PIC16LC620A-04/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU, 896B EPROM, 18-SOIC
MPN: PIC16LC620A-04/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.45 | $3.45 |
| 10 | $3.1 | $31.00 |
| 100 | $2.78 | $278.00 |
| 500 | $2.45 | $1,225.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.15 | $2,150.00 |
PIC16LC620A-04/SO Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, memory (program + data), and peripherals on one die, optimized for embedded control tasks where deterministic real-time response, low power, and small footprint outweigh raw computational throughput. Within the semiconductor hierarchy, this PIC16LC620A belongs to the 8-bit MCU category, which sits below 16-bit and 32-bit MCUs in raw compute power but above pure discrete logic in functional integration. The "RISC" Harvard architecture used by PIC MCUs separates program and data buses, allowing simultaneous instruction fetch and operand access for predictable interrupt latency.
Key specifications of the PIC16LC620A-04/SO include 4 MHz maximum clock speed, 896 bytes (512 x 14) of OTP program memory organized as 14-bit words, 96 bytes of general-purpose RAM, 36 bytes of special-function registers, 12 digital I/O pins, and a wide 2.5V to 6.25V supply range that supports both battery-powered and 5V regulated systems. The 18-pin SOIC (Small Outline IC) package offers a compact 0.300-inch wide plastic footprint suitable for surface-mount assembly on standard PCBs, while retaining pin compatibility with the broader PIC16C62x family for design reuse.
The architecture uses a 14-bit wide instruction set, an 8-bit data path, and seven or eight special-function hardware registers. Two-level deep hardware stack supports subroutine nesting, while direct, indirect, and relative addressing modes give the compiler flexibility for efficient code generation. Brown-out detection, a watchdog timer, and an internal RC oscillator reduce external component count for cost-sensitive industrial control, metering, and low-power board designs.
Typical applications include industrial control subsystems, IoT edge nodes, embedded automation, motor-control interface logic, electronic metering, and general-purpose low-power board designs where deterministic 8-bit processing and OTP one-time programming provide a low-cost, code-protected solution. The wide supply range simplifies designs that must operate from unregulated battery rails.
When designing with the PIC16LC620A-04/SO, verify that the 4 MHz instruction rate is sufficient for your real-time loop. Because this is an OTP part, code cannot be erased or rewritten - choose the PIC16F62x Flash equivalent for development or field-updateable production. Programming requires a Microchip MPLAB PM3, ICD, or PICkit programmer that supports the PIC16C620A device ID.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, datasheet pinouts, and drop-in alternative MPNs not found in any single manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a one-stop comparison resource for the PIC16LC62x family.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620A-04/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 PIC16LC620A-04/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, I/O Pins, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC620A-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.96 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.07 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620T-04/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.82 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628-I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F84A-04/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC620A-04/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Family | PIC® 16C |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| RAM Size | 96 B |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Instruction Word Width | 14-bit |
| Data Path Width | 8-bit |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Addressing Modes | Direct, Indirect, Relative |
| Package | 18-SOIC (0.300 inch, plastic) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | Commercial (0C to +70C) - per part suffix |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC620A-04/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | MCLR/VPP — Master Clear (reset) input / programming voltage |
| Pin 2 | RA0/AN0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input 0 |
| Pin 3 | RA1/AN1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input 1 |
| Pin 4 | RA2/AN2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input 2 |
| Pin 5 | RA3/AN3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input 3 |
| Pin 6 | RA4/T0CKI — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 7 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 8 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 9 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 10 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output |
| Pin 11 | RB0/INT — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620A-04/SO is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Subsystems, Low-Power IoT Edge Nodes, Electronic Metering and Energy Monitoring, Motor Control Interface Logic, Consumer Appliance Control Boards, Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety), Embedded Automation and Hobby Projects.
Industrial Control Subsystems
The PIC16LC620A-04/SO fits industrial control subsystems where deterministic 8-bit processing drives relays, solenoids, and sensor front-ends. Its 4 MHz instruction clock delivers 1 MIPS throughput, sufficient for slow PLC-style scan loops, while the 12 I/O pins handle digital inputs from limit switches and outputs to MOSFET drivers. The wide 2.5V-6.25V supply range simplifies designs that must run from 24V industrial rails stepped down to 5V. OTP memory protects proprietary control firmware from read-back, and the 18-SOIC package with 0.300-inch width remains compatible with hand-soldered prototype boards and high-volume SMT lines alike. Pair with an external watchdog supervisor and TVS protection for harsh factory-floor environments.
Recommended
Low-Power IoT Edge Nodes
For battery-powered IoT edge nodes such as remote sensors, smart-meter endpoints, and HVAC zone controllers, the PIC16LC620A-04/SO's CMOS architecture and 2.5V minimum supply let it run from two AA cells down to their end-of-life voltage. The 96 bytes of RAM is enough to buffer small sensor packets before forwarding via UART or SPI to a radio module. At 4 MHz clock the core draws only a few mA, and the brown-out detector protects memory integrity during battery brown-outs. Although OTP, the part is ideal for sealed IoT nodes whose firmware is fully locked at production. For OTA-upgradeable designs, prefer the Flash-based PIC16F628 sibling.
Recommended
Electronic Metering and Energy Monitoring
Electronic metering applications such as electricity submeters, water-flow counters, and gas-leak detectors benefit from the PIC16LC620A-04/SO's deterministic 8-bit arithmetic, low-voltage operation, and tamper-resistant OTP program memory. The 14-bit instruction word allows compact BCD and fixed-point math for accumulating pulse counts from front-end metering ICs. The 12 I/O pins handle LCD segment drivers, keypad inputs, and pulse-output relays. Operating voltage down to 2.5V supports single-cell lithium thionyl chloride metering batteries that must last 10+ years. The 18-SOIC package is small enough for in-meter PCB layouts and reflow-compatible for automated assembly.
