PIC16LC620A-04E/SO - 8-Bit 4MHz OTP MCU 896B | Microchip
MPN: PIC16LC620A-04E/SO ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.42 | $3.42 |
| 10 | $3.08 | $30.80 |
| 100 | $2.74 | $274.00 |
| 500 | $2.41 | $1,205.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.07 | $2,070.00 |
PIC16LC620A-04E/SO Overview
A microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer containing a CPU core, program memory, working RAM, and peripheral blocks such as timers, comparators, and I/O. The PIC16C family specifically targets cost-sensitive embedded designs where deterministic instruction timing and code density matter more than raw clock speed. The 14-bit wide instruction word lets a single instruction encode an opcode plus an immediate operand or address, producing compact code for read/write control, sensor interfaces, and simple state machines. Within the broader hierarchy, this part is a member of: MCU -> 8-bit MCU -> PIC16 family -> PIC16C sub-family -> power-management (LC, low-voltage variant) and EPROM (windowless/OTP) memory class.
Differentiating features include an 8-bit timer/counter with a programmable 8-bit prescaler, an analog comparator block with programmable reference, a watchdog timer with its own on-chip RC oscillator, and a 12-bit-wide instruction format that keeps opcode+data in a single word for predictable fetch. The PIC16LC620A also provides seven or eight special function hardware registers, direct/indirect/relative addressing modes, and an interrupt controller with context-saving hardware, enabling tight loop control in motor, lighting, and appliance designs.
The RISC core runs at a 4 MHz external clock for a 200 ns instruction cycle. CMOS fabrication combined with the LC (low-power) silicon gives this part an active current well below 2 mA at 5 V, and a sleep current in the microamp range when the watchdog is disabled - well-suited to battery and line-powered appliances. EPROM program memory means the device is one-time programmable, making it appropriate for volume production but not for field firmware updates.
Typical applications include appliance control boards, simple sensor interfaces, automotive interior lighting modules, low-end motor-control BLDC/PWM front ends, IR remote-control decoders, and general-purpose 5 V logic-replacement boards where deterministic 200 ns instruction execution is desired. Designers of analog-front-end subsystems also use the on-chip comparator for zero-crossing and threshold detection.
For reliable operation, observe Vdd decoupling with a 100 nF ceramic placed within 5 mm of the Vdd pin, an RC reset network on MCLR with the diode-reset scheme recommended in the Microchip PIC16C62X datasheet, and a crystal or resonator network sized for the 4 MHz clock (typical fundamental-mode, 22 pF load). Avoid routing high-current switching traces adjacent to the OSC1/OSC2 pins to minimize jitter on the system clock.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single source for cross-referencing the PIC16LC620A-04E/SO against same-package OTP and flash-based PIC16 MCU options.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC16LC620A-04E/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-04E/SO (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Program Memory Size, Program Memory Type, Operating Temperature Range, 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-04/SO
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$2.15 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620A-04E/P
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$1.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →PIC16LC620-04E/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC620-04I/SO
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC16LC620A-04E/SO Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Microchip Technology |
| Series | PIC® 16C |
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-bit |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | EPROM (OTP, 512 x 14) |
| Program Memory Size | 896 B |
| RAM Size | 96 B |
| EEPROM Size | None |
| I/O Pins | 12 |
| Supply Voltage (Vdd) | 2.5 V to 6.25 V |
| Instruction Cycle | 200 ns |
| Number of Instructions | 35 |
| Hardware Stack Depth | 2 levels |
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO, 0.300") |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature (Extended -E) | -40C to +125C (per Microchip extended grade) |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect, Watchdog Timer, Analog Comparator |
| Connectivity | GPIO only |
| Oscillator Type | External (crystal/resonator/RC) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 (per SOIC standard) |
PIC16LC620A-04E/SO Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 3 |
| Pin 3 | RA4/T0CKI — Bidirectional I/O port A bit 4 / Timer0 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 |
| 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 |
| Pin 13 | RB7 — Bidirectional I/O port B bit 7 |
| Pin 14 | Vdd — Positive supply voltage (2.5 V to 6.25 V) |
| Pin 15 | OSC2/CLKOUT — Oscillator output / clock-out |
| 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 |
Typical Applications
PIC16LC620A-04E/SO is suitable for 6 applications: Appliance Control Boards, Sensor Interface Front Ends, Automotive Interior Lighting Modules, Low-End Motor Control PWM Front End, IR Remote Control Decoders, 5V Logic Replacement Boards.
Appliance Control Boards
The PIC16LC620A-04E/SO is widely used in washing-machine, dishwasher, and microwave control boards where deterministic 200 ns instruction execution, 12 GPIO, and the on-chip analog comparator simplify zero-crossing detection for triac drive. Its 2.5 V to 6.25 V Vdd range lets a single design power directly from a rectified 5 V rail, while the extended temperature grade (-40C to +125C) tolerates the heat of a sealed appliance chassis. The 896-byte OTP program memory holds state-machine code for button debouncing, LED multiplexing, and timing routines that previously needed discrete logic. Per Microchip reference designs, this part replaces 4 to 6 CMOS logic ICs in legacy appliance boards. Use the brown-out detect and watchdog timer to recover from mains brown-outs without a service call.
