PIC16LC620A-04/SS - 8-bit PIC MCU, 4MHz, 896B OTP, SSOP-20
MPN: PIC16LC620A-04/SS ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $4.1 | $4.10 |
| 10 | $3.78 | $37.80 |
| 100 | $3.4 | $340.00 |
| 500 | $3.05 | $1,525.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.74 | $2,740.00 |
PIC16LC620A-04/SS Overview
A PIC (Peripheral Interface Controller) microcontroller is a Harvard-architecture RISC processor family introduced by Microchip in 1975, widely used in embedded systems for its compact instruction set, deterministic timing, and rich peripheral integration. Within Microchip's taxonomy, PIC microcontrollers sit under 8-bit microcontrollers, which in turn fall under the broader category of microcontrollers and embedded processors. The 'LC' suffix indicates a low-power CMOS variant designed for battery-friendly operation, while the '04' suffix denotes the 4MHz speed grade.
Key features include 35 single-word instructions, all executed in a single 200ns instruction cycle except program branches which require two cycles, and a programmable code protection mechanism. The internal architecture includes an 8-bit ALU, eight-level hardware stack, and on-chip oscillator options. The 13 I/O pins support individual direction control, and the device offers power-saving SLEEP mode with multiple wake-up sources.
Typical applications include low-cost consumer appliances, sensor signal conditioning, automotive body electronics, battery-powered instruments, and industrial control subsystems. The SSOP-20 footprint also makes it well suited for space-constrained PCB designs where a 20-pin surface-mount solution is required.
When designing with this device, ensure that the OTP memory programming sequence is fully understood since OTP cannot be erased once written. For new designs, designers often migrate to the Flash-based PIC16F family for in-system reprogrammability while retaining pin compatibility.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620A-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 PIC16LC620A-04/SS (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Supply Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC620A-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16F628A-I/SS
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.41 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16F1823-I/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC620A-04/SS Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B (512 x 14) |
| Program Memory Type | OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| RAM Size | 96 B |
| Number of I/O Pins | 13 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +70C (commercial) |
| Package | 20-SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Instructions | 35 |
| Data EEPROM | Not present (OTP only) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
PIC16LC620A-04/SS Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog input |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog input |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | MCLR — Master Clear reset input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / external interrupt |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / serial programming clock |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / serial programming data |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | OSC2 — Oscillator output / crystal connection |
| Pin 16 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / crystal connection |
| Pin 17 | RA0 — Port A bit 0 / analog input |
| Pin 18 | RA1 — Port A bit 1 / analog input |
| Pin 19 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620A-04/SS is suitable for 6 applications: Consumer Appliance Control, Battery-Powered Sensor Front-End, Industrial Sensor Interface, Automotive Body Electronics, Educational and Prototyping Boards, Legacy Replacement and Maintenance Stock.
Consumer Appliance Control
The PIC16LC620A-04/SS fits low-volume consumer appliance controllers such as coffee makers, fans, and small kitchen devices where cost dominates BOM. Its 13 I/O pins directly drive LED indicators, relay coils, and keypad matrices without external glue logic, while the 4MHz core executes 200ns-cycle instructions that comfortably handle debouncing and timing loops. The 2.5V to 5.5V supply range supports both 3.3V and 5V rails from rectified mains adapters, and the SSOP-20 package fits compact sub-50mm-square PCBs typical of appliance main boards.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Front-End
The 'LC' low-power CMOS core and 2.5V minimum supply make PIC16LC620A-04/SS a fit for battery-powered sensor signal-conditioning boards that digitize thermistor or Hall-effect outputs. The 4MHz clock and 200ns instruction cycle let the MCU complete ADC-free sampling loops in microseconds before returning to SLEEP, and the 96-byte RAM holds short calibration tables without external SRAM. Designers mount the SSOP-20 on coin-cell powered PCBs where the small 5.30mm body footprint preserves board area for the battery holder.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Interface
Industrial sensor interface boards use PIC16LC620A-04/SS to convert 4-20mA loops or thermocouple inputs into digital UART streams for PLCs and SCADA nodes. The 13 I/O pins serve as digital inputs from limit switches and as PWM outputs for indicator LEDs, while the 4MHz core handles linearization math and HART-style messaging within real-time budgets. The SSOP-20 footprint suits DIN-rail mounted interface cards where vertical board height is constrained, and the industrial-grade PIC16LC620A-04I/SS sibling extends operation to -40C to +85C.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Automotive body controllers such as mirror adjusters, simple wiper timers, and interior lighting drivers historically use PIC16LC620A-04/SS in 20-SSOP packages. The 13 I/O pins drive H-bridge FET gates, read Hall sensors for motor position, and generate PWM for dimming, while the 4MHz core manages debouncing and fault counters. Although the device itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified, designers may pair the part with external watchdog supervisors; new designs should migrate to AEC-Q100 qualified PIC16F equivalents in the same footprint.
Recommended
Educational and Prototyping Boards
PIC16LC620A-04/SS appears on training kits and hobbyist development boards where the simple 35-instruction RISC architecture lets students learn embedded concepts without overwhelming complexity. The SSOP-20 package and 13 I/O pins fit breadboard-friendly breakout PCBs, and the 4MHz instruction cycle is slow enough to be traced with a logic analyzer during labs. Universities and makerspaces frequently substitute the Flash-based PIC16F628A-I/SS for new kits while keeping the same schematic.
Recommended
Legacy Replacement and Maintenance Stock
PIC16LC620A-04/SS is most often purchased today as a drop-in spare for installed industrial equipment, HVAC controllers, and security panels where the original OTP device cannot be re-flashed in the field. Maintenance teams source the part from distributor excess inventory and authorized brokers to keep production lines running until the next planned retrofit. Engineers performing obsolescence management should pair this part with a Flash-based PIC16F628A-I/SS adapter board to enable forward migration without redesigning the host PCB.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620A-04/SS — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620A-04I/SS | PIC16LC620A-04E/SS | PIC16LC620-04/SS | PIC16F628A-I/SS | PIC16F1823-I/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP | 20-SSOP |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 3.5 KB Flash | 3.5 KB Flash |
| RAM | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 224 B | 128 B |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 20 MHz | 32 MHz |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C | 0C to +70C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
| Memory Type | OTP | OTP | OTP | OTP | Flash | Flash |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 16 | 12 |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in industrial temperature option within the same family (vs PIC16LC620A-04I/SS)
- Flash reprogrammability in the same SSOP-20 footprint (vs PIC16F628A-I/SS)
- Active lifecycle vs obsolete original (vs PIC16F1823-I/SS)
Design Notes
PIC16LC620A-04/SS uses OTP memory that cannot be erased or rewritten. Always verify firmware with a windowed PIC16C620A or PIC16F equivalent before committing the OTP parts to production programming. Programming must occur in an MPLAB PM3 or equivalent programmer before PCB assembly; there is no in-system programming path.
The 20-SSOP package uses 0.65mm pitch - allocate at least 6mm of clearance around the device for probe access during debugging. Place the decoupling capacitor (typically 0.1uF ceramic) within 5mm of the VDD pin and connect VSS directly to a ground plane with multiple vias to reduce digital switching noise coupling into adjacent analog sections.
Although the LC variant supports 2.5V minimum VDD, brown-out behavior below 3.0V can cause unpredictable register corruption. For battery-powered designs, add an external voltage detector or use the PIC16LF family with built-in brown-out reset to guarantee clean startup. The device draws approximately 1-2mA active and <1uA in SLEEP at 4MHz and 5V.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Microchip product declaration and DigiKey listing. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive designs select a Q-graded PIC16F variant. Halogen-free status not stated in available data.
