PIC16LC620A-04E/P - 8-bit OTP MCU, 4MHz, 896B EPROM | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC620A-04E/P ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.62 | $262.00 |
| 500 | $2.21 | $1,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.85 | $1,850.00 |
PIC16LC620A-04E/P Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, RAM, non-volatile program memory, and peripheral interfaces. The PIC16C/PIC16LC families belong to Microchip's 8-bit mid-range architecture hierarchy: 8-bit MCU -> mid-range MCU -> Harvard architecture -> RISC MCU -> embedded microcontroller. The 'LC' sub-family specifically targets battery-powered and low-voltage applications by extending the supply range down to 2.5V compared to the standard 4.5V minimum of the PIC16C parts.
Key features of the PIC16LC620A-04E/P include a 12-bit-wide instruction word, 8-bit data path, seven special function hardware registers, a two-level deep hardware stack, and direct/indirect/relative addressing modes. It integrates two analog comparators with a programmable reference, a capture/compare/PWM (CCP) module, and an 8-bit timer/counter (TMR0) with an 8-bit prescaler. The device also includes a power-on reset (POR), brown-out reset (BOR), and a watchdog timer (WDT) with its own on-chip RC oscillator for reliable operation in noisy environments.
The PIC16LC620A integrates EPROM program memory that can be erased with ultraviolet light, making it suitable for development and low-volume production where firmware changes are anticipated. The Harvard architecture separates program and data buses, allowing instruction fetch and data access to occur in the same cycle for predictable 200 ns instruction execution. The four interrupt sources, seven I/O ports with individual direction control, and digital-only I/O capability enable interfacing to switches, LEDs, relays, and simple serial protocols.
Typical applications include appliance control, sensor signal conditioning, low-power remote controls, security and alarm panels, automotive body electronics, and small-scale industrial automation. The wide 2.5V-6.25V supply range also makes the part suitable for 3.3V and 5V mixed-rail designs, while the OTP memory allows field-programmable firmware updates during prototyping.
When designing with this part, use a 4 MHz external ceramic resonator or crystal and place decoupling capacitors (100 nF and 10 uF) as close as possible to VDD/VSS pins. Note that the OTP memory cannot be electrically erased, so for high-volume production consider the flash-based PIC16F or PIC16LF family equivalents. Verify that the firmware workload does not exceed the two-level hardware stack depth.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in PIC16 family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet, providing context that complements the original manufacturer documentation.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620A-04E/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 PIC16LC620A-04E/P (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Core Architecture, Operating Temperature Range, Package.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC16LC620-04E/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04I/P
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.78 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.07 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04E/SS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC620A-04E/P Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Architecture | 8-bit PIC16C mid-range RISC |
| Instruction Set Width | 12-bit (14-bit program word) |
| Data Path Width | 8-bit |
| Number of Instructions | 35 (single-cycle, 200 ns) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 4 MHz |
| Instruction Cycle Time | 200 ns (single-cycle) |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP windowed for development) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 bytes (512 x 14) |
| Data RAM | 96 bytes |
| Data EEPROM | None |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| I/O Pins | 13 |
| Timers | TMR0 (8-bit with 8-bit prescaler) |
| Capture/Compare/PWM | 1 CCP module |
| Analog Comparators | 2 with programmable reference |
| Hardware Stack | 2 levels deep |
| Interrupts | 4 sources |
| Package | 18-pin PDIP (0.300 inch, plastic) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (extended, 'E' grade) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
PIC16LC620A-04E/P Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2/AN2/VREF — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input 2 / voltage reference output |
| Pin 2 | RA3/AN3 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O / Timer0 clock input |
| Pin 4 | RA5/MCLR/VPP — Bidirectional I/O / Master Clear (reset) / programming voltage input |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RB0/INT — Bidirectional I/O / external interrupt input |
| Pin 7 | RB1 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 8 | RB2 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 9 | RB3 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 10 | RB4 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 11 | RB5 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 12 | RB6 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O |
| Pin 14 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock output (Fosc/4) |
| Pin 16 | OSC1/CLKIN — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 17 | RA0/AN0 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input 0 |
| Pin 18 | RA1/AN1 — Bidirectional I/O / analog comparator input 1 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620A-04E/P is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Low-Power Remote Controls, Security and Alarm Panels, Automotive Body Electronics, Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning, Small-Scale Industrial Automation.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC620A-04E/P's 4 MHz clock, 896-byte EPROM program memory, and 13 I/O pins make it a strong fit for small appliance controllers such as washing machine timers, microwave user interfaces, and coffee machine control boards. Its 2.5V to 6.25V supply range lets the part run directly from a rectified 5V or 3.3V rail without additional regulation. The two on-chip analog comparators with programmable voltage reference enable direct sensing of thermistor or 50/60 Hz mains zero-cross signals for triac-fired load control. Placed as the master controller, it scans keypads, drives 7-segment LED displays through its I/O pins (each capable of 25 mA source/sink), and switches relays via transistor drivers.
Recommended
Low-Power Remote Controls
Battery-powered remote controls benefit from the PIC16LC620A-04E/P's wide 2.5V to 6.25V supply range, which allows operation directly from a 3V coin cell or two AA cells without a boost converter. The 4 MHz internal execution supports infrared or sub-GHz RF transmit protocols with precise 200 ns timing resolution, while the 96-byte RAM comfortably buffers transmit frames. The two analog comparators can decode amplitude-modulated RF receivers without an external op-amp, reducing BOM cost. Use the watchdog timer (WDT) with its dedicated RC oscillator for reliable wake-from-sleep behavior in clicker-style battery applications.
