. Industrial -40 to +85 C temperature grade handles garage-door and outdoor remote environments. The 'LC' 2.5 V minimum enables 2 x AA alkaline supply without boost conversion.
Recommended
LED Lighting Drivers
In LED lighting driver MCUs, the PIC16LC620-04I/P provides timing control and current-loop feedback without the cost of a dedicated LED driver IC. Its 8-bit TMR0 plus software PWM generate dimming signals; 13 I/O pins interface with high-side MOSFET gates, photodiode feedback, and thermal sensors. The 2.5-6.25 V supply range simplifies integration with constant-current LED strings at 3.3 V or 5 V rails. OTP memory locks the dimming curve and thermal fold-back algorithm at production time, preventing field tampering.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
For battery-powered sensor nodes (temperature, humidity, contact closure), the PIC16LC620-04I/P's low-voltage CMOS process and SLEEP-mode current suit multi-year coin-cell operation. 13 I/O pins connect to a sensor front-end, an SPI/I2C ADC, and a low-power radio enable line. The 80 B RAM is sufficient for buffered sensor samples before burst transmission. Industrial -40 to +85 C temperature grade covers outdoor and cold-chain deployments. The 4 MHz clock grade balances ADC sample-rate headroom with active-mode current consumption.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Sub-Modules
The PIC16LC620-04I/P appears in cost-sensitive automotive interior sub-modules such as mirror controls, simple HVAC mode switches, and seat-position indicators. Its 13 I/O pins handle switch matrix scan and LED/buzzer feedback. The industrial -40 to +85 C temperature grade meets cabin requirements; for under-hood or engine-bay locations, the PIC16LC620-04E/P extended-temperature variant is required. OTP memory locks the calibration and prevents dealer reflash. Watchdog timer plus power-on reset keep the module reliable across cranking transients.
Recommended
Industrial Control Panels
In industrial control panels and HMI keypads, the PIC16LC620-04I/P scans a 4x4 matrix and drives 7-segment displays or status LEDs through its 13 I/O pins. The 4 MHz instruction cycle handles debounce and key-repeat logic without software overhead. OTP memory stores panel configuration and ID strings, simplifying end-of-line programming. The 2.5-6.25 V supply accepts 24 V industrial bus power through a simple linear regulator. The 'I' industrial temperature grade covers factory-floor ambient ranges from -40 to +85 C.
Recommended
Simple Timer / Counter Modules
The PIC16LC620-04I/P excels in standalone timer/counter modules (laundry delay relays, irrigation controllers, parking-meter timers) where its 8-bit TMR0 with prescaler and watchdog form the entire timing engine. 13 I/O pins drive the relay, pushbutton input, status LED, and serial debug output. The 4 MHz instruction cycle provides sub-millisecond timing resolution, sufficient for minute-to-day scheduling via software counters. The 'LC' 2.5 V minimum suits 3 V battery backup across brownout events.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620-04I/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620-04E/P | PIC16LC620A-04I/P | PIC16F628-04I/P | PIC16LC58B-04/P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 inch) | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same | 18-pin PDIP - same |
| Program Memory | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 896 B (512 x 14) OTP | 2 K x 14 Flash | 2 K x 12 OTP |
| RAM Size | 80 B | 80 B | 80 B | 224 B | 73 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (20 MHz grade also exists) | 4 MHz |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 3.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +125 C (extended) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 12 |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | OTP EPROM | Flash | OTP EPROM |
| Internal Peripherals | TMR0, WDT, POR | TMR0, WDT, POR | TMR0, WDT, POR, CCP | TMR0/1/2, WDT, USART, CCP/PWM, POR | TMR0, WDT, POR |
Key Differentiators
- Low-voltage 2.5 V operation versus standard PIC16C620's 3.0 V minimum (vs PIC16C620-04I/P)
- Extended industrial temperature range across -40 to +85 C (vs PIC16LC620-04/P (commercial 0 to +70 C))
- Pin-compatible Flash upgrade path (vs PIC16F628-04I/P)
- Silicon-revision drop-in with enhanced peripherals (vs PIC16LC620A-04I/P)
Design Notes
The PIC16LC620-04I/P accepts 2.5-6.25 V on VDD (pin 18). For 3-cell alkaline or 3.3 V regulated supplies, add a 100 nF decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of VDD plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the regulator output. During SLEEP mode the part draws microamp-level current; use the watchdog timer for periodic wake-up rather than polling to maximize battery life. Per the Microchip datasheet (DS30213D), VDD rise time must be monotonic to guarantee proper power-on reset (POR) - if the supply ramps slowly, add an external RC on MCLR to extend the reset window.
Place the 4 MHz crystal or resonator within 5 mm of OSC1 (pin 8) and OSC2 (pin 9) with short, symmetric traces. Add a guard ground ring around the oscillator to reduce EMI coupling into the ADC or comparator inputs. MCLR (pin 1) requires a 10 kohm pull-up to VDD; if ICSP programming is required, route RB6 (pin 16) and RB7 (pin 17) directly to the 5-pin ICSP header with no series resistors. Keep switching converter nodes and relay coils at least 10 mm from the crystal to avoid jitter.
Do not assume the PIC16LC620-04I/P firmware will run on the PIC16LC620A without re-validation: the 'A' silicon revision adds CCP and changes some SFR bit assignments. Do not exceed 6.25 V on VDD - the absolute maximum is 7.0 V per the datasheet, but sustained operation above 6.25 V is not characterized. The 4 MHz grade means external clock or crystal above 4 MHz will violate the timing spec; for higher speeds, choose the '20' grade variant. OTP memory cannot be erased - verify code in a Flash-equivalent (PIC16F628) before committing to OTP programming.
The PIC16LC620-04I/P in 18-pin PDIP dissipates negligible power (<50 mW) under normal 4 MHz operation, so no heatsinking is required. However, at industrial -40 to +85 C ambient, verify that oscillator start-up is reliable across the full temperature range - low-temperature crystal ESR can prevent oscillation with marginal load capacitors. Estimated: at 4 MHz with 5 V VDD and 13 active I/O lines, IDD is approximately 2 mA active and <1 uA in SLEEP, yielding a junction temperature rise well under 5 C above ambient.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance confirmed via DigiKey product listing (PN 218039). Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets consumer/industrial rather than automotive safety-critical applications. Halogen-free status not stated on the verified distributor listings.