Recommended
Motor Control Interface Logic
The PIC16LC620A-04/SO serves as auxiliary control logic in motor-drive systems, generating PWM timing signals, decoding Hall-effect sensor inputs, and sequencing power-stage enables. Its 4 MHz instruction rate suits low-RPM brushed-DC and small stepper drives where switching frequencies stay below 20 kHz. The 12 I/O pins multiplex Hall-sensor inputs, direction-control outputs, and fault-flag inputs from external current-sense comparators. The wide 2.5V-6.25V supply lets the PIC run from the same 5V rail as gate drivers, simplifying board layout. For BLDC or FOC drives requiring faster control loops, consider upgrading to a dsPIC30F such as DSPIC30F4011.
Recommended
Consumer Appliance Control Boards
White-goods control boards (washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, and small kitchen appliances) commonly pair the PIC16LC620A-04/SO with a triac-driven load switch, buzzer, and 7-segment display. The 12 I/O pins drive keypad scanning, LED indicators, and relay coils, while the 4 MHz core handles button debouncing, timing sequences, and safety interlocks. OTP memory locks in safety-critical appliance firmware that must comply with regulatory certification, preventing field tampering. The 18-SOIC surface-mount package supports high-volume SMT assembly lines used by appliance OEMs. Operating from 5V supplies commonly derived from capacitive droppers keeps BOM cost low.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics (Non-Safety)
Non-safety automotive body modules such as interior lighting controllers, seat-position memory, and mirror-adjust switches can use the PIC16LC620A-04/SO with the industrial-grade -04I/SO or extended -04E/SO temperature variants. Its 2.5V-6.25V supply survives 12V battery transients after external regulation, while the 12 I/O pins multiplex switch inputs, LED drivers, and LIN-bus transceiver handshake lines. For safety-critical modules such as airbag controllers or ABS, designers should select AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F or dsPIC33 parts rather than the OTP PIC16LC620A family.
Recommended
Embedded Automation and Hobby Projects
The PIC16LC620A-04/SO remains popular in educational and hobbyist projects because of its simple RISC instruction set, well-documented assembly language, and abundant online tutorial resources. With 896 bytes of OTP program memory, students can complete meaningful projects such as LED chasers, temperature-sensor readers with UART output, or stepper-motor sequencers without burning out Flash endurance budgets. The 18-SOIC breakout board is widely available and breadboard-friendly when paired with a SOIC-to-DIP adapter. Programming uses the Microchip PICkit 3/4 or MPLAB PM3, both of which support the PIC16C620A device ID.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620A-04/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620A-04I/SO | PIC16LC620A-04E/SO | PIC16LC620T-04/SO | PIC16LC620-04/SO | PIC16F628-I/SO | PIC16F84A-04/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 18-SOIC | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same | 18-SOIC - same |
| Program Memory Type | OTP EPROM (896 B) | OTP EPROM (896 B) | OTP EPROM (896 B) | OTP EPROM (896 B) | OTP EPROM (896 B) | Flash (2048 B) | Flash (1024 B) |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz (20 MHz on F628) | 4 MHz (10 MHz on F84A) |
| Operating Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 2.5 V to 6.25 V | 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 | 2.0 V to 6.0 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Extended -40C to +125C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Commercial 0C to +70C | Industrial -40C to +85C | Commercial/Industrial (per suffix) |
| I/O Pins | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 13 |
| RAM Size | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 224 B | 68 B |
| Reprogrammable | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | No (OTP) | Yes (Flash) | Yes (Flash) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.5V-6.25V supply range supports battery and 5V regulated designs (vs PIC16F84A-04/SO)
- More RAM than PIC16F84A predecessor (vs PIC16F84A-04/SO)
- Industrial and extended temperature options in same package (vs PIC16LC620-04/SO (commercial only))
- OTP code security prevents firmware read-back (vs PIC16F628-I/SO)
Design Notes
Estimated: at 4 MHz clock and 5V supply, the PIC16LC620A-04/SO core draws approximately 2 mA active, dropping to a few microamps in sleep mode. Decouple VDD (pin 18) with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF bulk capacitor at the supply entry point. The wide 2.5V-6.25V supply range tolerates both regulated 3.3V rails and 5V rails fed by 7805-style regulators. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on MCLR (pin 1) to ensure a clean power-on reset.
Because PIC16LC620A-04/SO is an OTP EPROM part, firmware errors cannot be corrected once programmed. Always develop on a Flash-based sibling such as PIC16F628 (same 18-SOIC pinout) and migrate to OTP only after code is locked. Programming requires Microchip PICkit 3/4 or MPLAB PM3 with VPP at 13V applied to the MCLR/VPP pin. In-circuit programming is not supported on OTP parts, so provision a programming header on the PCB.
Estimated: at maximum 4 MHz clock and 6.25V supply, total power dissipation is roughly 15 mW, well within the 18-SOIC's thermal envelope (theta_JA approximately 70 C/W for SOIC). Junction temperature rise above ambient stays below 5 C in typical office environments. For extended-temperature -04E/SO variants (up to +125C), verify that the system enclosure does not push ambient beyond the part's maximum rating with adequate margin.
Place the 4 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator as close as possible to pins 9 (OSC1) and 10 (OSC2), with ground guard traces around the oscillator loop to reduce EMI pickup. Keep digital I/O traces short to limit crosstalk, and route the MCLR pull-up separately from switching signals to prevent spurious resets. The 18-SOIC footprint accepts both hand-soldered prototypes and reflow-soldered production, with standard 0.050 inch pitch land patterns.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this industrial-grade OTP MCU; automotive designs should select AEC-Q100-qualified PIC16F or dsPIC33 parts.