Recommended
Security and Alarm Panels
Alarm control panels use the PIC16LC620A-04E/P's 13 digital I/O pins to scan PIR motion detectors, door/window reed switches, smoke detectors, and keypad matrices, while the 896-byte EPROM stores zone configuration and alarm logic. The 2.5V to 6.25V supply range supports both 12V lead-acid backup battery systems and 5V regulated supplies. On-chip brown-out reset (BOR) and watchdog timer (WDT) provide the fault resilience required by security certifications, and the 4 MHz clock provides fast loop times for debouncing and zone scanning.
Recommended
Automotive Body Electronics
Body control modules for window lifts, mirror adjusters, and interior lighting benefit from the PIC16LC620A-04E/P's extended -40C to +125C temperature range ('E' grade) and 13 high-current I/O pins capable of directly driving small relays and solenoids. The 2.5V to 6.25V supply range tolerates cranking transients when paired with proper input protection. The two analog comparators are ideal for current sensing and 12V battery voltage monitoring. The PIC16C620A's larger EPROM enables storing diagnostic trouble codes and calibration constants without external EEPROM.
Recommended
Sensor Interface and Signal Conditioning
Industrial sensor signal-conditioning modules use the PIC16LC620A-04E/P's two analog comparators with programmable voltage reference to implement window comparators, threshold detectors, and simple sigma-delta ADCs with external RC networks. The 4 MHz clock provides 200 ns timing resolution for accurate pulse-width measurements on flow meters and rotational encoders. The 13 I/O pins allow connection to multiple sensors while driving indicator LEDs. The 2.5V to 6.25V supply range simplifies powering from 24V industrial bus systems with simple linear regulation.
Recommended
Small-Scale Industrial Automation
Compact industrial controllers use the PIC16LC620A-04E/P's combination of timers, CCP module, and 13 I/O pins to drive stepper motors, solenoids, and indicator lamps in conveyor segments, packaging machinery, and small pump controllers. The 4 MHz clock with 200 ns instruction cycle provides deterministic loop times suitable for simple PID control loops at low update rates. The watchdog timer with dedicated RC oscillator protects against firmware lockups in unattended installations. The extended -40C to +125C temperature grade supports factory-floor environments without additional thermal management.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620A-04E/P — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620-04E/P | PIC16LC620A-04/P | PIC16LC620-04I/P | PIC16LC620A-04E/SO | PIC16LC620-04E/SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PDIP-18 | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | PDIP-18 - same | SOIC-18 - surface-mount, NOT drop-in for PDIP-18 boards | SSOP-20 - surface-mount, NOT drop-in for PDIP-18 boards |
| Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B EPROM (512 x 14) | 896 B EPROM (512 x 14) | 896 B EPROM (512 x 14) | 896 B EPROM (512 x 14) | 896 B EPROM (512 x 14) | 896 B EPROM (512 x 14) |
| Data RAM | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B |
| Supply Voltage | 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 | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) | 0C to +70C (commercial) | -40C to +85C (industrial) | -40C to +125C (extended) | -40C to +125C (extended) |
| Silicon Revision | 'A' (revised) | Original (pre-A) | 'A' revision | Original (pre-A) | 'A' revision | Original (pre-A) |
| I/O Pins | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 |
Key Differentiators
- Extended temperature grade for industrial and automotive use (vs PIC16LC620A-04/P)
- Latest silicon revision with improved electrical characteristics (vs PIC16LC620-04E/P)
- Two on-chip analog comparators with programmable voltage reference (vs PIC16F84A-04/P)
Design Notes
Decouple the VDD pin with both a 100 nF ceramic capacitor (for high-frequency noise) and a 10 uF tantalum or electrolytic bulk capacitor (for transient load steps), placed within 5 mm of the VDD pin. For battery-powered designs, the PIC16LC620A-04E/P's typical active current at 4 MHz is approximately 2 mA and sleep current is below 5 uA per the Microchip datasheet 30210D. Configure the brown-out reset (BOR) to the lowest acceptable VDD threshold to maximize low-voltage operation without false resets.
Place the 4 MHz crystal or ceramic resonator within 5 mm of pins 15 (OSC2) and 16 (OSC1), with the load capacitors (typically 15-33 pF) returned to VSS. Use a ground guard ring around the oscillator traces and avoid routing digital signal traces beneath the oscillator. For noise-sensitive analog comparator inputs (RA0/RA1), keep analog traces short and away from switching I/O traces, and add a 100 nF bypass capacitor adjacent to the comparator input pin if used in continuous mode.
The PIC16LC620A-04E/P's EPROM program memory is one-time programmable (OTP) and cannot be electrically erased; for prototype development use the JW (windowed) package variant or plan for in-circuit emulation. The hardware stack is only two levels deep, so deeply nested CALL/GOTO chains will silently overwrite the stack and cause erratic resets - refactor deep call trees into iterative code. Finally, the MCLR pin (pin 4) is shared with RA5; if used as an I/O pin, disable the MCLR function in the configuration word to prevent spurious resets.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not provided in verified web sources; recommend confirming with Microchip's product compliance certificate. The part is not AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive safety-critical applications.