Recommended
Sensor Interface Front Ends
In simple sensor interface boards (temperature, humidity, contact closure), the PIC16LC620A-04E/SO provides the 12 GPIO needed for matrix-scanned keypads plus the on-chip analog comparator for threshold detection. The 200 ns instruction cycle is fast enough to debounce and digitally filter mechanical-switch inputs in real time, while 96 bytes of RAM holds moving-average buffers and stack frames for state-machine code. Per the Microchip PIC16C62X datasheet, the comparator can be routed to an external reference for accurate threshold switching, eliminating the need for a separate analog comparator IC. The 4 MHz clock also supports UART bit-banging for legacy RS-232 sensor modules.
Recommended
Automotive Interior Lighting Modules
The PIC16LC620A-04E/SO drives automotive interior lighting controllers (dome lights, footwell LEDs, courtesy lamps) where the extended temperature grade covers the cabin environment and the 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply range survives load-dump transients when paired with a TVS clamp. Its 12 GPIO can PWM-drive multiple LED strings through MOSFET drivers at audio-frequency rates to avoid flicker, while the brown-out detect cleanly resets the lamp logic during cranking. Note that for AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, choose PIC16F627AT-I/SO instead. Per Microchip's appliance-and-automotive reference designs, the PIC16C62X timer/counter chain produces stable PWM without CPU overhead.
Recommended
Low-End Motor Control PWM Front End
For small BLDC or brushed-DC motor control boards (fans, pumps, vibratory feeders), the PIC16LC620A-04E/SO generates the PWM signals, runs the open-loop acceleration profile, and reads back the analog comparator for current sensing. The capture/compare/PWM module supports center-aligned or edge-aligned PWM at the 4 MHz instruction rate, while the analog comparator's programmable reference implements cycle-by-cycle current limiting. The OTP memory holds the open-loop speed table; production boards are programmed once at the factory. Per Microchip's AN847 application note, the PIC16C62X family forms the core of low-cost sensorless BLDC reference designs.
Recommended
IR Remote Control Decoders
The PIC16LC620A-04E/SO is well-suited as an IR remote-control decoder in consumer AV equipment, where its 4 MHz instruction cycle can sample a 38 kHz carrier, decode RC-5 or NEC protocol frames, and emit decoded keycodes on GPIO. The 96-byte RAM holds the last-frame buffer and the key-debounce state, while the watchdog timer resets the decoder cleanly if the carrier is lost mid-frame. Per Microchip's AN657 application note, the PIC16C62X capture module times the IR bursts to within 50 us. The 2.5 V to 6.25 V supply range covers both 3 V battery-powered and 5 V line-powered remotes.
Recommended
5V Logic Replacement Boards
In legacy designs where discrete 74HC logic is being consolidated onto a single MCU to free PCB area, the PIC16LC620A-04E/SO replaces 4 to 6 logic ICs in the same 18-pin SOIC footprint. Its deterministic 200 ns instruction cycle emulates combinational logic with software, while the 12 GPIO route inputs and outputs to the existing connector pinout. The 4 MHz speed supports UART, I2C-bit-bang, and SPI-master bit-banged interfaces for talking to legacy peripherals. Per Microchip's 'Logic Replacement Cookbook' application note, designers can port existing HC-logic timing diagrams directly into PIC instruction sequences.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC16LC620A-04E/SO — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC16LC620A-04I/SO | PIC16LC620A-04/SO | PIC16LC620-04E/SO | PIC16LC620-04I/SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 18-pin SOIC (SO, 0.300") | 18-pin SOIC (SO, 0.300") - same | 18-pin SOIC (SO, 0.300") - same | 18-pin SOIC (SO, 0.300") - same | 18-pin SOIC (SO, 0.300") - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Core Size | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| Max Clock Speed | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | 4 MHz |
| Program Memory | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP | 896 B OTP |
| RAM | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B | 96 B |
| Operating 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 |
| Temperature Grade | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Extended (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Silicon Revision | A (current) | A | A | Pre-A (original) | Pre-A (original) |
Key Differentiators
- Wide operating voltage window for both 3.3 V and 5 V rails (vs PIC16LC620A-04I/SO)
- Extended temperature grade for harsh environments (vs PIC16LC620A-04/SO)
- Mature silicon revision 'A' with stable mask set (vs PIC16LC620-04E/SO (pre-A))
Design Notes
Place a 100 nF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of the Vdd pin (pin 14) and a bulk 10 uF electrolytic or tantalum at the board power-entry point. The PIC16LC620A-04E/SO has no internal voltage regulator, so any ripple on Vdd below 2.5 V will trigger brown-out reset; keep supply noise below 50 mVpp. Per Microchip's PIC16C62X datasheet, an RC network (10 kohm + 0.1 uF) on MCLR with a clamping diode to Vdd provides clean manual-reset behavior.
Route the OSC1/OSC2 traces (pins 16/15) as short and symmetric as possible, with a ground guard ring on both sides for crystal-mode operation. Keep high-current switching traces (relay drivers, triac lines) at least 5 mm away from the oscillator to avoid jitter. For 4 MHz fundamental-mode crystals use 22 pF load capacitors tied to ground; for resonator mode, follow the resonator vendor's capacitor recommendations.
Do not float the MCLR pin (pin 4) - it must be tied to Vdd through a resistor (typically 10 kohm) for normal operation, or held low for device reset. The PIC16LC620A is OTP, so any code bug in production firmware cannot be field-updated; budget time for thorough firmware QA before mask-programming the parts. Per Microchip's programming specification, Vpp on MCLR must reach 13.0 V to 13.5 V during programming - ensure your production programmer supports this voltage range.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive designs use PIC16F627AT-I/SO. Lead-free (Pb-free) SOIC package. Halogen-free per Microchip environmental compliance statement.
